Chapter 871: Defeat

Lucian returned Estella to the Farwell residence. Soon afterward, his black Bentley drove away. A camera flashed in the grass outside Roxanne’s house; a man emerged moments later. He quickly processed the photographs, then tailed Jack’s car toward the research institute.

On the way, Roxanne tried to quell her anxieties about Estella, shifting the conversation to Herbscape Group. “I was in a rush earlier. How are things going with Herbscape Group?” she asked, genuinely concerned about the company's actions and Lucian's potentially ruthless tactics.

A hint of displeasure flickered across Jack’s face, but his tone remained warm. “Not optimistic,” he replied.

Roxanne frowned, a theory forming. “Herbscape Group is involved in so much; what's been exposed online is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Relevant departments are now involved. I don’t know how much trouble this will cause.”

Jack sighed, rubbing his temples. Roxanne’s frown deepened. “But you investigated, didn’t you?” she pressed, considering the Damaris family’s influence.

Jack chuckled bitterly. “We scoured Herbscape Group, but we wouldn’t find anything if someone deliberately covered their tracks. This person would have to be as powerful as, and even more shrewd than, the Damaris family—and they're only prominent in pharmaceuticals.”

He implied that someone had cleverly entrapped the Damaris family using Herbscape Group, and Lucian was the prime suspect. Roxanne understood the implication but remained silent.

After a pause, she asked, “If that’s the case, what’s their motive? There’s no apparent benefit.”

A glint appeared in Jack’s eyes. He said self-deprecatingly, “Perhaps I touched something I shouldn't have.”

Roxanne’s eyelashes fluttered. A strange feeling washed over her, and she lowered her head. Jack’s insinuation was undeniable. Sensing her avoidance, he pressed further.

“This so-called business genius lives up to his name. I accept defeat, but I regret the cost was higher than anticipated.” He directly implicated Lucian. Roxanne was the only significant link between Lucian and this situation besides Herbscape Group.

Her hands tightened on her knees as she fought the unsettling feeling. She casually changed the subject. “I hope this won't impact our project.”

“I hope so too. Hopefully, that person will be merciful,” Jack added pointedly.

Roxanne’s heart pounded, but she tried to convince herself Lucian and Jack’s conflict was confined to Herbscape Group.