Chapter 226

"Actually, the sample was successful, but our product failed the final test. The result was simply unpresentable. We'd lose if we used this as our competitive product," he said. He might as well tell Melanie the truth; he couldn't disguise it.

"What do you mean by 'unpresentable'? How could this be? This formula can't be wrong. I got it from" She stopped abruptly, realizing what she was saying. Nathaniel stared at her. "From where?"

"F-From a long time ago," she stammered. "I've had this formula for a long time, and I've done countless tests on it. I believe this formula has no problems at all!" Though she sounded determined, her uncertainty was evident.

Frank had given her the formula, and Melanie had no reason to doubt him, given his authority and expertise. She had believed everything he gave her was perfect. However, her faith in him faltered after his formula failed lab testing. She couldn't let Nathaniel know, so she had to act confident.

"I believe this formula is sound, but we've tried many times. Why don't" Nathaniel trailed off, unable to articulate his concerns to Melanie.

A few days ago, he had told her not to go back to the lab. Now, he was asking her to review the experiments. He was contradicting himself, especially to his fiancée. He couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Do you want me to go take a look?" Melanie asked, knowing him well.

Embarrassed, Nathaniel sighed and shook his head. "No, it's fine! There are so many people in the lab; I'm sure one of them can figure out what's wrong. I just wanted to check if the formula was okay. Don't worry. We'll keep trying until we succeed!"

"Nate, you don't have to force yourself!" Melanie took his hands. "Just like you said, it's the most critical stage. I should go in and take a look. After all, I wrote the formula, and no one understands it better than I do. I should ensure everything goes well and that it becomes our final product. Even if you hadn't asked, I would have gone anyway."

"I'm just worried about your health. The lab has many chemicals, and I think you shouldn't," Nathaniel said, his concern lingering.

Melanie had recently refused his requests to sleep together, blaming the baby's position. She claimed the baby's condition was unstable and required her undivided attention. He wholeheartedly agreed, kissing her gently and resisting his desires. Nathaniel was eager to be a father and determined to avoid any accidents.

"Don't worry. I'll be sure to wear a mask!" she said, playfully adding, "Why don't you get me one of those gas masks, too!"

"I can do that!" Nathaniel replied seriously.

Melanie laughed, falling back onto the bed. "You're so silly! I was just kidding! Don't worry. I'll only be in the lab briefly to check what went wrong. Besides, I don't think our baby is that fragile. I'm not stressed about it at all."

"But" Nathaniel still worried, but Melanie insisted, "If you continue being like this, I'm going to get mad!"

"All right!" he conceded.

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