//By While the reporters’ photos depicted a woman standing at the helicopter door, Jack knew Lucian was behind it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe thought the matter had ended when the celebrity scandals dominated the public consciousness that afternoon. Thus, the next day, he planned to meet up with Roxanne by using the project as an excuse.
To his surprise, her assistant told him she wasn't in the research institute.
In fact, he received the same answer over the next few days.
By then, no matter how stupid Jack was, he could still realize what was happening.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe knew Roxanne had left with Lucian, so he wondered how long it would take them to return.
To his surprise, it was a whole week, and that enraged him.
Jack was still upset as he spoke. “Even though the development of our project was about to begin, the person in charge of the research institute was nowhere to be found. What do you think | should say about that, Ms. Jarvis?” When he brought up the project, Roxanne felt guilty and apologized further. “I'm really sorry. Due to a personal issue, | had to lie low for a while and inadvertently delayed the project. You've every right to be angry, Mr. Damaris. | promise that | won't disappear again after the project starts. You'll be able to find me whenever you want!” Her answer satisfied him. Knowing where she went with Lucian or what she did during the past week doesn’t matter. What matters is that | can win her over as long as she remains within my reach! When his train of thought ended there, Jack complained with a softened tone, “Don’t you think you should make up for all my wasted trips here, Ms. Jarvis? An apology isn’t enough!” Upon detecting the change in his tone, Roxanne sighed in relief in her mind and grinned. “Of course! Tell me when you're free, and I'll treat you to a meal.” “Sure, but I'll decide the location of our meal as well. You'll be spending quite a bit of money, Ms. Jarvis.” “As long as | can lighten your mood, I'm willing to spend as much money as necessary.” “We'll also use the opportunity to speak about the project's progress. The research development was delayed because of your absence, after all.” “I'm sorry.” “Forget about it. There's nothing we can do to regain lost time. I'll be pleased as long as our collaboration is successful. | still believe in your research institute’s capabilities.” After exchanging a few more words, they ended the call.
Roxanne turned to Linda and blurted, “You're right. Mr. Damaris was a little angry at me. Were any other projects in the research institute delayed?” Shaking her head, Linda answered, “Everything was fine.” Then she stared at Roxanne carefully. “Dr. Jarvis, about the news regarding Mr. Damaris from a few days ago, |—" Roxanne had already guessed what Linda was going to say and explained, “Don’t believe what you see on the internet. Damaris Group is an important partner of ours. Just treat him as you used to.” Upon receiving a clear answer, Linda nodded.
After a while, Jack texted Roxanne the location and time of their meal.
She read the text, spared a few more words to Linda, and left the research institute.