Mike was puzzled by the worker's hostility. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Is the data complete?"

"Aren't they all there?" the woman retorted, her question a blunt answer.

Mike was baffled. "Mrs. Russell says the data files aren't complete. Can you check if anything is missing? You should know the importance of this experiment. For Mrs. Russell to fully take over the project, we must compile all available data," he pressed.

The worker glanced at Mike, then at Lily, seemingly addressing her. "The data files are complete. I don't blame her if she doesn't get it." The woman implied Lily was at fault for questioning the data's completeness.

Mike was angered by her open defiance. Lily, nonchalant, raised her hand slightly. "Since you're so certain the data is complete, I understand your repeated failures. You lack records on the most crucial segments. I wonder about the work standards here." Her open mockery caused others to stop and stare. While not exemplary individuals, most were experts in their fields. Mistakes were common in experimentation; improvement came through repetition. Given their time constraints and workload, their lack of complete success was understandable. They questioned why a newcomer would belittle their efforts, especially since even their boss hadn't criticized them.

Without waiting for a response, Lily continued, "Fortunately, I'm here. Despite the incomplete data and records, I can still make this work."

Instead of anger, Lily's words elicited sneers and contemptuous looks. It's something so many of us have tirelessly worked on without success. How dare a newcomer make such a claim? We don't even know her background.

A faint "Tsk" reached Lily's ears. She looked towards the worker who had given her the documents. The woman, ignoring Lily, tidied her workbench before leaving, carrying something.

"Wait a minute!" Lily called out, pursuing the woman. Standing behind her, Lily shouted, "What are you carrying? Put it down!"

Surprised, Mike hurried over, eyeing Lily suspiciously before looking at the worker. "You heard her."

"You're not in charge here. I don't need to listen to your orders!" The woman's hoarse voice, though strange, carried undisguised disdain for Lily.

Mike understood her reaction. The workers weren't ordinary; Rhea had explained that the organization recruited expendable yet highly skilled individuals. Rhea, for instance, possessed expertise in medicine and toxins. Mike's wealth and experience in raw materials had secured his position.