"Okay," she replied, her smile radiating warmth.

With her family by her side, Lilah felt a renewed sense of courage, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.

Their trip now behind them, the next day marked a return to their routine.

Lilah's position within the company was solidifying, her reputation among the employees growing. No longer did anyone dare speak ill of her.

Howard, who had been suspended, was evidently eager to regain his position in the company.

While Lilah was immersed in her work, a knock on her office door interrupted her focus.

"Miss Phillips, are you busy?" Howard entered, bearing a basket of fruit, his laughter feigning casualness. "You work so hard. Eat some fruit to stay healthy. How about letting me return to share the workload?"

“Mr. Brown, I appreciate your concern, but I'm managing quite well.

I've been able to leave on time lately," Lilah replied with a polite smile, subtly hinting that his presence in the company wasn't important.

Howard's expression faltered briefly, but he quickly regained his composure. "I know you're talented, Miss Phillips, but remember, real estate is our core business. There's a new government tender coming up, and it might be a bit out of your expertise. Let me handle it.

The right land choice can be very profitable."

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Brown, but the company hasn't been making much profit in real estate over the past few years," Lilah responded calmly.

Howard pressed on, "Truthfully, Miss Phillips, your father used to handle these matters. I sometimes felt his land purchases weren't the best, but as the Deputy CEO, my input was limited. Things are different with you in charge. You're more open-minded than he was. I assure you, I can help the company navigate through the real estate market. Look, I've even drafted a plan.”

He handed over a detailed plan, outlining the pros and cons of a new land acquisition. However, it was clear he hadn't completed it.

"Miss Phillips, time is of the essence. I haven't reviewed other plots yet. Better opportunities might exist. Once back at the company, I can guarantee a satisfactory outcome for this tender."

Lilah perused the document carefully. "This is a well-thought-out plan," she acknowledged, but her response was noncommittal, and she handed back the plan without further comment.

Howard grew visibly anxious. "Miss Phillips—"

"I have work to attend to, Mr. Brown. If there's nothing else, I'd appreciate it if you could leave," Lilah stated, her tone firm.

Howard's expression darkened instantly, his plans thwarted by her dismissive response.

“Miss Phillips, are you planning to attend the bidding meeting alone?

You're not familiar with real estate, and even with Gladys, your knowledge can't match mine. You wouldn't want to see the real estate sector of Phillips Group suffer, would you?" Howard pleaded, grasping at his last hope.

Yet, Lilah remained unmoved. "Mr. Brown, I have a strategy in place."

Howard, frustrated, couldn't believe that despite his pleas, Lilah remained steadfast. He feared a costly mistake in land acquisition, potentially jeopardizing the financial stability of the Phillips Group, and inwardly lamented what he perceived as a Lack of foresight in women.

With a heavy heart, Howard left.