Chapter 79

Nathaniel pondered for a moment before agreeing. "Alright!" However, he could only reach Lily using a borrowed phone; she had blocked his and Melanie's numbers.

Meanwhile, Lily, having completed her research and analysis, prepared a detailed report for Jenny. The task had been easy for her, completed ahead of schedule. Years spent practically living in a lab had made her adept at such work.

The lab's shower facilities proved convenient. After a much-needed bath and dressing, she was wiping her hair when her phone rang. Answering with the phone on speaker, she said, "Hello? This is Lily. Who's calling?" The towel muffling her head made it difficult to hear. She checked for any lingering odors, determined to avoid Alexander noticing anything unusual.

Nathaniel, clenching his phone, struggled to remain calm. She must be doing this on purpose! How long has it been? How dare she pretend not to know me?! He said, "Lily, it's Nate. I need to talk. Can we meet?"

Recognizing the unfamiliar number, Lily looked at her phone. He must have used a different number.

"No," she replied firmly, starting to hang up.

"Don't hang up!" Nathaniel quickly interjected. "I just want to talk. Must we continue down this road? We're still friends, right? We have misunderstandings, but we can work through them, can't we?"

Lily laughed. "Friends? Mr. Hall, you're dreaming." Before she could disconnect, Melanie's sharp voice cut in: "Lily, are you afraid to meet us? Say it if you have complaints! Must you play games?"

Lily, speaking directly into the phone, retorted, "I think you're more skilled at games. I'm not interested in your discussion. Whether we meet has nothing to do with fear. You've forgotten your company sued me. We're plaintiffs and defendants; a private meeting isn't appropriate."

Smiling sarcastically, she added, "If you continue these harassing calls, I'll record them for court." She hung up, tossing the phone into her locker. Looking up, she was surprised to see Jenny by the door.

Jenny quickly raised her hands. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I came because I heard you were in the dressing room. I didn't hear much."

Lily shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Nothing important."

Jenny chuckled. "You seem confident. That's reassuring. At least your personal life won't affect the company."

Lily asked, "Ms. Gray, you have confidence in me now?"

"Before, yes," Jenny paused, correcting herself. "Oh, right. I read your report. Good job."