"I might go, but I won't apologize."

The rage nearly made Matthew see stars. He took a calming breath and pressed on, "You have to attend this time. It's important for the group. If you refuse, I'll be waiting for you outside your office."

Lilah's eyes turned cold. She knew her cousin's family would not drop the matter easily.

In the end, Lilah agreed to go. It was high time they understood the Phillips Group was no pushover.

Later, Lilah returned to the living room to continue watching the cartoon with Jerrold, eventually Lulling him to sleep.

Jerrold murmured with a sleepy smile, "I wish it could be like this every day, Mommy."

"It will be," Lilah whispered, kissing his forehead tenderly.

She stood, leaving the bedroom quietly as she closed the door behind her.

The following day at noon, Lilah made her way to the family event.

Matthew had reserved a private room at the Horizon Hotel with a firm resolve, and despite its modesty, the cost was significant.

By twelve, nearly everyone had arrived.

Onyx was there, his children in tow, while Matthew was accompanied only by his wife.

Onyx shared Matthew's brow and eyes but had a square jaw that lent him a stern air. His small eyes twinkled with cunning.

His children were blessed with good looks, thanks to their mother, a celebrated movie star, though she was absent that day.

Onyx gave Matthew a seemingly warm glance, but his tone carried a hint of steel. “Matthew, have you discussed the timing with your daughter?"

Lilah had already arrived fifteen minutes late.

"I've spoken to her," Matthew assured.

Draped in an opulent blue slip dress, Marlene's expression was one of bored impatience. She addressed Matthew with little respect, saying, "So why isn't Lilah here yet?"

In her thoughts, Marlene was seething, vowing to make Lilah suffer greatly for the previous day's events.

"She'll be here any minute. I'll give her a call," Matthew said, dabbing the perspiration from his forehead. He had always felt intimidated by his cousin since their younger days, and his sense of inadequacy lingered. He was extremely kind to Onyx's children, to the point that he didn't look like their elder.

Internally, Matthew often harbored resentment toward his father. He believed if his father had been as formidable and accomplished as his uncle, Waylon, he wouldn't be plagued by feelings of inferiority.

Within the family, Matthew, though the older, was seldom regarded with esteem.

Blind to his own shortcomings, Matthew continually placed the fault on his father's shoulders.

Just as Matthew was about to call Lilah, the door swung open.