Simon struggled to contain his rising anger. "What will it take for you to agree to a private settlement?"

Elise responded with a cold laugh. "Why this sudden urgency to handle things privately? I would have been severely injured if William Levine hadn't intervened and taken that hit for me."

"I understand you've been through an ordeal, but I'm doing this for Stellar Group's reputation," Simon said, his voice softening deliberately. "A public scandal would damage the company, and we're still family, aren't we? After dedicating so many years to Stellar Group, I've developed genuine affection for it. I don't want our numerous employees to suffer because of this incident."

Elise scoffed inwardly. Despite Simon's polished words, she knew his real concern was preventing any connection between the attack and himself.

Nevertheless, she conceded. "Well, since you've framed it that way, I suppose a private settlement isn't entirely out of the question."

"Really?" Simon's voice brightened with evident relief.

"But I have several non-negotiable conditions."

"What conditions?"

"First, the person responsible must cover all of William's medical expenses. This includes medication costs, hospitalization fees, rehabilitation treatments, and compensation for psychological trauma. He was hospitalized because of this attack, after all."

Simon's face immediately darkened.

The heir to the Levine fortune would naturally receive treatment at the finest hospital with premium care. The costs would be astronomical, and since the actual perpetrator couldn't afford it, Simon would have to foot the bill himself.

Still, he agreed through clenched teeth. "Fine."

"Second, the culprit must offer personal apologies to both William and me. They must also provide written assurance that they won't cause further trouble for Stellar Group."

"Fine," Simon repeated without hesitation.

This condition cost him nothing.

"Third, Jonathan Locke and Patrick Longman must resign from their positions as head of production and plant manager respectively."

Simon immediately refused. "Absolutely not! How could you demand that?!"

If those two were forced out of Stellar Group, they would no longer be able to manipulate company affairs from within. Moreover, how would his other loyal informants perceive this betrayal? He would undoubtedly lose their allegiance!

Elise countered calmly, "Their poor management directly caused the riot in the first place. Demanding their resignations is completely reasonable, isn't it?"

Simon had to restrain his temper once more. "But who would manage production if they resign?"

"I will," Elise declared, emphasizing each word.

"That's impossible!" Simon exclaimed, his agitation rising.

"Nothing is impossible," Elise stated firmly. Not wanting to prolong the discussion, she continued, "Agree to these three conditions, and I'll accept the private settlement. Otherwise, we'll meet in court."

She prepared to end the call.

"Fine! It's a deal!" Simon growled, his teeth grinding in frustration.

How had Elise managed to corner him like this?

They had always controlled her before... now she was threatening them!

As Simon's blood pressure spiked from sheer aggravation, Elise added, "Once all three conditions are met, I'll personally visit the police station to settle matters. But you need to act quickly. The authorities won't wait indefinitely."

With those final words, Elise ended the call. Immediately, several text notifications appeared on her screen.

[My back hurts even more after waking up. The pain medication must have worn off.]

But he hadn't been given any painkillers yesterday!

[I think they changed the apple variety. These aren't sweet at all.]

They were the exact same apples from yesterday!

[Am I interrupting your work? Just trying to distract myself from the discomfort. You don't need to respond if you're busy.]

Elise sighed. The cunning man was at it again.

She remembered that most of her work would remain stalled until Jonathan and Dean resigned, leaving her with some free time.

Without further hesitation, she stood up, collected her laptop, and headed toward William's VVIP suite.

However, she paused at the entrance. Inside, Sophia was flashing her signature charming smile, looking perfectly at ease.

"Hey, sis!" Sophia called out cheerfully, her demeanor appearing genuinely enthusiastic and completely unawkward.

Elise couldn't help but smile to herself. Sophia truly adored her 'belongings'!