Madilyn's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Charles and Arthur walk away. She had overheard Arthur instruct Donald to hire entirely new staff for the suburban villa—people from outside the Lewis family's usual circles, explicitly excluding long-term servants. Charles had always treated her with cold indifference. Was this move a sign that he suspected something? His sudden shift in attitude toward Arthur was equally puzzling. Had he really let go of his attachment to Chloe so easily? Could he have uncovered information he wasn't meant to know? Was he even giving up on Arthur? If that were truly the case, then he had left her no choice. Myers Group would never be taken from Arthur's hands. If Charles behaved wisely and knew his place, he could live out his remaining years in peace. Otherwise, she wouldn't hesitate to act decisively. If she had been capable of turning him into a helpless invalid before, she could just as easily arrange for his timely and plausible demise. A cold gleam flashed in Madilyn's eyes. She quickly took out her phone and reluctantly sent a text to Jennifer, "Charles has agreed to the wedding." ***** As soon as Chloe arrived at the Lewis Group headquarters, she was intercepted by Gordon Wills, one of the senior executives. The cooperation agreement between Lewis Group and Myers Group was renewed annually. That morning, representatives from Myers Group had arrived as scheduled to renew the contract. But following Chloe's directive, Lewis Group would not be continuing the partnership once the current term expired. "Ms. Lewis, the collaboration between Myers Group and Lewis Group has lasted many years. Each year, Myers Group invests 500 million in Lewis Group's development. If we terminate the partnership now, that 500 million injection will disappear. Given the company's current financial situation... "Lewis Group's growth has been stagnant for some time. It's only thanks to Myers Group's annual investment that we've remained stable. Ending the agreement now could accelerate the company's decline. "Ms. Lewis, I understand you want to steer Lewis Group in a new direction. But finding new partners won't be easy. "For a new partner to operate Lewis Group effectively, they would need to invest at least 500 million. Otherwise, this simply won't work." Gordon spoke at length, his tone direct and his reasoning sound. "Mr. Wills, you're absolutely right. Thank you for the reminder—I'll keep that in mind as I seek new partners," Chloe replied calmly, offering a faint but respectful smile. "I appreciate your dedication to the company." During the shareholders' meeting, Gordon had been one of the most vocal critics, but his genuine concern for the company was undeniable—and that deserved acknowledgment. Chloe proceeded directly to her office on the top floor. As deputy general manager of the group, her workspace was adjacent to Scott's. Just as she reached her door, she heard her name. Scott was standing outside the chairman's office, as though he had been waiting for her. Chloe checked the time—it was still early. She wasn't late; Scott had simply arrived earlier than usual. "I heard you turned down the renewal with Myers Group today. You've ended the partnership completely," Scott said, his expression stern. Chloe straightened up. Facing his accusatory tone, she responded with a composed smile. "As I've stated, Myers Group is no longer within Lewis Group's scope of cooperation. It's standard procedure not to renew a contract upon expiration, isn't it?" "You—" "Mr. Lewis, I am fully in charge of company operations this month. As deputy general manager, I am responsible for high-level decisions regarding the company's future development. Others are welcome to observe and offer input, but they may not interfere." "You—" Scott grew visibly angry and pointed a finger at her. "Canceling the partnership with Myers Group means losing 500 million. With the company already operating at a loss, where do you expect to find 500 million to fill that gap? You claim you'll turn the company around and turn a profit within a month. That's nothing but a pipe dream! "Do you think 500 million is a joke? "Finding new partners? In this economic climate? Who would casually invest 500 million in a struggling company—" "That's enough, Mr. Lewis. You're repeating the same points Mr. Wills made earlier. I don't wish to restate my position. The partnership is over. I will find new partners myself. If you have so much free time, I suggest you go home and rest." With that, Chloe turned and entered her office. Scott stood fuming, infuriated by her dismissive attitude. Yet despite being chairman, there was little he could do to override her. The executive order granting her full authority had been signed by him. For the next month, all company matters were subject to Chloe's decisions. Shortly after Chloe took charge, she ordered a comprehensive audit of all company data. Before the reports could even be submitted, an unexpected visitor arrived—none other than Arthur himself.