Chapter 786 – Her Sudden Departure: A Tale of Love and Redemption (Lucian & Roxanne)

If she did that, the entire traditional medicine industry would be affected. She felt utterly defeated. “I can’t do that, but I’ve contacted all the suppliers I know. None of them can replace the Damaris family.” Lucian arched his brow slightly at her troubled expression. “Perhaps I can help.”

Roxanne’s eyes lit up a little, but there was also a hint of hesitation in them. “This is the research institute’s problem. I can’t keep asking. you for help every time.”

“But the matter can’t wait, and you’re out of ideas.” Roxanne parted her lips, but she could not say. anything to counter his words. Lucian added, “Anyway, I’m not helping for free.”

“You want a share of profits?” Roxanne asked in confusion. Lucian was taken aback by her words. After some time, he smiled. “If it were someone else, I’d have seized the opportunity to gain something out of this favor.”

Roxanne’s heart raced. If Lucian really wants a share of the profit, does that mean I’ll have to discuss business with him in the future?

The thought of it gave her a headache. “But since it’s you I’m helping, I want something else, Lucian went on. Roxanne felt relieved and puzzled at the same time.

Lucian leaned closer to her ear and murmured something before returning to his seat and waiting for her answer with a smile. Roxanne’s face flushed, and a hesitant look filled her eyes.

Without forcing her, Lucian slowly started the engine and drove toward the research institute. It was not until they arrived at the entrance did he turn to look at her. “What do you think?”

Roxanne hesitated throughout the journey, but she still gave in and nodded resignedly in the end. Upon getting that response from her, Lucian smiled. He immediately unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over to give her a kiss.

Only when Roxanne ran out of breath and patted his shoulder did he reluctantly let her go. “If the research institute cannot hold on during this period, just tell me. I can give you funds whenever you want,” Lucian said hoarsely.

All of a sudden, Roxanne felt something was amiss. She turned to him and said, “Why do I feel like I’ve become your sugar baby, and you’re even supporting the entire research institute?”

Lucian shook his head to disagree with her statement. “You’re my wife. It’s only right for you to spend my money.” Roxanne blushed and said nothing. After all, she would never ask him for money.

After watching Roxanne enter the research institute, Lucian turned the car around and headed toward Queen Group. Jonathan had just returned and was about to enter his office when Lucian arrived at Queen Group.

“Lucian, what brings you here to see me today?” Jonathan smiled when he saw Lucian. However, the smile on Lucian’s face took Jonathan by surprise. “Wait. Are you really Lucian? Or are you someone disguised as him?”

Lucian’s expression turned cold, and he stared at Jonathan speechlessly. “Yes, it’s me.” Jonathan was certain he was seeing Lucian only when the latter schooled his expression. He opened the door and invited Lucian into the office.

“Why are you here out of the blue?” After pouring two cups of coffee for Lucian and himself, Jonathan sat on the couch. “Did you and Roxanne-”

Lucian glanced at him. “Roxanne needs your help.” “Since you’ve asked, I’ll definitely help you,” Jonathan agreed to it in a heartbeat. “I would like to trouble you to-”

“You don’t have to be so polite when it’s just us.” Jonathan was shocked. “If you speak like that, I’ll blame myself to death when I fail to help you out.”

“Find all the medicinal herb suppliers or farms in the country that can replace Damaris Group as soon as you can. I need you to strike a deal with them no matter what their price is.” The smile on Jonathan’s face froze, and he let out a dry laugh. “That’s indeed a little troublesome.”

Lucian raised his brows slightly, looking a little threatening. Seeing that, Jonathan quickly explained, “Lucian, you don’t know much about the pharmaceutical industry, so you don’t know just how good the quality of Damaris Group’s medicinal herbs is. The reason their business can operate for so long is that they live up to their reputation. It’s really hard to find suppliers that can produce medicinal herbs that are as good as Damaris Group’s.”

Lucian remained impassive. Jonathan shuddered inwardly at the sight and quickly added, “Then again, it’s not entirely impossible to find one in the country. It’s just that the workload will be a little heavy.”

