Mike didn't know Mr. R's story, but his face hinted at a difficult past. Mr. R, however, seemed unfazed by Mike's reaction. His gaze swept over Mike contemptuously. His voice deepened, almost a warning, "Mr. Corden!"

Mike's expression shifted. "Sorry, I didn't know..."

"You don't know how ugly my face was, huh?" Mr. R gently touched his mask. Mike noticed similar scars on Mr. R's hands, and wondered, seeing the man's long sleeves and trousers in the warm weather, if his body was similarly scarred.

"I didn't mean to offend you," Mike said.

Mr. R harrumphed. He was accustomed to people's fear and revulsion, yet he hated his face, too. "I'll leave the funds to you, Mr. Corden. I trust the Corden Group's resources."

Mike nodded. "Of course. Once that's settled, you can have what you want."

Mike turned to face the back of the chair. Silence stretched between them before Mike rose to leave. A voice stopped him. "Also, tell your men not to test me again. I won't tolerate it."

Mike's back stiffened. He turned, startled, to see the empty chair before departing, leaving the room silent once more.

Several restaurants dotted the area near the laboratory. This secluded part of town had few people, resulting in unusually quiet restaurants, even at mealtimes. Thompson arrived early and greeted Lily enthusiastically as she entered. "Lily, over here!"

"Professor Thompson." Lily, despite withdrawing from the project, still respected him. He was a distinguished gentleman who had been kind to her during her time at the laboratory, despite withholding information.

Everyone else at the lab had experience with medicinal herbs. Initially, Lily felt discriminated against, assumed to have gained her position unfairly. Yet Thompson had supported her. Still, the experiment had failed, necessitating her departure.

"Please, sit! No need for formalities," Thompson offered, pouring her tea. Lily accepted the cup with thanks. He presented the menu. "What will you have? I recall you're from the south; this place has excellent southern cuisine."

"Professor Thompson, you're too kind," Lily said, pushing the menu aside. "You know I'm not here for a meal."