The officer, after a cursory look around the room and finding nothing amiss, issued a stern warning for quiet before departing.

Once the police were gone, the women released Marlene. The leader, looking at her with disdain, mocked, "Thought you were smart, calling the police?"

Marlene, barely able to form a response, was cut off mid-sentence by another slap. A flurry of punches and kicks followed, leaving her trembling and cowering in a corner minutes later.

The cold winter days slowly passed by, and the snowfall became less and less frequent as the weather began to change. Soon, people were beginning to shed their heavy winter clothes and don colorful spring attire.

The Phillips Mall continued to operate as usual, while the other constructions began to rapidly take shape.

“According to our plans, we should be able to complete it within six months," Emma reported to Lilah. But she had some concerns which she didn't hesitate to express, "Miss Phillips, do you plan to make fifty million within six months from the mall alone?"

Even though the mall was currently very popular, making a fifty million profit within six months was still not an easy task at all.

“I have my plans," Lilah replied.

Emma nodded in understanding. She had faith and confidence in Lilah's abilities. "By the way, there's something else, Miss Phillips," she said after a while. "Marlene is out and about. It seems she's targeting us. There have been fresh claims online about Ewing's plagiarism. You know, when this first happened, Ewing was blacklisted for plagiarism which caused quite a stir. Everyone felt that a plagiarist should not be allowed to get back into the industry. All these issues, if they continue, can easily affect our share price and even the operation of the mall."

Lilah frowned. But after a moment, she broke into a smile and said, "Well, I've been waiting for Marlene."

"You already have a plan?" Emma asked curiously.

"Yeah, I do," Lilah nodded and leaned back in her chair, with a bright smile on her face that would make anyone believe whatever she said.

Seeing how confident her boss was, Emma eagerly looked forward to what she would do to Marlene this time.

Later, after Emma left, Lilah concentrated on her work. But soon, she received an unexpected call from Laura.

“Lilah, are you free," Laura asked in a voice that sounded quite dull. "I'm asking because I want to invite you to dinner."

Lilah's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Laura inviting her to have dinner? There was probably more to it, she thought.

Lilah asked her immediately, “What's the matter?"

“I... I know you're not comfortable with my presence. If you want, I can leave Eleywood and Gerard," Laura replied in a tone that sounded very distressed.

Lilah was left utterly confused and perplexed.

“Laura, this is a private conversation. No one else is listening. If you have something to say, you can tell me directly. There's no need to hide anything."

Laura immediately responded through gritted teeth, "Lilah, isn't it because of you that Gerard has decided not to partner with the Rhodes family anymore?”

"What on earth are you talking about?" Lilah asked in confusion. She just couldn't understand why Laura was making such confusing statements today.

“The Harris family terminated all existing partnerships with the Rhodes family!" Laura clarified in an angry voice.

"So what does that have to do with me?" Lilah asked calmly.