Chapter 826: Herbscape Group May Reconsider
After lunch, Roxanne and her colleagues returned to the research institute to continue their collaborative discussions. As they left the restaurant, a flash of light flickered twice in a nearby bush before vanishing. The person concealed there emerged only after the group departed in their car. Examining the photos he'd just taken, the mysterious man nodded with satisfaction before hurrying away.
At the Queen residence, Jonathan was surprised by the arrival of Lucian with his butler. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Lucian?" he asked.
Frieda, standing beside Jonathan, felt guilty upon seeing Lucian, due to her earlier meeting with Aubree. Her greeting was hesitant. "Lucian..."
Lucian offered Frieda an indifferent glance before addressing Jonathan. "Are you available now?"
Jonathan, sensing the importance of Lucian's visit, frowned slightly. "Yes. Let's talk in my study."
Lucian followed Jonathan upstairs. Frieda remained downstairs, watching them go. The coldness of Lucian's treatment fueled her anger, clenching her fists. Only after hearing the study door close did she cautiously ascend the stairs to eavesdrop.
"Any progress with Herbscape Group?" Lucian asked sternly, watching Jonathan pour him coffee.
Jonathan froze, then looked confused. "About that… I thought you'd given up on them, so I didn't pursue it."
He struggled to recall their previous conversation at Queen Group. Lucian had seemed content to let things unfold; why the sudden change, especially on a weekend?
"Herbscape Group is within our reach. Why cede them to someone else?" Lucian asked rhetorically, frowning.
He'd initially intended for Roxanne to flourish at Herbscape Group, but this morning's events had changed his mind. Roxanne prioritized her job over her children, and he couldn't allow that.
Jonathan hesitated. "But Dr. Jarvis has agreed to be Herbscape Group's technical advisor. A sudden move on our part might—"
Lucian's fierce expression silenced him. Jonathan readily understood the reason behind Lucian's reaction—only Roxanne could effect such a shift in his priorities. He wondered what had transpired between them so swiftly.
He decided against discussing that and refocused on the Herbscape Group acquisition. "With Dr. Jarvis as their advisor, the Damaris family and Dr. Jarvis are now collaborating. Acquiring Herbscape Group will take time."
Lucian acknowledged this. "Damaris Group likely secured Herbscape Group by offering something they desired. If we present a superior offer, Herbscape Group may reconsider."