Chapter 1382

The office door swung open, and Rhea Moore entered.

"Professor Thompson," she said.

Thompson looked shocked. "It's you? Why? Am I not welcome?"

Rhea approached with a half-smile, though it seemed rather chilling. "No, but when were you…?"

Thompson was bewildered. He knew Rhea; she'd recently returned from overseas and was leading another research program at the institute. He hadn't expected her involvement in his project.

"I joined the research much earlier than you imagined, Professor Thompson," Rhea said, seating herself calmly before Mr. R.

Thompson glanced at Mr. R and then at Mike. It seemed they all knew except him. A wave of resentment washed over him. "I proposed this program, and I've worked hard on it. You should have at least consulted me about who to enlist."

Mike paused, then glanced at Thompson. "Don't forget, without your boss's support and my funding, this project wouldn't be going anywhere!"

The implication was clear: he had no real say. Mike could have dismissed him at any time. Thompson understood, and despite his anger, could only swallow his humiliation.

Rhea intervened. "Professor Thompson, do you think I'm unqualified for this project?"

"No, I've read your CV. You have an excellent background. You're young, knowledgeable, and have studied both mainstream and herbal medicine, receiving numerous scholarships. However, you know nothing about raw materials. We're not performing surgery or researching a new herbal drug. We're studying the synthesis of raw materials and medicinal herbs—areas outside your expertise. Besides, we already have an expert in medicinal herbs, and if we need another, we'd seek someone with a perfumery background."

Rhea's lips curled, unoffended. "Professor Thompson, how do you know I know nothing about raw materials? How do you know this isn't my area of expertise? And the expert in medicinal herbs you're referring to is Austin Fike, correct? How do you assume my research on medicinal herbs wouldn't be as good as his?"

Her tone was casual yet confident. Thompson was momentarily stunned.

"You know about raw materials, too?" he asked.

Rhea smiled. Mike added, "Professor Thompson, you've been searching for someone with in-depth knowledge of raw materials and perfumery, yet you know little about perfumers. Rhea's middle name is Kelly."

Thompson looked bewildered. Mike chuckled, seemingly anticipating this reaction.

"It's no wonder you haven't heard of her. Few in the perfumery industry know Kelly, let alone outsiders. She creates daring, avant-garde perfumes, custom-made only for royalty and international movie stars. Her work is unique, in a different league entirely. Even the creators of major brand perfumes couldn't achieve what she has."

The unspoken conclusion hung in the air: Rhea wasn't just an expert; she was among the best, perhaps even surpassing Lily in certain aspects.