The high-ranking executives expressed their indignation, but with each word, they indirectly ridiculed Lilah, the young CEO.

Joseph, despite his involvement in various kickbacks, possessed significant experience in managing a company. However, most executives didn't quite respect Lilah because of her youth and her primary role as a designer rather than a seasoned manager.

Lilah's position left everyone speculating. Many believed it was due to her connections with the higher-ups of the headquarters.

The last time she chaired the meeting, they saw her as competent.

Now, though, they were beginning to perceive her as nothing more than a decorative figurehead.

Lilah's assistant felt anxious, fearing they might be too harsh. She cast a glance at Lilah, longing for her to speak up; however, Lilah remained absorbed in her laptop.

Lilah was taken by surprise when she stumbled upon the news regarding the acquisition of the First Mall. An email from the First Mall requesting cooperation even landed in her inbox. To her astonishment, Gerard was the mastermind behind this acquisition.

For the mall owner, it was a harsh twist of fate, but Lilah held no sympathy for him whatsoever. After all, he had offended Gerard.

The email outlined numerous collaboration benefits in a highly professional manner.

She found no reason to reject the offer. In any case, she believed in maintaining a strict boundary between her personal and professional life. Her emotions wouldn't be allowed to impact her work.

“Miss Phillips, we're talking to you," the deputy CEO, Steven Hamilton, interjected impatiently. "Even as the CEO, can you really afford to be this arrogant? Now you're disregarding us as if we're invisible."

"Do you enjoy complaining?" Lilah asked. “Have you aired all your grievances?"

Lilah closed her laptop, her tone void of any emotion.

The room's collective expressions shifted. Before anyone could respond, she added, “Company meetings are for problem-solving, not venting frustrations. If you want to complain, go to the market!"

Steven clenched his teeth. "Miss Phillips, you've crossed a line.

You've failed, and now you expect us to clean up your mess? If you're not up for being CEO, you can step down."

That statement lacked politeness.

Lilah's icy gaze fixed on his face. “Do you want this role?"

"Your experience in managing the company is clearly insufficient,"

Steven said seriously. "I wouldn't make such a mistake. Miss Phillips, you're still a woman at heart. Designing suits you better. Leave the company's management to the men."

Their gender discrimination was evident.

Lilah's gaze turned icy. "So, Mr. Hamilton, how would you handle this situation?"

Steven pondered the question. "If I were in charge, when the prime spot was already taken, our best move would be to scout alternative locations and secure as many as we can. Quantity can sometimes outshine quality, giving us broader exposure."

“Why didn't you pick the First Mall, then?" Lilah inquired.