Carolyn nearly threw the mop across the hallway. The very thought of having to clean the conference room made her clench her fists in frustration. She stomped her foot angrily before reluctantly heading back toward the boardroom. Meanwhile, before leaving the Lewis Group headquarters, Chloe had issued a company-wide directive—all departments were required to compile comprehensive reports on every ongoing project—including those that had stalled or been neglected. Department-specific review meetings would follow shortly. The announcement stirred immediate discussion throughout the company. News that Chloe had been appointed director—effectively taking leadership of Lewis Group—spread quickly. Employees at every level were curious about her intentions. With the company struggling in recent years, no one could guess what Chloe was planning with such a sudden move shortly after assuming her role. Later that evening, at an upscale steakhouse in the city... Eugene carefully cut a piece of steak and placed it into Robert's plate. "Thanks, Eugene!" Robert said cheerfully before happily eating the bite. Chloe watched Eugene's attentive manner, still finding it hard to reconcile this gentle man with the formidable figure known worldwide as the richest man. Eugene had always conducted his public affairs under another name, and like many, Chloe had always pictured a stern, elderly foreign gentleman—not someone like the man sitting across from her now. She remembered how she used to imagine the world's wealthiest person as so old he could barely walk, and the thought made her chuckle aloud without realizing it. "What's on your mind? You seem amused." Eugene's voice broke through her thoughts. Chloe snapped back to attention and noticed two neatly cut pieces of steak now sat on her plate. Eugene was watching her, clearly expecting a response. "Well... I was just thinking how I used to assume the richest man in the world would be some elderly gentleman who needed help walking," Chloe admitted with a smile. Eugene let out a soft laugh. "Guess I should make more public appearances—clear up the misunderstanding." Chloe grinned and lifted her wine glass. "Shall I toast you, then?" "Thank you," Eugene replied, raising his own glass.Their glasses met with a gentle clink, filling the moment with warmth. After dinner, Eugene drove Chloe and Robert back to their temporary hotel. Once he'd parked, he stepped out and opened the door for Robert. "Thanks, Eugene. I had a really good time tonight," Robert said, then gave Eugene an affectionate peck on the cheek. Eugene seemed momentarily surprised but soon smiled. "Anytime. We'll do it again soon." "Yeah!" Eugene glanced toward the hotel entrance, then turned to Chloe. "You should consider finding a more permanent place. You don't have to stay here." "I've actually already found something. I'll be moving soon," Chloe replied briefly. She wasn't quite ready to tell him they were practically neighbors—living just a few houses apart in the same upscale community. "Get some rest, then. I'll head off now," Eugene said, his gaze lingering on Chloe before he turned and got back into the car. He rolled down the window. "Goodnight, you two." With that, the car pulled away. Chloe's eyes followed the vehicle until it disappeared from view. Robert grinned mischievously. "Mommy, do you like Eugene?" Chloe looked down, slightly caught off guard. "What makes you ask that?" Robert's eyes sparkled. "You get this little glow when you look at him." Chloe didn't know how to respond. "When we were with the Myers family, you never looked at Arthur that way," Robert added, tilting his head. "And Eugene likes you too, doesn't he? I could see it in his eyes during dinner. He kept watching you. Honestly, I kind of felt like a third wheel." Chloe's brows furrowed instinctively. What on earth was this kid going on about? "Mommy, just say yes! If Eugene's my dad, that'd be so cool!" Robert puffed out his little chest, preening with even more pride. "For backup? You need a tough alpha boss like him—no one messes with that!" Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Who taught you phrases like that? Maybe I should have Zachary find you some extra tutors—keep you busy." Robert immediately switched to an innocent expression and took her hand. "Just kidding, Mommy. Let's go home." "That's better," Chloe said, leading him toward the parking garage. As they walked, Robert brought up something that had been on his mind. "Hey, Mommy... when are we going to tell Eugene we're basically his neighbors? Our houses are so close. What if we run into him one day?" Chloe paused. Robert had a point. Living in the same gated community made an encounter almost inevitable. That was going to be... complicated.