Chapter 120

Nathaniel unexpectedly arrived at the door.

"What do you mean, you're okay?" Olivia's mother exclaimed, slapping her hand on Olivia's arm. "You haven't been well! I thought you were on leave, but you're just lazy! What were you planning to do, since you're too lazy to even go to work?" She continued to hit Olivia lightly as she spoke. Olivia didn't dodge, replying helplessly, "Mom, don't worry. Go on with your errands."

"It's not that I want to boss you around, but you should be responsible! Even your boss had to come find you! Now tell me, when will you straighten up?" "Mom" Olivia felt increasingly helpless. Nathaniel, standing at the door, watched the scene unfold.

He waited until Olivia had been reprimanded before clearing his throat. "Mrs. Hart," he said, "I think Olivia may have other reasons. Please don't blame her. I'm not here to judge her; I'm simply concerned about her well-being."

"Mr. Hall," Olivia's mother replied, "If you have something to say, perhaps we should talk outside?" Olivia glared at him, annoyed. She had underestimated him; he was far more despicable than she’d imagined! He’d come to her house and used her mother to pressure her. Regardless, he had achieved his goal.

Nathaniel spread his hands. "Sure, why not?" Olivia's mother, having already prepared tea, set down the teapot. "Mr. Hall," she said, "I've spoiled Olivia a little. She can be willful, but she's a good child. If she's been lazy at work, please scold her. She needs this job!"

"Mom, stop!" Olivia groaned, slapping her forehead. This was getting out of control.

Her mother, thinking Olivia didn't understand her good intentions, glanced at her. Nathaniel smiled. "Don't worry," he said. "Olivia needs this job, and our company needs her."

"That's good!" Olivia's mother nodded vigorously. "Quickly, thank Mr." She paused, unable to recall his last name. "Mr. Hall, let's go outside!"

Olivia, unable to bear the situation any longer, was already at the door. "Mom, I'll be right back."

As Olivia's mother turned to her, she whispered, "Okay, have a nice chat with Mr. Hall!"

Olivia and Nathaniel went to the coffee shop downstairs. He ordered two coffees, but Olivia wasn't in the mood to drink.

"Mr. Hall," she said sternly, her indifference gone, "why did you come to my house?"

Nathaniel smiled, took a sip of his coffee. "I care about my subordinates."

"Let's cut the chase," Olivia said. "Mr. Hall, I know what you want, but I'm sorry, I don't know Lily's recipe. Every perfumer has their own exclusive formula; it's impossible to share. I was just her assistant, and I'm still an employee of MN Inc. Why would you think she still trusts me?"

Nathaniel listened calmly, without interrupting. After she finished, he nodded. "You're right," he said, "but I didn't come for any formulas. Did you think MN Inc. would collapse without Lily? Did you think we wouldn't figure out her secrets? It seems you overestimated her."

Olivia realized she had assumed he was concerned about past events. She hadn't been to the lab in days and was unaware of the situation; she'd only intended to cause trouble. But Nathaniel's demeanor suggested they had resolved the problem.