Chapter 92

"Ten times?!" Melanie gasped, disbelieving Olivia's colossal appetite.

Before she could process this, Olivia said, "As for the promotion… you're underestimating my ambitions. Why would I be satisfied with a managerial position in R&D? I want your position." She pointed directly at Melanie, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Melanie's face soured. While the arrangement with Olivia was temporary, and easily broken, Olivia's audacity in demanding Melanie's position infuriated her. The repercussions—among staff and within the industry—of relinquishing her position were too significant to consider.

Olivia, expecting this reaction, remained unhurried. Leaning back in her chair, hands behind her head, she said, "Oh, one more thing: you'll apologize to Lily, publicly admitting you stole her research. Then, I might consider helping you."

Melanie, reaching her limit, exploded. "You're taking this too far, Olivia Hart!"

Olivia merely smiled. "I'm sorry. 'Too far'? You told me to name my price. You're upset after I stated my conditions? You shouldn't have offered if you couldn't deliver. Now you're just making things awkward."

"Why, you little—"

"All right, calm down. I was joking. Let's get back to work. I'm busy; Mr. Hall needs data. And Ms. Thayer, don't you need to work too? As one of our best perfumers, your expertise is invaluable in this crisis. We're waiting for your leadership." Olivia retrieved her test tube and resumed her work, clearly enjoying Melanie's flustered silence.

Enraged, Melanie snatched the test tube.

Olivia was surprised. "Ms. Thayer, I can't work if you—"

"Quit screwing around! Since you're being difficult, let's be crude. What did Lily offer you? She left this company; does she even care about you? I know you were close, but loyalty doesn't pay the bills. She's earning a hefty salary, while you're defending her. Is your job, or your loyalty, more important?"

"Well," Olivia sighed, shaking her head, "Heartless people like you wouldn't understand. It's not always about money."

"Olivia Hart!" Melanie shouted, but her phone rang, interrupting her.