Elise understood that Elizabeth disliked Sophia because of her, but she didn't want Elizabeth to be upset on her account either.

"We've mostly finished discussing the case, and I'm getting hungry," Andrew said. "Let's go get something to eat."

"Alright." Ethan agreed.

"What would you like to eat? I'll make a reservation," Andrew asked, turning toward Elizabeth at that moment.

He typically didn't hold grudges, viewing her more like a stubborn younger sister.

"You guys go ahead—I'm having lunch with Elise alone."

Elizabeth refused immediately, then added, "It's difficult to enjoy a meal around people you dislike."

Andrew sighed.

"Could you be a little less petty, Elizabeth?"

"Wasn't referring to you," Elizabeth replied, already pulling Elise along. "Come on, let's go."

Andrew watched them leave, and it took him a moment to process Elizabeth's meaning. Wheeling on Ethan, he exclaimed, "Did she actually mean... you?"

"Yeah," Ethan replied.

"Well, I don't understand. You've always been decent to her, never harsh... Why would she resent you so much?"

Andrew mused curiously.

"William's personality is even worse, and he's always strict with her, yet she adores him. Is it just her nature to be ungrateful? Or does blood truly run thicker than water?"

Since Ethan offered no explanation, Andrew didn't press further, assuming Ethan didn't know the reason either.

Elise was held in custody for an entire night.

The conditions were poor, the bed uncomfortably hard. It suddenly reminded her of Samuel, who had recently endured similar circumstances.

She hadn't expected to share the same fate so soon.

But after a night of soul-searching and calming her thoughts, she could finally examine the case against her with clarity.

That was when she realized Jessica wasn't acting alone.

While Jessica had influence over many external matters, controlling Starstream Group's internal structure seemed nearly impossible.

Unless there was inside help.

After all, Sophia had worked at Starstream for years before leaving. She knew the employees intimately.

In other words, Sophia knew exactly who could be bribed and with what. Given her calculating nature, orchestrating this wouldn't be difficult.

So Jessica was collaborating with Sophia.

As the saying goes, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'

Still, Elise had to admit Jessica knew how to manipulate people effectively.

Suddenly, a warden arrived outside and barked, "Elise Scott, you have a visitor. Follow me!"

Elise pursed her lips—who would visit her now? Samantha? Had they made progress on her case? But as she quietly followed the warden, her knuckles clenched when she saw Sophia.

Even the most rational person would feel a surge of anger when facing someone determined to destroy them.

Sophia immediately noticed Elise's reaction.

To be honest, Sophia had grown tired of Elise's superiority and wanted nothing more than to crush her completely.

It felt incredibly satisfying to see Elise looking so haggard, though Sophia worked hard to conceal her triumph.

Naturally, Sophia couldn't resist seeing Elise in this state—that was the whole point of her visit.

"Oh, how could you make such a mistake? Tax evasion?" Sophia exclaimed, feigning concern. "Our father always paid every cent owed when he was chairman. Even with soaring sales under your leadership, you shouldn't resort to illegal methods..."

Elise laughed coolly and called her out immediately. "This is your doing, isn't it? Why bother with the crocodile tears?"

"What are you talking about? Why would I do something like this? I would never be capable of going this far," Sophia said.

She naturally denied everything, but she had to admit Elise was clever... To think she'd already figured it out!