No wonder you asked about Dr. Jarvis's trip to Summerbank. I thought you were just pestering me about my job; I never suspected your motives were so…selfish! Jonathan teased Lucian, finally understanding.

Lucian responded with a grim silence.

"It was selfish," Lucian admitted, "but Roxanne wasn't grateful."

Raising an eyebrow, Jonathan pressed, "So, you attended the banquet. How did it go? Any progress with her?"

Jonathan's words were met with another gloomy expression from Lucian. It was clear there had been no improvement.

Jonathan remained perplexed. Despite Lucian's efforts, Roxanne remained unmoved. "This is the first time I've seen you put this much effort into courting someone," Jonathan exclaimed. "Anyone else would have fallen for you! For Dr. Jarvis to cause you so much grief…she's one of a kind. But what are you thinking? Why won't you give up on this infuriating woman?"

Confused, Jonathan asked, "Is she still ignoring you?"

Lucian's furrowed brow was his only response.

"Lucian," Jonathan continued, "what do you plan to do? You've done so much, and she disregards your feelings. Are you sure you want to continue?" Jonathan couldn't fathom the extent of his friend's longing for Roxanne.

Cayden, who had overheard, glanced at Lucian, remembering Roxanne's frosty demeanor. Since her return to Chanaea, he'd witnessed their interactions—Roxanne's consistent avoidance, and Lucian's unwavering concern. This time, it seemed Mr. Farwell's feelings were genuine.

Cayden tactfully interjected, "Mr. Queen, considering your familiarity with Mr. Farwell, you must see how serious he is about Ms. Jarvis."

Both men turned to Lucian, whose silence confirmed Cayden's words.

Jonathan smiled. "In that case, I'll help you devise a plan. Didn't you want me to convince her to stay instead of going overseas?"

Lucian's slight brow raise betrayed his awareness of Jonathan's intentions.

"Now that the research institute's issues are resolved, Dr. Jarvis will likely return overseas once collaborations stabilize," Jonathan calmly analyzed.

Lucian's face darkened. "Considering her attitude, she'll leave without hesitation once her work is done. If I don't keep an eye on her, she might disappear without my knowledge." The thought of Roxanne leaving again furrowed his brow. "What do you suggest?"

Sensing his friend's frustration, Jonathan grinned confidently. "Don't forget my profession. In the medical field, I know what Dr. Jarvis wants better than most. She specializes in traditional medicine, right? She won't refuse the opportunity I'll provide."