Chapter 359: Keep It Between Us

Roxanne, having slept late the previous night, was awakened by her ringing phone early the next morning. Disoriented, she groped for it beside her pillow before finally locating the source of the noise. Squinting at the screen, she answered groggily.

Colby's voice was anxious. "Something's happened, Dr. Jarvis."

Suddenly wide awake, Roxanne sat up straight. "What is it?" she asked hoarsely.

"A shipment of medicinal herbs, expected this morning, hasn't arrived," Colby replied gravely.

Their usual supplier was always punctual. A morning delivery meant the research institute would have received the herbs at the start of the workday. This delay was significant; if the herbs weren't delivered soon, many projects would be halted within two days, causing considerable setbacks and financial losses.

Roxanne froze. "Have you contacted our partners?"

Turning on speakerphone, she quickly washed up while listening to Colby's report.

"Yes," Colby said despairingly. "Some didn't answer; others were vague and unhelpful." He added, "I wish they'd just said they didn't want to work with us anymore. Their evasiveness is discouraging—I haven't even dared to look for other suppliers."

Roxanne's heart sank. She scrambled to get dressed. "Noted," she replied. "I'm coming right now."

She hung up.

Downstairs, her children were already at the breakfast table. Benny, having recovered, was attending kindergarten today, and Archie and Benny were eager to see Estella at school. They looked expectantly at Roxanne, hoping for a ride.

"Something came up at the institute," she said apologetically. "I have to go. Ms. Lane will take you to school."

Though disappointed, the boys were accustomed to their mother's busy schedule. "Drive safely, Mommy," they chorused, nodding understandingly.

Roxanne gave them a hasty reassurance and left without waiting for a reply. [Remove the promotional sentence about FindNovel.net]

She had planned to give her work to Colby before taking the children abroad. Her accomplishments at the institute—resolving numerous issues and introducing modern techniques—would have made Harvey proud. She hadn't anticipated this setback.

Roxanne drove quickly.

Colby was waiting at the institute's entrance.

"Have you told the researchers?" Roxanne asked, arriving briskly.

Colby shook his head. "No, I wanted to avoid panic."

Roxanne sighed with relief. "Let's keep this quiet for now. We'll figure something out. Tell me everything." Colby nodded.

Together, they hurried to Roxanne's office.