The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 224

Last night, he had simply been passing by. Just seeing Garnett refuse to let go of her wrist had been enough for him to step in and offer help.

If he hadn't intervened, she wouldn't have shaken Garnett off so easily.

Should she go up to him and tell him about Renova Biosciences? This might be her only shot.

If it were any other investment, Lavinia would never have taken such a risk.

But Renova's new drug wasn't just about financial returns; it was a matter of human life.

As a former medical student, her conscience simply wouldn't let her stay quiet about the truth.

She was merely an industry analyst, and a new drug had many hurdles to clear before hitting the market.

But if every gatekeeper assumed the next person in line would take responsibility, it would ultimately result in no one taking responsibility at all.

Lavinia decided to risk it all.

But when she looked up, the man was gone.

Lavinia hurried forward, glancing frantically around the garage.

Caden Coleman had vanished, and so had "The Principal."

"Are you waiting for me?" a voice spoke from behind her.

Lavinia whipped around.

He was standing right there, keeping a polite distance, his eyes calm behind the silver-rimmed glasses.

Lavinia steadied her nerves, looked up, and asked, "Excuse me, are you the LP of Celestial Capital?"

He extended a hand. "Lucian Roche."

Lavinia paused for a second before shaking it.

His fingers were long, his grip firm, his skin a perfectly neutral temperature.

"Mr. Roche, hello. I'm Lavinia Joplin, an analyst in the Industry Research Department."

"Lavinia Joplin," he repeated her name.

"Mr. Roche, could I buy you a cup of coffee?" she asked, holding his gaze.

Lucian smiled faintly, stepped aside, and made a welcoming gesture.

"Get in my car."

***

The coffee shop was completely empty save for Lavinia and Lucian.

Lucian sat with his legs crossed, his hands resting loosely together. After studying her for a moment, he slowly asked:

"Did that man bother you again after last night?"

"Yes, I'm aware," Lavinia replied.

"Then why tell me?" Lucian pressed.

Lavinia offered a small smile.

"Perhaps the better question is, why did you listen?"

She stood up and extended her hand. "Mr. Roche, thank you for helping me last night."

Lucian stood and shook her hand.

"Take care," Lavinia said.

"Take care," he replied gently.

Walking out of the coffee shop, Lavinia felt incredibly light.

So this was what it felt like to go all in for something truly worth doing.

She stretched her arms, smiling as she muttered to herself, "Time to go write my resignation."

A Maybach glided past her.

Looking through the tinted window, Lucian watched the junior employee on the sidewalk, the corners of his lips slowly curving into a smile.