Scott hesitated for a long moment, struggling to recall where the ring might be. In his memory, those items had indeed been stored at the Lewis Manor. After Chloe's mother passed away, he had never paid them any mind. If Chloe hadn't brought it up so suddenly, he might have forgotten about them entirely. "Wait a moment—I'll go back and look for it right away." Scott set everything else aside. Since Chloe had asked for her mother's keepsake, he would return to the manor immediately and retrieve it. "There's still a little time before the negotiation ends. I'll be back within that window. Chloe, Lewis Group needs this partnership," Scott said earnestly before he left. Watching him hurry off, Chloe's eyes grew even colder. ***** Now, facing Chloe's icy tone, Scott looked deeply embarrassed. "Chloe, I'm truly sorry. I turned the whole place upside down, but the ring really isn't..." He didn't know how to explain. He had rushed back to the Lewis Manor at top speed to search for the ring, but came up empty. He checked every room and the storage area, then asked the housekeeper and staff to assist in the search—still, nothing turned up. Finally, the housekeeper mentioned that Monique might have taken it. After Chloe's mother passed, all her belongings had been moved to another room. When Monique and Carolyn moved in, Monique took over that space, and the late Mrs. Lewis' possessions were relocated to the basement storage. The only piece of jewelry ended up in Monique's hands. Scott recalled that after Monique married him, she took charge of all household matters. She handled those minor details while he focused on the company, paying little attention to such things. Monique should know where the ring was. Scott tried calling her. He dialed several times, but no one picked up. Where was Monique? He grew anxious. It was negotiation day, and time was running out. Had she gone to the office as well? Not daring to delay further, Scott hurried back to the company.He felt deeply ashamed in front of Chloe. "Chloe, I'll find a way to make it up to you. I'll get an identical ring as soon as possible. Please believe..." Scott looked at her pleadingly. "Chloe, time is of the essence now. About the partnership with Myers Group..." "I gave you a way out, but you couldn't take it," Chloe said with a faint, cool smile. "Mr. Lewis, look at you—out of breath and flustered. Go and rest. Don't stand here making a scene." Hearing that, Scott felt even more humiliated. He had rushed home and back again. Sweat dampened his hairline. In front of all the shareholders and the Myers Group representatives, he felt utterly exposed. "Chloe, what do I have to do to get you to sign this contract?" Scott lowered his voice, speaking almost in a whisper. Seeing the anxiety on his face, the chill in Chloe's eyes deepened. Scott, do you ever imagine you'll be reduced to this? Before she could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air. "Scott!" The click of high heels accompanied Monique's hurried approach. Her steps were slightly awkward—short and careful, as if she were in some discomfort. She came to Scott's side and took his arm. "Scott, how could you do this? You're the chairman of Lewis Group. Since when does the chairman beg a proxy in such a meek tone?" Monique shot a cold glance toward Chloe. "During this period, Chloe has been fully in charge. Whatever the outcome, it's her responsibility. Why must you humble yourself like this? "If Lewis Group fails because of someone's reckless decisions, the blame does not fall on you, Scott. I'm willing to stand by you through the losses, but I can't bear to see you bowing and scraping like this." Monique held Scott's hand, her voice filled with feigned grievance. She deliberately raised her volume so all the shareholders could hear. This was Chloe's decision. At this critical moment, if Chloe signed the contract with Myers Group, it could still resolve Lewis Group's urgent crisis. If she refused, the company would continue to bleed funds and might even face bankruptcy due to a broken capital chain. All responsibility would rest with Chloe. The choice—to seize this crucial opportunity or not—was entirely in her hands.