Chapter 1280

Olivia understood immediately. She knew Lily was collaborating on a new experiment at the research institute, but the details were classified. Her presence would be inappropriate if they discussed it.

"Will you be alright going alone? What if he insists you stay, and you two fight? There'll be no one to help you." She frowned. "Why not bring Edward? He can wait outside in case of trouble."

Knowing Olivia's concern, Lily laughed. "You think I'm going there to fight? Professor Thompson's an old man. I think he'd need help if things got physical."

Olivia shook her head. "He's old, but what if he brings help? You're young, you know kickboxing, but you're pregnant!"

"We'll be in a public place. Why are you so anxious?" Lily added, anticipating Olivia's protest, "You even mistook Edward's mosquito bite for a hickey and scratched his face. Luckily, he's good-natured. Otherwise, what would you do if he turned against you?"

"I..." Olivia blushed, flustered. "Why did he tell everyone? And how do you know it was a mosquito bite? It was a hickey!"

"Because I saw it, and someone tried to deceive me!" Lily chuckled, thinking of Alexander's attempts. "He always seems aloof, but sometimes acts like an attention-seeking puppy around me."

"What?" Olivia, intrigued, laughed. "You saw it too?"

"Anyway, stop teasing Edward just because he's easygoing," Lily said, lightly elbowing her.

Olivia pouted. "Lily, we're on the same team. How can you side with him?"

"You sided with Alex just now, didn't you?" Lily chuckled.

Olivia was speechless.

Mike stood still, shocked. A well-traveled man, he thought he'd seen it all, yet he couldn't describe the face before him. Half-hidden by a black mask, the exposed skin was scarred.

Whether the scars were from burns or stab wounds was unclear, but even partially concealed, they were terrifying. His dark brown eyes were enigmatic and sinister. Despite his experience, a chill ran down Mike's spine.

"Well?" Mr. R's hoarse voice was unsettling. His appearance matched the sound, making him seem like something out of hell. "Are you pleased with my appearance, Mr. Corden?"

Mike stared ahead, rooted to the spot, swallowing hard. He managed to remain outwardly calm.