Chapter 15

"What nonsense could they possibly have told me?" Lily broke free from Nathaniel's grip and approached Melanie. "I'm interested to know what you think they would tell me."

Under Lily's sharp gaze, Melanie averted her own. "How would I know what they told you? But I'm guessing they offered you a role, even knowing you're working with us. They probably badmouthed us and boasted about themselves. Lily" Melanie paused, then continued, as if remembering something.

"Did they offer you a higher salary?"

"Higher salary? What would you consider that to be?" Lily asked, blinking innocently, as if unaware of Melanie's implication.

Melanie was disgusted. Such an idiot, she thought. She doesn't even know how to negotiate a higher salary. How did she even connect with the people from Rebirth? There must be a mastermind who planned everything last night. Someone must have persuaded her.

"Lily, I'm just worried about you. Please, don't speak to me like that. I'm afraid they've deceived you," Melanie said anxiously. She seized Lily's arm.

Melanie was taller than Lily, making it awkward to hold her arm. She had to lean down, but was unwilling to. Instead, she pulled Lily's arm upward, disregarding Lily's comfort.

Lily looked up at Melanie, her "good friend" of many years, and thought she must have been blind to tolerate such a pretentious woman.

Lily had dedicated herself to perfume research, neglecting her social life. She disliked meaningless social interactions, believing a few good friends were sufficient. Little did she know that some people, even those she considered friends, treated her like a fool.

Lily tightened her grip on Melanie's arm, pulling her closer to meet her gaze. "How am I talking now? I've always spoken to you this way. Oh, I get it. Are you mad because I told everyone I created First Love?" Blinking innocently, Lily continued, "But it's true that I created First Love. Didn't you say we might fail the competition? I didn't want you to take the blame; that's why I said First Love was my work. Still, you said I stole your formula for First Love yesterday, didn't you?"

Melanie's arm ached from Lily's grip. Lily's pointed question flustered her, and she looked to Nathaniel for help.

"Lily, anger blinded us all yesterday, and we didn't mean what we said. We said those things because you left us no choice. That was true for Melanie and me, and I'm sure for you, too. Let bygones be bygones!"

Nathaniel patted Lily's shoulder gently. "Did you know Mel and I searched everywhere for you last night because you didn't come home? Can't we talk and clear up these misunderstandings? You're too naive, and I'm afraid others will exploit you."

"You guys looked for me all night?" Lily chuckled. Turning to Nathaniel, she forcefully twisted Melanie's body through their intertwined arms. Melanie cried out in pain, "L-Lily, my arm!"

"Yeah?" Lily seemed to realize what she'd done and loosened her grip. "Sorry. I didn't notice your arm was in my space." Melanie frowned, sensing a hidden meaning in Lily's words.

Ignoring Melanie, Lily continued questioning Nathaniel. "If I remember correctly, didn't Ms. Thayer faint yesterday? She recovered quickly enough to look for me all night. I feel awful now."

Melanie suppressed her anger, forcing a smile. "Lily, we're friends! You've dated Nate for years, and you both have deep feelings. You shouldn't listen to others. Also, why did you do all that last night? Do you know how much that hurt MN Inc. and Nate? What exactly did Rebirth tell you?"

Melanie's questions mirrored Nathaniel's. What exactly happened yesterday?