Elise gave a slow, deliberate nod.

But she couldn't simply allow Sophia to continue acting so arrogantly. After all this time, instead of showing restraint, Sophia had only grown more brazen.

Now she was even conspiring with Victoria Stuart...

A cold glint flashed in Elise's eyes.

Some people truly seemed determined to destroy themselves.

Sophia stormed out of the courtroom, her anger palpable.

The memory of Elise being released immediately made Sophia wish she could tear the woman apart.

Why did that wretched woman always get so lucky? Yes, it was nothing but pure luck.

Everything Elise had achieved was through sheer fortune.

The driver in the front seat remained silent, not daring to make a sound.

He could feel the dangerous energy radiating from Sophia and feared provoking her.

Suddenly, Sophia's phone vibrated.

She glanced down irritably and saw Victoria Stuart's name flashing on the screen.

Her anger immediately transformed into apprehension.

After all, their failure this time was largely her responsibility.

She hadn't ensured Helen was careful enough, allowing Elise to discover the evidence and build her case.

Sophia's grip tightened around her phone.

She had only just acquired those shares from Stuart Group.

Was Victoria planning to take them back?

Clenching her teeth, she answered the call. "Ms. Stuart."

"Meet me at our usual place." The line went dead immediately.

Sophia could sense Victoria's fury even through those brief words.

However, when she arrived, she found Victoria seated gracefully on a lounge chair, sipping tea with perfect composure.

Victoria didn't appear as frustrated as Sophia had expected, but Sophia wasn't foolish enough to believe that meant anything. Victoria was simply skilled at concealing her true emotions.

"Ms. Stuart." Sophia immediately began explaining herself. "This failure is my responsibility. I never expected Helen to make such an elementary mistake, given her experience in the finance department..."

"What's done is done. I prefer not to dwell on the past." Victoria cut her off sharply.

Sophia stared at her, confused by her reaction.

Victoria spoke plainly, "I never waste time regretting what cannot be changed. Focusing on the present and planning for the future is far more productive."

"Then why did you call me here today, Ms. Stuart?" Sophia ventured cautiously.

"These represent 31% of Scott Enterprise's shares." Victoria produced a contract and placed it before Sophia.

Sophia was utterly stunned.

What was Victoria playing at? She had failed in their plan, yet Victoria was offering her even more shares...

"With these, you'll become Scott Enterprise's largest shareholder," Victoria stated matter-of-factly.

Sophia didn't dare ask questions. She couldn't even form words. This woman remained completely unpredictable.

Her actions consistently defied expectation.

"Take them. They're yours," Victoria urged.

Sophia reached out hesitantly, her hand trembling slightly. She couldn't help asking, "Ms. Stuart, you originally promised me 31% after we succeeded. Since we failed, I don't understand why you're offering this now..."

"Holding Scott Enterprise shares means nothing to me. I've never valued them particularly. Keeping so many shares serves no purpose for me. Since you clearly want them, you may have them," Victoria said casually.

Sophia felt a growing sense of unease.

After all, nothing in this world came without a price.