Chapter 84

Nathaniel was surprised the man was Lily’s attorney, not who he’d assumed.

“Lily, was this necessary? Why can’t we just talk?” Nathaniel leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Lily, awaiting a response.

Lily kept her eyes on her phone. “Extreme? I agreed to meet you. If this is extreme, what do you call your underhanded tactics? Besides, you sued me. Having a lawyer here as a witness benefits us both. Isn’t that what you’d prefer?”

“I said we’d drop the lawsuit. Why are you being difficult? We were friends. Even if we’re not anymore, let’s not be enemies,” Nathaniel pleaded, but Lily remained silent, engrossed in her phone. Melanie pursed her lips and said gently, “Lily, I know you’re still angry about Nate and me, but it was a matter of the heart. We couldn’t help it. You were always busy at the lab, and Nate needed someone. You shouldn’t let personal feelings affect your work. MN Inc. is the result of our hard work. Do you want to destroy it because of personal issues?

“Do you realize the problems the company faces because of your unreasonableness? Nate hasn’t been eating or sleeping well. We don’t know what Rebirth has told you, but we’re all in the same industry. We might have to work together someday, so why make this ugly?” Melanie pressed.

Lily ignored her, turning to James. “James, please note everything they’re saying. It might be useful in court.”

“Sure, I’ve got it,” James nodded.

Lily’s uncooperative attitude finally angered Melanie. She threw her teaspoon on the table and stood abruptly. “Lily Christian! What’s with your attitude? Are you here to show off? Do you think you’ve won? Just because you tampered with the original formula, you think we’ll beg for your help?” Melanie’s outburst attracted the attention of other patrons. Nathaniel watched, stirring his coffee.

Lily finally looked up from her phone. She smirked mockingly at Melanie. “Sorry, I missed that.”

“You! Stop pretending!” Even eye contact intimidated Melanie, and her voice faltered.

“What do you mean? MN Inc. sued me for stealing classified information and plagiarism. How could I tamper with your formula?”

Lily emphasized “your.” “Let’s say I did tamper with the formula. With your amazing capabilities, wouldn’t you solve it easily? Why come to me? You’re funny.”

Lily’s smile was fake. Her gleaming eyes fixed on Melanie’s. Melanie felt her facade crumbling; she had no more lies. Her face flushed, speechless.

“Lily, that’s enough,” Nathaniel gently took Melanie’s hands. “This meeting was to settle this. There’s no need for this.”