Chapter 1285

"Lily! Lily!" Thompson called after her several times, but she showed no sign of stopping. Just as he was considering a chase, Mike restrained him. "Professor Thompson, you should give her time to think."

"But..." Thompson disliked Mike, but Lily was already far gone. He could only sit, resentfully glaring at Mike. "Mr. Corden, you know how anxious everyone is about this project. Are you deliberately causing trouble?"

"You should be careful what you say," Mike replied, pushing his glasses up his nose. A faint smile played on his lips. "Don't forget, I'm an investor now, and I've invested in this project. Why wouldn't I want to see results? It's just that you're using the wrong approach to keep her involved."

"What do you mean?" Thompson asked, puzzled.

"I understand Lily's perspective. She doubts your motives and won't yield until she receives answers. If you continue to withhold information, I fear it will be difficult to get her back to complete the project."

Mike leaned back as he spoke; Thompson's expression grew more serious. He had poured his time and energy into this project. Its success would revolutionize the world, bringing him fame and solidifying his legacy in medicinal herbs. Success was within reach. But if they stopped now...

His expertise lay in medicinal herbs, not fragrances. He needed Lily for the perfect blend of herbs and commercial fragrances; that was his worry.

"Then what do you suggest?" Thompson asked helplessly. "You know the project's secrets, but Lily is persistent. I feel we're on the verge of a breakthrough. If Lily returns to help with the essences, we'll succeed soon. She's our missing piece..."

"I can't just kidnap her!" A wry smile touched his lips as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He whispered, "Besides, I'm not capable."

Even if Lily couldn't kickbox, a man in his sixties wouldn't stand a chance against a young woman, especially with the backing of the La Beaute Group. He wasn't foolish enough to confront the Russell family.

A knowing smile curved Mike's lips. "Of course, you can't kidnap her. Even if you did, her temperament suggests she wouldn't cooperate!"

"Exactly!" Thompson sighed, looking at Mike. "Tell me, what should I do? This is the most important thing."

"That's easy. Tell her the truth!"

"Tell her the truth?!" Thompson's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Tell her what she wants to know. Once she gets her answer, our problem is solved."