Given how far she had already fallen, Jennifer didn't mind plunging even deeper into darkness. Chloe... their real showdown was only just beginning. "Mom, do you think the old man from the Myers family will ever accept us?" Hearing the small voice, Jennifer turned toward the bedroom door, where Jenarth stood watching. He had been there the whole time, quietly observing everything. If Arthur had shown no reaction to her pregnancy announcement, Jenarth was prepared to step in and play his part. But Arthur's sudden change of heart the moment he learned about the baby had made that unnecessary. It seemed she should have played this card earlier—it would have saved her a great deal of trouble. "Whether he accepts us or not doesn't matter. What I want now is for Arthur to behave," Jennifer said, turning gracefully. The sorrow and tears were gone from her face, replaced by cold pride and arrogance. ***** In a spacious, dimly lit room, a large screen replayed clips from Arthur's press conference. "Chloe and I were once married. Unfortunately, we've since gone our separate ways..." On the screen, Arthur looked earnestly into the camera as he spoke about his past with Chloe... Just as the video showed Arthur bowing in apology, then straightening to face the audience again, a gunshot echoed through the room. The bullet struck the screen directly between Arthur's eyes. The image froze, then the screen went black. All that remained was a smoldering hole where Arthur's face had been. Vincent stood holding the gun, his eyes filled with contempt. "Apologize? You're not even worthy of that," he said, his voice icy. He aimed the weapon at the screen as if Arthur were standing right in front of him. "If she hadn't told me not to interfere, I would've torn you to pieces and used you as fertilizer," Vincent mused, casually spinning the gun in his hand. "Three months feels like such a long time. "My dear Clo-Clo, how could you ever have fallen for such a worthless man? Trash like you doesn't deserve to live."The one who deserves you should be extraordinary—someone who stands at the pinnacle of power. "Clo-Clo... You've had your freedom for six years. It's time to come home now. "It's time to settle down. "The precious girl I've raised with so much care... No one else is allowed to lay a hand on you. You can only be mine. You will stay by my side." Another gunshot rang out. This time, the bullet struck precisely through the previous hole. If a real person had been standing there, they would have been torn apart. ***** At the Myers Manor, Arthur personally helped Charles back inside. After being away for so long, Charles looked around at the familiar yet strangely altered surroundings with a heavy heart. This was no longer the home he remembered—the one he had once hoped to preserve. The house was the same, and yet everything felt different. "Charles, watch your step," Madilyn said as she hurried forward to assist him. Charles brushed her hand aside. "I can still walk on my own. I don't need your help." Madilyn's outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air as she stood there, stunned. With Arthur's support, Charles made his way into the living room and slowly lowered himself onto the sofa. "Grandpa, if there's anything you'd like to rearrange or change, just let me know. I'll have it taken care of right away," Arthur said softly, crouching beside him with attentive care. Charles scanned the room once more. The person he most wanted to see was nowhere in sight. His mood darkened. "I'd like to replace you. Do you think that's possible?" Charles said irritably. Arthur stayed silent. He understood Charles' anger and the reason behind it. For now, all he could do was endure it quietly. At this point, his main goal was to avoid upsetting Charles further. It was a small blessing that Charles was still willing to scold him at all. Charles leaned back against the sofa cushions. Madilyn approached again. Seeing Arthur being reprimanded so bluntly, she felt a pang of resentment."Charles, you know Arthur's situation. The wedding announcement has already been made public. Now..." Madilyn spoke cautiously. When Arthur had returned earlier and confirmed that the wedding would proceed as planned, she knew Jennifer had won. She had probed gently and learned most of the story from Arthur. That woman Jennifer was pregnant. Arthur had even prepared a blank check—who wouldn't be tempted to fill in any amount they wanted? But Jennifer had calmly revealed her pregnancy instead. And Arthur had given in without a fight. He was really going to marry her. Honestly... He had only slept with her once. How could she have gotten pregnant so easily? It was the same with Chloe all those years ago.