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Novel Catalog
Chapter 26
“An increment of two percent?” Colby’s voice tightened, a clear frown forming on his face. “Ms. Pearson, we had agreed on the price previously. We’re just about to sign the contract—why the sudden price hike?”
Aubree crossed her legs with deliberate grace, her expression cold but controlled. “Yes, we had agreed. But almost everything in the crude drug market has risen in price this year. If we were to go forward with the original price, we would be at a significant loss. Dr. Galloway, please understand, we are only trying to protect our interests.”
Her words were delivered smoothly, like a practiced performance. But Roxanne wasn’t fooled.
Colby seemed to waver, but before he could speak again, Roxanne’s voice cut through, calm and direct. “Ms. Pearson, you’re raising the price because of me, aren’t you? I’m familiar with the current state of the market. We’re open to negotiation, but a two percent increase right now is unreasonable.”
Roxanne had tried to maintain a professional air, but the subtle provocation from Aubree made it difficult to stay neutral. Aubree’s attempt to manipulate the situation was too blatant to ignore.
Aubree’s brow furrowed, irritation evident in her eyes. “Regardless of the reason, that’s our current offer. If you can’t accept it, then perhaps we should walk away from this deal.”
Roxanne stood, her posture stiff with resolve. “In that case, we’ll consider this time wasted. A company that doesn’t keep its word isn’t one we’ll feel comfortable working with.”
Without waiting for a response, Roxanne turned and headed toward the door.
Colby hesitated, glancing between the two women, but followed her out of the café.
Once outside, Colby finally voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind. “Is there something between you and Aubree?”
Roxanne’s pace didn’t falter. She didn’t even look back at him as she replied, her voice distant, “In a way.”
Colby’s curiosity flickered, but seeing that Roxanne wasn’t in the mood to discuss it, he shifted the conversation to more pressing matters. “If we’re not going to work with the Pearson Group, we’ll need to find another crude drug supplier.”
Roxanne nodded, a faint sigh escaping her lips. “Yes. Horington is a big city. I’m sure there are other suppliers who would be more reliable.”
“Right,” Colby said with a nod of agreement. “I’d rather deal with the hassle of finding someone else than risk having you targeted by them.”
Meanwhile, back in the café, as the door closed behind them, the smile on Aubree’s face vanished like a shadow in the dark. Her eyes narrowed into a cold glare as she fumed silently.
Aubree turned to Charles, her voice like ice. “Tell every crude drug supplier in Horington—if they dare work with VR Research Institute, they’ll be making enemies of the Pearson Group.”
Charles flinched at the venom in her tone. He could sense the fury radiating from his employer, and it unsettled him. But he didn’t dare show any sign of fear. “Understood. I’ll handle it immediately.”
Without another word, he hurried out of the café, leaving Aubree alone with her thoughts.
As she sat there, the weight of the morning’s events pressed down on her. The cold rejection from Lucian, his unwillingness to commit to their engagement, and now this… confrontation with Roxanne. Aubree felt the creeping panic in her chest.
The realization gnawed at her: Lucian had never been truly hers. He had promised to marry her out of obligation—not love. And the only reason they were still tangled in this engagement was because of their families, and perhaps some misplaced sense of duty.
But now, with Roxanne back in the picture, things were slipping from her grasp. The unease was palpable. Aubree couldn’t wait any longer. She had to take control of the situation before Lucian grew closer to Roxanne again. She wouldn’t allow it—she couldn’t.
Farwell Group, Lucian’s Office
Cayden entered Lucian’s office, his expression serious. “Mr. Farwell, I’ve found information about the man Ms. Jarvis was with last night.”
Lucian, who had been reviewing some documents, stiffened at the mention of Roxanne. He set the papers aside and looked up, his expression unreadable. “Go on.”
Cayden hesitated for a brief moment before continuing, “The man is an investor in the VR Research Institute. He’s someone with deep ties to the medical industry, but I believe he’s not directly involved in the research itself. He’s more of a financial backer.”
Lucian’s eyes narrowed. The fact that Roxanne was associating with someone like that wasn’t insignificant.
“Anything else?” Lucian asked, his voice cool, but there was an edge to it.
Cayden nodded, his tone cautious. “There’s more. The investor is also a known associate of several influential figures in the medical community. It seems that he’s been trying to establish connections with some of the larger pharmaceutical companies. He could be positioning himself for something bigger.”
Lucian’s mind raced, the pieces starting to click into place. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Roxanne’s return was more than just a personal matter. There was something at play here—something that involved more than just her and him.
“Keep an eye on him,” Lucian said finally, his voice firm. “And find out if he’s planning something that could affect us.”
Cayden nodded, understanding the gravity in Lucian’s tone. “Understood, Mr. Farwell. I’ll gather more information.”
As Cayden left the room, Lucian’s thoughts drifted back to Roxanne. There was something unsettling about her return—something that felt inevitable, like a storm on the horizon. And he couldn’t quite figure out whether he was ready to face it.
