In the car, parked across from the main road, the driver sensed a sudden chill. His palms grew sweaty as the air noticeably cooled.

After a long pause, Lucian finally looked away from the hotel entrance. "Let's go," he ordered, his voice cold.

The driver complied, starting the engine and driving toward Lucian's hotel.

Unaware of Lucian's observation, Roxanne opened the passenger door of Larry's car and slid inside. She politely removed Larry's coat and placed it in the backseat.

After receiving her hotel address, Larry accelerated.

Silence settled between them for the entire journey. Roxanne gazed out the window, lost in thought, puzzling over Lucian's earlier behavior.

"You just left like that," Larry finally said. "What about Mr. Farwell?"

Roxanne's thoughts snapped back. Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What does that have to do with him?"

Larry glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Mr. Farwell brought you to the banquet, didn't he?"

Despite Roxanne's claim of meeting Lucian in the lobby, Larry had deduced the truth from her lack of a car. Roxanne was startled. She turned, meeting Larry's gaze.

She offered a tight smile. "You're right, but we only met by chance at a boutique. It's not what you think."

Larry nodded. "Does Mr. Farwell know you left?"

"I'm not sure," she replied dismissively, quickly changing the subject. "Oh, what were you doing at the banquet, Larry?"

Larry understood her reluctance to discuss it and didn't press. "Mr. Ziegler sent an invitation. I didn't want to go, but I learned Mr. Lynch was in Summerbank. I thought he might be there, so I went. I never expected to see you."

Roxanne nodded absently.

"How are things at the research institute?" Larry inquired solicitously.

"I went to the banquet to discuss institute matters. Mr. Ziegler and his associates have a Horington branch that could collaborate. We've already discussed it and will sign the contract tomorrow. I'll go home afterward."

Larry frowned. "How did you find Mr. Ziegler?"

He knew Roxanne had been seeking a Horington partner, but Jasper was in Summerbank. Larry wondered how they connected, especially given Jasper's apparent high regard for Roxanne.

"Mr. Queen introduced us," Roxanne explained. "I need to thank him for his help."

Hearing Jonathan's name, Larry nodded. "Queen Group has a good relationship with Ziegler Group, but an even better one with Farwell Group. By introducing you to Ziegler, Mr. Queen has essentially opposed Farwell Group. If Mrs. Farwell finds out, there could be trouble."

Roxanne's brow creased with worry for Jonathan. While Jonathan had claimed their actions wouldn't be noticed by Farwell Group, they both knew there was a risk. Still, Roxanne had come too far to give up. She believed that once she resolved the research institute issues and left Horington, Sonya would cease her pursuit.