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Novel Catalog
Chapter 16
Lucian’s brows furrowed, irritation flickering in his eyes. Am I seeing things again? he wondered. I wouldn’t think much of it if it happened once or twice, but this has been going on for two days straight. Her figure keeps appearing in different places, but every time I try to focus on it, she vanishes without a trace.
He let out a frustrated, cold snort and averted his gaze. I must be losing my mind. That’s why I’m thinking about her again.
Cayden, who had been silently waiting at his side, noticed Lucian’s stillness. With a careful tone, he asked, “Mr. Farwell, our client has been waiting for a while. Should we head in?”
Lucian paused for a moment, collecting himself. He shut his eyes briefly, then answered in a calm, measured voice, “Let’s go.”
With that, he began walking into the building, his long strides purposeful. Cayden followed right behind him, quietly observing.
Meanwhile, Roxanne and Colby entered the private room to find that all the employees from the research institute had already gathered. The atmosphere was warm and lively as they greeted her.
Colby gestured for her to sit at the main seat, then took the one beside her. As everyone settled, he turned to address the group. “I’m sure many of you have met Dr. Jarvis today, but I’d still like to officially introduce her to all of you.”
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Roxanne, who gave a polite nod in greeting.
“This is Roxanne Jarvis. You may address her as Dr. Jarvis. Some of you may not be familiar with this name, but I’m sure everyone knows the name she used abroad—Janet, Professor Lambert’s most distinguished student.”
The room froze. For a few moments, no one moved, and then a ripple of surprise spread across the group. Their gazes immediately shifted to admiration and respect.
Janet. The name was legendary in the medical world, especially abroad. It was said that she had inherited eighty percent of Professor Harvey’s skills and that her medical expertise was unparalleled. To the younger generation, she was an idol.
What caught everyone off guard, however, was the stark contrast between the serious, bespectacled academician they had imagined, and the woman sitting before them—graceful, beautiful, with a poise that spoke of experience and intelligence.
After a beat, some of her admirers stood, eager to greet her.
“Are you really Janet? I’ve read every thesis you wrote while abroad. You’re truly my idol!” one said, clearly awestruck.
“It’s an honor to be colleagues with you, Janet!” another added, their voice brimming with admiration.
Roxanne smiled warmly, touched by their enthusiasm. “Thank you for the kind words, everyone,” she said graciously. “I look forward to a fruitful collaboration with all of you.”
With that, she raised her glass in a toast.
Everyone followed suit, their glasses lifted in unison as they downed their drinks. Roxanne’s friendly demeanor and down-to-earth nature only deepened their admiration for her.
The meal went on with cheerful conversation and toasts flowing freely. Many approached her with their own glasses, eager to share a toast. Roxanne, though enjoying herself, was careful not to indulge too much. She had a high tolerance for alcohol, but the sheer number of toasts soon started to add up. By the time the meal was winding down, she was feeling slightly tipsy.
Needing a break, Roxanne excused herself from the table and made her way to the restroom to freshen up.
As she stepped out of the restroom and started heading back toward the private room, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen to see a message from Archie and Benny, asking when she would be home.
A heartwarming smile tugged at her lips as she began to type a reply. But just as she was about to stop and respond, someone unexpectedly bumped into her shoulder with force, jarring her hand. Her phone nearly slipped from her grip.
Roxanne instinctively tightened her hold on it, barely stopping it from falling. She quickly stepped back, her voice apologetic. “I’m sorry—”
Before she could finish her sentence, the man who’d bumped into her snapped, “Are you blind? Damn it, what a mood killer for a night like this!”
Roxanne wrinkled her brow at his rude tone, instinctively backing away to create some distance. The overwhelming stench of alcohol hit her nostrils as the man stumbled forward, clearly drunk.
But then, as the man’s eyes fell on her face, his words faltered. His scowl faded as he took in her appearance—her beauty was undeniable, and it left him momentarily speechless.
