Matthew cleared his throat, acknowledging Lilah's intelligence. He spoke directly. “Lilah, I was wrong about the supplier issue. But please don't hold it against me. You're my only daughter now. I want you to have a life filled with happiness and ease. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you won Mr. Harris' heart and joined a wealthy family?

The business world is complex and those involved can be challenging.

Why not let me handle that? You have your shares and dividends.

There's no need for you to worry."

This was the most significant concession Matthew had ever considered.

He didn't covet Lilah's shares. His aspiration was to lead the company, essentially working for its betterment. The profits would still be Lilah's. He believed this approach would meet with no opposition from Lilah.

Matthew believed Lilah would eventually come to trust him. After all, how deep could animosity run between a father and daughter? He had a plan he thought was foolproof.

“Sorry, I don't agree," Lilah replied icily, shattering Matthew's illusions.

Matthew felt a surge of anger. “Lilah, do you distrust me that much?

You're my only daughter now. AlL my actions were for you."

"And what about before? When you acted for others, you nearly ruined the Phillips Group. Why should I entrust you with such responsibility again?" Lilah's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Matthew's expression darkened.

He reminded himself that Lilah was his daughter, a thought that helped him regain composure.

Yet, he felt weary. He believed he was more tolerant and understanding than most fathers. In time, he thought, Lilah would see his value. There was no rush.

“Alright, let's not dwell on this now. We haven't shared a meal in a while. How about we dine together?" Matthew suggested.

Lilah's expression remained icy. Matthew anticipated a refusal, but then she questioned, “Why didn't you conduct a paternity test when Adaline returned back then?"

Matthew's face momentarily stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "Your mother did a paternity test back then. I believed Adaline was your sister, so I didn't question it."

“Really?” Lilah's tone was thick with skepticism. Matthew's lies were transparent to her. “How long will you keep deceiving me? My sister and I aren't Helga's children, are we?"

Matthew was visibly shaken. "You know?"

Lilah's gaze was piercing.

Taking a deep breath, Matthew admitted, "You're right, but when Adaline returned, we were all overjoyed. She has a birthmark identical to your sister's."

Lilah had always known about the matching birthmarks she shared with her sister. That had allayed her suspicions initially.

But now, she wondered how Matthew, typically so doubtful, could so readily accept Adaline as his child.

Despite her suspicions, Lilah lacked proof. She ate in silence.