Elise offered a faint, knowing smile.

"You're aware Sophia currently controls Scott Enterprise with merely one percent more shares than your father." Her voice remained calm. "You hold ten percent of Scott Enterprise shares, correct? Selling just two percent to your father would strip Sophia of her arrogance at Scott Enterprise."

Margaret felt fury rising in her chest, but she forced it down, adopting an ingratiating tone. "Don't worry, I'll be completely fair this time. If you're willing to sell those shares to us, I'll purchase them at double the market value."

"No, thank you."

Elise turned to face Margaret directly, her refusal absolute. "I won't sell those shares regardless of the price offered."

"Elise, what use are they to you just sitting there?" Margaret pressed, frustration creeping into her voice. "If Scott Enterprise truly falls into Sophia's hands, it's destined for ruin. Besides, you're so occupied with Stellar Group—how could you possibly manage affairs at Scott Enterprise too..."

"Whether I have time or not is my concern." Elise's voice turned icy. "Those shares were my mother's final legacy to me. Even if Scott Enterprise goes bankrupt, I will never sell them."

She continued mercilessly, "As for Sophia's capabilities? Honestly, she'd probably manage the company better than Father ever could."

"Elise Scott!"

Margaret finally lost control, her voice rising sharply.

Elise didn't even flinch, long accustomed to her grandmother's outbursts.

"Would you prefer I take drastic measures?!" Margaret threatened.

"Do whatever you want," Elise replied indifferently.

"Don't think I won't go out there right now and tell every reporter how you disrespect and abuse me! I'll destroy your reputation completely!" Margaret spat through clenched teeth.

"Mrs. Scott." Elise deliberately avoided using 'Grandmother.' The title no longer fit.

"Have you forgotten what you told the reporters previously? You stated I have no connection to the Scott family anymore, that the Scotts would never seek my help, and you'd be grateful as long as I didn't covet the family assets." Elise's tone dripped with sarcasm. "Rest assured, I'm fully capable of honoring every word you said."

"You!"

Margaret realized she was powerless against Elise. Deep down, she'd expected this resistance.

"I'm very busy."

Elise had no intention of wasting more time on this conversation.

"Matthew."

"Right away."

Matthew entered promptly.

"Please escort our guests out," Elise instructed, her voice devoid of warmth.

"In the future, don't allow any outsiders entry. If they cause trouble, simply call the police."

"Understood."

Matthew approached Margaret and Victoria. "This way, please."

Margaret shot Elise a venomous glare. "Elise, circumstances change. You'll witness my power one day!"

"Better direct those words at yourself, considering your current predicament."

As they reached the building's lobby, they encountered waiting reporters.

Margaret froze. She hadn't called any press.

Victoria smirked inwardly. She had arranged this.

Margaret couldn't bring herself to apologize to Elise before the media—it would be a public humiliation. But that was exactly what Victoria wanted to force.

She refused to believe Elise would still refuse to help under such circumstances.

"Mrs. Scott, what brings you to Stellar Group's headquarters today?"

"Didn't you state that Elise Scott has severed all ties with the Scott family?"

"Didn't you declare the Scotts would never seek Elise's assistance? Are you here to beg her to help your son regain control of Scott Enterprise?"

Margaret's face paled with shock. Victoria whispered urgently in her ear. After a moment's hesitation, Margaret deliberately collapsed backward.

Victoria immediately caught her, and the reporters gasped at the sudden drama.

"Yes, my mother came here today to ask Elise for help," Victoria confirmed, her eyes welling with tears. "She did say some harsh words to Elise before, but Elise is still her granddaughter. This is no way to treat an elder. Not only did she reject my mother's sincere apology, but she even... she even..."

Victoria's voice broke, her expression filled with sorrow and helplessness.