She considered the plant so precious that she didn't trust solely relying on books. Meticulously, she recorded its daily changes on paper, guarding against mistakes. She even contemplated asking Anastasia about agarwood's origins and her experience cultivating it.

Before she could decide whether to visit Anastasia, a guest arrived. Olivia approached, laden with snacks and toys for Galen, who greeted her with a smile. Olivia, however, seemed preoccupied. After a hug and a face smeared with Galen's spittle, she rushed to the garden to inspect the precious plant. "Oh my! It's agarwood!" she exclaimed.

Despite knowing Lily wouldn't err, she was astonished. The rare plant was young and small, yet its condition bespoke exceptional quality.

"Is Mr. Russell the one who got you this amazing thing?" Olivia asked, raising an eyebrow and taking a bite of an apple.

Lily shook her head. "How would he know about a plant like this?"

"Hey, how can you say that? Didn't Mr. Russell gather those valuable materials for our lab from all over the world? He may not know much, but he's willing to try, okay?" Olivia's words betrayed a shift in allegiance from Lily to Alexander.

Alexander's meticulous attention to detail, from the studio to the equipment, had impressed her deeply; Edward, in comparison, seemed utterly inadequate. Why can't Edward learn anything from Mr. Russell? Especially after all those years working with him? she mused. She'd become a devoted admirer of Alexander, frequently taking his side.

Lily, oblivious, focused on her plant, carefully pruning unwanted leaves.

"You told me you wouldn't be going to the research institute anymore. Were you serious?" Olivia asked. The poor phone connection had made it unclear, prompting her visit. Lily hadn't been to the studio in two days. "Yes!" The pruners clicked shut as Lily spoke.

"Still, didn't you say you were close to a breakthrough? It's not like you to give up! Has the institute agreed to your withdrawal, or found a replacement?"

"I'm withdrawing, whether they agree or not." Lily surveyed the plant, then glanced over her shoulder. "Isn't it better now that I have more time in the studio? As you said, we haven't had a new product in a while."

"From what I see, the agarwood has captured all your attention, and the new product will have to wait." Olivia shook her head, though unconcerned. Lily was diligent and productive; their existing perfumes continued to sell well. Still, Olivia found it surprising how swiftly Lily had abandoned the project after her initial enthusiasm for the research institute.

"Yes, we'll have to wait," Lily said dreamily, rising. It's not because of the plant. I feel the research institute won't give up so easily, she thought.

The phone rang.