After lunch, Roxanne freshened up and asked Lysa to accompany her to the meeting. Upon arrival, they found Jack waiting at a table near a window. Seeing Roxanne needed assistance walking, he approached her. "Are you injured? Why didn't you tell me this morning?"

Roxanne smiled faintly. "It's a minor injury. I can still walk."

Jack frowned, glancing at her slightly elevated leg. He helped her to her seat; Lysa waited by the door.

Roxanne surveyed the stack of documents before her, her expression turning serious. "We have much to discuss; let's begin."

Jack nodded, admiring Roxanne's professional demeanor. "We've finalized the collaboration details, delayed only by the Damaris family. Let's discuss compensation for the delay. Please review this." He presented a document.

Roxanne examined the document. The Damaris family had adjusted the profit-sharing arrangement for each project to compensate her. While seemingly minor, the adjustments significantly impacted the institute due to the large sums involved in their projects.

"What do you think? Are you satisfied with the adjustment?" Jack asked.

Roxanne replied formally, "I am fine with it." She wouldn't have minded even without the adjustment; collaborating with the Damaris family was a significant achievement.

Seeing her satisfaction, Jack continued discussing the next steps. They became engrossed in their conversation, losing track of time.

Roxanne checked her watch. It was time to collect her children from kindergarten. Lysa, anxiously waiting, had been responsible for picking up Archie and Benny; now, she was torn between helping Roxanne and fetching the boys.

Roxanne, noticing Lysa's predicament, said, "It's late, Lysa. Please get the children. I'll be fine here."

Lysa, initially hesitant to leave, considered the smooth meeting and the potential rudeness of interrupting. She agreed to fetch the boys.

Roxanne and Jack continued their discussion until late. Noticing her limp as she prepared to leave, Jack offered, "Let me drive you home."

Roxanne hesitated, but he continued, "We're friends, right? I can't leave my injured friend without assistance. Even as business associates, I must ensure our projects aren't jeopardized. Consider this for our collaboration. What do you think?"

Roxanne, having no reason to refuse, accepted. "Thank you, Mr. Damaris. I'm sorry to trouble you."