"I can tell you're not feeling well after your surgery, so I'll stop arguing now," Nathaniel said. After turning the wheelchair, he continued, "I have to rest. I'll arrange for someone to care for you. We can discuss going home when you're ready for discharge." There was nothing more to say. Besides Lily, he needed to consider the company's interests. It was inappropriate for Melanie to remain in her position for much longer.

Lily quickly showered after arriving home. She felt as if bad luck had pursued her all day. Melanie wasn't a threat, but the entire situation had been frustrating. Lily hadn't expected Melanie to use her pregnancy to frame someone; Melanie was far more vicious than she'd imagined.

After showering, Lily saw a missed call from "Grumpy Craftsman." She pursed her lips, sensing something was amiss. She redialed and waited. When someone answered, she said softly, "Hello?"

"Good employees don't skip work. Aren't you afraid your boss will fire you?" Lily said mockingly. Judging by his earlier behavior, he should have been afraid of his boss and wouldn't skip work without reason. But the man's voice, though still low, lacked humor. "I don't want to do it anymore. Find someone else."

He started to hang up, but Lily exclaimed, "Wait! Why? You agreed to the job. Are you dissatisfied with the payment? What's the problem?"

"It's nothing. I just don't want to do it. Find someone else."

"What do you mean?!" Lily was upset. "Do you understand contracts? You can't back out!" After a pause, she asked, "Are you facing difficulties?"

"No." A pause. "I'm sorry." He hung up. Lily redialed, but he didn't answer.

Frustrated, Lily thought, "What's going on today? Everything's going wrong! This is infuriating."

Needing to vent, Lily changed and went to the laboratory, heading straight for her private lab. Since the new project began, she and Olivia had shared a separate lab. Their latest product had been successful, prompting a short vacation; consequently, the lab was usually locked.

Bursting in, Lily accidentally locked the door from the inside. Everyone stared in silence.

Jenny soon learned of Lily's arrival and rushed to the lab, knocking. "Lily, it's Jenny."

There was no answer, only the faint sounds of equipment. Was Lily conducting an experiment? There had been no news of new projects.

Jenny knocked again. "Lily, are you working on a new product? Do you need help? Should I call Olivia?"

There was no response. Someone outside asked, "Do you think something's wrong?"

"Nonsense," Jenny said, her voice sharp. "Lily's just developing a new product. Are you all finished with your work? Have you completed your quarterly tasks? Everyone should have at least one new product. Will you meet your assignments?"

The intimidated staff returned to their labs.