Chapter 1519

"How would we know if the research hasn't succeeded?" Rhea asked meaningfully. "Maybe you're heading in the wrong direction."

The elevator dinged, reaching their floor. Lily remained silent. As the doors opened, she was blocked by someone.

"Mike?" Lily was stunned.

Rhea frowned. "Mike, what are you up to?"

"Mrs. Russell no longer works in the lab and shouldn't be here," Mike replied, ignoring Rhea. He looked at Lily and said, emphasizing each word, "You shouldn't be here."

Lily, restraining her anger, met his gaze. "I'm here to collect my belongings. Is that not permitted, Mr. Corden?" She stressed his surname.

"What have you left behind?" Mike's expression remained impassive. "You won't find anything belonging to you here. Tell me what you left, and I'll have someone return it. Please leave, Mrs. Russell."

To Lily's surprise, Rhea intervened, "Mrs. Russell is here to see me, and I invited her. You can talk to me if you have a problem."

Lily shot her a skeptical glance.

Mike turned to Rhea, his tone blunt. "Rhea, this is a research institute. How can you just bring anyone here? Are you so ignorant of protocol?"

"Mrs. Russell is a founding member of this project. What secrets would we be hiding from her?" Rhea countered, a dismissive smile playing on her lips.

"Since Mrs. Russell quit, she's no longer one of us and shouldn't be here. As the biggest shareholder, I have the right to decide," Mike insisted, refusing to move.

"Mrs. Russell, we're friends. I hope you won't make a scene," he added smoothly.

"Mike! Don't think your funding grants you authority to make decisions!" Rhea retorted, grabbing Lily's wrist. "I'm bringing her here, and you can't stop me!"

Lily was caught off guard as Rhea pulled her forward. Mike quickly blocked their path. Rhea attempted to shove him aside, but he caught her hand.

"No outsiders are allowed in today!"

A tense standoff ensued. Finally, Lily raised her voice, "Enough!"