Chapter 90

Every member of MN Inc.'s laboratory staff devoted themselves to the experiments. However, the composition of essential oils is complex, with dozens of ingredients in the formula. Even following procedures, small variations in quantity could yield different results. The cause of such discrepancies was often unclear.

Everyone seemed stumped. The staff had been working nonstop, enduring neck pain and eye strain—except for Olivia. She sat slumped in a chair amidst the experimental equipment, her head resting against the back. She fell asleep.

At that moment, Melanie entered and saw the scene.

"" Melanie clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and then slowly retrieved a blanket for Olivia.

Startled awake, Olivia murmured sleepily upon seeing Melanie, "Ms. Thayer, you're back."

"Yeah!" Melanie smiled. "Olivia, are you tired? It must have been a tough day. I just made coffee. Would you like some?"

Olivia gave Melanie a blank stare, seemingly disoriented. Melanie felt uncomfortable under Olivia's gaze but controlled herself. She had previously held a grudge against Olivia, but knew the consequences of losing her temper.

"Why are you staring at me? Do you think I poisoned the coffee? Shall I take a sip first?" Melanie said, half-jokingly, and drank from the cup. "Look, I care about you!"

"Thank you, Ms. Thayer. However, since you already drank it, I don't want any."

"Never mind, then."

Just as Melanie was about to offer to make another cup, Olivia said, "Besides, don't you know there's no eating or drinking in the laboratory?"

Coffee's aroma could interfere with a perfumer's judgment, easily masking other scents. How could Melanie, a perfumer and director, make such a mistake? Her actions suggested either a lack of seriousness or ignorance.

"I" Melanie smiled awkwardly. "Of course I knew! I came to check on you because you looked tired! If you can't figure it out, stop and rest. Let's go out and talk."

Melanie led Olivia out of the lab and seated her on an outside sofa. She diligently brewed fresh coffee and provided snacks and fruit.

"You must be hungry. Have some snacks now; I'll treat you to something delicious later."

Olivia stared at Melanie fearfully. "Ms. Thayer, whatever it is, please just say it. You're making me nervous!"

Melanie was speechless. She spun around, clenched her fists, and gritted her teeth, struggling to control her anger.

After composing herself, she turned back, still smiling. "Olivia, I know you misjudged me, but it's okay. I don't mind. I just came to talk. Nothing else." Melanie continued, "We haven't had a friendly conversation in a long time. You're friends with Lily, even though you don't work for her. Can't you be friends with me, too?" She spoke earnestly, smiled at Olivia, and waited for a response.

Olivia remained vigilant. After Melanie finished, Olivia blinked and shook her head decisively. "No!"

Melanie was speechless again.