"Then you should just move into Riverville Prime Residence. There are plenty of spare rooms there." Hearing this, Melinda lit up with excitement. "Really? That's perfect! Grandpa told me you'd settled down at Riverville Prime Residence. I even asked him to try and get me a house nearby—or at least rent one. "I was planning to live next door and sneak over to see you whenever I could. I didn't expect you'd invite me straight in! This makes everything so much easier. You're the best, sweetie! "I'll have to let Grandpa know he doesn't need to bother anymore. I've already found my spot." Hearing such affectionate words coming from someone who looked so effortlessly cool, Chloe couldn't help but feel a little awkward. "Chloe! You're absolutely the best." Seeing Chloe's raised eyebrow, Melinda pretended to sit up properly, then flashed her a playful wink. Chloe sighed inwardly. Oh, goodness. After a casual meal, Chloe and Melinda left together. Melinda had insisted on driving—she'd arrived in a brand-new G-Class, so new it didn't even have license plates yet. Just as they stepped out of the restaurant, a voice called out. "Chloe!" That voice... Chloe frowned. Was she hearing things? She'd come all the way to this suburban restaurant, and now she was hearing Arthur's voice? "Chloe, it really is you. What are you doing all the way out here?" Before she could gather her thoughts, Arthur was already walking toward her. He was dressed in a full suit, clearly having come straight from the office. Chloe glanced at him and replied calmly, "Mr. Myers, that's a strange question. This is a restaurant. People come here to eat. Or did you think I came here to be annoyed by you?" Realizing he'd been too forward, Arthur straightened up and said seriously, "That's not what I meant. I'm just... genuinely surprised to see you here." Several men stood behind Arthur holding briefcases. It looked like they'd come for a business meeting. "Chloe, I heard Lewis Group is seeking new partners. You really don't have to go through all that," Arthur said earnestly. "Putting our personal history aside, I believe Myers Group and Lewis Group are ideal partners. We've already made concessions. Whether now or in the future, Myers Group is willing to be Lewis Group's strongest supporter." "You still don't get it. No matter what concessions Myers Group offers, I will not partner with you," Chloe said with a faint smile. "Myers Group was never in the running." "You..." Arthur hadn't expected Chloe to be so blunt, especially in front of his potential business associates. She wasn't giving him any face. He suppressed his anger, reminding himself to stay composed in front of Chloe. When he looked up again, his eyes held even more resolve. "Chloe, name your terms—anything to make this partnership happen. As long as it's within Myers Group's power, there's no limit to what I'll agree to." No limit. If Chloe would only state her demand, he'd fulfill it. This was his way of trying to get closer to her, to beg for her forgiveness. He knew he'd made mistakes—he just wanted to make up for them however he could. Hearing Arthur's words, Chloe couldn't help but laugh. Some things were so absurd that laughter was the only response. These days, just the sight of Arthur made her want to laugh. "Ahem... excuse me, sir, are you out of your mind? Anyone with half a brain can see Ms. Lewis is turning you down. Why are you still rambling on?" A cool, teasing voice cut through the tension. It was soft yet carried clearly, hitting Arthur straight in the ego. Arthur looked up and finally noticed the tall, strikingly attractive figure standing behind Chloe. The person was about the same height as him—if anything, Arthur wondered if he might be slightly shorter. There was something distinctly androgynous about his appearance. His features were sharp yet softened with a subtle elegance—the kind of look that could easily break hearts. Who was this? And why were they standing so close to Chloe? Arthur looked at Chloe and asked stiffly, "Chloe, who is he?" He?Noticing the subtle wrinkles forming at the corners of Arthur's eyes, Chloe knew he was irritated. Because of Melinda? Did he think she was a man? Hah. What a fool. A clueless, brainless idiot. "Who he is is none of your concern," Chloe replied mildly, a hint of challenge in her raised brow. "But—" "Sir, your manners are seriously lacking. If you want to know who I am, ask me directly. Why bother my sweetie?" Melinda stepped forward and draped an arm around Chloe's shoulder, pulling her close. "You were disrespectful to her just now. Let me be clear—if you keep this up, I won't stay quiet."