Chapter 77

Nathaniel instructed Melanie to summon all lab personnel. By dawn, everyone had gathered, sensing the gravity of the situation from the urgency.

Melanie, aware of the importance, worked intensely, repeatedly analyzing the essential oil components she'd brought from the factory and comparing them to the formula. She couldn't understand why the finished product differed so drastically from previous batches.

Despite two years of relative disengagement from work, Melanie retained her perfumery skills and knowledge. Her analysis showed no fault with the essential oil components. Where, then, was the problem?

Nathaniel withheld the essential oil and finished product issues from the employees. He simply announced a new order requiring a personnel assessment. This assessment involved a test to differentiate essential oil components from previous and current batches.

Unsure of the assessment's purpose, the employees complied. They worked diligently, but without breakthroughs. Nathaniel harbored little hope; most employees were recent graduates. Previously, Lily had handled everything, so he hadn't prioritized training new personnel.

Training was expensive. Few become successful perfumers, and only the most capable command high salaries. His medium-sized company hadn't warranted such investment. Lily, competent and working pro bono, had sufficed.

However, he hadn't anticipated her sudden departure!

Nathaniel paced the lab, frowning. Time was critical. Failure to resolve the issue promptly would result in late orders and substantial contract breach penalties.

Entering Melanie's lab, he found her alone, frowning in concentration. Something felt amiss. After checking other labs, he discovered the problem: "Where's Olivia?"

"I—I don't know," the employees replied uncertainly. "We haven't seen her."

"Did you inform her?"

"I contacted everyone—text and WhatsApp—but couldn't reach Olivia."

"What? Call her! Keep calling! This is crucial! How can she be so unconcerned? Get her here, even if you have to drag her out!" Nathaniel roared.

"Uh"

"Now!" he bellowed. Then, a languid voice: "Hey! I'm early! Wow, you're all early too!"

Olivia, smiling and energetic, entered. Nathaniel's anger intensified.

"Do you know what time it is? Why are you so late?!"