Roxanne was moved by his words but remained hesitant. “Perhaps, but I lack enough knowledge of cancer to support the research on an anti-cancer medicine.”
Over the past few years, she had been more focused on researching how to treat patients through acupuncture. She simply didn’t know enough about medicinal herbs to be confident in developing an anti-cancer medicine.
Sensing her worries, Jack said, “I won’t lie. Only a few medical books kept in the Damaris residence touch on this research. However, the reason the research in those books was halted was due to technical issues at the time. It was also these books that inspired me.”
Roxanne’s eyes glinted upon hearing that. If I can take a look at those books, perhaps I’ll get some inspiration, too. Then again, those books are properties of the Damaris family. I don’t know if he’s willing to lend them to an outsider. “The books about traditional medicine I lent you in the past were a part of that collection. If you’re interested, I can lend you the whole set.”
Without hesitation, she nodded. However, she thought about something and inquired, “Is it really okay for me to read them? Don’t those books contain content the Damaris family wants to keep confidential?”
Medical prestigious families tended to have a few techniques they wouldn’t share with anyone. It was why Roxanne was overjoyed when Jack taught her Root Thirteen and why she was skeptical about his proposal to lend her those books.
He grinned. “I can’t hide anything from you, can I? Indeed, there’s a condition you need to fulfill if you want to read those books.” “What condition?” She frowned. I have a bad feeling about this.
“As you said, those books contain secrets the Damaris family doesn’t want anyone else to learn. If you want to, you’ll have to sever your relationship with Dr. Lambert as his apprentice and join the Damaris family.” As though he was afraid she wouldn’t agree, he added, “The content of these books isn’t something an ordinary apprentice can access. Old Mr. Damaris has to acknowledge their capabilities first before they can read those books. Only three members of this generation in the Damaris family have earned the right to read them. If you join us, you’ll be the fourth.”
Someone else in Roxanne’s position probably would’ve accepted Jack’s condition without hesitation after listening to his tempting offer. After all, she had learned almost everything from her teacher. Even if she severed her relationship with Harvey at that moment, she wouldn’t be negatively affected. Yet, she rejected, “In that case, I’m afraid I’ll have to say no.”
The look in Jack’s eyes darkened. “Why? Don’t you want to read those books? Aren’t you curious about the Damaris family’s medical skills?” If I remember correctly, she joined the medical consultation because she wanted to take a glance at the Damaris family’s collection.
Roxanne nodded. “Of course I do. However, a few books aren’t enough to make me betray Professor Lambert, who has helped me multiple times in the past. He’s more than a teacher to me.”
An imperceptibly cold look flashed past his eyes. If she had accepted my proposal and become a member of the Damaris family that way, I could have settled for that as the next best thing. However, I didn’t expect her to reject it!
“Since you’re putting it that way, I’ll seem despicable if I try to persuade you further.” Suppressing his rage, Jack pursed his lips nonchalantly. “I hope you won’t regret your decision, Ms. Jarvis.”
Is it just me, or does Jack’s attitude seem different from his usual? Stifling the strange feeling in her chest, Roxanne grinned at Jack. “I won’t regret it. If you wish for us to research anti-cancer medicine, I’ll still do my best.” He lifted his coffee cup at her. “In that case, let us toast to our collaboration’s success with coffee instead of wine.”
Without delay, she clinked her cup with his. After the two of them briefly discussed the research progress, they determined the project’s starting date. They also talked about when Damaris Group would provide how much medicinal herbs to the research institute.
When their meeting concluded, it was already evening. Standing up to leave, Roxanne glanced at her phone and saw it was time for classes in the kindergarten to be dismissed.
Then Linda called her, asking her if she should pick up the children. Roxanne said no because the children had been complaining about her occupation with her work and voicing their desire for her to pick them up.
Based on the result of my discussion with Jack, I’ll be getting busy again in the next few days. I think I should spend my free time with the children when I still have some. As she thought, she drove to the kindergarten.
Upon arriving at her destination, she saw two teachers leading the children out of the kindergarten in a line. Then she noticed an unfamiliar teacher standing next to Pippa. She looks gentle.
“Ms. Jarvis, this is our kindergarten’s new teacher, Ms. Smith. She’s taking care of Archie’s class with me,” Pippa introduced. In response, Roxanne smiled politely. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Smith. I’ll be counting on you to look after my children.” Silently, Ophelia scrutinized Roxanne.
Before returning to the country, I often listened to Aubree complaining about Roxanne on the phone and describing how Roxanne snatched Farwell Group’s CEO from her. It’s why I’ve been curious about what kind of person Roxanne is. Now that I’ve seen her for myself, based on her face alone, I think she does have the potential to be a vixen. When her train of thought ended, she greeted Roxanne politely.
Soon, the entrance was clogged with the parents of other children. Roxanne bade the two teachers goodbye and brought the children into her car.
“Do you like the new teacher?” she asked caringly on the ride home. The children exchanged glances with odd expressions. “What’s the matter? You don’t like her?”
Benny answered, “No, we just thought she was a bit weird because she kept staring at us.” Even during group activities, that new teacher constantly tried to approach us, but she was hindered by the other children.
In response, Roxanne glanced at the children through the rearview mirror apologetically. “I’m sorry. It’s probably because of what happened a few days ago and the fact Ms. Smith is a new teacher that she’s curious about you all.” When I returned to the research institute after Lucian announced the children’s background to the world, plenty of employees there stared at me with slightly different looks, too. I suppose the new teacher is just like them, curious about us.
She comforted, “If you all don’t like it, I’ll tell Ms. Ward tomorrow to remind Ms. Smith not to stare.”
The children nodded.
Roxanne’s life was soon back on the right track while Lucian’s was still in chaos. Lucian considered going to Roxanne’s place in the evening after handling all the accumulated work in Farwell Group. However, he received a phone call from his mother, who asked him to return home as soon as possible.
Lucian furrowed his brows at his mother’s annoyed tone. Nevertheless, he still drove back to the manor. As soon as he stepped into the house, he was greeted by the sight of Sonya sitting on the couch.
“Why are you here?” he questioned with a frown. Sonya turned to look at him and said unhappily, “If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t even know you were back!” He had not mentioned to anyone about him going overseas with Roxanne.
Sonya had come over every day to ask her son for an explanation but always ended up empty- handed. When she called him and mentioned Roxanne and the kids, he would always give a half- hearted response before hanging up. Hence, Sonya had nowhere to vent her anger.
Since they were finally back, she naturally had to have a talk with her son. Lucian knew she didn’t have good intentions, and his expression darkened. He walked over to the couch but didn’t sit down, making it clear that he had no intention of engaging in a lengthy conversation with her.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.