“Farwell Group has a project. Perhaps Queen Group can get involved in it,” said Lucian suddenly. He was making an exchange.

Naturally, Jonathan was interested in Farwell Group’s projects. Nonetheless, he had to find out why Lucian was putting in so much effort to find such a company first.

“Did Roxanne’s partnership with Damaris Group fail?” he asked cautiously. Lucian nodded. Seeing that, Jonathan instantly exclaimed, “That’s great! You don’t have to worry about Roxanne and Jack getting too close now.”

Lucian took a sip of the coffee and said with a deep voice, “If you can help me find another medicinal herb supplier, I won’t have to worry about other men, let alone Jack.” Jonathan froze. It took him several minutes to return to his senses. He guessed, “Did Roxanne say yes?”

Lucian curled his lips, and his eyes twinkled. “Something like that, but we have to settle this first.” Jonathan sighed and exclaimed, “Finally! It’s been so long. I can’t believe you two are finally getting married.” No wonder Lucian was smiling so brightly when he arrived just now. “Well, now that you’ve said that, I’ve got to settle this even if it’s for Essie’s sake. Just wait for my good news.”

Lucian chuckled and lifted his cup. In response, Jonathan clinked his cup with Lucian’s. They downed the coffee as though they were drinking alcohol.

At the same time, Frieda was sitting uneasily in the office one floor below Jonathan’s, thinking about the person she had seen earlier downstairs.

That should be Lucian if I’m right. Jonathan and Lucian have barely been in contact ever since Aubree left. Why is he here out of the blue? Did he find something? Did he manage to track down Aubree?

Frieda could no longer sit still. She hurriedly grabbed her bag and left the office. The moment she reached downstairs, she got into her car and sped toward the man’s house she and Aubree visited the last time.

The sky was already dark by the time she arrived. At that moment, Shawn was leisurely watering the flowers. He hesitated for a moment when he heard the butler’s report, but he still let the butler bring the guest in.

“It’s an honor to have you here, Ms. Queen.” Only when the butler brought Frieda in did Shawn put the watering can aside, wipe his hands, and sit on the couch. Casting the rigid-looking Frieda a glance, he added, “Have a seat and tell me what you need.”

Frieda sat down hesitantly, feeling a little timid as she stared at the man in front of her. The way he treated Aubree last time left a lingering fear in Frieda’s heart.

Moreover, Shawn was capable of sending Aubree out of the country without the Farwell family knowing. Clearly, his background was unfathomable. He was not someone Frieda could offend. Despite Shawn’s politeness, Frieda could not help but question herself. I shouldn’t have come, should I?

The butler poured them some coffee and placed one cup in front of her. Only then did Frieda snap back to her senses.

Shawn sensed her fear for him, and a hint of unfathomable emotion flashed across his eyes. “I wonder what’s so important that made you. come here today?”

Frieda hesitated again at the mention of her purpose for visiting. After taking a sip of the coffee, she mustered her courage and uttered warily, “I haven’t been able to contact Aubree ever since she left for the past few days. I’m a little worried, so-”

“So, you’re here to ask me about Aubree’s whereabouts?” Shawn asked. Frieda stopped talking. She forced a smile and bobbed her head, quickly adding, “It’s okay if you can’t tell me. I just want to know when she’s coming back.”

Shawn snorted meaningfully. “Do you want her to come back or the opposite?” Frieda’s expression stiffened when she heard that. Studying her face, Shawn uttered nonchalantly, “Let me guess. I think you’re afraid she’ll return.”

Without realizing it, Frieda slowed her breathing. and stammered, “H-How could I? Aubree’s my best friend-”

As if not hearing her words, Shawn put down his cup and said, “She’ll be back, but not as Aubree.” Frieda frowned, her eyes filled with confusion. Shawn explained flatly, “Don’t worry. No one, not even you, will recognize her when she comes back.”

Just as Frieda was about to let out a sigh of relief, she heard him say, “Unless she goes looking for you.”

That sentence gave her a feeling that resembled a venomous snake wrapped around her neck. It was suffocating. Is Aubree not planning on letting me off the hook when she returns?

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