Chapter 86

"Let go of me, Nate!" Lily said coldly. "What do you mean by that? Be more specific." Nathaniel refused to release her immediately; he still had many unanswered questions.

"Your current behavior constitutes harassment, Mr. Hall. I advise you to—" Lucas began, but Nathaniel thundered, "Shut up! Lily, you need to clarify. Did you tamper with the formula? Is it counterfeit?!"

Nathaniel glared at Lily, a chill running down his spine at the possibility.

Lily didn't answer. Instead, she stared at his hand on her arm. Then, coldly, she said, "I will say this once: Let go, or I will end things as I did before."

Her words brought back the alleyway incident, and he immediately released her. He still vividly remembered his surprise at her fighting skills, speed, and strength. "Mr. Hall," Lily said, wiping her arm with a wet tissue, "I will dislocate your arm if you ever touch me like that again!" She glared at him with disgust, then tossed the tissue into a nearby trash bin and left.

Melanie, witnessing Lily's departure, exclaimed in frustration, "Why did you let her go? How could she just leave without clarification? When did you start listening to her?! Have you forgotten the company's precarious situation?! She must have altered the formula!"

"What the hell are you doing?! Why didn't you demand the correct formula? Are you even listening to me? Nate, you're still in love with her, aren't you?! Tell me! And what does she mean, 'like last time'? What secret are you keeping from me? Answer me, Nate!" Melanie's suspicions mounted, and Nathaniel's silence only fueled her anger. She tugged his sleeve, her frustration growing.

"All right, enough!" Nathaniel snapped, his mind in turmoil. Melanie's tantrum only exacerbated his irritation. He shook her hand off his sleeve. Melanie stared, stunned by his outburst.