Chapter 85

Lily glanced lazily at Nathaniel. Uninterested in engaging him, she returned to her phone.

Nathaniel, aware of her deliberate avoidance, changed tack. "Mel and I have seriously reconsidered our relationship these past few days. We shouldn't let our personal issues affect work. Blame is irrelevant. You've helped significantly, and we're withdrawing the lawsuit. You're free to do as you please; let's just drop this, okay?"

"What do you say, Mr. Hudson?" Lily ignored him, addressing the lawyer beside her. James, who had remained silent, observing and taking notes, looked up. "Certainly not, Ms. Christian."

"This is between us. You shouldn't interfere!" Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Where did you find such an unprofessional lawyer? He's a fraud, clueless, and detrimental to your case! You'll lose in court. My offer is your best option!"

"Is that so? Should I be grateful?" Lily sneered, introducing James. "He's Rebirth's professional consultant and lawyer. Do you honestly think he's a fake? Unlike you, a pathetic man who steals others' achievements!"

"How dare you?!" Nathaniel's patience snapped. "Lily, you've gone too far!"

"Who's gone too far? How dare you accuse me of betraying MN Inc.? How dare you ask me to drop it? Why should I? When did I betray MN Inc.? I've spent years in the lab, conducting countless experiments and sourcing the best ingredients. MN Inc. profited immensely from my work. I want to know how much you two profited from me. What exactly did I do to betray MN Inc.?"

Nate stammered, unable to answer.

"I'm disgusted by that company's name. I worked myself to the bone while you two reaped the rewards! The thought makes me sick," Lily snorted.

"Mind your language, Lily!" Melanie's anger flared. "My actions aren't as reprehensible as yours! Let's go, Mr. Hudson. This place is unbearable."

Lily sneered at Melanie, gathered her bag, and prepared to leave.

"Wait! I didn't bring you here to fight. Can't we reconcile?" Nathaniel rose, grabbing Lily's wrist as she moved toward the exit, his purpose unmet.

"No!" Lily stared coldly at him, then down at his hand on her wrist.

"Can you at least tell me if there's a problem with the formula?" Nathaniel asked hesitantly, his voice tight with worry. The implications of faulty formulas extended far beyond this batch, threatening MN Inc.'s future. He needed answers, even at the cost of his pride.

Lily looked up. Nathaniel's once loving face was etched with anxiety, pathetic in its desperation. She wondered why she'd ever loved him. "Haven't you already figured it out?"