Margaret was absolutely furious. "How dare you treat me this way?!"

Benjamin didn't even glance in her direction. He simply turned and walked away without a word.

"You'll regret this, Benjamin Scott!" Margaret screamed, but her protests were useless as the household staff forcefully escorted her upstairs.

They locked her inside her bedroom, ignoring her struggles and shouts.

Victoria felt a deep sense of satisfaction watching Margaret's humiliation.

She had been anxious when Sophia took control of Scott Enterprise. In her mind, the company rightfully belonged to Daniel Scott. But seeing Margaret being treated this way wasn't entirely unpleasant.

After all, Sophia was her own daughter. She doubted her daughter would completely disregard her mother's feelings.

Elise was working in her office at Stellar Group when Matthew knocked gently on the door. "Miss Scott? There's a Mr. Patrick Montgomery here to see you."

Patrick who?

"He mentioned he's interested in discussing investment opportunities with Stellar High Fashion," Matthew clarified.

Elise remained silent for a moment.

After the failed tender invitation, she had reached a preliminary agreement with the board during the morning meeting. They would continue investing in their company independently. While this approach carried significant risk and would strain their capital management, it also meant maintaining full control over sales and operations without third-party involvement. Having complete management rights would ensure smoother operations.

Still...

"Please show him in," Elise decided. She believed in business, one should never dismiss potential opportunities outright.

Soon, a man dressed in a sharp black suit entered her office.

He carried himself with an upright posture that commanded attention. While not classically handsome, he possessed a presence that made him stand out in any crowd.

"Miss Scott," Patrick greeted courteously, extending his hand.

Elise stood to receive him. "Mr. Montgomery."

They exchanged polite greetings before taking their seats. Elise got straight to business. "My secretary mentioned you're interested in Stellar High Fashion?"

"Indeed, I am," Patrick confirmed.

"Why approach me? You must be aware of the constant scandals surrounding me, which caused my previous partners to withdraw," she stated bluntly.

Any man knocking on her door would have done his homework beforehand. There was no point in hiding the truth.

Honesty formed the foundation of any potential partnership.

"True opportunities often emerge during turbulent times, Miss Scott. Besides, I've personally reviewed your designs—I'm confident in your ability to succeed." Patrick smiled, though his tone conveyed firm determination.

"In that case, may I ask for an introduction to your company, Mr. Montgomery?" Elise inquired.

"Of course," Patrick replied, retrieving a dossier from his briefcase. "This is the company I own—nothing extraordinary, but we certainly don't lack financial resources."

Elise studied him intently.

Few people could speak about money with such casual confidence!

"Fair enough," Elise responded, her eyes still scanning the documents as she casually asked, "What's your connection to the Montgomery family of Rockville?"

Patrick's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Now that you mention it... I suppose Victoria Montgomery could be considered my cousin."

Elise's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, "Her grandfather is my grandfather's brother. You're probably aware that half the Montgomery family is in business while the other half is in politics? I belong to the latter group."