"Release him!"

Sophia's voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

Benjamin suddenly strode into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The security guards glanced toward Sophia, awaiting her decision.

Sophia decided to grant her father this small dignity. She gave a curt nod. "Let him go."

The moment Daniel was freed, he lunged toward Sophia, his fists clenched in rage. But Benjamin moved swiftly, intercepting him with practiced ease.

"Enough of this disgraceful behavior!" Benjamin's voice thundered through the office.

Daniel immediately stilled. Of all people in the world, his father was the only one he truly feared.

Sophia watched the scene unfold with cold amusement. Her mocking smile made Daniel's blood boil with renewed fury.

"Sophia, hand over your shares." Benjamin struggled to maintain his composure. "We're still family. I promise not to pursue what happened here today."

A bitter laugh escaped Sophia's lips.

"Father, now I understand why Elise despises the Scott family so deeply. Every single one of us is utterly repulsive!"

Benjamin's face darkened with displeasure.

"What gives you the right to demand my shares? To speak so magnanimously about letting this go? I don't need your mercy! Since I have the power to sit in this chair, I won't pretend to be humble before any of you!"

She continued, her voice dripping with contempt. "Don't blame me for being ruthless. You forced my hand. Daniel is worthless, yet you all defend him endlessly. I've sacrificed everything for this family, and none of you care. You expected me to serve Daniel my entire life. Where's the justice in that? Do you really believe the Scott family deserves such blind loyalty?"

"Stop this nonsense, Sophia! I'm only speaking to you civilly because of our relationship—"

"Save your breath. I saw how you treated Elise. Family means nothing to you. You only care about your own interests. Anyone who threatens your position becomes disposable. If you could betray Elise, you'd do the same to me. I should thank Elise for showing me the Scott family's true colors and motivating me to claim this position!"

Benjamin's eyes narrowed. "You only hold one percent more shares than I do. I can purchase additional shares whenever I choose. Do you really think you can maintain this arrogance?"

"Elise holds ten percent. The other directors control nine percent combined. Let me be clear—Elise would never sell her shares to you. You have only yourselves to blame. Remember when grandmother publicly declared she would never ask Elise for help? You severed your own lifeline!"

Sophia's triumphant laughter echoed through the office. "As for the nine percent held by outsiders—if those shares were available for purchase, would you even stand a chance? I would have acquired them already."

"You—!" Benjamin's veins bulged on his forehead. He never imagined the daughter he trusted could be so calculating.

"This is entirely your doing. If you had shown even a shred of conscience, you wouldn't have backed yourself into this corner."

Sophia's smirk widened. "Father, if there's nothing else, please take your precious son and leave. I have work to do."

"Are you certain you want to be this cruel, Sophia?" Benjamin threatened once more.

Sophia dismissed his words with a wave of her hand.

Gritting his teeth, Benjamin turned to leave.

"Oh, one more thing." Sophia's voice stopped him at the door.

"Since you're no longer chairman, I'll have your office cleared out. I'll be using it from now on. Feel free to select any other available office for yourself."

Benjamin stormed out, his face dark with fury. Daniel followed closely behind.

They stepped out of Scott Enterprises only to be swarmed by reporters waiting downstairs.

News of Sophia's takeover had already spread like wildfire.