Chapter 33

Lily smiled faintly at Melanie. "Are you sure that's what you want? Should I reveal the truth?" Her calmness flustered Melanie.

What was Lily plotting? What exactly did she want? Melanie had revealed everything and couldn't back down.

Melanie gritted her teeth. "Don't make a fool of yourself, Lily," she replied bravely. "I've done nothing wrong. I may not be the most talented person in this industry, but I work hard. Everyone knows my contributions to this company over the past few years. You can't just spout nonsense."

"Melanie," Nathaniel intervened, gently squeezing her forearm. He turned to Lily, cleared his throat, and said, "I apologize. This press conference was meant to explain everything to the competition's organizing committee, our friends, and our consumers. However, we weren't adequately prepared, and Ms. Christian lacked sufficient time to prepare mentally. We…"

"Do you want evidence?" Lily interjected, immediately drawing the media's attention. She picked up her phone. "Since everyone's asking for evidence, here's the most straightforward form."

"Excuse me, Ms. Christian, what evidence is that?" someone asked.

Tension mounted. Neither side would yield, leaving the reporters bewildered. They couldn't determine the truth. Regardless, both women were skilled actors.

"The evidence is…" Lily began, but Melanie stood up and interrupted, "All MN Inc. employees can be witnesses. They can verify the perfumer and the creator of those compositions! As former classmates, I wanted to spare you some dignity. But you're too arrogant. You won't admit your mistakes and are confusing right and wrong. I'm done with your games, Lily. See you in court!"

Melanie threw down the microphone, stormed out, leaving everyone stunned. The intensity of the argument hadn't prepared anyone for her abrupt exit. Nathaniel, surprised, instinctively reached for her but was too late. He couldn't chase after her without being rude to the others present. He apologized, "I'm so sorry, everyone. This concludes today's press conference. Thank you for coming." He rose, glared angrily at Lily, then whispered to his associates before following Melanie without looking back.

Lily remained, facing the cameras and the reporters' scrutiny. Nathaniel had abandoned her. She knew he'd never truly cared for her.

"Ms. Christian, it seems Ms. Thayer intends to sue you."