Chapter 231

When Tim said those words, his smile didn’t waver at all. It was as if he wasn’t looking down on her or trying to marginalize her but rather discussing something as mundane as lunch plans.

He was indeed a friendly-looking villain. People like him were the hardest to deal with.

Melody narrowed her eyes coldly, raised her chin slightly, and said. What if I insist on intervening?

Tim shrugged. Then, I’m sorry. Even though you are a friend of Mr. Sherman, I would have to ask you to leave the company. After all, this concerns the future of the company, and I can’t allow anyone to disrupt the development of the new product.

Melody didn’t want to tear into Tim directly. She clenched her fists, trying to keep her tone as calm as possible. Mr. Mayer, since you know I’m Wilmot’s friend, you should understand that everything I’m doing is for the good of Icy Clear Cosmetics. I have a formula I created myself. If you trust me, I can definitely develop a product better than Golden Water.

Tim lit a cigarette with a click, blowing the smoke right into Melody’s face.

Melody waved her hand in disgust, realizing that a gentle approach wouldn’t work with this man.

Tim dropped his smile and said disdainfully, Ms. Fox, do you think I’m an idiot? What kind of formula can a young girl like you come up with? This is your last chance. Either you obediently return to your desk, or I’ll ask you to leave the company.

He emphasized the word “ask” clearly warning her.

You… Melody began, but a voice suddenly interrupted, Mr. Mayer, how dare you speak to Mr. Wilmot’s friend like that?

Mr. Mayer saw the person at the door and immediately put on a smile. Mr. Leo, you’re here? How is Mr. Wilmot’s health?

Melody instinctively turned around and saw a man who bore a striking resemblance to Wilmot walk in. He said in a calm tone, He’s still unconscious with a high fever. Then he turned his gaze to Melody, politely extending his hand. Miss Fox, I’m Leo Sherman, Wilmot’s is my brother.

Melody wasn’t sure if he was a friend or a foe, but it was hard to refuse someone who greeted her with a smile. She politely extended her hand to shake hands with Leo. Hello, I’m Melody Fox.

I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Fox. Mr. Mayer can be quite blunt, please don’t take it to heart.

Melody didn’t waste time on pleasantries and got straight to the point. Wilmot has entrusted me with the full responsibility of developing the new product, but Mr. Mayer is insisting that I stay out of it. I don’t understand the reasoning.

Mr. Mayer,, Leo frowned at Tim. How are you handling things? Mr. Wilmot must trust Ms. Fox’s abilities to give her such an important task. How can you prevent her from getting involved in the development of the new product?

Tim sighed and said. Mr. Leo, this matter is too critical. If a young girl like Ms, Fox gets involved, it’s not just about my approval, the entire R&D department won’t be happy. Besides, we’ve already had meetings and decided to improve the new product based on Golden Water. This is currently our best strategy. If Ms. Fox insists on getting involved, we’ll certainly lose the bet.

Leo furrowed his brows deeply, looking troubled.

He glanced between Tim and Melody before finally saying, Ms. Fox, you heard what he said. For you, this might just be a gamble, but for Icy Clear Cosmetics, it concerns our very survival. So… perhaps you should let the R&D department handle it on their own.

Melody pressed her lips together, instantly realizing that Leo wasn’t a good guy either.

It was clear they were playing good cop, bad cop, putting her in a moral bind. If she insisted on participating in the R&D department, she would seem unreasonable.

Melody’s brow slowly furrowed.

Suddenly, a glimmer of light flashed in her eyes, She looked at Leo and said, Mr. Leo, I don’t want to make things difficult for you. I can stay out of the main laboratory.

As soon as she finished speaking, she noticed a triumphant glint in Leo’s eyes.

Melody sneered internally but continued with an innocent expression. However, it’s always good to have a backup plan. If the improved Golden Water doesn’t perform well, it will be a disaster. How about this, I heard Mr. Mayer mention that you have a backup R&D lab.

Leo looked at her deeply and asked, Ms. Fox are you suggesting developing the new product on your own in the backup lab?

Exactly. This way, I won’t interfere with your Golden improvements. And we can be prepared on both fronts. Mr. Leo and Mr. Mayer, you surely want the company to succeed in the bet. I believe you wouldn’t refuse my proposal, right?

No way! Tim refused without hesitation.

Leo gave Tim a glare, then smiled at Melody and said, Ms. Fox, your proposal is good. However, our R&D department is already short-staffed and we may not be able to spare anyone to assist you. Plus, the backup lab lacks many necessary resources. It might be difficult for you to successfully develop a new product there…

It’s okay. Even if I don’t succeed, I want to give it a try. After all, I initiated the bet, and I wouldn’t feel right just sitting around and doing nothing all day, Melody replied.

A child’s mentality! Leo sneered inwardly but appeared deeply moved on the surface. Ms. Fox, your consideration is admirable. It seems Wilmot is right to trust you. Since you insist, the backup lab is yours. Mr. Mayer, please accompany Ms. Fox to the lab.

No need. Melody politely declined. It’s just a few steps away. I can go by myself and not waste Mr. Mayer’s time.

Mr. Mayer couldn’t be bothered to waste any more time on Melody. He watched as she entered the adjacent backup lab. Afterward, he lowered his voice and asked Leo in confusion. Mr. Leo, didn’t you instruct me…absolutely not to let her get involved? Why did you just hand over the backup lab to her?

Leo chuckled disdainfully. What? You don’t seriously think this girl can develop some revolutionary product, do you?

Of course not, You’ve already investigated her. She’s just an ordinary girl countryside girl. I’m just puzzled why you would let her do anything at all.

Leo looked at Tim like he was an idiot. I’ve administered medication to Wilmot that’s toxic for a week at most. After a week, if he finds, if he finds out we didn’t let Melody participate in the development, he’ll certainly become suspicious of us. So, why not go along with her wishes and let her tinker around? Although we’ve already decided to align with Silk Beauty Cosmetics, Wilmot has extensive connections. We need to be discreet to avoid him coming after us later. Understand?

Understood!

Okay, Keep an eye on that girl. Report to me immediately if there’s any movement.

Yes!

Leo raised an eyebrow confidently as he walked away.

Unbeknownst to both of them, a slender figure was hidden around the corner not far away, listening intently to their entire conversation.