Roxanne stiffened. "The Pearson family?" she murmured. As far as she knew, only one Pearson family in Horington was involved in the crude drug industry—and they were a problem for her. A worried frown creased her forehead. She fervently hoped she wouldn't encounter the person she most wanted to avoid.

They arrived at a café, their destination. The drug suppliers hadn't yet arrived. Colby and Roxanne sat down, ordered coffee, and waited.

Dozens of minutes later, a knock sounded on the private room door. Colby straightened. "They're here," he said.

Roxanne nodded, rose, and said, "Please come in."

A man opened the door. "Sorry we're late," he said.

The moment Roxanne looked up, she met Aubree's gaze. Speak of the devil, she thought, sighing inwardly. Aubree's eyes widened in shock. "You—Roxanne? Why are you here? Didn't you disappear a long time ago?"

Colby and Charles looked baffled. Colby, in a curious but friendly tone, asked, "Ms. Pearson, do you know Dr. Jarvis?"

Aubree's eyes flicked to Colby. "Dr. Jarvis?"

"Roxanne Jarvis heads our research institute," Colby explained. "When she learned we were signing a contract with you, she insisted on attending as a sign of our sincerity."

Aubree's expression darkened. All she cared about was Roxanne's return. Lucian called this morning to say he's considering calling off the wedding. Is this because of Roxanne? Has he found out she's back? Have they met? Her anxiety mounted, her face paling.

Roxanne, however, remained calm, appearing as if she'd never seen Aubree before. She glanced at her, frowned, and asked directly, "Ms. Pearson, are you not planning to continue our collaboration?"

Aubree quickly composed herself, her expression turning icy, then amused. "Of course I am. Dr. Galloway has worked on this contract for so long; I won't let his efforts go to waste."

She signaled the waiter and ordered four more cups of coffee. While they waited, Aubree's gaze lingered on Roxanne. Six years had made a difference. Roxanne, once cautious, now exuded an intimidating presence that overawed Aubree. Aubree, on the other hand, remained unchanged, watching the man she almost married slip further away. Jealousy clenched her fists.

"I want to work with your institute," Aubree said, "but I don't think the negotiated price is suitable. Since Dr. Jarvis is here, perhaps we can renegotiate." Her smile was professional, but her eyes were glacial.

Colby started to speak, but Roxanne stopped him. "Ms. Pearson, what do you mean?" she asked calmly.

"I'd like a two percent increase on the original price," Aubree stated.

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