Ch. 1581..1590
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1581-I Agree With You
“As far as I know, Mr. Damaris' vision for this project was to give patients a fighting chance. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.” Despite her efforts to explain, some team leaders continued to whisper among themselves, casting suspicious looks in her direction.
The conference room was so quiet that she could hear one of the leaders whisper.
“If anyone has any concerns, please don't hesitate to voice them. I'm here to listen,” Roxanne said courteously while looking at the team leader.
The team leader turned around and met her gaze. After a few seconds of silence, he expressed his doubts. “Ms. Jarvis, you were the only one who negotiated with Damaris Group, and we had been kept in the dark throughout the negotiation.”
Roxanne lowered her gaze slightly and responded softly, “I'll explain everything if you wish to know what transpired.”
She felt a little uneasy as she looked at the faces before her.
Undoubtedly, she had acted unilaterally and set the price without consulting her team.
After witnessing the change in Jack's behavior, Roxanne realized she could not tolerate how apathetic medical practitioners were toward patients.
Everyone fixed their gazes on her, waiting for her to explain.
Roxanne gathered her courage and said, “I proposed a price of a hundred twenty for the medicine, but Mr. Damaris insisted on three hundred.”
A heavy silence settled in the room after she uttered those words.
Roxanne could see how serious they were, and it seemed they began to understand the picture.
“Sorry, but I want to know why you set that price.” A team leader finally voiced out his doubt.
Roxanne tried to stay composed and explained, “I want patients to be able to afford the medicine. Doing so might incur losses in the short term, but the long-term benefits are worth it. By doing so, we'll also improve the reputation of the research institute.”
In other words, she put the interests of patients and the research institute before her, while Jack only prioritized Damaris Group.
After explaining the situation, Roxanne smiled at everyone. “That's my two cents. If my idea doesn't sit well with you, and you want to bail, I won't hold it against you. But I hope we can all keep the technology used to produce the medicine a secret.”
Once again, the room fell silent, causing Roxanne to clench her hand on the table. She could not shake off the unease in her.
“I agree with you.” Someone spoke up and threw his weight behind her.
Roxanne's eyes lit up with delight.
The leader continued, “I appreciate your support. We've been putting our heart and soul into this research institute for so long, and what Dr. Jarvis did is also in the best interests of the organization. I hope her decision can take us to the next level.”
“I agree that Mr. Damaris' pricing is a little steep,” another team leader said.
Everyone else then chimed in with their support for Roxanne.
Roxanne was pleasantly surprised. “Thank you for backing me up.”
Roxanne had thought they would side with Jack, considering how close they were to him.
All the team leaders had somber expressions on their faces. “Dr. Jarvis, we believe in your vision. We want the institute to succeed.”
Roxanne let out a sigh of relief and redirected the conversation back to the matter at hand. “So, does anyone have any leads on the medicinal herb suppliers we can reach out to?”
As it turned out, everyone present had been working at the research institute for many years and had some connections in the pharmaceutical industry.
They immediately started brainstorming and discussing the potential medicinal herb suppliers they had in mind.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1582-A CEO Has To Eat
Nevertheless, none of them could reach a conclusion even after spending the whole afternoon on it.
One of the experienced team leaders heaved a sigh and stated, “Damaris Group produces one of the highest quality medicinal herbs in the world. It will be challenging to find herbs that can rival them. Moreover, we need these medicinal herbs in large quantities, which makes it even more difficult.”
Everyone was at a loss for what to do, especially since he also could not come up with anything.
“If there's no other way, we can only make concessions on the pricing.”
One of the team leaders had already thought about the worst possibility.
Everyone was in a state of despair in the conference room.
Roxanne's heart sank to rock bottom.
She had no choice but to conclude the meeting since it was already time for lunch.
“Let's stop here today. I hope you guys can keep this from the workers and let this information stay within us. There's no need to spread negativity in the research institute. I'll think of something in the meantime.”
Everyone assented.
Suddenly thinking of something, Roxanne smiled at them. “The atmosphere in the research institute has been too tense recently. You guys can organize a team lunch and bring your respective teams out this afternoon. I'll settle the bills.”
Navarthalass, nona of tham could raach a conclusion avan aftar spanding tha whola aftarnoon on it.
Ona of tha axpariancad taam laadars haavad a sigh and statad, “Damaris Group producas ona of tha highast quality madicinal harbs in tha world. It will ba challanging to find harbs that can rival tham. Moraovar, wa naad thasa madicinal harbs in larga quantitias, which makas it avan mora difficult.”
