Chapter 1276

Thompson pursed his lips, looking embarrassed. "From what I know, Lily hasn't studied herbal medicine formally, but she's a brilliant woman. Given her extensive plant exposure, I wouldn't be surprised if she'd acquired some knowledge during that time."

"You don't understand," his employer countered. "Herbal medicine is a vast and complex subject. Even after decades of study, I've barely scratched the surface."

"Enough!" the employer snapped. "You're still clinging to this pride, aren't you? If you hadn't been so ineffectual, we wouldn't need outside help."

"Sir, I've shortlisted several top perfumers nationally, and I've also identified several overseas candidates as backups. Perhaps we could—"

Thompson's attempt at a solution was cut short. Learning of Lily's decision to withdraw, he'd immediately prepared a contingency plan, selecting several reputable perfumers. 'If she backs out, we can replace her. However...'

"Replace her? For what?" his employer demanded. "Do you think we lack qualified individuals who understand our work?"

Thompson fell silent. 'Indeed, our project is classified. Even the lab workers don't know the experiment's true purpose, let alone Lily. Everyone has their assigned role; very few, including Lily, know the finished product's intended use.'

'However, replacing Lily increases the risk of exposure, as another person would become involved. My boss is right to point that out.'

"So, what's your recommendation?"

"Since she's already involved, she should forget about backing out. She must either complete her task or remain silent."

Thompson was taken aback. "But sir, offending the Russells is risky, and I've heard she's quite skilled in kickboxing. Plus, she has the Lodge family's backing."

"You worry too much! How will you ever achieve anything great with such a timid approach?"

"But..." Thompson began, but Mike interrupted. "We're not suggesting harm. Can't you simply persuade her to return and continue her work?"

"I've tried repeatedly!" Thompson exclaimed, feeling exhausted. 'I can't simply tell her the truth, can I?'

'Lily smiles and speaks softly, but she's incredibly stubborn.'

"If persuasion worked, there wouldn't be so many wars and conflicts," Mike observed, removing his glasses and casually wiping them. Thompson was lost.

Mike lowered his gaze to his glasses, the half-smoked cigar resting in the ashtray. His slender fingers meticulously polished the lenses. "Professor, you're an educated man. Haven't you considered intimidation and inducement?"

Thompson remained puzzled.

Mike replaced his glasses, looked up, and smirked. "Intimidation and inducement are both effective strategies. Professor, why have you considered only persuasion?"

Knitting his brow, Thompson retorted coldly, "Mr. Corden, you make it sound so simple. You're friends with Lily and her husband, aren't you? Why don't you tell me how we should intimidate or induce her?"