Chapter 1232

Judging by his actions, he clearly wasn't out of touch with the outside world. This meant he'd seen her message and deliberately ignored it. While replying wasn't obligatory, his refusal of a convenient communication channel suggested he was difficult to work with.

After being confronted, Austin paused briefly before replying with a slight smile. "I prefer face-to-face conversations. Texting is prone to misunderstandings and misinformation."

This was a new excuse.

"However," he continued solemnly, his gaze intense, "the point is, are you really planning to stop this project?"

"I'm still considering it. Are you here to dissuade me?" Lily looked up at him. His height accentuated her petite stature, a familiar perspective given her relationship with Alexander. She'd only mentioned her concerns once, lacking full knowledge of the project's details. The institute, fearing she'd withdraw, had tried to coax her several times, now apparently sending Austin to dissuade her.

Unexpectedly, he said, "No! I hope you stop thinking about it and just do it!"

"Huh?"

This was the first person from the institute who hadn't tried to dissuade her. Lily, who'd been on the verge of drifting off, became instantly interested.

"I personally believe this research is a complete waste of time, energy, and resources, and serves no worthwhile purpose. Besides," he paused, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips, "with all due respect, your research has always focused on extracts and essences. That's unrelated to our medicinal herbs. It's absurd to involve you in our work." Lily fell silent.

He clearly looked down on her, explaining his dismissive WhatsApp behavior and his desire for her to abandon the project. He considered her unworthy of the institute. After all, she was an extracts and essences researcher; how could she compare to those working with life-saving medicinal herbs?

"I understand," Lily nodded, taking a sip of her drink. She wasn't angry.

After a moment's reflection, she asked, "Is your opinion representative of the entire institute?" If so, she would withdraw. But she found it odd they'd even approached her about collaborating in the first place.

Austin bluntly replied, "It's my opinion. I don't know how you negotiated with the institute or the conditions you agreed to. I've heard your husband is a wealthy industrialist. But scientific research isn't child's play, unlike investing in a film or striking a business deal. You shouldn't meddle in matters of life and death." His gaze dropped to her pregnant belly. "Ms. Christian, I think you should focus on being a wife and mother."