Chapter 424

She fiddled with the doll, sighed, and said, "Tell me, where did that young man go?" The wooden doll across from her stared back with a smile.

Nathaniel called Eloise as soon as he got home, but both calls went unanswered. He assumed she was busy and didn't call again, but his agitation kept him from sitting still. He turned on his computer, checking the day's sales data and online activity. Sales were still declining; while product returns had slowed, numerous applications for returns remained.

He'd already issued a statement and couldn't retract it. His focus shifted to slowing the after-sales process, minimizing losses, and rebuilding his reputation. Simultaneously, he was recruiting new staff to expedite laboratory processes and planned to launch several new products to replace the damaged ones, without prioritizing quality. He believed only new fragrances could keep the company afloat.

He spun in his chair restlessly, more than twenty times, before his phone rang. He grabbed it instantly. Seeing Eloise's name, he answered. "Mom!"

"Shut up!" a stern voice responded. The speaker clearly intended to remain discreet.

Nathaniel was momentarily stunned, then recovered. "Ms. Neville…"

"You're getting too comfortable. You've overstepped your boundaries. Who gave you permission to call anytime? Don't you remember what I said?!" Eloise's voice was low, but her anger was evident.

"I…" Nathaniel couldn't defend himself. Eloise had repeatedly instructed him not to call unexpectedly, but to leave a message. She’d also emphasized calling her "Ms. Neville" to avoid detection.

They’d agreed on this, but her recent softer attitude—offering advice and meeting more frequently—had made him careless. His lapse in judgment led him to call her "Mom."

Accepting his fault, Nathaniel listened intently.

Once Eloise finished, he apologized: "I'm sorry, Ms. Neville. I made a mistake."

After several deep breaths, Eloise calmed down. "Okay, let's get down to business. I feel on edge. I think Lily has more compromising information on me. Is she waiting for me to retaliate?"

Despite current smooth sailing, Nathaniel's unease grew. Lily hadn't acted, but he strongly suspected something.

"Lily? What does she have to do with this? Did you contact her?!" Eloise asked, surprised. She’d been busy and hadn't followed online news, so Lily's name was baffling.