Roxanne arrived at the research institute's entrance and saw Colby checking a herb. A plump man in a suit stood beside him. She couldn't hear their conversation, but Colby's annoyance with the overly solicitous man was evident. Roxanne rarely saw Colby so agitated; he was usually a patient gentleman. Quickening her pace, she approached them.

Before the man could finish apologizing—"Dr. Galloway, I didn't do this on purpose. I was in a meeting when you called yesterday, and I thought—" Colby interrupted him upon seeing Roxanne. He introduced her: "This is Dr. Roxanne Jarvis, head of our research institute. Please tell her what you told me."

The man, momentarily frozen, turned to Roxanne. "Dr. Jarvis, I'm Rex Tanner, Queen Group's herb manager. Please call me Rex."

Roxanne was confused. Queen Group? What was happening?

Rex hesitated, unsure how to explain the situation. He was a victim, having only been aggressive with Colby because Frieda had claimed it was Jonathan's idea. Now, he faced the consequences. Jonathan had ordered him to apologize in person, not by phone. He'd arrived with his entourage, expecting a more welcoming reception. His attempts to appease Colby had failed. He couldn't, however, reveal Ms. Queen's instructions.

Learning Roxanne headed the institute—and knowing she had cured Alfred—he became even more deferential.

After exchanging a glance with Colby, Roxanne nodded to Rex. "Mr. Tanner, what brings you here?"

She recognized him as the man who'd ignored Colby's phone call; no wonder Colby was so unfriendly.

Rex sighed, apologetically explaining, "Dr. Jarvis, I was in a meeting when Dr. Galloway called yesterday. Afterward, Mr. Queen summoned me. I got caught up and forgot to call Dr. Galloway back. That's how the misunderstanding arose."

Roxanne offered a cold smile. "So, you blame us for impatience? You expected us to wait for your call, Mr. Tanner?"

Cold sweat beaded on Rex's forehead. He'd thought Roxanne would be easier than Colby, but she'd twisted his words and intimidated him.

"That's not what I meant"

Despite her petite frame, Roxanne exuded authority. Rex, overwhelmed, couldn't explain himself.

After a few seconds of intense eye contact, Roxanne softened her demeanor slightly. "Since you manage Queen Group's herbs, and we'll continue working together, I expect respectful treatment and assurance that yesterday's incident won't be repeated."

The extraneous content ("Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Findηʘvel.ɴet," "IP," "nie," "са," "NI") has been removed as it was irrelevant and seemed to be spam. The narrative has been streamlined for better flow and clarity.