Lilah eyed him and challenged, “So, if I step down, you're taking over?"

“Exactly. It's time someone capable took charge." The man was caught off guard when Lilah fired back, momentarily stunned.

Another person joined in with a grave expression. "In any case, it can't be you."

"Really? And why's that?" Lilah faced her relatives without backing down, meeting their gazes firmly.

“Why not? The fund has gone down. We're facing losses. Why don't you tell us? The money in the fund isn't yours alone. You cannot splurge it."

“Exactly. You're not fit to be the family leader anymore. It's best if you step down quickly. Otherwise, our family will suffer under your leadership."

The criticism continued from the others.

Lilah looked at them with a hint of irony and said, "Aren't you aware that fund naturally fluctuate? You only care about short-term gains, don't you?"

There was a brief silence before one of them retorted, "Bullshit! Do you even understand how the funds work? You're talking to your seniors here. We've been through more market cycles than you can count. Show some respect!"

“That's it! Lilah, you're intentionally keeping the bad news about the loss from us."

“The family fund is for the family leader to manage. It's not for you to waste!"

“You're too inexperienced. Without your grandfather's decision, would you even be in this position? We can't just stand by and watch you play games with our legacy."

Listening to their comments, Lilah got to her feet and made her way over. “If my grandfather didn't think I had what it takes, why would he put me in charge of our company and family? Did any of you consider that?"

"You seem to be missing the necessary skills now. I'm worried our family will be in shambles if you continue this way," one of the relatives said.

“That's right! Stop trying to play the head of the family. You're too young for such a heavy burden," another insisted.

Lilah could see they were all against her, so she turned her attention to the two older men. "What about you two? Do you think I'm incapable of running our family affairs as well?"

The elder in a gray suit let out a sigh. “I'll give you this. You're better at running the company than your dad. We're all aware of the success you had with your brand. But there's a difference between running a business and a family. Our family's fund is meant to support us all, yet it seems you've squandered the money. That's been a letdown. Maybe you should consider stepping down."

"The money..." Lilah started to explain, but the elder in a blue suit cut her off, snapping, “Enough with the excuses! Just give up the head of the family role. We've had enough of debating this with you."

“Indeed. Lilah, it would be best if you resigned from leading the family."

Lilah looked toward her grandaunt, Janis Phillips, who hadn't said a word since they came in. "Grandaunt Janis, do you also doubt me?"

With that, all eyes turned to Janis and Lilah.

After pausing to think, Janis replied, "I have faith you wouldn't act without being sure."

She had a good opinion of Lilah, which led her to join the others heading to her office, curious about Lilah's level of confidence.

Lilah's actions there reassured her that she knew her business.