Lilah arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Really?

I'm fairly sure everyone in this room knows who the true heir is.”

Her eyes darted around the room, challenging the executives to speak up.

Gladys cleared her throat nervously. “Well, to be fair, Mr. Robert Phillips did have a high regard for Lilah. He trained her personally and often mentioned that she was destined to lead."

Back then, those who were privy to this information were shocked. The idea of Robert handing the company to his granddaughter instead of his son was startling. But after Matthew took over the company, it wasn't long before everyone realized the wisdom of Robert's foresight.

Matthew's leadership was just lackluster, and Lilah was a better choice.

Matthew slammed his hand on the table, sending a jolt through the room. "This is absurd! Lilah was just a kid back then. How on earth would my father ever think of handing the reins to her? Sure, he said she'd get a shot when I'm gone, but guess what? I'm still here, breathing and in charge. Lilah, is your ambition making you blind?"

He glared at Lilah. For the first time, he agreed with Helga. They shouldn't have raised such an ungrateful girl like Lilah.

Lance, leaning against the table with a smirk, said, “Well, Lilah, I've always heard about your fierce spirit. Didn't expect you'd aim so high, though. Going after your father's throne? Bold move."

Lilah squared her shoulders, her voice calm but assertive. "I'm simply staking my claim, Lance. But what's your game? Masking your intentions to steal the Phillips Group under the guise of partnership?

Seems a bit shady. Or did you conveniently forget that my grandfather bankrolled your grandfather's early ventures?"

A hush fell. Few in the room knew of this history, this old debt between families. The public narrative painted Waylon as a self-made mogul, but behind closed doors, the truth whispered a different story.

Lilah's grandfather, Robert, full of faith, had once bankrolled Waylon's dreams, hoping in return for a stake in what he believed would be their shared success. But as Waylon's ambitions flourished, he conveniently forgot those early favors, denying any promise of shares to Robert.

When the betrayal became clear, and with no evidence to hold Waylon accountable, Robert was left with little choice but to swallow the bitterness. Yet, out of that hurt, he sowed the seeds of the Phillips Group. Even as Waylon's company basked in the Limelight, they cast shadows on the fledgling Phillips Group. Through grit and determination, Robert ensured that his venture not only survived but thrived.

Lilah's steely eyes met Lance's, making him shift uneasily. But he rallied quickly. "Enough of your melodrama, Lilah. Eleywood's gossip mills have never been kind to your family. In their eyes, and mine, you're just chasing shadows."

Matthew's face tightened at the veiled insult, but he remained silent.

Unfazed, Lance continued, "Consider my involvement a favor, Lilah.

But remember, overstepping can have consequences. Don't test me."

Lance was angry. How dare Lilah incite him?

He contemplated that both Matthew and Lilah should show him due deference.

With that in mind, he hatched a scheme to impart a valuable lesson to Lilah.

“I regret to inform you that Miss Lilah Phillips rightfully stands to inherit it."

A new voice resonated from the doorway, prompting everyone to glance involuntarily in that direction, where a countenance both familiar and foreign met their gaze. An air of astonishment swept through the room, casting a hushed pall over the entire room.

“Billy Hudson?"