"I have faith in you as well, Ms. Scott," Stacy Dawson immediately added. "Stellar Group fought hard for its rebirth. It shouldn't crumble over this single setback. I stand with you. We will pour every effort into overcoming this crisis."

"We stand with you too, Ms. Scott!"

Suddenly, the room vibrated with a powerful, unified support for Elise.

Sophia Mitchell's expression darkened slightly. Elise continually exceeded her predictions.

Remaining calm amidst a severe crisis and potential bankruptcy was one thing. But rallying everyone to her side now? Unbelievable.

Yet, a dangerous glint flashed in Sophia's eyes.

So what if they all stood with Elise? It was merely emotional manipulation.

She refused to believe Elise could single-handedly save Stellar Group!

However, Sophia's composure shattered the moment she returned to her office.

Every single trending article about Elise's scandal had vanished. Wiped clean. Searches for 'Elise Scott' yielded nothing but takedown notices. Discussion threads remained, but every YouTube and Instagram clip about the scandal was now private.

Sophia's eyes burned with fury.

Was Elise truly that powerful? Could she command the entire internet?

No.

Someone was aiding her. Undoubtedly, it was William.

Sophia seethed, her fists clenching.

Why was that man so blind? Why did he insist on helping such a despicable woman?!

Her phone rang. She answered sharply, "Yes, Samuel?"

"Why is the news about Elise disappearing?!" Samuel Mitchell snapped, his voice thick with outrage.

"I just saw. My guess? William Levine. No one else has the reach to purge the internet so thoroughly."

"Elise is remarkably skilled at bewitching men," Samuel growled through gritted teeth.

"Relax, Samuel. Even without the news, the damage is done. The online hate mob targeting Stellar Group won't stop. They've lost any chance of recovery. However..."

"What?" Samuel asked, a hint of eagerness slipping through.

"My dear sister is holding a press conference tomorrow. They're inviting all major Crestwood media outlets. Given the current buzz, I doubt any will refuse."

"She has no shame. A press conference now? Isn't the public roasting enough?"

"I don't know what gives her this confidence, but she must have a reason. It makes me nervous. Perhaps you could... have a word with some of the journalists attending?" Sophia suggested.

Witnessing Elise's unnerving composure and capability throughout this crisis had made Sophia deeply wary. She wouldn't leave anything to chance.

"Consider it handled." Samuel's eyes gleamed with malice.

He never intended to push Elise this far. But she left him no choice with her stubbornness.

Whatever humiliation awaited her, she had brought it entirely upon herself.