Chapter 91

Melanie jolted from her seat, pacing furiously. Olivia ignored her, stretched, and slowly returned to the laboratory, seemingly reluctant to work.

Finally, Melanie collected herself and addressed Olivia. "Okay, what do you want? Whatever your conditions, I'll do my best to meet them."

At that critical moment, Melanie suppressed her anger, choosing negotiation over pleading. A face-to-face discussion offered her some control. Olivia tilted her head, glancing at Melanie and giggling. "Oh, you're so authoritative, Ms. Thayer. Any conditions at all? That sounds tempting, but is anything off the table?" Melanie felt contempt at Olivia's cheerful demeanor. This was a business deal; affection and loyalty were priceless. Olivia's question suggested a significant request.

Melanie cleared her throat. "We can't discuss power within MN Inc., but we've worked together a long time. Though I'm a director, you know my relationship with Nate. If you settle this, I'll tell him. I won't boast, but leveraging your extensive lab experience is preferable, wouldn't you agree?"

After considering this, Olivia nodded solemnly. "That's reasonable. However, are you truly open to any conditions?"

Melanie's eyes widened with a hopeful, though secretly amused, sneer. Maintaining a composed expression, she said, "I'm open to suggestions. A promotion? A raise?"

"What if I want both? Gosh, I feel so greedy!" Olivia admitted her greed, knowing Melanie couldn't refuse.

Melanie smiled. "Greed is perfectly normal. It's human nature. So, tell me, what's wrong with the essential oil formula?"

Olivia shook her head. "Hey, we haven't finished negotiating. Why are you so anxious?"

"Didn't I agree? I'll double your salary and promote you to Deputy Manager of the R&D department. Does that work?" Melanie gritted her teeth; this was her best offer.

Olivia's qualifications didn't merit the position, but Melanie prioritized resolving the situation. Later, she could easily demote Olivia with a pay cut, leaving Olivia unable to retaliate.

"I never said I wanted that," Olivia said nonchalantly. Her indifference only fueled Melanie's anger.

This revealed Melanie's passive position. "Then what do you want?" she asked again.

Olivia stopped, clapped her hands, and turned to Melanie with a half-smile. "I do want a raise, Ms. Thayer, but not just double. I want ten times my current salary." She held up ten fingers.