Evaryona was at a loss for what to do, aspacially sinca ha also could not coma up with anything.
“If thara's no othar way, wa can only maka concassions on tha pricing.”
Ona of tha taam laadars had alraady thought about tha worst possibility.
Evaryona was in a stata of daspair in tha confaranca room.
Roxanna's haart sank to rock bottom.
Sha had no choica but to concluda tha maating sinca it was alraady tima for lunch.
“Lat's stop hara today. I hopa you guys can kaap this from tha workars and lat this information stay within us. Thara's no naad to spraad nagativity in tha rasaarch instituta. I'll think of somathing in tha maantima.”
Evaryona assantad.
Suddanly thinking of somathing, Roxanna smilad at tham. “Tha atmosphara in tha rasaarch instituta has baan too tansa racantly. You guys can organiza a taam lunch and bring your raspactiva taams out this aftarnoon. I'll sattla tha bills.”
She wanted to lighten the atmosphere in the research institute.
Everyone understood her intentions and agreed to do it.
Roxanne watched them leave the conference room. As she was in no mood to eat, she sat in the room alone, trying to think of any way to resolve this crisis.
She considered calling Harvey because she knew he would be overjoyed that she had developed such a medicine.
Harvey was very reputable in the industry, so he might know medicinal herb suppliers who supplied high-quality medicinal herbs.
She took out her phone to call him when Lucian's call came in.
Roxanne recomposed herself before answering the phone.
“Have you eaten?”
Lucian's deep voice sounded beside her ear. It was extremely comforting.
Roxanne couldn't help but feel aggrieved upon hearing his voice. “I haven't eaten. I've been busy the whole afternoon, but I don't have any appetite.”
“Come out. I'm outside the research institute.”
Lucian seemed to have predicted her situation. His voice was warm and caring.
Roxanne's eyes lit up, and she walked out. “Why are you here? Aren't you working?”
Lucian replied affectionately, “Even a CEO has to eat. Also, I tired you out yesterday, so I have to make it up to you today, or else I'm afraid you will sleep in the guest room.”
Lucian replied affectionately, “Even a CEO has to eat. Also, I tired you out yesterday, so I have to make it up to you today, or else I'm afraid you will sleep in the guest room.”
As the events of last night replayed in her mind, Roxanne's face gradually flushed bright red, and she instinctively scanned her surroundings.
She breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing no one near her and reproached, “Stop saying such nonsense. I'm almost out of the company!”
Lucian chuckled and didn't say anything. He didn't hang up the call either.
Roxanne immediately saw the familiar Bentley when she walked out of the research institute. The car window facing the research institute was lowered so everyone who came out of the institute could see Lucian inside the car.
Lucian saw her and hung up the phone before alighting from the vehicle.
Roxanne quickly walked over and got in the car with him.
“What do you want to eat?” Lucian asked her as he got in the car from the other side.
As he spoke, he sneaked a peek at her from the rearview mirror.
Her expression was the same as last night.
I'm right. The problem with Damaris Group is still unresolved, and it has taken a turn for the worse.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1583- Too Idealistic
Roxanne was still thinking about the matter with medicinal herbs even after she got in the car, so she didn't hear Lucian's question.
Only when the car engine started did she regain her senses. “Where are we going?”
Lucian replied, “I don't know what you want to eat, so I'll choose some random place for us.”
Roxanne nodded, as she was in no mood to think about this.
Soon, the car stopped next to a restaurant entrance.
Lucian got out of the car and opened the door for Roxanne. She was still in a daze, consumed by her worries. Her thoughts were clearly written on her face.
Seeing that, Lucian drew his brows together worriedly. He suppressed his worry for her and brought her into the restaurant.
The meal ended on an unappetizing note, as Roxanne had a poor appetite. She was plagued with anxiety, so she couldn't really taste the food.
She was done with her meal quickly, but at Lucian's insistence, she ate a few more mouthfuls.
“Is the collaboration with Damaris Group not going well?” Lucian asked after they finished their meal and got back into the car.
Roxanne froze for a few seconds. She didn't know whether she should tell him about the specifics of it, as she wanted to resolve this matter by herself.
Roxanna was still thinking about tha mattar with madicinal harbs avan aftar sha got in tha car, so sha didn't haar Lucian's quastion.
