The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 396

"The reason this plant is withering is due to root damage and poor soil fertility," Tara explains patiently, her hands working deftly over the soil. "The temperature and humidity here aren't optimal, but the most critical issue is the fertilizer."

Finishing her adjustments, she pulls out a custom-formulated nutrient mix and hands it to the department head. "I developed this specifically for the rare botanicals in this greenhouse. It will absolutely boost the yield. Next season's harvest will be substantially better. Once we see the results, I'll pass the formula to the core team for mass production."

Lingering at the back of the crowd, Jade scoffs, her lips curling in disdain. "Talk is cheap. Who knows if it actually works?"

Jake overhears her muttering. He shoots her a cold glare. "Just because you're useless doesn't mean everyone else is."

Jade's face flushes a deep, humiliated red. Is Jake really taking Tara's side just to humiliate her? A bitter wave of resentment crashes over her. Once this blows over, she has to find a way to win back his affection.

Standing nearby, Nikolai watches as Jade gets verbally attacked. Unable to bear her silent, teary-eyed compliance, Nikolai argues. "Jake, Jade is just raising a valid question. It's not like she wants the Dennis Group to fail. There's no need to snap at her in front of everyone."

"Right," Jake replies dryly. "Then why don't you take her aside and coddle her so she stops getting in the way of people who are actually working?"

At first glance, the specimen looks healthy, but Tara immediately spots a hidden threat. "While this one appears fine on the surface, there's already a microscopic pest infestation on the leaves," she points out. She studies the tiny insects closely. These bugs are an invasive species, typically only found on remote, uncultivated islands. It is incredibly rare for domestic botanicals to encounter this specific type of pest. She frowns. This confirms it—there is a mole within the Dennis Group. And whoever they are, they hold serious clearance. A regular employee couldn't bypass the security of this high-level research hub, let alone intentionally introduce an exotic pest.

"Exactly," one of the researchers sighs. "For the last two years, we've had a surge of these bugs for no apparent reason. We've tried standard pesticides, but they don't work, and the pests multiply at a terrifying rate. We have a customized chemical spray that kills them, but it causes severe damage to the plants themselves. It's been a massive headache."

The experts and department heads exchange impressed looks. The fact that Tara identified the root cause the second she walked in instantly cements her authority. Jade had visited the greenhouse several times before, but she only ever pointed out trivial, superficial issues. Whenever the staff brought up this specific pest problem, Jade had brushed it off with vague corporate speak. She had never once offered a real solution to the source of the crisis.