"What?" Lilah's cheeks warmed at the idea of addressing Gerard with a nickname. "I sometimes call Jerrold ‘Baby'. How does ‘Babe’ sound for you?" she teased.

Jerrold shot Gerard a look of mock horror. Gerard, rubbing his temple, responded, “Whatever makes you smile."

Chuckling, Lilah conceded, "I was just pulling your leg. I kind of like just saying ‘Gerard’. Sounds good?"

"Hmm." Gerard's voice was noncommittal.

Post-dinner, Gerard tackled the dishes like a ritual. After that, he began a conversation from the couch in the living room. "Is it difficult to handle the Phillips Group's problem?"

"Not particularly." Lilah shrugged. "Grandpa left behind trustworthy folks in the company, including his lawyer. With them around, the company won't falter."

“But managing both the Phillips Group and Aurora Jewelers? Won't that wear you out?"

Lilah leaned back and said, "A good leader delegates. Aurora Jewelers is on track. I'll just direct more focus to the Phillips Group."

Though she tried to sound steadfast, a thread of concern lingered.

The Phillips Group had seen better days; its internal struggles were mounting. Yet, with thoughts of Gerard, who steered an even larger conglomerate, her resolve stiffened. If he could do it, so could she.

And she felt a nudge to caution Matthew too. She was certain Onyx's assistance was a veiled power grab, not genuine help. She just hoped Matthew would see that too.

When Matthew read Lilah's text, he simply scoffed. To him, Lilah's guarded nature made her see shadows everywhere. With Onyx's business thriving, Matthew didn't see any hidden agenda. Why would Onyx need the Phillips Group? He had weighed the pros and cons before siding with Onyx. So, he brushed off Lilah's warning, meticulously picking out an outfit for the next day's board meeting. In his heart, he felt certain that Onyx's plan would pave a golden path for their company, bringing joy to all.

The following day, at the Phillips Group boardroom...

As anticipated, the directors unanimously greenlit the collaboration.

The Phillips Group wasn't what it used to be, and Onyx's proposition felt like a lifeline.

Onyx's son, Lance Phillips, clad in a crisp blue-striped suit that screamed "elite", attended the meeting in his father's stead. With an air of confidence, he announced, "Thanks for your trust. Together, we'll elevate the Phillips Group to new heights."

The board members responded with a chorus of applause. "We're all ears."

Taking control of the projector, Lance displayed his diagnostic insights. “I've analyzed the decline of the Phillips Group. And here's my solution." The data flashed on the screen. "The leadership hasn't changed for years, yet the company's in a slump. It's clear: we need fresh minds. In a week, let's build a new leadership team."

Matthew's eyebrows knitted together. "That seems rash."

The proposed change would disrupt the legacy his father, Robert, had built. Dismissing his father's trusted executives wasn't a choice made lightly.

"Why wouldn't we? This is about the company's growth," Lance countered, a sharp edge to his tone. “Hesitating now is a Liability."

Another director chimed in, “Lance has a point. Those executives had their chance. Their track record isn't stellar. We need change."

Given the overwhelming support for Lance's plan, Matthew bit back further objections.

As word got around, a palpable shock reverberated through the company.