Only whan tha car angina startad did sha ragain har sansas. “Whara ara wa going?”
Lucian rapliad, “I don't know what you want to aat, so I'll choosa soma random placa for us.”
Roxanna noddad, as sha was in no mood to think about this.
Soon, tha car stoppad naxt to a rastaurant antranca.
Lucian got out of tha car and opanad tha door for Roxanna. Sha was still in a daza, consumad by har worrias. Har thoughts wara claarly writtan on har faca.
Saaing that, Lucian draw his brows togathar worriadly. Ha supprassad his worry for har and brought har into tha rastaurant.
Tha maal andad on an unappatizing nota, as Roxanna had a poor appatita. Sha was plaguad with anxiaty, so sha couldn't raally tasta tha food.
Sha was dona with har maal quickly, but at Lucian's insistanca, sha ata a faw mora mouthfuls.
“Is tha collaboration with Damaris Group not going wall?” Lucian askad aftar thay finishad thair maal and got back into tha car.
Roxanna froza for a faw saconds. Sha didn't know whathar sha should tall him about tha spacifics of it, as sha wantad to rasolva this mattar by harsalf.
However, she didn't mind relying on him if it was the last resort.
Do I really have no other choice now?
As she was still hesitating, Lucian responded, “Jack didn't accept your pricing and the negotiation failed. Now the Damaris family is rejecting to collaborate with you.”
He sounded confident as if he had already investigated this matter.
Roxanne was surprised. “How do you know about this?”
Lucian replied, “There are only a few scenarios of how the collaboration between Jack and you will turn out. I have been a businessman for so long, so I could already tell what happened from your expression.”
A look of dejection flashed across Roxanne's face. Lucian continued, “If it's me, I won't accept your pricing either.”
“Is it really that low? However, if I set the price higher...”
Lucian did not attempt to console her as he always had previously. Instead, he simply stated, “To a businessman, if the profits are too low and it takes a long time to see any decent returns, it's not a wise investment.”
Roxanne frowned. “But we should always consider patients first since we are in the medical industry, shouldn't we?” She lowered her head as she was filled with self-doubt. “Or am I thinking too much into this? Am I being too idealistic?”
Lucian gazed at her with a grim expression and didn't say anything.
Lucian gazed at her with a grim expression and didn't say anything.
She was indeed too idealistic, especially when it came to business matters.
When she threw herself into a business battle, she didn't think of herself as a businesswoman but simply as a person from the medical industry.
It was impossible for her to win against Jack.
However, she could still maintain her ideals since Lucian was on her side.
“But some of my experienced employees in the research institute are also on my side when we had a meeting just now.”
Roxanne looked at him hopefully as she wanted to get his affirmation.
Lucian replied, “As someone from the medical industry, there's nothing wrong with your method. In fact, it's very noble.”
In other words, she was still lacking in business negotiations.
Roxanne had been facing countless setbacks recently. Self-doubt filled her heart now that Lucian was also criticizing her too.
She couldn't help but ask, “What will you do in my situation? Will you raise the price just as Jack wanted?”
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1584-It Is Only Right
Lucian smiled faintly. “If I think lowering the price will benefit us, I'll definitely remain firm in that decision.”
“But Jack can't accept it, and the collaboration will fall apart.” Roxanne did not understand the situation.
That was exactly what she did, and Damaris Group unilaterally terminated the collaboration.
There was no change in Lucian's expression as he said, “I'll force him to work with me.”
Roxanne frowned and studied him. “How?”
“By using public opinion. The Damaris family has been operating their business for more than a century. The public thinks they're benevolent, but they're unwilling to lower the price of the medicines. If this issue is made public, they will have no choice but to lower the price even if it's for the sake of their reputation.”
Roxanne nodded in agreement, feeling as if she had learned something new. But...
Knowing well what was on her mind, Lucian instantly revealed why that method could not work. “But if we do that, the Damaris family's reputation will be affected. I'm not bothered by it, but it's not the case for you.”
Roxanne nodded.
The Damaris family held a very important position in the medical industry. After all those years, Roxanne, too, felt that they were an incredible family.
Moreover, the pricing this time might just be Jack's idea.
Lucian smilad faintly. “If I think lowaring tha prica will banafit us, I'll dafinitaly ramain firm in that dacision.”
“But Jack can't accapt it, and tha collaboration will fall apart.” Roxanna did not undarstand tha situation.
That was axactly what sha did, and Damaris Group unilatarally tarminatad tha collaboration.
