Chapter 19
Lily went to the laboratory after leaving MN Inc., a company located far from her current workplace. Lily and Olivia focused primarily on research and development, mass-producing their products only after proving their success rates.
Nathaniel, however, consistently prioritized speed over thoroughness. He rushed products into production before testing was complete, frequently launching new products prematurely. He justified this by claiming the market's dynamism demanded seizing opportunities quickly, thus necessitating aggressive product launches to capture consumer attention.
Lily disagreed with his aggressive approach, believing that new product development required a process of inspiration and experimentation, including extensive testing, and could not be rushed.
Despite her objections, Lily could only offer suggestions, feeling unqualified to directly challenge Nathaniel. He dismissed her concerns, claiming she didn't understand business and should simply focus on faster production, adding that she would eventually enjoy the rewards of his success as a wealthy wife.
This was not Lily's desire; her contentment stemmed from her relationship with Nathaniel. She had made significant sacrifices for him, only to realize he had consistently taken advantage of her.
As the traffic light turned red, Lily slammed on the brakes, collecting her thoughts. She resolved to stop dwelling on Nathaniel and move on, believing it wasn't too late.
Upon arriving at the lab, she discovered Nathaniel's cunning exceeded her expectations. Olivia was not in the main lab, but in the archives room with several hostile-looking strangers.
"What's going on?" Lily asked calmly. "L-Lily!" Olivia exclaimed, relief evident in her voice. "You're finally here! These people are about to destroy the archives!"
Lily glared at the strangers as Olivia explained the situation. Calming Olivia with a pat on the back, Lily addressed the strangers: "Who are you?"
"Mr. Hall sent us," one replied arrogantly.
"Nonsense. Mr. Hall never told me about this."
"That's none of your concern. Mr. Hall ordered us to work with you at the lab, starting today, to expedite the development of new products."
Nathaniel told them to work with me? He just wants to keep an eye on me! Lily thought.
Nathaniel's naiveté was evident; he assumed Lily would continue working for him as if nothing had happened during yesterday's conflict.
"Since you're here to work with me, you should be in the lab. Why are you in the archives?" Lily retorted mockingly.
"T-These guys told me to locate all the research and development documents and hand over the keys to the archives!" Olivia explained hastily.
"The R&D documents? Why should we give you confidential information?"
"Mr. Hall said"
Lily interrupted, "Stop mentioning Mr. Hall. Tell him to speak to me personally. You claim this is all Mr. Hall's doing? I'd say you're spies from a competing company!" The men exchanged dismayed glances under Lily's rebuke.