Chapter 1221

"I'm not thinking of other men. I'm thinking about something serious!"

Lily knitted her brow. "Don't you think he seemed a bit strange today? He didn't mention Blossom, and only discussed the order and deal when we brought it up. Also, Nicky didn't come today."

"Didn't he say the boy has to study?" Alexander dismissed it.

"Don't forget Nick takes one-on-one classes with a private tutor. How could he fall behind? Besides, when has Mike ever forgotten to bring him when he visits? Nick loves playing with Galen!"

'Something seems fishy,' Alexander thought, nodding. He frowned at her last remark. "What do you mean he enjoys playing with my son? Is Galen a toy?"

Lily suppressed a smile. Nick was indeed good to Galen, always thinking of him when there were treats or fun activities. He could be competitive, but Galen genuinely enjoyed playing with him.

Alexander, accustomed to thoughtful consideration, spoke after a moment. "Mike's business has thrived these past two years; he's always been shrewd. Perhaps he didn't mention Blossom because he saw no current possibility and simply gave up."

"Probably," Lily conceded, though she doubted Mike would give up so easily. She couldn't think of any other explanation.

"So, how's your 'secret weapon' progressing?" Alexander asked, his brow raised in interest. He had provided her with ample resources and support, never interfering unless she requested his input.

Blossom was a project that had always made Lily cautious and anxious.

"I've put it aside," Lily sighed, the light in her eyes dimming. The difficulties had been troubling her lately. The collaborating parties were at an impasse, and she was unsure how to proceed—or even if she should.

"Put it aside?" Alexander sat up, surprised. He sensed her distress, but had she not mentioned it, he wouldn't have known. Now, as she faced him, Lily revealed the project's details for the first time.

"As you know, this project involves a Bymonte research institute. The raw materials include the spices I specified and theirs. Adding new ingredients naturally requires multiple attempts to achieve the desired scent, but..." She paused, frowning slightly.

"You can't get the scent you want?" Alexander guessed.

Lily shook her head. "No! I initially thought they only wanted an essential oil for medicinal purposes, but I'm unsure what for. After several communications, I suspect their intentions are more complex than they've let on."

"What do you think they want to do with it?"

"I'm not sure!" That was her biggest concern. "I tried to probe, but they were evasive. They only said the results weren't ideal and asked for a heavier dosage. From the start, I questioned why they'd seek me out if the medicinal effects, not the scent, were their focus. They could have conducted their research independently, yet they insisted on collaborating."

Alexander pondered. "Perhaps they're using the scent as a cover for something else?"

"I don't know. I've worked with herbal remedies, but I'm no expert. I'm questioning whether to continue the collaboration. It's a new experience, but it's also rather frightening."