Chapter 20

One of the men stepped forward. "Lily," he said, "we're just following orders. If you're dissatisfied, you can speak to Mr. Hall. We're only doing what he instructed."

"Oh, you think I'm scared?" Lily retorted, pulling out her phone to call Nathaniel. He didn't answer, though she knew he was reachable. She realized he was playing the same game she had played with him. He hoped to frustrate her into admitting her mistake.

The man smirked, as if anticipating her unsuccessful call. "Lily," he said, "your assistant has been stalling for over an hour. Mr. Hall doesn't have time for this. Yes, the information is confidential, but it belongs to the company, and Mr. Hall wants it. Don't worry, we'll take good care of it."

Lily hung up. "Oh, wow," she said. "It seems Nate has good intentions." She smiled coldly at Olivia.

Olivia, prepared to fight Nathaniel's lackeys, was taken aback. "Lily," she exclaimed, "you worked hard for those documents. Aren't they precious to you? There must be ulterior motives for them to suddenly want them!"

Lily knew Nathaniel was watching, hoping to use the documents to prove Melanie developed their previous perfumes. If she argued, he would have the evidence he needed.

Without hesitation, Lily said sternly, "Give them to them, Liv. My colleague is right. No matter how confidential, the information belongs to the company, and we should give it to Mr. Hall since he requested it."

Olivia was reluctant, but Lily's decision was final. She looked at Lily again, searching for a change of heart, but found none. Olivia wanted to ask Lily's reasoning but held back.

The men moved the thick stacks of documents to their waiting car, then took the archives room key.

"You've already taken the documents," Olivia thundered. "Why do you need the key to an empty room?!"

"Mr. Hall requested it"

"Give it to him, Liv," Lily said indifferently, tilting her chin.

Nathaniel believed the documents were crucial, but the essential details were in Lily's mind. He thought he could intimidate her by taking them.

Olivia gritted her teeth, shoving the key into the man's chest and pushing him backward.

He caught the key, jumped into the car, and drove away. Lily didn't question him.

Olivia watched the car go, then asked, "Why did you give them the documents? How can you prove you developed the perfumes without them?!"

Lily smiled mockingly. "Liv, do you honestly think I can't prove myself without that data? Don't worry. I have other ways." She would fight back if Nathaniel tried to set her up.

Though still puzzled, Olivia didn't press further, noticing Lily's unwavering confidence. "Weren't you planning to quit MN Inc.? Why did you come back?"