But Lilah didn't let their sour faces stop her; she pressed on, “Back then, you were so sure, insisting you had decided. What brings you back to me now?"

One should bear the consequences of their actions.

Shame washed over Keith and the rest. They regretted their previous choices yet couldn't bear to detach from the present benefits.

Keith attempted a reassuring smile. "Mistakes happen, Lilah; we're family after all. You can't abandon us, can you, as the head of our family?"

“Lilah, we didn't heed your advice because we didn't understand the situation. Now, it's clear you're the best fit for our family's lead.

Please, let's move past our previous misunderstandings," another relative pleaded.

Lilah faced their apologies with indifference. "Choices come with outcomes, and you have to accept them."

"Lilah, just think about this; it's wise to keep doors open. Being too harsh could backfire. Don't you think there might come a day when you'll look to us for support?" Keith, feeling insulted, bit back his anger.

“Just go back, please. I'm sticking to my decision," she declared firmly.

As it dawned on them that Lilah would not waver, the realization hit like losing a treasure.

They felt as though they had just let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.

Their cheeks flushed with the sting of regret.

Lilah, having made her stance clear, shifted her focus away from them, immersing herself in the paperwork before her.

"Lilah, how could you..." Their frustration was evident.

Realizing Lilah was paying them no heed, they left the room, spirits dampened.

Once outside, one of them said, “She's tougher than we thought. We really didn't give her enough credit."

"No matter her shrewdness, we're her seniors! She's not showing us the respect we deserve."

"Now, what's our next move? We can't just watch a chance to make money pass us by. Keith, your thoughts?" someone asked.

As soon as he said this, everyone looked at Keith and asked for his opinion.

After some thought, Keith suggested, “Janis gets along well with Lilah, so maybe she could speak to her for us."

It seemed the best option available to him.

Upon hearing his suggestion, one of them got excited and said, “Keith, that's a brilliant idea. Janis will definitely be able to sway Lilah.

She's our best shot at this."

"Call her then."