Chapter 646

“Roxanne told me she’d be discussing their collaboration with Mr. Morrison and Mr. Damaris, but I never imagined the discussion would take so long,” Lucian said casually to Jack and Larry. Even the way he addressed Roxanne was intimate, suggesting she was his woman and had only met with them after his approval.

The people around them gasped. Many knew Lucian was engaged to a Pearson daughter, but his demeanor sparked speculation about his relationship with Roxanne. Given his status and Roxanne's striking beauty, their involvement didn't seem improbable. A collective intake of breath followed, signaling a shared understanding—a shocking revelation that would remain unspoken.

Roxanne, noticing the shift in expressions, wanted to refute Lucian's implication, but found herself speechless. Lucian hadn't explicitly stated anything concrete; his words were merely suggestive. Speaking rashly might only give him an opening to twist her words. She bit her lip, defeated.

Larry and Jack's reactions mirrored those of the others. Yet, they recognized Lucian's words, coupled with his presence, as the most effective way to extricate Roxanne from the situation. Exchanging a glance, they nodded at Lucian. "The upcoming collaboration was important, and the event was quite crowded," they explained, "so we lost track of time." Their explanation subtly implied the three hadn't been alone.

The crowd, intimidated by Lucian, dared not question him. Only a drunken Jessica continued her slurred protests. "Why sit so close if you were discussing work? So what if she's a great doctor? What right does she have to sit with you? It's all because of her pretty face!" She stumbled toward Roxanne, finger pointed accusingly.

Jack, engrossed in Roxanne and Lucian, hadn't noticed Jessica leave his side until she was between them. He frowned, wanting to intervene, but felt it inappropriate to act. He remained frozen as Jessica collided with a wall. Larry was even less positioned to intervene. Jessica's friends panicked, yet Lucian's imposing presence prevented them from intervening. They too, watched helplessly.

"You…" Jessica staggered closer, "You minx! What medical skills could you possibly have with that face? Your looks are everything!"

Roxanne had encountered similar insinuations before, but never so blatant, especially not in such a public setting. Even if she tried to defend herself, she couldn't disprove Jessica's accusations with mere words.