The room was filled with tension.

Matthew, caught off guard, felt a mix of shame and excitement. He realized the strong bond between Lilah and Gerard, something he had thought impossible. He pondered over this new revelation.

Onyx, seizing the moment, spoke softly. “Lilah, we're family. When our company thrives, it benefits yours too. Remember our previous discussion with your father? We aimed to boost your company. If we fall, it's no good for you either. Isn't it better if our businesses grow together?"

Onyx's words sounded appealing, but to Lilah, they were laced with irony. ‘m not sure if you're offering help or aiming to take over the Phillips Group. But please, no more of these tedious meetings, alright?"

Marlene's face turned ghostly pale, her eyes seething with hatred.

She could still tolerate it when she suffered humiliation, but her father was a titan in the business world. The fact that Lilah showed no respect toward him was unfathomable to her.

Just as Marlene was about to erupt, Lance grabbed her firmly.

Lance understood his sister. Marlene, new to the business realm, was naive and direct. But she had crossed a line with Lilah.

Marlene had no choice but to restrain herself.

As they left the private room, she couldn't hold back. "Lilah thinks she's untouchable because of Gerard. I say we don't need to fear her.

He wouldn't genuinely be interested in someone like her."

Onyx, his gaze cold and calculating, disagreed. “But recently, those two have been close. We can't risk angering them."

The Dillon Group's fate hung in the balance; a move from Gerard could be catastrophic.

Onyx, a man who adapted to circumstances, silently vowed to remember this humiliation. He would have his revenge in due time.

Marlene, however, was dismissive. “Dad, you're unaware, but I'm certain Gerard's heart belongs to Laura."

“Laura's barely holding on. She could pass away any moment," Lance remarked casually. He had some insight into Gerard and Laura's relationship, knowing that Marlene and Laura were schoolmates.

Marlene spoke with certainty. "Laura became like this because of Gerard. But I've heard rumors that she might recover."

This revelation caught Lance and Onyx's attention.

Marlene, her eyes gleaming cruelly, smiled. “Once Laura recovers, Lilah will be nothing. I'll make sure Lilah regrets her actions today for the rest of her life."

"I certainly hope so," Onyx replied gravely.

With Lilah out of the picture, the Phillips Group would be within Onyx's grasp.

Each member of the family harbored their own agendas.

Back in the private room, Matthew sighed, turning to Lilah with concern. "Marlene was out of line. To insult Mr. Harris’ child Like that... How could she? Lilah, are you alright? I hope Mr. Harris' child isn't upset."

As he nervously touched his nose, Matthew felt a twinge of embarrassment under Lilah's scrutinizing gaze.