Chapter 616

When Colby attempted to update Roxanne on the research institute's projects, she stopped him. "I need to attend to some matters now. You may leave if nothing is urgent." Colby couldn't quite see her expression as she looked down. He frowned, glancing at the roses beside her. The flowers clearly affected her. In the past, her dedication to work meant she would have discussed the projects with him even when away from the institute; today, however, she seemed different. Colby felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Having limited interaction with Roxanne, he didn't know who sent the flowers, nor how she felt about the sender.

Roxanne looked up, noticing Colby still in her office. Giving him a puzzled look, she asked, "What's wrong? Is there anything else?"

Colby, regaining his composure, lowered his eyes. "Nothing. I'm leaving now. Call if you need anything."

Roxanne nodded and watched him go. As the door closed, she was alone. She looked away, trying to suppress her anger and focus on work, but the bouquet was distracting. Annoyed, she put aside her work and approached the flowers, unsure what to do. She'd thought Lucian would heed her call last weekend; she hadn't expected him to send flowers here. His actions, she knew, would continue and cause further misunderstandings among her staff.

Roxanne's heart ached at the thought of the consequences. After a moment's hesitation, she called Lucian.

Meanwhile, Lucian sat in the Farwell Group conference room, listening to updates from his subordinates with a stoic expression. He felt a pang of self-reproach; he wondered about Roxanne's reaction to the bouquet, sent to the institute without her permission. His subordinates, sensing his chilling aura, were on edge during their presentations. Suddenly, a phone vibrated, interrupting the meeting.

"Let's take a break," Lucian said, picking up his phone and leaving the room before anyone could react. The others exchanged glances; this was the second time he'd answered a call during a meeting. Speculation rippled through the room about the caller's identity. Unaware of their discussion, Lucian headed to his office to answer Roxanne's call.

"What are you trying to do, Mr. Farwell? Didn't I make myself clear? Why did you send flowers to my workplace?" Roxanne's voice was sharp.

Lucian frowned. Her tone was frustrated; she wasn't touched by his gesture.

Before he could respond, she continued, "Do you know how much of a misunderstanding this will cause, especially among my staff?"

A deep line creased Lucian's brow. "Isn't that what you wanted? I only sent them to the institute because you didn't want the children to know."