Chapter 649

Roxanne felt the air grow still. It was because of Lucian. She clenched her fist, telling herself not to turn around. She wanted to pretend he wasn't there. His question had made her uneasy, especially considering his recent confession. She worried he might make more unreasonable demands.

Meanwhile, Jack frowned at the driver's lateness. "Let me make a call," he said, taking out his phone.

Lucian's voice then rang out. "Since Mr. Damaris' driver is delayed, I could drive you home, Ms. Jarvis, if you don't mind."

Roxanne tensed, immediately turning to refuse. "That won't be necessary. I've already arranged transport with Mr. Damaris. Please feel free to leave if you're in a rush. Mr. Farwell!" She hurried to Jack's side, unwilling to be alone with Lucian, fearing he might say something to undermine her defenses or entrap her again. She hadn't anticipated his morning trick, a lesson learned the hard way.

Noticing Roxanne's retreat to another man, Lucian reached for her hand. "Didn't you say you wouldn't run away, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne paused, lowering her gaze. After composing herself, she met his gaze calmly. "Mr. Farwell, I'm grateful, but I don't wish to trouble you further. It's late; I'll return in Mr. Damaris' car."

She noticed Lucian staring past her. Two men behind her were also looking at him. After a moment, Lucian averted his gaze. "Is it truly that much trouble? I've given you many rides, Ms. Jarvis. Is it too late to say you're troubling me? Or are you more comfortable with Mr. Damaris?"

Roxanne stared incredulously. First Larry, now Jack. What did he mean? Another man might be seen as jealous, but this was Lucian. He wouldn't be jealous of her. And she wasn't romantically involved with Jack. She might understand such a comment from a drunken Jessica, but from Lucian, it was insulting. Even ignoring his questionable confession, she couldn't believe he'd deny her efforts.

"My place is simply along his route," Roxanne said, suppressing her anger. "How are you different from Ms. Hightower if you say such things?"

She felt his grip tighten. Wincing in pain, she gritted her teeth. "I've worked hard to secure this collaboration. You can humiliate me in countless ways, but don't belittle my efforts!"