The grand conference room was packed with Stellar Group's top executives.

Sophia stood confidently on the podium, ready to deliver her inaugural speech as CEO.

Her eyes suddenly caught movement at the entrance.

Elise stood there calmly, her presence commanding immediate attention.

Benjamin, seated in the front row, noticed Sophia's frozen expression.

He turned to see what had captured her attention.

His face darkened instantly when he spotted Elise.

He rose abruptly, his chair scraping against the polished floor.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, storming toward her.

Every executive watched the unfolding drama with keen interest.

"This was my mother's company," Elise responded coolly. "Is there a problem?"

Her voice carried through the silent room, unwavering and authoritative.

Benjamin's jaw tightened. "I don't have time for this today. Leave immediately!"

Elise ignored his command, walking purposefully into the conference room.

Sophia's eyes flashed with barely concealed fury.

But within seconds, she composed herself, a sweet smile gracing her features.

"Sister! Did you come to witness my appointment? I'm so touched!"

Elise thought Sophia deserved an Oscar for her performance.

Without acknowledging her sister, Elise produced a legal document.

She addressed the room with commanding presence.

"I am Elise Scott. According to my late mother's will, I am here to claim ownership of Stellar Group."

The room erupted in shocked murmurs.

Stellar Group belonged to Elise? Then what were Benjamin and Sophia doing there?

Elise continued, unfazed by the growing commotion.

"Effective immediately, I assume full control of Stellar Group. I look forward to your cooperation."

She gave a slight bow that conveyed authority rather than humility.

Sophia stood frozen on the podium, her prepared speech forgotten.

All eyes turned to her, witnessing her public humiliation for the first time.

This was supposed to be her triumphant moment.

Instead, Elise had delivered a stunning blow.

Tears welled in Sophia's eyes, perfectly timed.

"Do you need money, sister?" she asked with feigned concern.

Elise remained silent, her expression unreadable.

Sophia pressed on, "I heard you've been seeing that firefighter recently. Are you in some kind of trouble?"

The executives exchanged knowing glances.

So Elise was here for money to support her new lover?

Benjamin's face turned thunderous. "I'll give you one million dollars right now. Take it and leave!"

His outburst confirmed everyone's suspicions.

But Elise laughed, a cold, sharp sound.

Sophia seethed internally at the thought of Elise getting any money.

Still, she maintained her concerned facade. "I can transfer the money today. Just promise you'll stop seeing that man."

"Hook up?" Elise's voice cut through the room. "Like you hooked up with my fiancé?"

Sophia paled dramatically. "Samuel and I never—"

"Enough!" Benjamin roared, pulling out his checkbook.

He scribbled quickly, then threw the check at Elise's feet. "Five hundred thousand now. Sign over the company and you'll get the rest."

Elise slowly bent to pick up the check.

Sophia watched with concealed triumph, thinking Elise was just like any other gold digger.

But Elise merely examined the check before tearing it to pieces.

She let the fragments flutter back toward Benjamin.

"Stellar Group earns tens of millions in annual profit," she stated coldly. "Its net worth exceeds hundreds of millions. And you think a million dollars is fair compensation?"

Her words hung in the air, a public humiliation for Benjamin.

Sophia stared in shock. How did Elise know these financial details?

"You have twenty-four hours to clear your desks," Elise announced. "Or face the legal consequences."

The succession ceremony ended in complete disgrace.

Back in her office, Sophia wept dramatically.

She had been crying since they left the conference room.

"Father, this is robbery! After all our hard work building Stellar Group, she just takes it? I can't accept this!"

Benjamin's anger matched hers. "I may be getting older, but I'm not helpless. If she wants Stellar Group so badly, I'll teach her to be careful what she wishes for!"

Sophia's tears stopped instantly.

A malicious smile curved her lips.

She would take everything from Elise—her family, her reputation, her love, her wealth.

Elise had never beaten her before.

This time would be no different.

Meanwhile, in the CEO's office at Levine Holdings...

The panoramic windows offered a breathtaking view of Crestwood.

The monochrome interior exuded sophisticated elegance.

Samuel Wilson finished outlining the day's schedule.

He added, "The board chairman insists you attend the executive meeting in thirty minutes."

William Levine nodded. "Understood."

This was his first official day at Levine Holdings.

He had brought Samuel as his personal assistant from overseas.

Samuel had been studying the company's operations for the past month.

"Have you compiled the executive profiles?" William asked.

Samuel handed him a thick folder. "Everything you requested, sir."

As William reviewed the documents, Samuel stood attentively.

After a moment, Samuel added, "I understand Ms. Elise Scott is taking over Stellar Group today."

William's eyes flickered with interest.

But he said nothing, continuing to study the files before him.

The city spread out below them, unaware of the power shifts occurring within its gleaming towers.