Benjamin remained deeply skeptical.

He considered how Elise must be struggling to manage Stellar Group. With department heads rebelling, perhaps she finally realized she needed Sophia's help. Was this her clever move to appoint Sophia as CEO, hoping she could control them?

Benjamin smirked. For a moment, he'd actually believed Elise could achieve something on her own. How foolish of him.

"Appointing Sophia is your only logical choice to stabilize Stellar Group," he declared arrogantly. "She's worked there for years, unlike your inexperienced self."

"Thank you for the advice," Elise responded politely, though internally she found the situation bitterly ironic.

Appointing Sophia was merely setting the trap for them to walk right into.

"Also, about Brandon Miller—"

"My personal life isn't your concern."

She ended the call firmly. Her phone buzzed again almost immediately.

Elise ignored it until a text appeared from Samuel. "Sophia just informed me you appointed her CEO. I'm relieved you're letting go of past grudges. As sisters, I'd hate to see conflict between you."

She deleted the message instantly.

Some people truly had no sense of shame.

At Levine Holdings, William had just concluded his executive meeting and returned to his office.

Samuel Wilson served him black coffee while reviewing the day's schedule.

After finishing, Samuel added, "We just received news from Stellar Group. Mrs. Levine has appointed Sophia Mitchell as CEO."

William's fingers paused over his keyboard.

"Should we investigate? The Scotts might be pressuring her."

"Not yet." William blinked slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Let's observe how this plays out."

"Understood, Mr. Levine."

William turned back to his computer, then spoke casually. "My grandfather's birthday is on the 17th next month."

"Yes, he's already distributed all the invitations," Samuel confirmed respectfully. "Any special arrangements from your side, sir?"

"Nothing specific." William shook his head.

Samuel waited silently as his boss hesitated briefly before typing out a message. He sent it with what appeared to be considerable effort.

Meanwhile, Elise frowned at her buzzing phone.

Assuming it was Samuel again, she was about to silence her device when she noticed the sender.

[Are you available on the 17th next month?]

Elise studied the message, her lips pressing together thoughtfully.

William had been sending her elaborate, nutritious dinners every evening. She couldn't refuse them, though she'd offered to pay.

She replied: [Yes.]

"That's settled then."

A faint smile touched her lips as she imagined William's reaction on the other end.

She sighed softly.

Perhaps she could allow herself to trust him one more time.

Sophia had been certain Elise wouldn't genuinely appoint her as CEO out of sisterly affection.

Yet contrary to her expectations, her role as CEO felt even less demanding than her previous position as head of design.

Most pressing tasks, including the current season's design collection, had been taken over by Elise personally.

Sophia had done her research. She seriously doubted Elise could produce satisfactory designs within the month alone.

When Elise inevitably failed, Sophia would ensure she lost her position entirely.

Her phone interrupted her thoughts.

"Amanda?" Sophia answered.

"Are you finished with work yet?"