"Right. Chloe still isn't here. She demanded every board member show up, and now she can't even be on time? This isn't right." "Whether she comes or not, shouldn't Lewis Group officially announce she's the executive director already?" "Mr. Lewis, we need your input. What's our next move?" All eyes shifted to Scott, waiting for his response. But before he could speak, Chloe's voice cut through from the doorway. "Do you really need to debate something this simple?" At the sound, the crowd all turned their heads toward the doorway. Chloe entered calmly, her confidence filling the room. Her gaze swept across the faces before landing on Scott at the head of the table—with Monique and Ernesto flanking him. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I was verifying Lewis Group's data from the past six months. Some project reports are still using numbers from three years ago." She paused, letting her words sink in. "I'm curious. Was anyone here aware of this?" The shareholders froze, caught off guard. Scott hadn't expected this. He knew the company was struggling, but he never bothered with the details. As chairman, he focused on results, not paperwork. Those details were supposed to be handled by department heads. Now that Chloe had exposed them, he couldn't avoid responsibility. Chloe held up her phone, displaying Lewis Group's official account for everyone to see. "Where's your announcement? The online crisis is over. I expected you to honor your word." A faint smile touched her lips. Her tone remained polite, but every word carried unmistakable authority. People exchanged uneasy glances. She was directly reminding them of the promises made in that very conference room and it was time to deliver."Mr. Lewis, the results speak for themselves. What's causing the delay?" Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Or are you planning to break your promise and act like a total jerk?" The comment hit its mark. Scott's face tightened, his fists clenching until his knuckles turned white. Seeing this, Monique shot a meaningful look at Ernesto. Seated beside Scott, Ernesto spoke up. "Chloe, you've shown some skill. You predicted Arthur would risk his company's reputation for you. But you're still young. Appointing you as the executive director now seems rushed. I suggest starting with a senior role in a related department first. Learn proper management." "That sounds reasonable," Monique added with a strained smile. "Chloe, your ambition to lead is admirable, but it requires experience. Your father built this company over many years. You're still so young..." "Enough." Chloe cut Monique off, her smile still in place. "Stop with this back-and-forth. If you don't intend to honor the agreement, just say so. Don't hide behind excuses. Otherwise, I'll assume you two are in cahoots." Monique's face went pale. "How could you say that? Ernesto and I have no connection! I'm your stepmother! Even if you dislike me, you can't make such accusations!" Her words came out rushed and nervous. Her heart raced. Why would Chloe say that? So directly. Did she... know something? "Monique, why so tense? Did I say something that hit too close to home?" Chloe's eyebrow arched again. "You all keep calling me impulsive because I'm young. You want to weasel out of it, so you're all ganging up to bully a young woman like me?" Chloe let out a soft laugh, pulling out a chair and sitting with effortless grace that nonetheless commanded the room. Monique realized she'd overreacted. She had jumped to her feet in panic, and now, with Chloe pointing it out, she looked even more guilty. "We... wouldn't bully you," Monique muttered awkwardly, quickly retaking her seat. This little witch. Just wait. She'd nearly fallen into Chloe's trap. Good thing she caught herself before saying too much. "The great Lewis Group, with all these important people, going back on their word. No wonder you've been losing money for so long." Chloe spoke slowly, her sarcasm unmistakable. Her directness left them speechless. They could only sit in frustrated silence. "Mr. Lewis, you're the chairman. You gotta keep your word! Or are you gonna be like them, trying to weasel out of the deal?" Chloe scanned the room before letting her gaze settle firmly on Scott. Her lips curved into a cool, composed smile. "Who was it that swore if public opinion turned, you'd announce my position as the vice president of Lewis Group?"