Elise sat in her office, scrolling through her phone.

She noticed all the scandalous articles about her had disappeared.

She knew immediately it was William's doing.

A faint flutter stirred in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it.

Soon, Elizabeth posted on her personal social media account.

[Everyone has a past, but rumors remain speculation until proven. Still, I must urge certain individuals to find their conscience!]

Her message was clearly supporting Elise, implying she had been set up.

It sparked another heated debate among netizens.

Some criticized Elizabeth for having no morals herself, accusing her of selling out for money.

Elizabeth's supporters quickly defended her.

They pointed out her endorsement fee from Stellar Group was pocket change compared to her wealth.

They speculated there must be more to the story, since she wouldn't compromise her principles for so little.

Amid the online controversy, news spread about Elise's press conference tomorrow.

It immediately became the top trending search topic.

With the negative articles removed, netizens began discussing the scandal's truth more openly.

Their hostility toward Elise noticeably decreased.

Stellar Group's official announcement about unconditional refunds generated positive publicity.

Within half a day, the intense criticism against Elise had eased.

As events unfolded, netizens began anticipating a dramatic revelation.

After all, no one could ignore Elise's composed response throughout the ordeal.

Samuel watched the shifting public sentiment with growing frustration.

He couldn't allow Elise any opportunity to turn the situation around.

He quickly called several chief editors from major media outlets.

He hinted they should confront Elise aggressively at tomorrow's press conference.

In return, he promised them exclusive stories later.

After arranging this, he called Elise directly.

Elise was still monitoring online news when Samuel's name appeared on her screen.

She answered calmly. "Hello?"

"I heard you're offering unconditional refunds to all customers," Samuel said mockingly.

"Is there a problem?"

"You're losing at least five million dollars on refunds alone, Elise. With the two hundred thousand clothing units, that's over ten million." Samuel laughed coldly. "What's Stellar Group's market value now? You'll be announcing bankruptcy soon since no investor will touch you."

"And?" Elise responded indifferently. "What does that have to do with you?"

"Stubbornness won't help you. No matter how you apologize at tomorrow's press conference, you can't salvage this situation. The best you can hope for is minimizing losses slightly, but it's meaningless in the grand scheme." Samuel's tone turned condescending. "Since we were involved, I'm willing to provide some capital if you admit your mistakes. At least you won't become a complete laughingstock."

"Admit my mistakes?!" Elise laughed coldly, finding it utterly ridiculous. "You orchestrated this entire situation, Samuel! How stupid would I have to be to let you humiliate me?!"

Samuel immediately denied everything. "This has nothing to do with me. You're the one who behaved recklessly. Now someone is making you pay!"

"You're the only person who knows about those Mitchell Corp sponsors molesting me while drunk! Unless they had too much free time and decided to expose themselves?!"

"You went alone with them! I was too busy with work to accompany you! Was I in any of those photos?!" Samuel snapped viciously.

"Of course not. I was alone, working tirelessly and sacrificing everything for Mitchell Corp, while you couldn't tear yourself away from Sophia's sweet attentions," Elise retorted sarcastically. "Also, Sophia provided you those photos, allowing you to deny any involvement!"

Samuel's expression darkened, surprised Elise had figured it out.

"Is this how Sophia seduced you away from me? You prefer scheming, malicious women, don't you?!" Elise demanded.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Sophia and I are completely innocent, while you ended our relationship and destroyed your own prospects. Like I told you before, nothing good happens to women who are too independent and authoritative! This is entirely your own fault!" Samuel responded with lies and deception. "I was trying to help you out of kindness, but since you refuse, go ahead and destroy yourself! I'll see what magic you can perform tomorrow!"

He hung up furiously.

Even at this critical juncture, Elise remained defiant.

But Samuel wasn't worried...

He could wait.