Lucian felt only annoyance and frustration. "Arch and Kenny are waiting for you at home. Please take care of yourself, Ms. Jarvis," he said.

Roxanne declined to continue the conversation. "Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Farwell," she replied lightly.

Both looked at each other, their eyes filled with… something unsaid.

Then Lucian turned and left the hotel, his brow furrowed.

He had only attended the banquet because of Roxanne. However, he didn't want to stay longer because of her attitude.

Watching him go, Roxanne frowned. Suspicion arose again. Did he attend the banquet for work? Why was he leaving now?

She almost believed he had left because of her, but recalling his words, she decided against further self-deception. She looked away and returned to the banquet hall. Joseph and the others were gone.

The moment Roxanne re-entered, Jasper spotted her. "Where did you go? I've been looking for you for hours!" he exclaimed, concerned.

"I felt a bit stuffy in there, so I went for a walk," Roxanne explained.

Jasper sighed in relief. "Thank goodness you're okay. You're my GUC, and if anything happened to you, I wouldn't know what to tell Mr. Queen and Mr. Lynch."

Roxanne, feeling the concern was unnecessary, replied, "I'm fine. Just a little tired. About the collaboration."

Jasper said, "Let's meet at my office tomorrow morning. All you need to do is sign the contract. Go home if you're tired. It's already a big honor that you attended my banquet today." Roxanne smiled gratefully. After saying goodbye, she went upstairs to greet Gerald.

Larry was with Gerald. Hearing Roxanne was leaving, Gerald gave Larry a meaningful look. "I'm tired too. You don't have to accompany me anymore. It's not safe for Roxanne to go home alone this late. Send her home, will you?" Larry readily agreed.

Roxanne remembered Lucian's words, a strange feeling rising in her heart, but it was too late to refuse. Larry was already approaching. "Let's go," he said.

Gerald smiled at them both. He had learned after the conference that both Roxanne and Larry were single and had been looking for a chance to set them up. Seeing them together, he felt they were a perfect match.

Roxanne, having missed her chance to object, silently agreed. After bidding Gerald farewell, she left the hotel with Larry.

It was late when they emerged. Roxanne, in her shoulder-baring dress, shivered in the night air. Instantly, a warm coat was draped over her shoulders.

"Put this on," Larry said gently. "My car is a little further away. You're wearing too little; it wouldn't be good if you got sick."

After a moment's hesitation, Roxanne smiled. "Thanks, Larry." She had always been friendly with Larry, and rejecting his kindness because of Lucian's words might seem… suggestive. With that thought, she pulled the coat closer and walked to the car with him.