Chapter 57

"Work?" Jenny shook her head. "You're not a team member, as you haven't passed my assessment. Therefore, I won't assign you any work."

After a brief pause, Jenny added, "If you insist on doing something, you can do the chores, if you're willing."

"I'm not!" Lily said bluntly. "I'm a perfumer. I know my role and what I should and shouldn't do. While cleaning isn't a degrading job, it's not something I should be doing. Since you need three days to determine the content of my evaluation, and there's currently no work for me, I'll await your news, Ms. Gray." Lily smiled faintly. "Oh, and if you haven't finalized my assessment in three days, I'll assume I've passed and can officially begin working."

Jenny hadn't expected Lily to counter her; Lily hadn't even attempted to appease her. Jenny had assumed that, after being rebuffed, Lily would try to impress her, even if it meant doing chores.

Perfumers' hands and noses are essential and need protection, it's true. However, Lily was in a position where she needed to curry Jenny's favor, yet she refused to compromise. Jenny was a little angry at her attitude but found herself looking at Lily differently.

Lily attracted attention leaving the room. Those outside hadn't heard their conversation and only saw Lily leave shortly after arriving. Suspicions of an argument, even a resignation, circulated, but Lily was unconcerned. She planned to use the three days to resolve her issues with Nathaniel.

As soon as she entered her car, she received a call from an unknown number. "Hello, is this Ms. Christian? Lily Christian?" The caller's voice was unfamiliar but polite.

Lily, stunned, nodded. "Yes, this is Lily. Who's speaking?"

"Hello, I am the representative lawyer for MN Inc. Mr. Hall assigned me to handle your case involving the theft of MN Inc.'s confidential information. I believe you received the previous lawyer's letter, correct?"

Although the other party was polite, his words were aggressive.

Lily was stunned, then burst out laughing. "Theft?"

Nathaniel had used the word "theft." Previously tactful, he now aimed to brand her a thief.

"Ms. Christian, as MN Inc.'s representative lawyer, I must remind you that the current evidence is unfavorable, and you have no chance of winning. I'm offering you a choice: a public or private settlement."

"What do you mean by 'private settlement'? What if I want a public one?" Lily asked casually, taking a sip of water from a bottle she pulled from her bag. "A private settlement requires only an apology statement. We'll prepare the documents; you just sign. Additionally, you must publicly apologize to Mr. Hall and Ms. Thayer for a week. You also can't join any other company in the same industry for three years. A public settlement means court."

"Court!" Lily said firmly, recapping the water bottle. The crisp sound of the cap echoed in the background.