Chapter 1296

Mike, possessing little knowledge of medicinal herbs, only had some familiarity with commercial fragrances. Despite this, his persistence and optimism regarding the project were unusual.

"Maybe he thinks he can make money from this," Lily mused uncertainly.

Before she could elaborate, Galen interrupted, "Mommy, mommy! Throw…"

Lily, understanding his desire, gently tossed the ball. Galen giggled, chasing after it. Alexander observed silently.

"Don't you think playing with your son is like playing with a dog?" he quipped.

He hadn't meant to compare his son to a canine, but Lily's playful interaction made the comparison hard to ignore.

"Huh?" Lily raised an eyebrow, then looked at her grinning son. "It is, but so what? He seems happy!"

Alexander couldn't argue. "It seems to be true," he thought.

"By the way, Mike came to see me today, too," Lily mentioned.

"Did he try to get you back on the project?" Alexander guessed. The experiment was stalled, requiring Lily's expertise. Both Thompson and the new investor, Mike Corden, needed her return.

"I told him I'd think about it. Honestly, I'm reluctant to give up. I wonder if they'll agree to stop using those poisonous herbs?"

What if they don't? she wondered.

Their stalemate indicated neither side wished to abandon the project. This hesitation stemmed from the experiment's stagnation, a situation now altered by Thompson's visit, demonstrating his eagerness for success. Further delays would cost the institute money and resources; even Mike's investment wasn't inexhaustible.

Lily wasn't alone in her fatigue; Thompson was equally drained. A consensus was necessary, and Lily wouldn't be the first to yield.

"They'll agree," she stated confidently.

Suddenly, a furious outburst: "Shit!"

A sharp squeak followed, then the sound of breaking wood. A blond-haired, blue-eyed man was violently stomping on a cage that lay on the ground, then kicking it repeatedly. Soon, all movement ceased, and blood stained the floor.

"It didn't work! It failed again! The medicinal properties aren't sufficient. What have you guys been doing for the past few months?!" he roared, his blue eyes blazing.

A distraught Thompson stood by, equally frustrated. Success seemed so near, yet so out of reach.