Chapter 922: This Is Who You Always Are

As Roxanne felt the pain in her wrist, she inhaled sharply and looked up at Lucian warily. His expression was so dark it was frightening. After a long moment, he moved abruptly closer. She wanted to retreat, but he gripped her wrist, hindering her movement. For a moment, they were so close they could almost feel each other's breath.

Subconsciously, Roxanne slowed her breathing and clenched her fists at her sides. She felt Lucian's intense gaze, sweeping over her as he tightened his grip. Just when she braced for something, he unexpectedly released her.

Roxanne was taken aback. "Herbscape Group still has some stock of those medicinal herbs in another city. I can have someone send them to you immediately, if you need them," Lucian said, his tone deep and strained. He had almost lost control when Roxanne ignited his rage, but he recalled his purpose and Jonathan's morning words, resisting the urge to act impulsively.

Doubt filled Roxanne's eyes. His words didn't match his demeanor. Yet, after a long stare, she saw nothing amiss in his expression. She had no choice but to believe him. "Thank you, Mr. Farwell," she replied coldly. "But we don't need them."

In truth, they desperately needed the herbs, but Colby had assured her he would find a solution. Besides, she had no reason to accept Lucian's inexplicable kindness.

The atmosphere immediately grew gloomy upon hearing her refusal. Without hesitation, Roxanne pulled away, increasing the distance between them. "I don't know why you'd help the research institute so suddenly. But, considering your business strategies, I think it's best we avoid involvement."

Raising her head, Roxanne looked at him pointedly. "After all, I can't be certain about your methods if something goes wrong during our collaboration." She alluded to his earlier retort. If Lucian truly wanted to act against the institute, it wouldn't be a simple matter of arson.

Lucian's expression darkened, understanding her implication. "What kind of person do you think I am?"

Roxanne avoided his gaze. "I'm not thinking anything. This is who you always were."

Herbscape Group, a huge pharmaceutical company, had been destroyed within days of Farwell Group's action. Lucian's business strategies were terrifying. Roxanne, working in a small research institute, wouldn't risk it to oppose him.

Lucian narrowed his eyes. "Herbscape Group breached the contract first; they were crucial to my project. What's wrong with me reclaiming it? As for your tiny research institute, is there even a reason for me to target it?"

Roxanne remained unmoved. "Maybe not now, but we can never guarantee the future." She hadn't discovered the mastermind behind the institute fire, and couldn't trust Lucian so readily.