Chapter 1613

When Mike returned, he bumped into Rhea in the corridor as she was leaving. She regarded him with resentment, a lingering effect of their last encounter. As they crossed paths, Rhea abruptly halted him with an outstretched hand.

"Did the boss ask you to look for Lily?"

Mike stopped, rubbing the back of his neck with a cold chuckle.

"Why don't you ask him yourself?"

Rhea lifted her chin, her tone arrogant. "Don't you dare think I'm unaware of your machinations. Do you think Lily can replace me if she returns? I'm irreplaceable in the lab!" From her academic achievements to her professional work, she had always been at the top of her field. She genuinely despised and looked down upon Lily. She's just a perfumer with some fame. So what if she knows about herbal medicine or learned from Dominic Fike? Rhea's significant contribution to the virus research fueled an immense sense of accomplishment, watching the pandemic spread globally. Everyone will know me one day and shudder at the mere mention of my name!

"Why are you so worried if you're that confident?" Mike countered, a sidelong glance openly mocking her.

"You..." Rhea's face fell, stung by his perceptiveness. "I'm not worried, but shouldn't you be? Would Lily even agree if our boss asked you to bring her back? She's so full of herself! Besides, she was the one who left, and you failed to keep her. Now you want to bring her back? Is that even possible?"

Mike offered a half-smile. "You should be telling our boss that, shouldn't you?"

"You don't have to intimidate me with him. The boss and I are a team; I'm loyal to him. That's more than can be said for you!" Rhea sized him up, then suddenly laughed. "How's your son lately?"

"Thanks, but no thanks for your concern," Mike retorted, his gaze hardening. "I heard your parents' business has turned around, thanks to you. Still, you know what we're doing. All is well if we succeed. I wonder what will happen to your parents if we don't?"

Before Rhea could respond, Mike lifted a hand, as if remembering something. "Oh, I almost forgot about your uncle! I bet he never expected his niece to ruin what he'd worked so hard for all these years. And I wonder if he'll ever find out about it. Also, what the hell is that drug of yours? If it's so useful, why don't you give it to…" He stopped abruptly, placing a finger to his lips, a slow, meaningful smile spreading across his face. "You're a smart person. You should think ahead a little bit more."

Mike waved dismissively, circled her, and walked away. Rhea watched him disappear down the corridor, then narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. That drug…

When Mike opened the door and entered, a box was thrown towards his face. He dodged, caught it, and took two steps forward, anticipating the man's fury.

"Mike Corden! Are you no longer taking my words seriously?" the man roared, his voice unpleasant.

"I know you're well-informed, but you should know I've tried my best. Lily is too cunning; she tricked me instead," Mike replied.

"Oh, yeah?" The man's cold laughter was harsh and grating.