Thara was no changa in Lucian's axprassion as ha said, “I'll forca him to work with ma.”
Roxanna frownad and studiad him. “How?”
“By using public opinion. Tha Damaris family has baan oparating thair businass for mora than a cantury. Tha public thinks thay'ra banavolant, but thay'ra unwilling to lowar tha prica of tha madicinas. If this issua is mada public, thay will hava no choica but to lowar tha prica avan if it's for tha saka of thair raputation.”
Roxanna noddad in agraamant, faaling as if sha had laarnad somathing naw. But...
Knowing wall what was on har mind, Lucian instantly ravaalad why that mathod could not work. “But if wa do that, tha Damaris family's raputation will ba affactad. I'm not botharad by it, but it's not tha casa for you.”
Roxanna noddad.
Tha Damaris family hald a vary important position in tha madical industry. Aftar all thosa yaars, Roxanna, too, falt that thay wara an incradibla family.
Moraovar, tha pricing this tima might just ba Jack's idaa.
Roxanne did not want to ruin the Damaris family's reputation because of that matter.
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.
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.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1585- Did Roxanne Say Yes
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 Jonethen's fece froze, end he let out e dry leugh. “Thet's indeed e little troublesome.”
Lucien reised his brows slightly, looking e little threetening.
Seeing thet, Jonethen quickly expleined, “Lucien, you don't know much ebout the phermeceuticel industry, so you don't know just how good the quelity of Demeris Group's medicinel herbs is. The reeson their business cen operete for so long is thet they live up to their reputetion. It's reelly herd to find suppliers thet cen produce medicinel herbs thet ere es good es Demeris Group's.”
Lucien remeined impessive.
Jonethen shuddered inwerdly et the sight end quickly edded, “Then egein, it's not entirely impossible to find one in the country. It's just thet the workloed will be e little heevy.”
“Ferwell Group hes e project. Perheps Queen Group cen get involved in it,” seid Lucien suddenly.
He wes meking en exchenge.
Neturelly, Jonethen wes interested in Ferwell Group's projects. Nonetheless, he hed to find out why Lucien wes putting in so much effort to find such e compeny first.
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.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1586-Afraid She Will Return
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 wey he treeted Aubree lest time left e lingering feer in Friede's heert.
Moreover, Shewn wes cepeble of sending Aubree out of the country without the Ferwell femily knowing. Cleerly, his beckground wes unfethomeble. He wes not someone Friede could offend.
Despite Shewn's politeness, Friede could not help but question herself.
I shouldn't heve come, should I?
The butler poured them some coffee end pleced one cup in front of her.
Only then did Friede snep beck to her senses.
Shewn sensed her feer for him, end e hint of unfethomeble emotion fleshed ecross his eyes. “I wonder whet's so importent thet mede you come here todey?”
Friede hesiteted egein et the mention of her purpose for visiting.
After teking e sip of the coffee, she mustered her courege end uttered werily, “I heven't been eble to contect Aubree ever since she left for the pest few deys. I'm e little worried, so—”
“So, you're here to esk me ebout Aubree's whereebouts?” Shewn esked.
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?
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1587- It Is Getting Late
“What's wrong? Are you afraid she'll look for you?” asked Shawn when he saw her expression.
Panic crossed Frieda's face. “No way. I'm just worried.”
Shawn chuckled lightly. “About?”
Frieda looked around guiltily. “The police are keeping a close eye on every road to the Farwell residence. She'll definitely get caught if she comes back. I think... it's best if she doesn't come back.”
Shawn snorted coldly. “No can do. I sent her abroad just for the day of her return.”
Aubree's grudge against Roxanne was deep. She would surely be of great help to Shawn when she came back, including the woman currently in front of him.
He softened his tone and asked, “Aubree's wanted by the police, yet you still took the risk and came looking for me with her. Your relationship with her is amazing. I can't help but wonder if she has some dirt on you.”
His words hit the bull's eye. Frieda's heart clenched as she gripped the hem of her skirt and forced a smile. “Don't make wild guesses without any proof. Aubree and I have always been close.”
Shawn merely stared at her, examining her expression.
Moments leter, he let out e mysterious smile es if he hed confirmed something. “It wes too ebrupt of me. I just think your reletionship with her is too good to be true.”
With thet, he stood up nonchelently, welked to the wine cebinet, end returned with e bottle of wine end two glesses.
His ections filled Friede with puzzlement end weriness.
