Chapter 15

“What nonsense could they have possibly told me?” Lily broke free from Nathaniel’s grip and approached Melanie. “I’m interested to know what you think they would tell me.”

Under the scrutiny of Lily’s sharp gaze, Melanie averted hers. “How would I know what they told you?

But I’m guessing they want to offer you a role even when they know you’re working with us. They probably badmouthed us and boasted about themselves. Lily…” After a slight pause, Melanie continued, looking like she had just remembered something.

“Did they offer you a higher salary?”

“Higher salary? What would you consider that to be?” Lily asked in return and blinked her eyes innocently as if she knew nothing about what Melanie had just mentioned.

Melanie was disgusted by Lily’s act and thought, Such an idiot. She doesn’t even know how to negotiate for a higher salary. How did she even connect to the people from Rebirth? There must be a mastermind who planned everything last night. Someone must’ve persuaded her to do those things.’

“Lily, I’m just worried about you. Don’t speak to me that way, please? I’m afraid they’ve deceived you,”

Melanie said concernedly. She took advantage of the situation and held Lily’s arm.

Melanie was taller than Lily, so it was a little inconvenient for her to hold Lily’s arm. Melanie had to lean down a little, but she was unwilling to do so. As a result, she pulled Lily’s arm up to match her height without caring if Lily would feel uncomfortable.

Lily turned and looked up at Melanie, her ‘good friend’ of many years, as she started thinking that she must’ve been blind to keep such a pretentious woman by her side.

Lily had poured her heart and soul into perfume research, causing her to neglect her social life.

Moreover, she did not like to involve herself in meaningless social interactions as she believed it was enough for her to have a few good friends. Little did Lily know that some people treated her like a fool even when she was sincere in their friendship.

Lily put strength into her arm and clamped down on Melanie’s tightly. Then she pulled Melanie down closer to meet her gaze. “How am I talking now? I’ve always spoken to you this way. Oh, I get it. Are you mad because I told everyone I created First Love?” Blinking innocently, Lily continued, “But it’s true that I created First Love. Didn’t you say we might fail in the competition? I didn’t want you to take the blame for me; that was why I said First Love was my work. Still, you said I stole your formula for First Love during the competition yesterday, didn’t you?”

Melanie’s arm was slightly sore from Lily’s tugging. With the addition of the contentious question from Lily, she became flustered and looked toward Nathaniel for help.

“Lily, anger blinded all of us during yesterday’s competition, and we did not mean what we said. Plus, we said certain things because you left us no choice. That was the case for Melanie and me, and I’m sure the same goes for you. You should let bygones be bygones!”

Nathaniel raised his hand and patted Lily’s shoulder, saying gently, “Did you know that Mel and I looked everywhere for you last night because you didn’t come home? Can’t we talk and sort out all of our misunderstandings? You’re too naive, and I’m afraid others will use you for their benefits.”

“You guys looked for me the whole night?” Lily chuckled. When she turned to face Nathaniel, she forcefully turned Melanie’s body through their tangled arms. Suffering the pain from Lily’s forceful movement, Melanie cried, “L-Lily, my arm.”

“Yeah?” Lily looked as if she had just realized what she had done and loosened her grasp on Melanie, allowing Melanie to retract her arm. “Sorry. I didn’t notice that your arm reached into my space.”

Melanie did not know how to respond to that. She frowned, feeling a hidden meaning behind Lily’s words.

Ignoring Melanie, Lily continued questioning Nathaniel, “If I remember correctly, didn’t Ms. Thayer pass out yesterday? She recovered pretty fast that she could even look for me the entire night. I feel awful now.”

Melanie pursed her lips and suppressed the anger in her gaze. Forcing a smile, she said, “Lily, we’re friends! You’ve dated Nate for so many years, and the both of you have deep feelings for each other.

You shouldn’t listen to what others say. Also, why did you do all that last night? Are you aware of how much that would hurt MN Inc. and Nate? What exactly did Rebirth tell you?”

Melanie’s questions were what Nathaniel wanted to ask Lily too. What exactly happened yesterday?