Chapter 108

As soon as the words left her lips, she realized she'd asked a foolish question. Why wouldn't he know? Working for the same company as her husband wasn't ideal, especially since he was her boss. Worst of all, if anything went wrong, he'd find out immediately.

She sighed, looking upset. "Since you're aware, you should also know this was the company's arrangement. As a junior employee, I have to obey."

"Why do I hear resentment in your voice? If you don't want to go"

Before he finished, Lily quickly interrupted. "Who said I didn't want to go? I just haven't had the chance to tell you, not because I didn't want to."

"The temperature in Middle Valley fluctuates greatly between morning and night, so remember to bring a jacket," he replied, wanting to change the subject.

Lily was surprised. She'd expected a different reaction, but it went so smoothly. Still, since the company arranged it, he must have known beforehand. How silly of her to worry he'd object!

Alexander's lack of reaction to her business trip relieved Lily. This good start would make future endeavors easier. After all, even though her job was stable, she frequently needed to gather ingredients, seek inspiration, and attend meetings to learn from her predecessors. Without the ability to attend ordinary business trips, her future work would be far more difficult. His lack of restriction on her freedom made her like him considerably more.

"I disagree!" Nathaniel declared, his eyes fixed ahead.

Melanie, leaning against him, frowned. "Nate, don't do this! I know you'll miss me, but this is a wonderful opportunity. I haven't attended such an event in a long time, and there's a sampling session. Mr. Moreau will be there, making it even more"

"I disagree even more now that he's involved," Nathaniel interrupted. "Simply put, you're not going."

"Who's going then? You? What about the essential oils and the formula? What about the company? Besides me, who's more qualified? Unless you have someone new you want to send? Don't you want me anymore?" She shouted, losing her temper. "Who is it? Is it Tiffany, that young girl in the office? I saw you looking at her the other day!"

Nathaniel frowned deeply. "What nonsense are you talking about? There's no one else. I don't even know who Tiffany is."

"Then why won't you let me go?" she pouted, shaking his arm. "Nate, I want to go! I'm representing MN Inc. Opening the Middle Valley market will improve supply and expand sales channels. Besides, the company is short-staffed. This is a great opportunity to find new talent!"

He turned to see her watery eyes blinking at him—soft and appealing. His heart softened. She knew him too well, holding power over his heart, always making him yield without realizing it.

His tone softened. "Mel, it's not that I don't want you to go. If I had the time to accompany you, we would. But I don't, and I'd worry if you went alone."

"Who said I'd be going alone? I said Mr. Moreau is coming! He's a VIP invitee. It would be advantageous to accompany him!" Melanie said happily.

"I disagree even more because he's going!" Nathaniel's voice rose. He was furious. "Mel, don't you think he looks at you differently?"

Melanie was silent.

After a moment, she said, "Oh, that's not true! I see nothing wrong with him! Your mother introduced him, and he's famous. He's not what you think. Do you think everyone is attracted to me the way you are? I think you're worrying too much."

As soon as the words left her lips, she realized she’d asked a foolish question. Why wouldn't he know?