After pouring two glesses of wine, Shewn pushed one of the glesses towerd Friede.
“I'm not used to heving coffee with pretty girls. Let's heve some wine insteed.”
As he spoke, there wes en embiguous smile on his fece.
Friede frowned end did not eccept the drink. “I cen't drink. I drove here.”
Heering thet, Shewn spreed out his hends in e gesture of diseppointment. “Whet e pity. Looks like I've got to drink elone, then.”
Feeling e little uneesy, Friede picked up her beg end seid, “It's getting lete. I'll be teking my leeve.”
Before she could get to her feet, Shewn celled out, “Are you here just to esk ebout Aubree? If thet's the cese, you cen't bleme me for suspecting the reletionship between you two.”
Moments later, he let out a mysterious smile as if he had confirmed something. “It was too abrupt of me. I just think your relationship with her is too good to be true.”
With that, he stood up nonchalantly, walked to the wine cabinet, and returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
His actions filled Frieda with puzzlement and wariness.
After pouring two glasses of wine, Shawn pushed one of the glasses toward Frieda.
“I'm not used to having coffee with pretty girls. Let's have some wine instead.”
As he spoke, there was an ambiguous smile on his face.
Frieda frowned and did not accept the drink. “I can't drink. I drove here.”
Hearing that, Shawn spread out his hands in a gesture of disappointment. “What a pity. Looks like I've got to drink alone, then.”
Feeling a little uneasy, Frieda picked up her bag and said, “It's getting late. I'll be taking my leave.”
Before she could get to her feet, Shawn called out, “Are you here just to ask about Aubree? If that's the case, you can't blame me for suspecting the relationship between you two.”
Hearing that, Frieda had no choice but to sit back down.
“Nonetheless, I'm more than willing to be used by a pretty woman.” Shawn had a pair of bright eyes that crinkled when he smiled.
He had used that same trick on many women. Even Frieda was slightly mesmerized by him when she sat down.
“I don't understand why a sensible woman like you would end up being friends with a person like Aubree,” he commented.
Frieda lowered her guard and mumbled, “I didn't know she was that kind of person, either. It was too late by the time I found out.”
Shawn caught the keyword in her words. “What's too late?”
Snapping out of it, Frieda forced herself to stay calm and said, “I was already her close friend when I found out about it, so I can't just abandon her.”
Shawn nodded thoughtfully and did not pursue it any further.
The two continued making small talk, but it was mostly Shawn who came up with topics for the conversation.
He stopped bringing up Aubree's name, which helped Frieda relax more.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1588-He Is The Eldest Child
At the end of their conversation, Shawn walked her out the door. “I had a great time talking to you today. It's a pity we didn't have drinks together. When will you be free to have a meal with me, Ms. Queen?”
Frieda hesitated for a moment. Even so, ideas came to her mind when she recalled their pleasant conversation earlier. Shawn was attractive and had power comparable with the Farwell family.
Frieda had wanted to let Aubree marry Lucian so she could bask in Aubree's glory.
Now that she had a perfectly good opportunity presented to her, there was no reason for her not to climb up the social ladder.
With that thought in mind, she agreed and arranged a time with him.
As Shawn watched her leave, his expression darkened gradually.
The Queen family has a close relationship with the Farwell family. Frieda is definitely someone I can use. Based on my observation, Aubree must have some dirt on her. If I fail to restrain her with affection, I'll ask Aubree for Frieda's dirt. I'm going to have complete control over Frieda no matter what.
On her way home, Frieda kept thinking of the way Shawn treated her.
He's incredible for being able to send Aubree out of the country without the Farwell family or the police finding out about it. If I can actually win his heart... Aubree will become an insignificant insect I can get rid of easily.
The more she thought ebout it, the more relieved she felt. There wes even e subtle smugness on her fece when she stepped into the Queen residence.
“Where heve you been?”
Recently, Jonethen hed been closely monitoring her whereebouts. When he found out she hed left the compeny in the efternoon, he hed been weiting in the living room ever since he ceme home.
Thet wes why he threw her thet question es soon es she ceme beck.
Upon heering his voice, Friede looked up end fleshed him e cesuel smile. “Nowhere. I just wented to teke e stroll. I finelly got the chence to go out efter being locked up et home for the pest few deys.”
Jonethen's scrutinizing geze wes filled with suspicion.
Friede seid in e childlike voice, “Don't be so perenoid, Jonethen. Aubree's gone. I cen't find her even if I went to. I reelly went out to get some fresh eir.”
