His piercing gaze remained fixed on Lilah.

Lance embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at a tender age. With the passage of years, he had cultivated a formidable presence. When he unleashed this aura in its full glory, it proved overwhelming to the average person, yet Lilah remained composed and aloof.

But why bother? After all, she was just a woman and didn't see the bigger picture.

Lance inquired, “Lilah, do you deem it fitting to sever our collaboration? Are you aware of the dire state the Phillips Group currently finds itself in?"

“No matter how dire our circumstances may be, we refuse to degrade ourselves into mere subcontractors," Lilah declared with a frigid tone.

Her words resonated with the sentiments of all present. During the Phillips Group's heyday, countless businesses in Eleywood had clamored to forge partnerships with them.

How had they fallen from such heights to the relatively lower status of subcontractors within a mere few years?

Lance, a sly grin playing at the corners of his lips, retorted, “Lilah, idealism is admirable but we must confront the harsh reality.

The reality is that the Phillips Group is unable to meet its payroll and the employees are struggling to make ends meet. Why persist with sentimentality in such a dire situation?"

"I will handle my company's affairs. Those not directly involved, kindly make your exit," Lilah responded icily.

Gladys was deeply moved by Lilah's resolute demeanor. A warm feeling surged within Gladys and she couldn't help but sense that the Phillips Group was on the brink of a remarkable resurgence.

Finally, after Lance's departure, Matthew, his face flushed, handed over his responsibilities to Lilah, who assumed the mantle of chairwoman.

The board members rallied in support of Matthew.

“Lilah, even though you've inherited your grandfather's shares and assumed the role of chairperson, you lack experience in running a company. Your father has been at the helm for many years. It might be wise to let him remain as the CEO, ensuring you receive a bonus without any active involvement," suggested one of the directors with a genial smile.

Lilah responded, “Haven't everyone's dividends been diminishing over the years?"

A contemplative hush fell upon the directors; they were unable to counter her assertion, yet unsure of Lilah's intentions. She pressed on, “I can assure you that with Matthew leading the way, the Phillips Group won't be able to offer any bonuses this year and it may even teeter on the edge of bankruptcy, causing the stock to plummet. However, with me in charge, I'll make every effort to reverse this trajectory. Or would you prefer to see the stocks in your possession reduced to mere worthless paper?"

The boardroom was steeped in tension, with the scent of worry almost palpable. The directors had sunk a fortune into shares, and the prospect of the Phillips Group capsizing threatened to turn their investment into nothing but expensive paperweights. Plus, they had to admit, Matthew's tenure hadn't exactly been a hit parade.

"Alright, we'll play along-for now. But let's be clear: if you can't turn this ship around in three months, we're bringing in the pros," someone suggested, a sentiment that echoed around the room.

Yet Lilah's response was a flat "No."

Eyebrows raised in unison; was she all talk and no action when push came to shove?

Without missing a beat, Lilah swept her gaze across the room, her voice slicing through the tension. “A month. Give me a month and I'll have the Phillips Group bouncing back."

A collective gasp filled the room, a mix of skepticism and awe. One brave soul spoke up. “Your guts and gusto? They're a breath of fresh air. You've got my vote.”

“So be it. We're all eyes." They settled, watching Lilah's every move.

Matthew's envy simmered, cloaked in disbelief. They were buying her bravado? He couldn't resist a jibe. "Talk is cheap. What's the catch if you fail?"