Chapter 916: Crisis

Jonathan cleared his throat at Lucian's lack of response. "I heard a fire broke out at Dr. Jarvis's research institute two days ago."

Lucian's brows snapped together. Jonathan, satisfied with his reaction, asked, "What's the matter? Didn't you know about this?"

Lucian nodded, his expression somber. He hadn't seen Roxanne since their kiss the other night and knew nothing of what had happened to her. He knew Roxanne wouldn't let Archie and Benny reveal any danger she faced, even though Estella would likely try to get information from them before telling her father.

Jonathan fell silent, observing his friend's grim expression and waiting for Lucian to speak. "Was the fire bad? Was she hurt?" Lucian finally asked.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Won't you know if you go and see her?"

Lucian's expression darkened. Jonathan, bewildered, wondered if they'd had another fight. He recalled Lucian recently asking for advice on creating a romantic scene; their current actions against Herbscape Group were also for Roxanne's sake. Why the change in attitude?

"Ahem," Jonathan cleared his throat tentatively. "You and Dr. Jarvis..."

Before he finished, Lucian interrupted. "Nothing happened."

Jonathan gasped, choking on his saliva. After a lengthy cough, he stared at Lucian with pursed lips. He hadn't even finished his question, yet Lucian was so quick to defend himself. It was inconceivable that nothing had happened!

Jonathan moved closer. "Be honest with me. Did you have another fight with Dr. Jarvis?"

Lucian's already dark expression deepened. He wasn't sure it was a fight; he suspected Roxanne was deliberately trying to provoke him.

Jonathan sighed in resignation. "I've told you countless times to give in to Dr. Jarvis occasionally. You were in the wrong."

Lucian's frown deepened, but the irritation in his eyes softened slightly.

Jonathan continued, "If you really did have a fight, this is a good opportunity."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know if Dr. Jarvis was hurt, but the fire destroyed the medicinal herbs from Herbscape Group," Jonathan explained. "That batch is rare and difficult to replace. Now, we have Herbscape Group and their herbs." In other words, they possessed the means to resolve Roxanne's crisis.

Lucian lowered his gaze.

Disappointed, Jonathan patted Lucian's shoulder. "Aren't you courting Dr. Jarvis? This is a perfect chance." No woman could resist help in a time of need, especially since Lucian had already made some effort to court her. At the very least, their acquisition of the herbs could resolve their conflict.