With Natalie gone, Elise had assistance from Thomas Wright to choose a new secretary, Matthew Johnson. He was young and academically accomplished. Since he was recently hired, he hadn't aligned with any factions within Stellar Group.

As instructed, Sophia arrived to present her seasonal drafts in the large conference room. But even as she elaborated on the details, her confidence dwindled under Elise's intense scrutiny.

She had to admit she lacked the inspiration to create an original design from nothing. Even with an extra week, her work remained fundamentally tied to her old concepts. The minor adjustments, borrowed from others' ideas, left her designs lacking distinction. "Do you believe this will be successful, Ms. Mitchell?" Elise asked, taking a deliberate sip of her tea.

Naturally, Sophia had prepared an excuse. "I believe trends are important, but we shouldn't sacrifice our brand's identity. What's wrong with maintaining our uniqueness?" "Identity? Uniqueness?" Elise countered coolly. "Aside from our company logo, I see nothing unique here. From my perspective, this is merely a patchwork of various trendy templates. It's almost amusing how it still fails to meet basic standards."

While Elise's words humiliated Sophia, her subordinates—the deputy and supervisors—were firmly on her side.

Olivia Taylor, the deputy design director, immediately snapped, "Our director did her absolute best. She simply couldn't meet your unreasonable demands! If you're so dissatisfied, why don't you personally show us how it's done?"

The gap between different specialties was never easily bridged. Even if Elise had an eye for design, that didn't mean she could create anything herself. Olivia was certain Elise wouldn't dare challenge them after that remark.

Yet Elise responded without hesitation. "Very well."

Olivia's face fell, and Sophia stared at Elise, stunned.

"Since the Design Department has requested it, I will assume direct control starting today," Elise continued, turning her gaze to Sophia. "As for the former director…"

Sophia's heart hammered in her chest.

She wouldn't accept being fired without a fight, even if it meant destroying Stellar Group!

If she couldn't have it, Elise would never have it either!

Then Elise declared, "I finally understand why our father was so eager to promote you. Design isn't your strength—you are now appointed CEO of Stellar Group, effective immediately."

Sophia couldn't believe her ears. Neither could anyone else in the conference room.

Elise was supposed to be harassing Sophia at every opportunity! Why would she promote her instead?

The reasoning was utterly ironic…

After finishing, Elise rose from her seat and approached Sophia, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Sophia stared at Elise, completely mystified, feeling as if she were looking at a different person.

Why would Elise be so kind to her?!

Elise certainly wasn't being kind.

She had a cunning plan in mind. Sophia would never feel grateful; she would only demand more.

This was simply giving her a taste of her own medicine—an eye for an eye.

Still, as Elise left the conference room and returned to her office, her phone rang. It was Benjamin.

"What game are you playing?!" he demanded the moment she answered.

"You and Sophia have managed Stellar together for years. Don't I have the right to appoint her as CEO to assist you?"