"Yeah," Chloe replied simply, swirling the wine in her glass. "Lewis Group is only seeking a partnership worth one billion, while Myers Group has directly offered two. Even if other parties are interested, no one's likely to go head-to-head with Myers Group under those terms." Landon couldn't help but frown. He lowered his voice and glanced subtly at Eugene's expression. "This is supposed to be a relaxing evening. Let's not talk business. The skewers here are excellent—they deserve our full attention." Chloe smiled faintly and raised her glass toward Landon. Landon was momentarily taken aback, then felt obliged to raise his own glass in return. Part of him wanted to suggest that since Chloe now controlled the funds, she could simply ask Eugene to privately cover that billion. The man was never short on cash, and it would be a satisfying way to put her shameless ex-husband in his place. But when everyone was enjoying themselves, there was no need to stir up unnecessary trouble. Landon felt his judgment had been off lately. He'd even mistaken Melinda for a man—how embarrassing. Still, the thought of Arthur's frustrated expression gave him a certain satisfaction. He just wondered how Chloe would handle things when the negotiation meeting began. ***** There were less than five hours left until Lewis Group's partnership negotiation meeting. At the Lewis Manor, Scott had woken unusually early. He was poring over various documents. Over the past few days, he had begun reviewing the company's operational data from recent years. On the surface, nothing seemed seriously wrong—but the company's operating expenses were unusually high, leaving virtually no surplus. "Scott, why are you up so early? It's not even light out yet." Monique had woken to find the other side of the bed empty. Puzzled, she got up to look and found Scott in the living room, surrounded by files. "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to look through these. Today is the day of Chloe's negotiation meeting. Who knows if she'll actually find a suitable partner?" Scott clenched the documents in his hand and sighed. "Monique, have you ever gone through the company's financial reports?" "No. Why?" Monique asked cautiously. "Did you find something?" As she spoke, she walked over and sat beside him. Noticing he was only wearing thin pajamas, she reached for a nearby blanket and draped it over his shoulders.Scott seemed barely aware of her gesture. He replied calmly, "I've reviewed the company's reports for the past three years and haven't found any obvious issues." Monique frowned. "Isn't that a good thing?" "That's exactly what worries me." Scott's expression was stern. "The company's performance has declined year after year, yet these reports show everything as stable. If the numbers are so steady, then why are we operating at a loss?" "What are you suggesting?" Monique lowered her voice, her gaze fixed intently on Scott. "There's a mole in the company." Scott's fists tightened, his knuckles turning white where he gripped the papers. "What?" Monique feigned shock. She stared at him with apparent concern. "How could that be... What should we do?" She hesitated, her heart racing. Was Scott starting to catch on? If he was, then... their plans would have to be moved forward. "I'm not sure. It's just a feeling—something about these reports doesn't add up. But no matter how long I look, I can't pinpoint what's wrong. That's the problem. Data this perfect seems tailored for my eyes." Scott tossed the documents onto the table. "Yet I can't find a single flaw. Why? I just don't get it." "Scott, you must be careful. The company is unstable right now, and it's in Chloe's hands. If she acts recklessly, she could ruin everything." Monique reached out and held Scott's arm. "You should take back control of the company. I really don't feel comfortable leaving it in her hands, letting her do as she pleases." "Chloe..." Scott sighed. "I'm not targeting her. It's just that she seems... different now—who knows what she might do next?" Monique said, her voice laced with feigned helplessness. "I truly wish she'd come back to embrace her role as the Lewis family's daughter. Running a company like this... It's just not where her strengths lie." "Hmm, I'll think about whether she should return or not." Scott pulled his arm away from her grasp. Monique watched the movement, displeasure flashing across her face. Was Scott beginning to distance himself from her? It was the first time he had pushed her hand away and selectively ignored her like this. Was it because she had aged and could no longer hold his attention? Or had he started to grow suspicious?Not long after, Scott had changed into a suit and come downstairs. Dressed formally, he was clearly headed to the office.