Remarkably, after all these years, Lilah still retained a vivid memory of Helen's stomach issues.

Helen found herself momentarily stunned.

Lilah continued her explanation. "My grandfather emphasized that the success of the Phillips Group has been built upon the support of our partners and he urged me to empathize with others. I should have made this visit much earlier but the responsibilities of leading the group have overwhelmed me recently."

Helen's heart swelled with emotion. Robert had proven himself to be a truly honorable man. Though her expression remained somewhat somber, she relented and allowed Lilah to enter.

In the house, Norton Fuller was also present.

Norton and Helen, once quite radiant, had enjoyed prosperous times when the company thrived. Lilah couldn't help but wonder how they had aged so considerably, especially in a city like Eleywood, known for its flourishing jewelry industry.

The logical assumption would be that their company should've been thriving. Why did this not seem to be the case?

Norton extended a warm welcome to Lilah, saying, "Lilah, please have a seat."

Lilah delicately placed the gifts on the table and took a seat on the sofa, expressing her regret, "Norton, I apologize for not visiting sooner."

“I'm already pleasantly surprised that you could find the time to come."

Observing the confusion in Lilah's eyes, Norton let out a sigh and continued, “Does it strike you as odd that, despite the thriving jewelry industry in Eleywood, we've been experiencing a decline?"

After contemplating for a moment, Lilah nodded.

"Once upon a time, you guys, the Phillips Group, were our bread and butter. After your granddad left us, things at your company took a nosedive. We had to scout for new partners," Norton began, his face twisting with distaste. "Turns out, the market's a different beast now. Products are a dime a dozen, but the prices? As constant as the northern star. We price fair, and suddenly we're pariahs. There's this Little cabal of suppliers, see? Join them, and you're playing by their rules, buttering up the bigwigs, and weaving a web with the jewelry crowd.”

Lilah caught on quick. The jewelry supply game was a golden goose, sure, but it was riddled with shady handshakes. Suppliers like Norton, who played it straight as an arrow, found themselves out in the cold for it.

With a spark in her eyes, she said, “Please give me your word that you'll stick with the Phillips Group, and I'll take us back to the glory days. I promise."

Norton eyed her skeptically. "You're too young. The Phillips Group isn't the giant it once was."

"I'm aware, but I'm at the helm now. Phillips Group will soar again, that's a promise," Lilah declared with unwavering confidence. "All I'm asking for is a shot. This upcoming design exhibition is our golden ticket to restoring Phillips Jewelry's shine."

Both Norton and Helen watched Lilah, struck by her fiery resolve.

There was something about her; a flicker of her grandfather, Robert.

Could Lilah pull it off? Their eyes met in silent conversation.

After a tense pause, Norton let out a breath. “I'm sorry."

Lilah's spirits plummeted, her heart hitting the floor-she had braced for rejection. She masked her disappointment, nodding in understanding. Norton was in a tight spot, and backing the Phillips Group was like painting a target on his back.

Her smile was strained. “Alright, I respect your decision."

Yet Norton had a twist in the tale. "Forget it; we're all in deep waters anyway. Throwing you a lifeline won't sink us.”