Margaret finally decided to compromise.

She couldn't let Sophia walk all over their family like this! That girl was completely out of control! Once she got the shares back from Elise, she would make that wretched Sophia pay dearly.

Margaret brought Victoria with her to Stellar Group's headquarters, where Elise was currently in an important meeting.

Due to some unexpected issues that emerged during the recent bidding process, they had to completely reorganize and replan everything.

All three bidding companies had eventually withdrawn their offers.

They needed to either reopen the bidding or consider investing in their own manufacturing facility.

With numerous factors requiring careful consideration, the meeting stretched on for hours.

When the meeting finally concluded and participants began filing out, Matthew leaned close to Elise's ear.

"Ms. Scott," he whispered, "your grandmother is waiting in your office."

Elise tensed immediately.

Matthew quickly explained, "She caused quite a scene at reception, and I couldn't interrupt your meeting. To maintain office decorum, I had no choice but to escort her to your office. I hope you understand..."

"That's fine," Elise nodded.

She offered no further comment.

Matthew had become significantly more cautious lately.

Ever since the lawsuit incident where he felt partially responsible, he had vowed to work even harder.

It was completely understandable that Matthew couldn't make firm decisions without clear instructions from her, especially regarding family disputes.

Elise walked into her office.

Margaret's face had darkened with impatience after waiting so long, but she immediately forced a bright smile upon seeing Elise.

"Elise, you're finally finished!" Margaret approached warmly, reaching for Elise's hand. "I had no idea your days were so packed with meetings..."

Elise lifted her hand and walked directly to her desk, maintaining distance between them. She knew exactly why Margaret was here. She was surprised that Sophia had managed to take over Scott Enterprises so quickly, though after a moment's thought, she understood completely.

This was Victoria's reward to Sophia.

Though the plan hadn't succeeded this time, Sophia remained valuable to Victoria.

Thus, Victoria was willing to invest in her once more.

With that, Sophia would become a complete puppet dancing to Victoria's tune.

Of course, that was Sophia's own choice.

It wasn't Elise's place to comment on her decisions.

That was simply how things stood.

She had originally intended to teach Sophia a lesson, but suddenly realized that letting the Scott family destroy themselves from within might be the better outcome.

It was time for the Scott family to reap what they had sown.

"Elise."

Margaret watched Elise's indifferent expression but proceeded anyway, settling into the chair opposite her. "I was wrong to treat you the way I did in the past. I'm filled with regret now, especially after seeing how ungrateful Sophia has been. I wronged you before and was completely blinded by Sophia's act. Now that I've finally seen her true colors, I've come to apologize. I was wrong, and I hope you can forgive me."

Elise smiled faintly, remaining unmoved. "Okay," she said simply.

Then silence.

Margaret waited expectantly, but Elise said nothing more.

"Elise," Margaret tried again.

Elise ignored her, keeping her attention fixed on her computer screen.

"I have a request to make of you this time," Margaret finally stated her true purpose.