Samuel's anger subsided instantly. "What are you implying?"

Sophia remained visibly irritated, her patience worn thin by Samuel's mockery and outburst.

She had tolerated his temper before because she desired him.

Now that her interest had vanished, his words only fueled her resentment.

"I apologize for my emotional reaction, Sophia," Samuel said, quickly realizing his harshness and softening his tone, sensing she had a strategy. "Please understand—I'm just concerned you're still assisting your sister after how she exploited you."

While Sophia wasn't particularly forgiving, she didn't dwell on pettiness since Samuel remained useful to her. "Consider this: Stellar Fashion is currently at peak popularity, with every media outlet praising them and netizens showering them with admiration. But if a scandal erupts at this critical moment, do you truly believe Stellar Fashion can maintain its appeal? I anticipate a complete reversal of fortune."

Though Samuel grasped the plan quickly, he questioned, "But is there any scandal involving Stellar Group? There was that internal reshuffle, but I doubt it would gain significant traction."

"Stellar Group might not have any scandals... but my sister certainly does."

"What scandal?" Samuel grew cautious and added, "I won't risk my reputation here. It wouldn't be worth the cost!"

Clearly, he valued his public image greatly and worried Sophia might use his past with Elise to create a scandal.

No matter what, he didn't want any dirt attached to his name!

"Relax, Samuel. I won't let your reputation suffer—anyway, do you recall those photos I sent you earlier?" Sophia inquired.

Samuel thought for a moment and soon remembered. "You mean..."

"Once those photos are released, my sister's reputation will be utterly destroyed. Granted, it's never been stellar, but that will only amplify the impact."

Samuel hesitated, aware that releasing those photos would be underhanded.

"Think it over, Samuel. Honestly, I wouldn't have suggested this... if it weren't for Mitchell Corp, especially after all your efforts to revive it," Sophia said sweetly. "Anyway, I should go—"

"It's all Elise's own doing," Samuel suddenly declared.

Sophia smirked maliciously at that moment.

When his personal interests were at stake, Samuel showed no sentimentality, even if he felt some guilt toward Elise.

Still, Sophia advised Samuel, "There's no hurry, Samuel. Let Stellar Fashion enjoy their hype for a few more days."

"Why?" Samuel asked—that would mean Mitchell Corp's sales would suffer even more.

"Given the current situation, Elise will undoubtedly push production to increase output, which drives up costs. But if sales suddenly plummet and they can't cover expenses, Stellar Group's finances will stall, and my sister will have to sell her shares to raise capital. However, once her reputation is ruined, no other company will buy her shares or offer help. When that happens, I can persuade my father to purchase all her shares, seizing the chance to reclaim Stellar."

Samuel's eyes gleamed as he processed Sophia's explanation.

He had always seen her as delicate, so her calculated and thorough planning surprised him.

The thought of Elise losing everything excited him even more, so he eagerly agreed, "Let's proceed with your plan, Sophia. I'll support you in any way I can."

"Okay," Sophia cooed.

"And once this is over, let's announce our engagement," Samuel added sincerely.

He also planned to publicly praise Sophia's cleverness in this scheme.

"That will have to wait. If we want to create a scandal for Elise, we can't mention our relationship at all, or she might use it against us. If that happens, we'd lose far more than we gain."

"Okay," Samuel agreed immediately.