Mark''s pen paused, his surprise evident as he looked up towards the door.


    That familiar,manding voice cut through the air like a frostbitten saber, aiming straight for Avery''s back.


    Gritting his teeth and squinting his eyes, Avery slowly turned his gaze-


    There, Thaddeus'' imposing figure strode into the ward, followed by Gordon.


    "Mr. Thaddeus!" Mark''s previously dim eyes suddenly sparkled with hope!


    Though they had never met this person, Thaddeus'' presence made him inexplicably reassured.


    After all, it wasmon knowledge that Thaddeus was Chairman Emeric''s future son-inw.


    The chairman''s judgment was impable.


    If he trusted his beloved daughter with Emeric, it was clear that Thaddeus was a cut above the rest, a rare gem among his peers!


    Unlike Avery, who despite his handsome facade, harbored a venomous heart!


    "Thaddeus, what are you doing here?" Avery demanded, his eyes shing dangerously.


    "I''m here for the same reason you are," Thaddeus replied, his tone even and devoid of aggression. Yet, the aura of nobility and pride he exuded was intimidating.


    Inparison, Avery''s sinister demeanor seemed too narrow-minded and out of ce.


    Harvey clenched his fists, ring at Thaddeus with predatory intensity.


    Gordon, too, balled his fists, ready to leap at him at any moment.


    "I overheard your conversation with Mr. Mark Griffith from outside," Thaddeus said, his lips curving into a slight smile, his gaze softening with a hint of fondness. "Sorry, I learned eavesdropping from my wife. I hope Mr. Mark Griffith doesn''t mind."


    Avery seethed with jealousy, his blood boiling with rage.


    "Not at all! It''s an honor to meet you," Mark replied, humbling himself before a man young enough to be his son.


    "Mr. Mark Griffith, the S-Star Group is your life''s work. You can''t sell it," Thaddeus said coolly, casting a dismissive nce at Avery. "And if you do decide to sell, it certainly shouldn''t be to someone like Avery. His words are not to be trusted."


    Avery stood abruptly, and the chair fell to the ground with a bang.


    "He promised to help you rescue Lionel, but once you sign the contract, he''ll back out. Wouldn''t you be fooled? This isn''t the first time he''s yed this game. If you don''t believe me, feel free to visit Matthew and Bertha in prison. Then you''ll see what kind of person Avery truly is."


    Mark''s eyes widened in realization.


    He had almost fallen for Avery''s trap in his desperation to save his godson!


    "Mr. Chambers, you can leave now!"


    With Thaddeus'' arrival, Mark''s fear of Avery dissipated, his gaze regaining its former sharpness. "Even if I have to bring S-Star Group to ruins, I will not let you seed! As for Lionel, I believe in justice in this world. There will be no one who can override thew. Everything will be set right!"


    Seeing his ns about to seed, but then thwarted by Thaddeus, it was a failure!


    "In that case, I can only say, what a pity."


    Avery, her temples pounding, let out a disdainfulugh, ring at Thaddeus with


    malice before leaving with Harvey in anger.


    The tension in the hospital room slowly eased.


    Lilian, pale-faced, held tightly to Mark''s hand as heforted her.


    She had been with him for over a decade, ustomed to conflicts and confrontations. Yet, the silent battle Avery brought was genuinely terrifying.


    "Mr. Thaddeus, thank you for just now," Mark caught his breath and looked sincerely at him. "If you wish to lead S-Star Group. I''m willing to step down and hand it all to you. I don''t want anything in return."


    "Mr. Mark Griffith, from the beginning, I never intended to take over S-Star Group. It will always belong to you and Aviana," Thaddeus replied with a soft smile. "I came to alleviate your worries. With Avery appearing at this time, his aim was to break down your defenses and take S-Star Group from you. Fortunately, we can still turn things around. From now on, I''ll increase security around you, ensuring the Chambers Group can no longer harass you."


    "Mr. Thaddeus, thank you," Mark said, deeply moved.


    "As for Lionel, please keep hope alive."


    Thaddeus'' eyes shone with determination, providing a sense of security. "Together with Evadne, we''ll find a way to clear his name."


    Meanwhile, the S-Star Group was inplete chaos.


    Aviana stood in the smoky conference room, trembling with anger.


    On the tabley cigars and liquor, and several top executives of S-Star Group were shamelessly indulging in steak and potatoes, even dog meat soup, with reckless abandon!


    The sound of their slurping was incessant, and her blood pressure surged.


    Facing Aviana, the rightful heiress of S-Star Group, these old-timers, relying on their status as S-Star Group veterans and knowing that Mr. Mark Griffith had been bedridden for years, had long harbored thoughts of carving up S-Star Group for themselves, and they didn''t even regard her with respect.


    "Gentleman," Aviana''s gaze was sharp as knives, her slender eyes wide with disbelief. "My dad''s favorite animal was a dog, and there''s always been a strict no-dog-eating policy at S-Star Group. What are you guys trying to pull here, huh?!"


    "A bunch of us guys rushed over here for today''s damn meeting without even grabbing a bite. There aren''t many ces to eat around here, and that burger joint was the only decent option. Miss, you wouldn''t deny us a meal, would you?"


    "And besides, what we eat is our own business! You''re making a big deal out of nothing, women just always have too much to worry about!"


    Yes, what they chose to eat was indeed their freedom.


    But turning the conference room into a diner was a tant challenge to the authority of the Griffith family!


    Aviana was fuming, her temples pounding and her chest heaving with anger.


    She couldn''t just let this go, but if she made a fuss, these old fogies would gang up on her, and today''s meeting would be a bust!


    Just as she hesitated, a series of brisk footsteps echoed through the conference


    room.


    Evadne, dressed smartly in a ck suit, exuding a powerful and efficient aura, walked into the conference room amidst the surprised gazes of everyone.