Monique struggled to sit up, not bothering to cover herself as she looked urgently at Ernesto. "Scott rushed out of the manor an hour ago—he said he was heading to the office. I think he's planning to help Chloe." "Help Chloe?" "Yes. I suspect Scott's going to interfere. He looked genuinely worried—he might even pull strings behind the scenes to support her!" Monique grew more agitated as she spoke. "If he dares to help that girl, I'll make sure he regrets it." Ernesto let out a derisive snort. "Let him try. Does he even have the means? Lewis Group is facing a cash-flow crisis. Even as chairman, Scott can't just produce a billion in liquid assets. If he tries to leverage his shares, not only me—other shareholders will object." "You mean...?" "Scott's powerless. If he helps that little witch Chloe, the board can vote to remove him as chairman." Ernesto smirked coldly. "If Scott wants to keep his position, he won't intervene. At most, he might ask Arthur to step in. But even if Arthur wants to help now, would Chloe accept it?" After considering Ernesto's words, Monique fell silent for a moment, then seemed to understand. "Heh, if that girl were willing to accept Arthur's help, she wouldn't have organized this negotiation in the first place. She's backed herself into a corner this time. Let's see how she gets out of it. If she tries to fund it herself, do you think the shareholders would stand for it?" As Ernesto had pointed out, Arthur was willing to invest two billion in Lewis Group, but Chloe was being stubborn and ungrateful—determined not to work with Myers Group. If that capital didn't come through, Lewis Group would face a liquidity crisis within the month. If the situation wasn't resolved, Chloe could expect to be ousted. She'd publicly boasted about turning Lewis Group around in a month. No one forced her to say it. Forget a month—if the negotiation ended in a few hours with no new partner, Lewis Group's stock would plummet. By then, the shareholders wouldn't go easy on her. "Hmph, she only has a few hours left. Let's see what tricks Chloe can pull to secure over a billion in investment for Lewis Group," Monique sneered. "With Arthur pressuring other potential partners, who would dare cooperate with Lewis Group now? Since Chloe insists on cutting ties with Arthur, she's digging her own grave." Monique laughed triumphantly. She snatched her clothes and stood up, but as she straightened, she winced and nearly lost her balance."Ernesto, you were... too rough! How am I supposed to go to the office and watch the show like this?" "Not satisfied? Should I try being gentler?" Ernesto chuckled and made a move to rise. "You... you're terrible." Monique blushed, then hurried toward the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water echoed from inside. Ernesto's expression turned cold the moment she was gone. He moved quietly to the hidden compartment nearby and tapped lightly on the panel. It slid open, and the woman curled inside slowly stood up. Ernesto watched as she emerged, still clutching her scattered clothes. Seeing her naked form—her alluring figure so much more appealing than Monique's—he felt a renewed surge of desire. Well, Monique's looks and figure weren't bad. Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept her around all these years. "You're so bad, Ernesto... making it so intense like that." The woman forced a smile and quickly began dressing. Ernesto watched her, his desire rekindling. He reached for her, but she pulled away. "Finish your business first, then come find me. I have to go! Consider those shoes and the coat you just bought me as my gift to you." She gave a faint smile, slipped a hand into his pocket, and pulled out a credit card. She kissed it, winked, then turned and hurried away barefoot. Watching her leave, Ernesto's eyes darkened further.