Chapter 51

"Do I have to hand-copy these notes? Can't we photocopy them? Or hire someone if we absolutely must hand-copy them?" Melanie pouted, expressing her dissatisfaction. "I've been feeling drained lately. The stress of Lily's recent attacks is really getting to me!" she said, coquettishly hugging Nathaniel's arm.

Nathaniel's heart softened at her closeness and sweet voice. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. "You know this industry; most of these notes are handwritten. Would you use a computer to record data during experiments? You only key in the final summary, right?" He comforted her with a kiss on her forehead.

However, his words didn't quell Melanie's anger. "This is all Lily's fault! We would have won the award if she hadn't sabotaged us. The company's financial problems wouldn't exist; we could have reached the next level. It's all her fault!" she barked, throwing the notes onto the table. Her anger was palpable; she seemed to be venting on the notes as if they were Lily herself. Nathaniel shared her anger but knew securing evidence and maintaining the high ground was paramount. Even with La Beauté Group's support, Lily would be powerless then.

After some coaxing, a reluctant Melanie resumed copying the notes.

Nathaniel stepped aside, calling someone on his phone. "Have you arranged everything? Good. I've reviewed the manuscript; it's ready. Post it ASAP!" he said before hanging up.

He stood before the window, overlooking the city from the seventy-seventh floor—a floor he'd chosen because seven was his lucky number. He associated it with the seven wonders of the world, the seven days of creation, and believed it would bring him luck and success. That is, until recently. The start-up had been challenging, but he'd overcome it. Lily's fragrances had been one success after another, boosting the company's sales.

He'd planned to seek investors, expand production, double assets after winning the award, then rent the entire building, take the company public, buy the building outright, and break into the international market. His dreams were ambitious. He hadn't anticipated anyone derailing them. He couldn't understand Lily's sudden change.

She'd always been docile and obedient, working willingly without pay, never questioning company decisions. Even if she knew about his affair with Melanie, she could have cried, begged him to stay, and he would have supported her for life. What was the big deal? Successful men often have multiple partners; what was the issue with two?

Nathaniel's breath fogged the window, obscuring the city. He wiped it vigorously. He'd climbed too high to fall. He wouldn't, couldn't, and wouldn't ever return to his past. Never.