With those final words, Elise Scott turned and walked out of the conference room. Her exit was as commanding as her entrance.

Jonathan Locke couldn't believe a woman in her twenties had just threatened him, a man in his forties. He immediately called Benjamin Scott to report the situation.

"Don't worry about her. Just follow my instructions," Benjamin said dismissively, still underestimating his daughter. "I'll handle any consequences."

"Yes, Mr. Scott."

A sinister smile spread across Jonathan's face.

He would wait and see how long Elise could maintain this act.

Elise brought Matthew Johnson with her to Stellar Group's production plant. She wondered why the workers had suddenly decided to strike.

The facility was located in the outskirts of Crestwood, requiring a long drive that lasted until afternoon. Despite skipping lunch, Elise went straight inside to meet Patrick Longman, the factory supervisor.

Like Jonathan, Patrick showed no respect toward Elise. They were clearly both aligned with Benjamin.

"I heard our new chairwoman was young, but this young?" he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You're about the same age as my daughter, who still runs to me for everything. The comparison really stings, doesn't it?"

Elise ignored his condescending words and got straight to business. "Jonathan Locke informed me about the worker strike. What's happening here?"

"What does it look like? They're not being paid enough!"

"According to our records, wages here match industry standards, and our benefits package exceeds competitors..."

"But you're the one who accelerated production, demanding overtime. Without proper compensation, nobody's happy, are they?"

Elise narrowed her eyes.

Nobody had reported the plant's actual situation to her. Under these circumstances, she would have authorized special overtime pay.

She had to admit Benjamin had been systematically undermining her all along.

"Any other questions, Ms. Scott? I have work to attend to if you're finished," Patrick said before walking away.

Elise pressed her lips together and turned to leave with Matthew. Before they could reach the front gate, an angry mob of workers surrounded them.

"You're the new chairwoman, aren't you?" shouted the lead worker, his face contorted with anger. "Forcing overtime without pay—where's your conscience? Pay us now, or you're not going anywhere!"

"You think you can just replace us? Never! I've worked here for seven years! Don't think you can force us out!"

"Pay us! Pay us now!"

The workers' shouts grew louder as they tightened the circle around Elise and Matthew.

Matthew moved to shield Elise, concerned they might become violent.

"Everyone calm down!" Elise raised her voice. "Once I verify the situation, everyone will receive proper compensation. No Stellar Group employee will be treated unfairly!"

"Lies!" the lead worker snapped. "She'll forget about us the moment she leaves! Don't let her escape!"

"Pay up or you're staying right here!"

Elise was shocked by the workers' aggression. Clearly, this strike had been carefully planned.

Even so, she never would have realized how serious things were if she hadn't inquired about the production delays herself.