Chapter 247:Another Love Affair

**【Luna's Perspective】**

Every head in the laboratory turned toward the sound of that deep, authoritative voice. Max stood in the doorway, his commanding presence instantly filling the room. Behind him, Lily and Kevin lingered, their expressions carefully neutral.

My heart sank at the sight of Lily. Of course she would be with him.

The researchers straightened their postures, nervous energy palpable as they greeted the president of Morrison Group. Daniel's demeanor transformed instantly, his previous aggression dissolving into obsequious deference.

"Mr. Morrison," Daniel gushed, "what an unexpected honor. We're just reviewing some questionable research practices."

Max's piercing gaze swept across the room before locking onto me. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in my pale complexion and the protective way I cradled my abdomen.

"You were saying something about firing someone?" Max's voice remained measured, betraying nothing of his thoughts.

Daniel eagerly handed over the stack of my research materials. "Sir, I've discovered that Luna has been falsifying research data, avoiding project participation, and essentially wasting company resources while collecting a salary."

My breath caught as Max leafed through my Light Matter research—data that should have been completely confidential.

After a moment that stretched like eternity, Max handed the files back to Daniel. "Handle it according to company policy."

I stared at him in shock. Was he seriously going to let Daniel expose highly classified research to the entire lab?

Daniel, emboldened by Max's response, continued his tirade. "She's also been disrespectful to her superiors, calling me 'incompetent,' and abandoned her duties for a week without authorization."

Max turned to Lily. "Didn't I ask you to arrange her marriage leave?"

Lily's expression turned apologetic. "I'm sorry, I was extremely busy and it slipped my mind."

My blood boiled at her transparent lie, but I maintained my composure, not giving her the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.

"Daniel," Max said casually, "if your wife had a personal matter to attend to, would you consider it your business as well?"

Daniel nodded emphatically. "Of course, Mr. Morrison. My wife's affairs are naturally my concern."

"Interesting," Max replied, his tone deceptively light. "And this employee you're so eager to terminate—the one you've accused of being disrespectful and calling you incompetent—happens to be my wife."

A collective gasp echoed through the laboratory. Even I couldn't hide my surprise at Max's public declaration of our marriage. I had wanted to keep our relationship private, yet my heart fluttered traitorously at his proud announcement.

Daniel's face drained of color. "Your... wife? I had no idea—"

The other researchers quickly regained their composure, offering congratulations that I acknowledged with a tight smile. Daniel stood frozen, clearly uncertain whether to congratulate us or apologize for his behavior.

To my astonishment, Max lightly clapped Daniel's shoulder. "Don't worry about it. You were only doing your job." His next words left me speechless: "And you're right—she does come to work irregularly and produces meaningless data to look busy."

I gaped at him, unable to process what I was hearing. From the corner of my eye, I caught Lily's smirk, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Had marriage changed Max so quickly? This didn't align with the man I knew—the one who valued competence and integrity above all else.

Daniel, sensing Max's unexpected support, regained his confidence. "Sir, please be assured that Mrs. Morrison is welcome to work however she pleases. It's an honor to have her in our Chemical Engineering Lab."

"So you're saying," Max pressed, "that my wife doesn't need to follow laboratory protocols?"

"Absolutely," Daniel affirmed. "She can come and go as she wishes and research whatever interests her."

Max nodded, seemingly satisfied, and took my hand. "Then we'll be going now."

Still stunned by this bizarre exchange, I tried to collect my research papers. "I need my data."

"Leave it," Max ordered, tightening his grip on my hand. "It's worthless anyway."

Worthless? The Light Matter research that could revolutionize military technology? I couldn't understand Max's behavior as he led me from the laboratory.

---

**【Kevin's Perspective】**

In the corridor outside the lab, Lily leaned toward me, her voice low. "See? Luna's just an empty shell with a fancy degree. Max is compromising company resources because he can't separate his personal and professional judgment."

I frowned, unconvinced. "That doesn't sound right. Luna is brilliant—she wouldn't waste her time on meaningless research."

"And Max's reaction was strange," I added, watching the retreating figures of Max and Luna. "In the past, if someone had dared offend Luna, he wouldn't have let them off so easily."

Lily preened, adjusting her blouse. "Max was lenient with Daniel because of me. I asked him to be understanding."

I raised an eyebrow, doubting her claim. Before I could respond, movement at the end of the hallway caught my attention.

Violet approached, carrying two cups of coffee. She raised one hand in greeting, and I couldn't suppress a smile. Something about her always brightened even the most frustrating days.

Lily, noticing my reaction, deliberately draped her arm across my shoulders. "Kevin, do you have a crush on Luna's personal security?"

Violet's expression instantly hardened. She halted, her gaze cooling as it shifted from me to Lily's arm.

I shrugged off Lily's touch, irritated by her transparent attempt at manipulation. "Don't you have work to do?"

Undeterred, Lily bumped my shoulder playfully. "You two would make such a cute couple."

Violet turned abruptly and walked away. I moved to follow her, but Lily grabbed my arm.

"It's still working hours," she reminded me with false sweetness.

I yanked my arm free. "You're overstepping. This isn't your concern."

I caught up with Violet halfway down the corridor. "Is one of those coffees for me?"

"You wish," she replied coolly, not meeting my eyes.

"Can I have a sip?" I persisted, trying to recapture our usual banter.

Violet held the cups away from me. "No. If I don't finish this one, I'll give it to Preston in Security."

She strode away, leaving me standing alone in the hallway, wondering how Lily's casual comment had derailed my morning so completely.