Chapter 118

Nathaniel made several calls, but each time he was hung up on, leaving him feeling depressed. He wondered if Lily had also gone to Midille Valley. Recalling Melanie's words—first class? A Rolls Royce?—he doubted it. Was Rebirth that generous? And did La Beauté Group have the resources to support such a small subsidiary?

"Mr. Hall," a laboratory staff member approached with a joyful expression. "The new product is finalized, and it's identical to the original."

"Really?" Nathaniel's excitement was quickly tempered. "Has it been tested? Is it exactly the same? Remember, there must be absolutely no difference!"

It was a fortunate but frustrating situation. The perfume Lily had formulated seemed to possess some extraordinary magic. Its admirers had become fiercely loyal, refusing to buy it if even the slightest difference existed. This was the source of the problem.

He needed to ensure an exact replica so the factory could increase production without issue.

The staff member hesitated, then nodded vigorously. "Same! Exactly the same!"

"Okay!" Nathaniel couldn't contain himself. He immediately stood and followed the staff member to examine the new sample—a small bottle with test strips. He leaned in to smell the perfume, his frown finally relaxing.

"Send this to the factory immediately. Have them work overtime and produce it overnight. We must meet the deadline!" He paused, reconsidering. "Forget it. I'll make the trip myself."

The stakes were too high to delegate. "Hurry and deploy more staff. You've all been working hard. After this, I'll give you a holiday and a raise!"

"Thank you, Mr. Hall!" The staff member happily relayed the news.

Nathaniel started to leave, then stopped and turned. "By the way, is Olivia still here?"

"She's on leave," the staff member replied, scratching his head.

"Sick leave again?" Nathaniel was accustomed to Olivia's lackluster performance since Lily's departure.

"No, personal leave this time. She said she had something to do, but didn't elaborate."

Nathaniel waved his hand dismissively. "Go!"

Personal leave? Had he approved it? She clearly didn't care. He'd been too preoccupied lately to deal with Olivia, but it was time to address her insubordination.

First, he would deliver the essential oils to the factory, then drive directly to Olivia's residence. Her employee registration form listed her home and mailing addresses.

Olivia and her family were ordinary middle-class. Her father had passed away two years prior, and she'd been renting a small two-bedroom apartment with her mother ever since.

Standing at her apartment door, Nathaniel rang the doorbell repeatedly, pausing occasionally to let her respond. Finally, he heard a sleepy voice from within. "Who is it?" Her hand reached the doorknob, but she paused, peering through the peephole. Nathaniel.

Her drowsiness vanished instantly.