Ashley gathered the workers in the plantation, pausing all ongoing tasks—including those tending the garden. Before them were two batches of seedlings: one in decline, and the other as healthy as could be.
Curiosity was evident on everyone's faces as their gazes darted between the two sets.
"What you're seeing right now are the seedlings from the last batch and the older ones," Ashley broke the silence, standing before them with Betty, Castor, and Nelly at her side. The trio's expressions were dark, their faces shadowed.
"These ones…" Ashley trailed off, gesturing toward the healthier trays, "...were part of the discarded plants. But thanks to Nelly, he took a few elsewhere to study what was wrong with them."
Her gaze swept across the crowd. "As you all know, Castor's team—whom he graciously lent to help with this plantation—are professionals. And they shared their expertise with everyone here."
