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Novel Catalog
Chapter 24
After Lucian spoke, he looked away from Aubree, his gaze distant, as if weighed down by something far beyond their current conversation.
He had agreed to marry Aubree years ago, not out of love, but out of a sense of duty—to repay the kindness her grandfather had shown their family. That was why he had maintained a close relationship with the Pearson family and had eventually agreed to the marriage when the elders pushed for it.
For a time, Lucian had convinced himself that Aubree was his first love—that the connection they shared was more than obligation. But that belief crumbled six years ago when the woman who had once meant so much to him disappeared without a trace. It was then that he realized his feelings for Aubree were not love, but gratitude. And once that realization sank in, everything shifted.
Since then, the elders had continued to push him toward marriage, urging him to settle down with her. But Lucian had skillfully avoided the topic, always finding some excuse to delay. In the six years that had passed, he had repaid the Pearson family in every way possible—business deals, financial support, and more. He had done everything to honor the favor her grandfather had once done for them.
Now, as he stared at Aubree, his face impassive, he realized that he had done more than enough. There was no reason to go through with the wedding.
“Lucian…” Aubree’s voice trembled, pulling him from his thoughts. Her eyes searched his face, as though trying to confirm her worst fear.
Lucian exhaled sharply, lifting a hand to massage the bridge of his nose in an attempt to alleviate the pressure building in his temples. “Put down the file. I’ll review it later. I still have work to do. If there’s nothing else, you can leave.”
Aubree stood there for a moment, her eyes lingering on him, but there was no sign of change in his expression. She could feel the tension tightening in her chest, but her resolve was starting to crumble. Slowly, her eyes reddened, and the sorrow she had tried so hard to suppress finally seeped through.
With a resigned sigh, she placed the file on his desk and turned to leave.
As she exited the Farwell Group’s office, a crushing sense of finality settled over her. Six years of waiting, of hoping that Lucian would eventually come around, and now… now he was telling her that he was planning to call off the wedding. The future she had once imagined with him was slipping through her fingers like sand.
But as her footsteps echoed down the hallway, something else stirred in her heart—an ember of determination. Lucian may have closed the door on their marriage, but she wasn’t ready to give up.
He hadn’t mentioned any other woman. In fact, Aubree was certain there was no one else in Lucian’s life. That meant she still had a chance. She could still salvage things, if she played her cards right.
Her expression shifted slightly as she thought to herself, Yes, I still have a chance. The wedding is only unsalvageable if I push Lucian too far. I need to stay calm. I’ll make him see reason.
Aubree slipped into the backseat of her car, the thoughts churning in her mind.
“Are you heading back to the company?” her assistant, Charles Lampton, asked tentatively, noticing the dark cloud hanging over her.
Aubree’s eyes flickered up at him. “No, I’m having lunch outside. We’re meeting the VR Research Institute in the afternoon to sign the contract, remember? We’ll head back to the office after that.”
Charles nodded, though his expression remained cautious. He could sense the tension in the air, but he didn’t press further.
Meanwhile, at the VR Research Institute, Roxanne and Colby were on their way to meet a crude drug supplier they were hoping to sign a contract with. As they drove, Roxanne realized there was something she hadn’t fully understood about the supplier.
“Colby, do you have more details on this crude drug supplier we’re meeting today?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
She knew that as the head of the institute, it was crucial for her to be fully informed about their business partners. Any sign of ignorance could give the wrong impression when they met later. It was essential to appear professional and prepared.
Colby, understanding her need for clarity, gave her a quick rundown. “This supplier is one of the largest in Horington. Their family built its wealth by running crude drug businesses. Their prices are competitive, and after learning about the influence our research institute has abroad, they became eager to work with us. From what we know, they seem sincere, so you don’t need to worry.”
Roxanne nodded thoughtfully, reassured by Colby’s words. “I’m familiar with the major crude drug suppliers in Horington. If they’re one of the top players, it should be a reliable partnership. I just wonder which one we’re meeting today.”
As the car continued toward their destination, Roxanne couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This could be a pivotal moment for the research institute—one that would either propel them forward or set them back, depending on how this partnership played out.
