Chapter 288
Nathaniel felt no pity for her. In retrospect, he should have suspected her attempt to dispose of the baby and investigated, but he didn't. He was unaware of her desire for an abortion so early in the pregnancy. He had even envisioned a future with her, but her halfheartedness rendered her worthless in his eyes.
"I'm being lenient by not asking you to leave MN Inc. The company will participate in the annual competition, but under MN Inc.'s name, not yours. You may only accept the award as a representative. That's my final offer."
"No, no!" Melanie protested. She had made a pact with herself, striving for the competition and advancement. Her feelings and everything were on the line; she couldn't forfeit her future.
"You can't do this! You can't take my credit! This new product is my achievement!" Melanie lunged toward Nathaniel, nearly frantic.
He wheeled his chair back, avoiding her. He regarded her coldly, seeing only a deranged woman. Her former charm and cuteness were gone, leaving him regretful and disappointed.
"Take the credit?" He sneered. "Mel, don't forget how you stole Lily's credit. Did you write the formula? Was the inspiration yours? Did you even work in the lab? What did you do besides exchange your body for the formula? What qualifies you to claim it as your own?"
"The company funded everything, from raw materials to experiments. Letting you accept the award as a representative is already a concession. If you remain ignorant, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Melanie hadn't expected such heartlessness. She laughed, then burst into tears. "Nate, why this pretense of righteousness? Weren't you part of the plan to settle things with Lily? Now you regret it? You miss your ex-lover and want to break up with me?"
"It's none of Lily's business."
He did regret it and wanted Lily back. Even without Lily, however, reconciliation with Melanie was impossible. The memory of Frank and her kneeling before him made his stomach churn; he felt disgusted and his appetite vanished.
Melanie's belief that Lily was the cause intensified with each of his words. Clutching the hospital bed, blood dripping from her hands, she hissed, "Nate, do you think Lily will still be with you? Go find out! She's already at the top of La Beauté Group. Do you think she'll still want you? It's ridiculous!"
"Enough of this nonsense!" Nathaniel said coldly.
He might have believed Melanie before, but Lily's life had improved since leaving MN Inc. Now, with the Lodge family's backing, Lily needed no other sponsor.
"Can't you verify this? Go check! Do you think I'm distasteful? How many truly graceful people are there in this circle? At least I'm genuine! Unlike Lily…" She laughed mockingly, scornful of his self-righteousness.