Gerard had arranged for two bodyguards for Lilah-one man and one woman. Both exuded a quiet competence, but they were not pricey, merely about ten thousand a month. Today would be a real test of their capabilities.

As the day drew to a close, there was a wave of relief across the Phillips Group. Overdue salaries found their way into the employees' pockets, drawing smiles and sighs of relief.

Yet, in the midst of this small victory, a shadow of disapproval loomed. Howard Brown, the Deputy CEO, cornered Lilah with his frustration, "Miss Phillips, our operational funds are bleeding. If you've got the cash, it should fuel our projects, not paychecks. What's the harm in a little delay? Are they going to leave?" His tone was dismissive, almost callous. “Even if they do, there's a line of fresh graduates waiting for a chance."

Howard strutted around with a sense of superiority, as if he owned the place. But Lilah, with a voice as light as a feather, brought him back to earth. “We'll find a way to manage the finances," she assured. "Under my grandfather's watch, the company thrived because it put people first. It's been on a downhill slide for a while now.

Mr. Brown, did you steer us off that course?"

His confidence wavered under her steady gaze, those calm, clear eyes of hers.

"No, that's not it at all," Howard sputtered. "I'm just looking out for the company's best interests. We can pay the wages once the profits roll in. Until then, where's the cash for investment going to come from?"

“Really?” Lilah's tone was laced with a hint of sarcasm. “So, your annual million-dollar paycheck-that's on hold too? We'll just pay you when we're back in the black?"

Howard was taken aback, his mind racing. That wasn't part of his plan; he couldn't have that. Scrambling for footing, he backtracked.

"You make a fair point, Miss Phillips. Salaries are a priority. I'll see to my duties now."

Emma, who had been a silent spectator till then, couldn't hide her admiration. Lilah had turned the tables on Howard, commanding respect where there was once disregard. As Howard beat a hasty retreat, Emma came forward with a stack of papers. "Here's everything you wanted on Chris," she announced, placing the documents before Lilah.

At the door, Howard's ears pricked up. Lilah on Chris' trail? She was diving headfirst into the lion's den to pull the company's finances out of the red.

Howard's sneer was a mask for his disbelief. The thought that Lilah, with what he presumed was her limited experience, could reclaim what was owed from Chris seemed far-fetched. Every attempt by Matthew had been met with failure, so how could she succeed where he hadn't?

Howard's eyes gleamed with a slow-burning smile. If Lilah wanted to play the CEO, he would let her learn the hard way how unforgiving the role could be.

As the day waned and the office emptied, Lilah descended the stairs, met by the curious gazes of her employees. It was then that Gladys approached her with a hesitant urgency. “Miss Phillips, there's something you should know.”

Lilah responded with a nod, her expression the epitome of courtesy, “Go on, Ms. Wilkinson."

Surprise flickered across Gladys’ face upon realizing Lilah still knew her name. A glow of warmth spread through her, but there was no time to bask in it. She guided Lilah to a quiet spot, away from eavesdroppers. "Word's out that you're planning to deal with Chris' debt?" she asked, her voice low and laden with concern.

"Yes, that's the plan," Lilah confirmed, her face a picture of resolve.

Gladys leaned in, her voice a mix of fear and compassion. "You might want to rethink that. Chris has a reputation for being ruthless, and he's backed by some dangerous people. Others have tried and failed, some ending up worse for wear. It's no place for a woman Like you to venture alone."

The warmth in Gladys' eyes touched Lilah, and she softened. "Thank you for worrying, but I've got this under control."

As Lilah spoke, the likeness between her and her grandfather, Robert, seemed to flicker across her face; only now, she was the one leading the charge.

Gladys realized her words were no deterrent to Lilah's determination.

“Just... be careful, okay?"

Settling into her car, Lilah couldn't resist checking the company's group chat on her phone. The buzz was all about her impending confrontation with Chris.