Samuel stepped protectively in front of Sophia. His stance was completely defensive as he demanded, "What are you doing here, Elise?"

"Collecting my belongings," Elise replied coolly.

She felt completely numb toward this pair. They weren't worth her emotional energy.

She simply ignored their presence and walked directly to her desk. She glanced at Sophia. "You really enjoy taking hand-me-downs, don't you? Why not get something new?"

The implication in her words made Sophia blush. Samuel quickly tried to explain. "Sophia is here to review our new season's fashion line. I only brought her to visit your office. Don't misinterpret the situation."

"What should I interpret then? Finding you two in bed together?" Elise sneered.

"We're discussing business, not my relationship with Sophia. Don't make this weird." Samuel pressed his lips together. He even added magnanimously, "Like I told you yesterday—you can come back anytime. I'll keep your position open as compensation."

Elise actually laughed.

Did he not understand that Mitchell Corp only survived because of her?

Did he truly believe she depended on them? That she should grovel for his generosity?!

"Save it," Elise growled, holding his gaze. "I've already submitted my resignation to HR. From now on, you, Mitchell Corp, and I have nothing to do with each other!"

"Do you honestly think you'll succeed without us?" Samuel threatened.

"Calm down, sis—don't be so harsh with Samuel. Not many exes show this much concern after a breakup."

"I'm doing this for Sophia's sake too. I don't want things to be awkward since we'll be family."

Their perfectly synchronized responses made Elise laugh despite her frustration.

"So this is what they mean by a wolf in sheep's clothing."

"Elise Scott!" Samuel snapped.

"Sis..." Sophia murmured softly.

Elise kept her icy glare fixed on Samuel. "The only acceptable behavior from an ex is to disappear completely. I don't need any compensation from you."

She turned to Sophia. "As for you, don't think I don't know what you're planning. You want me to stay here so you can steal Stellar Group, right? Don't even dream about it!"

These two were utterly delusional. Expecting her to work for Samuel while they plotted to take her inheritance?!

That would never happen!

"How can you think of us that way, sis? We genuinely have your best interests at heart. You're rejecting our goodwill because of that firefighter, aren't you?" Sophia said. Samuel chuckled quietly.

This was Sophia's true talent—with her innocent, naive demeanor, she could say anything while appearing benevolent.

And she was doing exactly that now.

"Sis, no matter how bad things get, you shouldn't lower your standards so much. I mean, he even has a child..."

Elise smirked. "At least I can be with him openly. Can you say the same?"

"Who comes first doesn't matter in love. What matters is whether true love exists," Sophia retorted righteously. "Samuel and I truly love each other."

"You're right. But I believe morality plays a role too. What can I say when neither of you has any shame?"

"That's enough!" Samuel couldn't take it anymore.

"Fine. I don't need these things anyway," Elise said, suddenly stopping her packing. "It's all contaminated now."

With those cold words, she walked out.

Tears welled in Sophia's eyes.

Elise was supposed to be defeated! What gave her the confidence to act so superior?!

She wanted to tear Elise's face apart right then. She couldn't stand seeing that haughty expression, as if Elise could never be brought down!

"Sophia." Samuel pulled her lovingly into his arms. "Don't mind her. She's just upset that we're happy together."

Elise breathed a heavy sigh of relief after leaving Mitchell Corp's headquarters.

There truly was nothing sentimental left for her to take home.

She returned to Stellar Group's headquarters and went straight to the chairman's office.

Somehow, it was impeccably clean and organized.

Elise didn't know if Benjamin Scott had yielded to her threats or was planning something else. She calmly took her seat and called the secretary. "Come to my office."

"Yes, Ms. Scott."

Soon, the secretary—Natalie Green—entered.

Elise noted her flashy attire and thought to herself that Benjamin never changed his poor taste in women.

Without looking further, she instructed, "Notify all department heads we'll have a meeting at 2 PM. Have them prepare summaries of their current projects and..."

After detailing the specific report requirements, Elise asked, "Did you get all that?"

Natalie's handwriting was as frantic as it was messy. It took her a long moment before replying, "Yes, Ms. Scott."

"After sending the notifications, make me a coffee. I take mine black."

"Yes, Ms. Scott."

Natalie turned to leave.

"What's your name?" Elise asked.

"Natalie Green."

"Alright. You may go."

"Yes, Ms. Scott."

Natalie scowled the moment she left Elise's office. She hurried back to her desk, typing furiously with her bedazzled nails.

[She's so annoying!]

[What?]

[Your daughter. She dumped a ton of work on me and pulled rank!]

[What is she planning?]

Benjamin smirked as Natalie sent him the list of tasks Elise had assigned.

He thought Elise was smarter than he expected, knowing to familiarize herself with the company before starting work.

It was just unfortunate that everyone in that building answered to him. Elise wouldn't last long enough to give them orders.

Natalie pouted. [Aren't you going to comfort me?]

[I'll transfer three thousand. Buy yourself a nice handbag.]

Natalie beamed instantly and began fawning over Benjamin.

Still, she didn't forget to add: [You said you'd be back in three months max. I'll entertain your daughter until then—not a day longer. You know you're the only one I want to entertain.]

[Oh, you minx.]

At 2 PM, as everyone gathered in Stellar Group's conference room, Elise got straight to business.

"It's my first day here, so there's much I don't know. Please provide summaries of your respective departments, starting with HR."

However, Christopher Brown—the Head of Human Resources—said, "I apologize, Ms. Scott, but my department couldn't prepare a summary in such short time. However—"

As Elise watched Christopher, the man remained perfectly calm and composed under her gaze.

She stayed calm and called the next department. "Corporate."

"We actually have too many ongoing projects. My team is still sorting through the chaos."

"Marketing?"

"The department head hasn't returned. I'd prefer not to overstep my authority," the deputy said.

"Finance isn't prepared either, I assume?"

"No." The man couldn't even bother to be polite.

Elise then turned to Sophia—after being denied the CEO position, she remained head of the fashion design department, leaving the CEO seat vacant.

Sophia stood up, saying meekly, "I'm prepared, sis—I mean, Ms. Scott."

Elise nodded, but she wasn't about to be moved.

After all, Sophia was expert at playing the harmless innocent for everyone.

After Elise's nod, Sophia spent the next hour elaborating extensively on her new designs.

"Will production begin next month?" Elise asked.

"Everything's ready except marketing."

"No need to rush. I see room for improvement."

A flicker of displeasure showed in Sophia's eyes—she knew Elise would target her.

"What needs improvement?!" Christopher snapped immediately. "Sophia's designs always set market trends!"

"This season's collection draws inspiration from current trends too. It will sell!"

"You really shouldn't interfere with the design department, Ms. Scott. Sophia won fifth prize in an international competition under the name Lilac!"

Sophia was Lilac?!

Elise had certainly heard of Lilac before, having worked in these circles for years.

"It's a shame I couldn't be the best in Asia," Sophia said humbly.

"Isn't the best in Asia essentially the best in the world?" Elise asked directly.