Jack was stumped for words upon hearing that.
A short pause later, he stood up from the couch and said, “If that's the case, there's nothing left for us to discuss.”
After saying that, Jack turned around and strode out of the office, slamming the door shut behind him.
Roxanne's eyes were filled with shock as the thunderous boom rang in her ears.
“Did that startle you?” Lucian said while walking to her side.
Upon hearing his voice, Roxanne gradually returned to her senses and said in an emotional voice, “I'm fine. I just did not expect to see that side of Jack.”
Roxanne's response made Lucian's admiration for her grow. The man wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his arms.
Letting out a sigh, Roxanne said, “Are all businessmen that two-faced?”
Lucian stroked her back reassuringly and replied, “Would you be scared if I'm like that too?”
Roxanne fell silent while trying to imagine the tactics that Lucian would employ in the business arena.
After a while, it dawned on her that she already knew Lucian's way of doing things like the back of her hand and had long accepted it.
“Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised at all.” Roxanne smiled.
Lucian did not seem pleased with that answer. “Is that really who you think I am?” he asked.
Roxanne pulled away from his embrace and met his eyes before explaining, “I just think you were very attractive when you analyzed the situation for me just now. It felt like your true self.”
If not for Lucian's ruthless ways and sharp business acumen, the Farwell family wouldn't be enjoying their current success.
However, not only was Roxanne not afraid, but she was also hoping to learn from Lucian.
Besides, what shocked her most about Jack was the savage way in which he tore apart the agreement and the vehemence of his reaction.
She trusted that Lucian would never act in the same way.
After hearing the woman's heartfelt praise for him, Lucian pulled her toward him and planted a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. “I think you're really adorable when you're being serious,” he said in a deep voice.
Roxanne smiled faintly and continued to express her true thoughts. “Actually, I was quite scared that Jack would turn violent when he was ripping up the agreement just now, but when I remembered that you're also here, I didn't feel that scared anymore.”
Looking at the woman with a deep gaze, Lucian promised solemnly, “I will always protect you.”
The two of them looked at each other and smiled.
Seconds later, Roxanne started feeling troubled over the discussion with Jack earlier that had gone south.
“I have already made a compromise, but it seemed like that was still not enough for the Damaris family. It's highly likely that they wouldn't want to proceed with the collaboration...”
It would be a problem for the research institute if that were really the case.
Moreover, Roxanne had started doubting herself after Jack's questioning earlier.
With a sense of unease, she asked Lucian nervously, “Did I really burn bridges by doing what I did just now? But it was Jack who had come up with the idea previously.”
The man stroked Roxanne's head and said reassuringly, “The two of you had never agreed on that. It's clear that Jack had wanted to take advantage of you right from the start. Otherwise, he wouldn't have suggested an equal split of profits in the first place.”
It was a standard practice in the industry that the party who owned the technology would hold the majority share.
It was impossible for Jack to be unaware of it.
He had simply intended to exploit Roxanne, knowing that she was inexperienced in the area.
After hearing that, Roxanne finally knew how clueless she was. With understanding dawning on her, she said, “So that means he might be trying to obtain confidential information when he stepped past me and tried to establish rapport with the employees previously...”
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