Chapter 617

Before Roxanne could speak, the man continued, “Besides, you sent the flowers back to my office, didn't you? Do you want to know how my staff gossiped?”

Lucian stated it matter-of-factly. His reply silenced Roxanne for a moment. After a pause, she gritted her teeth and retorted, “That's because your actions inconvenienced me, Mr. Farwell!”

Lucian chuckled. “Your actions inconvenienced me too, Ms. Jarvis.”

“Lucian Farwell!” Roxanne exclaimed. “You knew what I meant!”

Lucian's expression hardened. “You knew my intentions as well. Why wouldn't you give me a chance?”

Their conversation reached an impasse. Roxanne pressed her lips together, silent for a while. Regaining her composure, she said calmly, “Let's meet and talk it out.” She needed to end this quickly; she wouldn't play games with him anymore.

Lucian raised an eyebrow, surprised by her suggestion to meet. He suspected she merely intended to reject him in person. He pursed his lips, agreeing, “Sure. You decide the time and place.”

Roxanne immediately confirmed.

After ending the call, Lucian returned to the conference room, appearing less intimidating. Those who had gossiped fell silent, resuming a businesslike demeanor. “Let's continue,” Lucian ordered. Someone stood and the meeting proceeded.

During the meeting, Lucian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, noticing a text from Roxanne. She proposed meeting at a café near the research institute during lunch.

The attendees noticed the tension easing from Lucian's face. He seemed in a good mood by the meeting's end.

It was noon when he left the conference room for his office. Glancing at his watch, Lucian worried about the meeting with Roxanne; he hadn't planned what to say. Their past meetings had ended badly, and he knew this one wouldn't be different, given Roxanne's resolve to reject him. Of course, he wouldn't let that happen.

Vexed by the prospect of a contentious exchange, he called Jonathan.

Jonathan answered quickly. “Yes, Lucian. What can I do for you?”

Lucian replied in a low voice, “I'm meeting her later.”

Jonathan froze, then realized who Lucian meant. “So… I presume things are progressing?” he asked, surprised.

Lucian stated frankly, “She plans to reject me.”

His reply left Jonathan speechless. Had Lucian done something wrong? Why did Dr. Jarvis continue to reject him? Had it been anyone else, Jonathan would have advised him to give up. However, given the situation—Lucian and Estella's biological mother—he had to help Lucian. But he was at a loss, since Lucian said Roxanne was determined to refuse him.