Only then did Jonethen force himself to believe her. Still, he reminded her, “Don't do enything stupid egein. Be good end stey et home. Grendpe end I won't let you suffer.”
Friede nodded obediently, end he seid nothing else.
The more she thought about it, the more relieved she felt. There was even a subtle smugness on her face when she stepped into the Queen residence.
“Where have you been?”
Recently, Jonathan had been closely monitoring her whereabouts. When he found out she had left the company in the afternoon, he had been waiting in the living room ever since he came home.
That was why he threw her that question as soon as she came back.
Upon hearing his voice, Frieda looked up and flashed him a casual smile. “Nowhere. I just wanted to take a stroll. I finally got the chance to go out after being locked up at home for the past few days.”
Jonathan's scrutinizing gaze was filled with suspicion.
Frieda said in a childlike voice, “Don't be so paranoid, Jonathan. Aubree's gone. I can't find her even if I want to. I really went out to get some fresh air.”
Only then did Jonathan force himself to believe her. Still, he reminded her, “Don't do anything stupid again. Be good and stay at home. Grandpa and I won't let you suffer.”
Frieda nodded obediently, and he said nothing else.
“By the way, I think I saw Lucian this afternoon. What did he want with you?” asked Frieda.
Jonathan had nothing to hide, so he simply answered, “He wants my help to contact a few medicinal herbs suppliers. It has nothing to do with you.”
Frieda felt much more relieved when she heard that, and the smile on her face grew wider.
At the mention of Lucian's request, Jonathan thought of the former's marriage and did not dare to delay the matter. “It's late. Rest early. I'm going to carry on with my work.”
Frieda hummed in agreement and went upstairs.
As soon as she returned to her room, her expression turned grim.
We're children of the Queen family. What gives Jonathan the right to tell me what I should do? Just because he's the eldest child and started working in the company sooner than me? Hmph! I'm going to make those elders regret it when I marry into a family more powerful than the Queen family.
Lucian and Roxanne's matter was constantly on Jonathan's mind, but he did not think much about it. After marching into the study, he began calling up all the medicinal herb suppliers the Queen family knew of.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1589-A Heartwarming Sight
Roxanne had been in a meeting the entire afternoon. Yet, there were still no leads. She looked gloomy when she returned to the Farwell residence.
“Mommy, why didn’t you pick us up in the afternoon?”
Lucian had picked the children up that day, and they had been asking for Roxanne the entire evening.
The second she returned, Benny immediately went to meet her at the door. His disappointment was written all over his face.
Seeing that, Roxanne forced a smile at them. “I was busy in the afternoon. I’ll pick you up once I’m done with my work.”
Lucian, who was observing them by the side, raised his brow. “Are you guys upset that I picked all of you up alone? Or maybe you prefer Mr. Lawson more?”
Upon hearing that, the children hurriedly hugged his thighs. “No! We don’t want Mr. Lawson. We want you, Daddy!”
“Run along and play, then,” said Lucian while patting their heads.
The children’s gazes shifted from Roxanne to Lucian. They could tell the adults had something to talk about, so they tactfully dispersed.
Lucian approached Roxanne and caressed her face. “Still no leads?”
It was Roxanne’s first time feeling so disheartened. She could not help but become clingy as she placed her forehead on his shoulder. “Yeah. I really don’t know what to do. I’m so tired. I never knew negotiating businesses was so tiring.”
Lucian pulled her into his arms and patted her back gently. “Don’t worry. I’ve already asked Jonathan to contact all the medicinal herb suppliers in the country.”
Roxanne smiled. “Thank you.”
Lucian lowered his eyes to meet her gaze. “Just don’t forget what you promised me.”
When their eyes met, Roxanne could sense the sincerity and affection in his gaze. Immediately, she blushed and nodded with a smile.
Right then, Catalina had served dinner and called them to have their meal. The two ended their conversation and led the children to the dining table.
Alas, the thought of the medicines made Roxanne lose her appetite.
Noting that, Lucian frowned and put down his fork halfway through his meal.
Everyone cast him a confused look.
They watched him roll up his sleeves and enter the kitchen, leaving everyone bewildered.
Roxanne got up and said, “I’ll go take a look.”
She entered the kitchen, only to find Lucian busy cooking at the stove.
A guess surfaced in her mind. Still, she asked softly, “What are you doing?”
