Chapter 1277

Mike looked up coldly, his glasses glinting. "Professor Thompson, you're a smart person. You don't need me to explain something so simple, do you? Or is it too simple for you to handle?"

After repeated provocation, Thompson flared up. "You—"

But the man in the executive chair interrupted, his deep, unsettling voice cutting through the air. "Stop quibbling! Professor, Mr. Corden is right. You couldn't even keep a perfumer. Are you waiting for her to expose the lab's activities?"

"No, but—"

"No buts! If you can't manage it, someone else will take over." A cold sweat broke out on Thompson's back. He understood the implications. Their secret could not be revealed. Knowing far more about the project than Lily, he knew his life would be at risk if replaced. Furthermore, he was obsessed with the experiment and determined to see it through.

"N-No, sir, no one else understands this experiment as well as I do. I'll succeed!" He emphasized his commitment to the experiment's continuation.

"Good," his employer said. "Deal with the perfumer. And concerning the funding, leave it to us." It was clearly a matter between Mike and the employer, excluding Thompson.

"Yes, sir!" Thompson wiped his brow, exchanged a fleeting glance with Mike, and quickly left.

Mike rose and took a few steps. "I have no problem funding the project, but don't forget your promise, Mr. R."

"Don't worry. Once I have the products, you'll receive 70% first. But can you handle such a large quantity, Mr. Corden?"

The executive chair swiveled slightly, the occupant's back still to Mike, seemingly unwilling to face him.

Mike stared at the back of the chair, chin raised, hands in his pockets. "Well, Mr. R, I wouldn't invest so heavily if I weren't confident of a return. However..."

He paused, lifting his eyelids. "We're partners, and this is our first in-person meeting after our online communication. Aren't you going to show me your face, Mr. R? Or is your partnership insincere?"

The chair stilled. Silence filled the office. Mike remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the black chair.

After a moment, the chair turned slowly, revealing a strange face.

Since obtaining the agarwood, Lily had stayed home for several days, tending to the plant instead of working in her studio. She'd allocated a plot of land for its cultivation and immersed herself in books on its care.