"Mom, you don't need to interfere in my personal matters." "What?" Madilyn's eyes widened in disbelief at Arthur's words. This marked the first time Arthur had openly defied her authority. Was he actually challenging her? "Arthur, I am your mother." Madilyn snapped sharply, "Look at your behavior tonight. That ridiculous display during the auction. You've made a complete fool of yourself!" Arthur remained silent. "You're the head of the Myers family, yet you lose your composure over some woman after a few words? If this spreads, you'll become the laughingstock of the entire business community. Perhaps you don't care about your reputation, but I certainly do." Madilyn's voice rose. "How did I raise such a disappointing son?""Mom!" "Your father passed away early, and you grew up sheltered under your grandpa's protection, never learning your limitations. Now look at you. Chloe's climbing the social ladder. For a country girl, attaching herself to wealthy men is her only path upward. Why would she ever look back at you?" "Why is my life so unfortunate!" Madilyn's voice broke. She staggered, squeezed her eyes shut, and nearly collapsed backward. "Mrs. Myers!" Jennifer rushed forward to support her just in time. "Mom, are you alright?" Arthur grew concerned seeing his mother's distressed state. "You're gonna drive me crazy sooner or later! So hopeless! You're the president of Myers Group. After finally cutting ties with someone like Chloe, you still chase after her? Do you truly want her to announce to everyone that you were once married?" Arthur's expression darkened at her words. To Chloe, he was merely an ex, not even worth mentioning as a former husband. Chloe's mocking words still echoed in his mind. Arthur felt his thoughts were in complete disarray today. He desperately needed peace and clarity. "Jennifer," Arthur said quietly, stepping forward to support Madilyn. "Mom, the auction is nearly over. Let's return home." Madilyn looked at Arthur. She noticed he seemed calm and had stopped chasing Chloe. She was satisfied, so she quit her over-the-top act and let Arthur take her arm. "Let's go! You need to greet our business partners. Charles always introduced you previously, but now that he's gone, you must demonstrate that you're the one leading Myers Group." "Yes," Arthur replied softly before leaving with Madilyn and Jennifer. ***** In the dining area... The Michelin-starred chef presented dishes sequentially to the VIP section. Joseph remained personally at Eugene's side, explaining each specially prepared course. "This one is particularly suitable for ladies. Ms. Lewis, I requested the chef prepare this specifically for you." Joseph placed a delicate dish before Chloe. "Thank you." Chloe accepted it, admiring the beautifully presented food on the small plate. It looked truly exquisite. "I have some exceptional vintage wine stored away. Since we're celebrating today, I'll open a bottle." Joseph announced, rising from his seat. "Please wait here—I'll retrieve it." Chloe watched Joseph hurry off, marveling at the energetic pace of the man in his seventies. He was certainly treating them with exceptional regard! Reflecting on how others typically treated Joseph compared to how he treated their group, Chloe understood the reason...She instinctively glanced at Eugene seated beside her. She felt she was beginning to comprehend the situation. Though not entirely certain yet. "Is there something on my face?" Eugene noticed her gaze and inquired. "No, I was thinking..." Chloe hadn't expected Eugene to detect her observation so easily. She quickly changed the subject. "Selina is remarkably friendly!" She tightened her palm around the small cloth bag she held. The obsidian ring inside lay right in her palm. "Obsidian stands for the Desilets family of Italien. Since Selina gifted you this ring, if you ever need help anywhere in Italy, just show this ring. The Desilets family will help you with whatever you need." Eugene's words made Chloe space out briefly. She looked up to meet his serious expression.The Desilets family.... So Selina belonged to the Desilets family. "Mommy, I've verified it. Selina is actually the eldest daughter of the Desilets family. Luke Desilets' most favored granddaughter. She's the only female in her generation and has four older brothers." Robert's voice came through her earpiece. Chloe raised her eyebrows at this revelation. It seemed she hadn't only hit her goals today, but also made a super powerful friend. She tightened her grip around the ring, her smile broadening.