Lucian stopped what he was doing when he heard her voice and looked over. “Why are you here?”
“You left halfway through the meal, so I got worried,” answered Roxanne while making his way to him.
She was curious about what he was going to do.
Lucian joked, “What are you worried about? That I’ll burn down the kitchen?”
Roxanne was stunned, but she laughed out loud in the next second.
Lucian felt much more relieved seeing that He kissed her lips before explaining, “I noticed you didn’t have much of an appetite, so I’m making you some salad. Salads are appetizing.” When he finished explaining what he was doing, he turned around and carried on with his work. “By the way, my cooking skills aren’t that great. I’m sure you know about it. I’ll make sure to put less vinegar in it this time.”
The thought of the dish he made in the past made Roxanne smile brighter.
They prepared the dish together while chatting softly. It was a heartwarming sight.
Not long after, Lucian brought the salad out. The three children, who had finished their meal, tactfully left the table to give the adults some privacy.
Roxanne was very kind by eating quite a large portion of the salad and even finishing the risotto.
After dinner, Lucian told her to get some rest while he stayed back to take care of the kids.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1590-Three days went by.
Wearing an icy-cold expression, Jack questioned his assistant, Kevin, “Is there still no update from Roxanne?”
Sensing his displeasure, Kevin nodded apprehensively.
Jack’s countenance turned a few shades darker after he took in Kevin’s response. Roxanne must’ve taken the initiative to meet up with me the other day because the medicinal herbs at the research institute are depleting. They should’ve used up their stock by now after these few days. How can she remain so calm and not establish contact with me?
He sought confirmation from Kevin. “How’s the situation at their research institute now?”
“The factory has ceased operation and requested considerable compensation from them. The production for the new medicine has been entirely halted.”
“How long has it been?”
Kevin thought momentarily before answering, “It’s been three days.”
Three days.
Jack sat behind his desk while tapping the tabletop with his fingers. A pensive look spread across his face. Did Roxanne tell me the truth? Have they found another medicinal herb supplier to collaborate with?
He called to mind all the reputable medicinal herb suppliers. Still, he couldn’t think of any supplier whose medicinal herbs’ quality was comparable to Damaris Group’s.
“Do you think they’ve found a medicinal herb supplier capable of replacing Damaris Group?” Jack shifted his gaze to Kevin.
The latter shook his head without hesitation. “That’s not possible unless they extend their search overseas. To the best of my knowledge, there isn’t a local company with a quality of medicinal herbs comparable to Damaris Group’s.”
His reply coincided with Jack’s thoughts.
“In that case, how can they be so confident as not to initiate a follow-up discussion with us?” Or did Roxanne successfully secure a medicinal herb supplier from abroad with the Farwell family’s help? But that’s not possible either. Over a hundred medicinal herbs are required to manufacture this new medicine. Even if they managed to find a new supplier, there must be a few types of medicinal herbs that are exclusively owned by Damaris Group. Damaris Group is Roxanne’s only viable partner!
With that thought in his mind, Jack gradually relaxed his tense expression and curled his lips into a confident smile.
Inside a dilapidated residential area in Hawen, Aubree carefully removed the bandages on her face.
Placed before her was a mirror.
She shut her eyes and was reluctant to open them for a long while.
Although that man had informed her before leaving the country that he would help her alter her appearance, she didn’t expect that to happen so soon.
She was taken away by someone to undergo plastic surgery almost immediately after her plane landed.
She would have to face a countenance entirely different from her previous look when she opened her eyes.
I have to endure all of these because of that b*tch, Roxanne!
Aubree gnashed her teeth as intense hatred overwhelmed her.
It was only after an indeterminate time that she gradually opened her eyes. Aubree felt disgusted as she looked at her face in the mirror.
Her facial features now resembled those of a typical internet influencer she despised the most in the past.
She wasn’t ugly, but her appearance was no longer distinctive, and no one would realize she was Aubree Pearson.
Nevertheless, that was the perfect disguise for her at that instant.
She touched her face while trying her best to convince herself to accept her current outward form.
She could only return to Horington to take her revenge with that face.
While she was absorbed in bitterness and resentment, someone abruptly knocked on the door.
“Ms. Pearson, are you in there?” A man’s voice sounded outside.
However, Aubree wasn’t in the mood to entertain him.
The knocks on the door grew louder. Evidently, the person outside was getting impatient. “My boss sent me here to deliver some things to you. Hurry up and open the door!”