When Anthony heard his subordinate's suggestion, his face turned even darker. Eliminating some nobody wouldn't be difficult. Once chaos erupted, who could possibly trace it back? Just as Anthony plotted how to create a diversion, another subordinate came rushing over, looking panicked. "Mr. Ruiz, urgent call from Mr. Kerry Ruiz!" The man hurried over with the phone, clearly agitated. Anthony stared at the device, confused. During Mistveil Manor's auctions, all external signals were blocked. How had his man received a call? "It's the manor's internal line. Mr. Kerry Ruiz has critical instructions. He contacted Mr. Mull directly and demands you answer right away." The subordinate gasped, thrusting the phone into Anthony's hand. Anthony's face tightened. He had no idea why Kerry would contact him at such a moment, but he accepted the phone and raised it to his ear. "You reckless fool! If you want to avoid being six feet under, get back here right now! I want you standing before me in 30 minutes!" Kerry's enraged voice exploded through the receiver before Anthony could speak. Anthony pulled the phone away from his ear. He'd never heard Kerry this furious before. Even when Anthony's actions had led to fatalities, Kerry had merely sighed and reprimanded him. But this time, Anthony detected something else in his voice—nervousness, panic, and... fear. "Grandfather..." "Stop wasting time and return now!" Kerry roared, his anger intensifying. Anthony felt uneasy, completely unaware of what had provoked such a reaction. He glanced at his subordinate, tossed the phone back, and strode away abruptly. Chloe—she would have to wait. He'd let her off temporarily.***** "If you keep harassing me, I'll tell our head designer to cancel your dress order." Landon declared seriously, edging away slightly. "As her employer, she has to listen to me." "Darling, working for such a boss must be exhausting. Why not leave Cosmos Group and join my family's company? I'll appoint you CEO right away. You're sure to make it bigger and stronger." Selina sidled up to Chloe, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "What do you say?" Chloe was amused by Selina—one second she was as dominant as a boss, the next she was all gentle and clingy. Eugene suddenly moved, his motion abrupt as he bumped against Chloe where she sat. The contact snapped Chloe from her thoughts, and she noticed Eugene's strange behavior. He set his wine glass down on the table, frowning at it.Chloe observed every detail. Eugene appeared uncomfortable. He clenched his fist, gripping so tightly that veins stood out on his knuckles. Something was clearly wrong. Chloe sensed his unusual state. "Mr. Rosewood?" she asked quietly. "You guys go on. I need to excuse myself." Eugene tossed out the words and stood, preparing to leave. Chloe watched him go. She wanted to ask if he felt unwell, and as she reached out, her hand briefly brushed his arm. His skin felt... burning hot. What was happening to Eugene? Chloe stared after his retreating figure. His footsteps seemed unsteady, almost stumbling. "Eugene, where are you going? This vintage is exceptional—you should drink more to honor Mr. Slade's generosity!" Landon joked, raising his glass and savoring the red wine. "With your drinking capacity, just forget it. If you end up drunk later, hold back the drunken nonsense. I don't have the patience to take care of you." Selina settled beside Landon, teasing him again. "Mr. Slade, you be the judge—how's my drinking ability?" Joseph watched their banter with an amused laugh. Chloe sat quietly, gazing at the freshly delivered juice. After a moment's thought, she looked toward where Eugene had disappeared. If her instincts were correct, something was wrong with Eugene. His sudden fever, unsteady gait, and hurried departure... These signs were too concerning to ignore. What had happened to Eugene? Because he drank the wine Joseph provided? But everyone present had drunk it, including Joseph himself. If there were issues, the only suspicious drink was the one from Anthony. But that glass had been intended for her. Chloe froze as realization dawned, her expression darkening. She glanced at the others still laughing and chatting, then stood and headed in the direction Eugene had taken. If she remembered correctly, he'd gone toward the restrooms. Chloe reached the restroom area. An eerie silence enveloped the space, as if no one had been there recently. Had Eugene not come this way after all?