Chapter 1250

Thompson didn't answer her questions directly, only assuring her that she shouldn't worry. The institute was ready, he claimed, the project approved and established; they simply needed her to deliver the desired results. She wouldn't be involved in product testing.

However, Lily felt responsible for her creations. How could she remain unconcerned about the results, or the effects her product might have on consumers?

Seeing Lily's prolonged silence and apparent daze, Austin assumed she wasn't listening or comprehending. His irritation flared, and he lost interest.

Waving dismissively, he declared, "Forget it! You wouldn't understand! This isn't like your perfumes. This is medicine; mishandling could be lethal! My advice? Stop the experiment and stay away!"

Lily's gaze sharpened as she looked at him. "Mr. Fike, why do you want me to stop? Is it because you think I'm ignorant of medicinal herbs? Is it genuinely about the experiment, or…," she stepped closer, a smirk playing on her lips, her gaze hardening, "…is it because I'm a woman?"

Austin remained silent, observing her. Smaller than him, with a slightly rounded belly, she stood before him, her gaze unwavering. He felt inexplicably unnerved.

For a fleeting moment, he wanted to retreat. He quickly composed himself, straightening his back. "Ms. Christian, arguing is pointless. You don't understand. Men excel at certain things, it's a fact. Furthermore, you're pregnant. This is for your own good. You're wealthy, successful in perfumery—why are you here? I mean well. This isn't as simple as your perfumery work. Medicinal herbs require extensive knowledge; mishandle them, and…"

He stopped abruptly. "Hey! I'm not finished! Where are you going?"

He hadn't expected her to leave mid-conversation. She walked away without a word.

Stunned, he raised his voice. "I'm serious! Consider what I said! It benefits you! Hey! Hey!"

He tried to continue, but Lily was gone.

Lily had no desire to engage with Austin's pronouncements or his prejudices against women. He's stubborn, arrogant, and biased, she thought. I want nothing to do with him. Still, he does know about herbs.

He's not entirely the charlatan I assumed, she mused. And he's right about the experiment; it's problematic, its direction and goal flawed.

Earlier, adding two drops of essential oil to the mixture had confirmed her suspicions—it suppressed the herbal scent temporarily. She would repeat the test; perhaps it would reveal their intentions.

Unconsciously, she turned at an intersection and halted, looking back toward the institute. A familiar figure caught her eye. 'Mike? What is he doing here?'