Chapter 78

Olivia glanced at Nathaniel, then at her watch. "I'm not late. It's still early!"

"The company notified all staff to assemble in the laboratory immediately. Where have you been?" Nathaniel demanded, his face livid, his tone stern.

"I was sleeping at home," Olivia said assertively. "What notice? I saw nothing. And I don't read work notifications during non-working hours."

"How dare you talk back when you're at fault? Everyone is working hard for the company. What about you? Do you think I won't reprimand you because you're senior staff? It seems Lily—" Nathaniel abruptly stopped, as if the name were taboo.

"Forget it. Go check the essential oils in the laboratory. See if there's any difference from before. Do it well, and I won't hold your lateness against you."

Nathaniel reflected that only Olivia, besides Lily, knew the reason for the problem. Olivia had always been Lily's assistant, after all, understanding the compositions, recipes, and processes better than anyone. Lately, however, Olivia seemed distracted, possibly planning to leave for Rebirth.

Fortunately, unlike Lily, Nathaniel still held Olivia's employment contract. He could prevent her departure from MN Inc. if he chose.

Olivia, having set down her bag, walked in slowly, a smile playing on her lips. "What's wrong with the essential oil? Don't you have all the recipes, Mr. Hall? What could possibly go wrong?" she asked. Seeing Melanie watching her, Olivia continued, "Besides, Ms. Thayer is here. Why do you still need me?"

Humiliated by Olivia's sarcasm, Melanie retorted, "Olivia Hart, stop your nonsense! The company is assessing you, not the other way around. Who do you think you are? Do as you're told!"

"How is that nonsense? Did I say anything wrong? Ms. Thayer, you're capable and have created many successful products. This is a minor problem. I'm sure you don't need our help. If you think I'm being arrogant and talking nonsense, fine. Fire me!" Olivia feared nothing. She'd been waiting for Nathaniel to fire her so she could be free.

"How dare you?!" Melanie's fury flared, but Nathaniel restrained her.

"Olivia, please understand Ms. Thayer. This is a company assessment. A promotion and raise await whoever solves this. I swear it," Nathaniel affirmed. "However, you only have half a day. I need results!"

The mention of a promotion and raise shocked everyone except Olivia. "Wow! So generous, Mr. Hall. We'll do our best," she said with a thinly veiled smile, lazily rolling up her sleeves before seating herself.

Nathaniel sensed the sarcasm, but swallowed his displeasure; he just wanted results.

"Still can't figure out the difference, Mel?" Nathaniel whispered to Melanie.

Melanie's face darkened. "How would I know?! You know the formula is Why don't we just ask Lily?"