Three days remained until Elise Scott's trial.

Scott Enterprise was hosting its anniversary celebration.

They weren't being subtle about it. Every major media outlet was covering the event.

Online articles were splashed with headlines like 'Scott Enterprise Parties While Elise Scott Faces Trial'.

Controversy erupted instantly across the internet.

Some netizens argued the Scotts were heartless, showing no concern for their eldest daughter.

Others countered that Elise had cut ties with them years ago. She had made her bed, and now she must lie in it.

The debate raged, with neither side yielding.

On the night of the gala, the Scott family granted media interviews.

Margaret Scott faced the cameras, her expression stern. "Elise ceased to be our concern when she was nineteen," she declared. "Her current legal troubles are a bitter disappointment, but they evoke no sympathy from me. She chose this path of defiance and corruption. These are the consequences of her own actions."

A journalist pressed further. "Madam Scott, was her teenage pregnancy the real reason for the disownment? Doesn't casting out a family member for a single mistake seem exceptionally cruel?"

"That was merely the final straw," Margaret retorted coldly. "Elise was always problematic. Disrespectful to her elders. A bully to her siblings. Her character was fundamentally flawed. We will not endlessly defend someone so ungrateful. Everyone has their limits."

Another reporter spoke up. "Our sources indicate Elise possesses remarkable business acumen. Under her leadership, Stellar Group's performance skyrocketed in just six months. They were hailed as Crestwood's most promising dark horse. By publicly denigrating her and severing ties so completely, aren't you concerned the family might someday require her assistance?"

"Need help from Elise? In her current state?" Margaret scoffed derisively. "We would never seek anything from a delinquent like her! I'm simply grateful she hasn't tried to loot the family fortune!"

Elise watched the live broadcast from her home.

She observed Margaret's relentless disparagement with detached calm. She was long accustomed to it. The Scott family's words held little power over her now. She treated it as trivial gossip.

The journalists then turned their attention to Sophia Mitchell.

Sophia had become a media darling recently, regardless of the story's angle.

"Ms. Mitchell, what are your thoughts on your grandmother's statements regarding Elise? You've often been involved in her affairs."

"I respect my grandmother's perspective completely," Sophia replied smoothly. "Elders are generally fair. My grandmother wouldn't take such a firm stance unless she had been pushed beyond endurance."

Her words subtly reinforced the narrative of Elise's inherent wickedness.

The questions quickly shifted to more salacious topics.

"Could you share your feelings regarding Samuel Mitchell's passing?"

Sophia sighed, a picture of tragic grace. "It's utterly heartbreaking and shocking. Yet, perhaps it's a release from his suffering. We should respect the departed. Let his past actions rest with him."

The journalist continued. "We understand you're now at Scott Enterprise, after roles at Mitchell Corp and Stellar Group. How does it compare?"

"The difference is profound. Here, I truly feel I belong. It's a family enterprise. There's no substitute for that sense of home..."

The press seemed captivated by Sophia, pelting her with endless questions.

Benjamin Scott occasionally fielded queries about corporate matters.

But the spotlight firmly belonged to Sophia.

This left Daniel Scott seething with resentment.

Since their arrival, he felt invisible. No journalist sought his opinion.

He was the rightful heir! Sophia was nothing!

As the press session concluded, the family moved into the banquet hall.

Sophia mingled with guests effortlessly, radiating confidence.

Nearby, Daniel stood ignored, his expression darkening by the minute.

When the time came for the family's main stage speech, Sophia naturally moved to join them.

Victoria and Margaret stopped her abruptly.

"You're a woman," Victoria reasoned quietly but firmly. "It's unseemly to seek too much attention. Let your brother have this moment."

Sophia could only watch as Benjamin and Daniel ascended the stage.

She caught Daniel's gaze. He flashed her a smug, triumphant smile.