Chapter 809: Deteriorating Relationship

After giving Lucian an indifferent nod, Jonathan looked at his friend thoughtfully. “I heard Dr. Jarvis is collaborating with both the Damaris and Herbscape Groups, and that Herbscape has offered her a technical advisor role. I wonder what she thinks about it.”

Lucian, hearing this for the first time, felt his heart clench. His already gloomy expression darkened further. “I don’t know.” He’d thought Roxanne would be more cautious after he revealed Jack’s role in taking Herbscape from him. He hadn’t expected Herbscape to approach Roxanne directly. The possibility of her accepting incensed him.

Jonathan, surprised by Lucian’s reaction, asked, “Lucian, haven’t you succeeded in pursuing Dr. Jarvis?”

Lucian’s brief, un-denying glance spoke volumes. Jonathan felt a pang of sympathy. Such an eligible man, yet he fixated on Roxanne and failed despite his efforts.

Jonathan cleared his throat, suppressing his surprise. He smiled, “Well, you were at fault six years ago. It's understandable she resents you.”

The mention of the past made Lucian scowl. Roxanne’s past drunken episodes had revealed the depth of his past hurts. He no longer felt entitled to complain about her resentment or the distance between them. He only wanted to make amends.

Jonathan, having innocently assumed Lucian's pursuit was progressing, had intended only to tease. Instead, he’d rubbed salt in the wound. He awkwardly scratched his nose. “Don’t worry. Even with past mistakes, there’s always redemption. Seize the opportunity, and Dr. Jarvis will forgive you.”

“How do I redeem myself?”

Jonathan was stunned by Lucian’s seriousness. How did one redeem oneself? How could he possibly know what transpired between them? Having broached the subject, he forced himself to offer a solution. “Since you hurt her six years ago and want forgiveness, you need to make her feel loved.”

“But I already have,” Lucian replied. He’d given her flowers, confessed his feelings, and even enlisted the children's help. Yet, Roxanne remained unconvinced. Their parting that morning felt like a deterioration of their relationship. Worst of all, he didn’t know why.

Jonathan nearly choked. Despite his own inexperience, he felt superior when it came to pursuing women, especially with his sister Frieda's many suitors as a reference point. He racked his brains, recalling their courtship tactics.