Chapter 56

On the surface, Lily appeared gentle and a pushover. However, her words were biting. Jenny wanted to make things difficult for Lily, but Lily's directness made it impossible.

"Three challenges!" Jenny exclaimed, biting her lip. "Since we're all equals, everyone on my project faced three challenges—so will you."

Lily stood, nodding earnestly. "Okay! Since everyone has done it, I'll do it too. However, I'd like to know what the second challenge is. Or is it the first? The previous one might have been a trial run."

Lily's feigned curiosity prevented Jenny from making sudden changes. Jenny had initially intended the previous challenge as a trial run, but Lily's pointed questioning changed her mind.

"I declared you passed the first challenge. No one suggested it was a trial run. What kind of company do you think we are?" Jenny snapped.

"Of course, I consider it part of my company!" Lily replied cheerily. "All right, enough flattery. It won't work. Don't forget you have two challenges left, and they'll get harder. Don't come crying to me if you fail," Jenny said forcefully.

"Don't worry, just like you, I'll honor our wager!" Lily's emphasis on "honor" darkened Jenny's face.

"All right, that's it for today!" Jenny announced, dismissing the meeting. Everyone quickly gathered their belongings and left.

Lily knew their conflict was far from over. She waited for Jenny outside.

Once the room was empty, Jenny said, "You got lucky today. The next two challenges won't be so easy, and you won't fool me easily."

"Are you saying the other two challenges won't happen today?" Lily noted Jenny's unwillingness to complete all three challenges immediately.

Prolonging the conflict was pointless. This wasn't just about Lily and MN Inc.; it was personal. She loved her job, and even her problems with MN Inc. didn't diminish her enthusiasm for perfumery.

"Of course not!" Jenny snapped. "Do you think I have nothing better to do than create challenges for you? Besides, you've taken this seriously, and I need time to develop the challenges."

"Then when will the next one be?" Lily asked, concerned Jenny would indefinitely delay the challenges, effectively rejecting her.

Jenny turned to Lily. "Why? Are you afraid I'll delay it indefinitely?"

"Yes!" Lily replied honestly. Surprised by her directness, Jenny smiled. "Fine. Since you're honest, I'll be too. Though I'd love to make this difficult for you, I wouldn't stoop that low. Give me three days. I'll get things done and inform you about the next challenge."

Lily nodded, satisfied. "Then, what should I do for these three days?"