Back at the Scott residence, Margaret was fuming with rage.

"Grandmother, please calm down," Sophia said soothingly. "Elise must be devastated after William's engagement announcement. That's why she lashed out at you."

"She deserved every bit of it!" Margaret shouted. "That girl never knew her place! She thought she could seduce William and marry into the Levine family!"

"Elise always did have unrealistic expectations," Sophia said with a sympathetic expression. "How could our family ever match up to the Levines? But everyone makes mistakes. Hopefully she'll learn from this experience."

Though Sophia appeared concerned on the surface, internally she felt a twisted satisfaction.

She had believed she could steal any man Elise managed to attract, fantasizing about the perfect moment to take William for herself. Discovering he was already engaged to someone with such powerful connections crushed those dreams completely.

Still, the knowledge that neither of them could have him provided some consolation.

"Whatever Elise does is her own business," Benjamin stated coldly. "She stopped being my daughter the day she turned eighteen! My current concern is the Mitchells."

"What about them?" Margaret asked anxiously. "Would Samuel dare look down on our Sophia now?"

She worried that Elise's recent attention might make Samuel regret his engagement.

"Not that." Benjamin shook his head. "Richard contacted me today asking for capital investment. He claims Mitchell Corp is launching a luxury brand and needs additional funding. He promised dividends once they become profitable."

"Is there an issue?" Margaret inquired.

"A significant one," Benjamin explained. "Mitchell Corp's stocks have been declining while Stellar Group dominates the market. According to my sources, many investors Samuel secured are quietly withdrawing their support. This luxury brand launch is merely a facade to cover their financial shortfall. Investing now would be foolish! Yet because of our family connection, I can't simply refuse them."

"What if that connection no longer existed?" Sophia suggested.

Benjamin looked at his daughter thoughtfully.

"I would never forgive myself for burdening our family," Sophia said with convincing remorse. "I'm willing to do whatever necessary for our family's wellbeing."

"See how selfless Sophia is compared to that ungrateful Elise?" Margaret praised while criticizing.

"But if you break up with Samuel now, it would reflect poorly on us," Benjamin worried.

"What if he breaks up with me instead?" Sophia countered.

"Break up with you? Why would Samuel do that now? Setting aside your relationship, his family is in crisis. Losing our support would mean losing their last major investor." Benjamin found the idea implausible.

"Don't worry, Father. I know exactly what to do, and I'll ensure our family remains unaffected," Sophia declared confidently.

Benjamin's mood lifted significantly seeing Sophia's assurance. "Sophia, you're truly an exceptional daughter. Even if I can't give you Stellar Group, you'll certainly receive shares in Scott Enterprise. If you resolve this Mitchell Corp situation, I'll grant you company shares when you join us."

"Thank you, Father." Sophia felt elated as ruthless determination flashed through her mind.

They couldn't blame her for being merciless. Samuel deserved this for being so incompetent!

Daniel sat quietly nearby, overhearing Benjamin promise Sophia shares in Scott Enterprise. His expression darkened with displeasure.

Scott Enterprise belonged to him alone. He already resented Elise for taking ten percent of the shares, and now Sophia wanted a portion too?

She could keep dreaming!

James stayed with Elise for two days until she received Victoria's message on Sunday afternoon.

[Ms. Scott, my grandfather and I are traveling to the capital tomorrow and will return directly to Rockville after completing our business. We won't be back in Crestwood for another two weeks. Could you please return James tonight if possible?]

Elise read Victoria's message with detached calmness.

Victoria had carefully chosen her words to emphasize her status—mentioning her two-week absence, requesting James be returned rather than collected.

She responded: [Would you prefer me to bring him to your residence, or would you like to pick him up from mine?]

Victoria replied courteously: [I'll come to your place. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you when I have plenty of free time in Crestwood anyway.]