"Arthur has been so busy lately with work and planning our wedding," Jennifer continued, as if sharing a happy burden. She slipped her arm more securely through Arthur's. "We've been focused on the bridal dresses, so I'm afraid I haven't given this little party dress my full attention. It's just for one night, after all." She looked up at Arthur. "Darling, have you thought any more about the ceremony? Should we go for a traditional theme or something more modern?" Arthur's gaze was fixed on Scott on the stage, his eyes scanning the crowd for the one person he couldn't seem to find. He barely registered Jennifer's question, responding mechanically, "Whatever makes you happy." Jennifer raised a triumphant eyebrow and turned her smile back to Carolyn. "Ms. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis—Arthur and I have already filed the marriage paperwork. Once we finalize the wedding date, you'll be among the first to know. We do hope you'll attend!" Carolyn returned a thin smile, her eyes glinting with undisguised scorn. The two women held each other's gaze, a silent, sharp understanding passing between them. A single look was enough to convey their mutual distaste. Just as the tension became palpable, music swelled from the stage. Carolyn and Monique immediately turned their attention toward it. They knew the moment had arrived—it was time for Chloe to make her entrance. "Thank you all once again for joining us tonight to celebrate." Scott's amplified voice filled the room. The luxurious ballroom fell into a respectful hush, all eyes now fixed on him. The Lewis Group's board members and senior executives stood gathered near the podium, awaiting his next words. "Today is a profoundly personal day for me," Scott continued, his expression growing solemn. "I wish to formally introduce my child to you all." He paused, his face clouding with regret. "First, I must apologize to my daughter. She was separated from our family when she was just a little girl, lost to us for many years. During that time, I was absent from her life. I have not earned the right to call myself her father." The audience listened in attentive silence. A wave of sympathetic murmurs rippled through the crowd at his heartfelt admission. Only Jennifer watched the scene unfold, a smug smile playing on her lips. "As many of you know," Scott went on, regaining his composure, "Lewis Group has recently entered a landmark, mutually beneficial partnership with Cosmos Group, which has invested 50 billion dollars into our future." He paused for effect, his voice strengthening. "None of this would have been possible without the dedication and skill of my daughter, Chloe. "And so, on this momentous occasion, it is with the greatest pride that I formally introduce her to you all!" Scott announced, his voice ringing out. As his words faded, the spotlight swept to the designated spot at the side of the stage. It illuminated empty space. A heavy silence descended. All eyes remained fixed on the pool of light, but the figure who should have been standing there was absent. Chloe was nowhere to be seen. The bright, expectant smile on Scott's face froze, then faltered. Seconds ticked by. When no one appeared, a low buzz of conversation began to spread through the ballroom. "Is she playing games at a time like this?" someone muttered. "Everyone's waiting. Where is she?" "Securing a deal with a powerhouse like Cosmos Group is impressive, no doubt," remarked another guest quietly. "But this is poor form. A little humility and professionalism would be more fitting for a young executive." "She always did have an unconventional style," came a whispered comment. The murmurs from the audience grew louder. Scott's face visibly tightened with anxiety. He glanced offstage, then gestured sternly to his assistant waiting below. The assistant hurried over and delivered the update in a hushed tone. "Mr. Lewis, I've just checked with the entrance staff. Ms. Lewis has not arrived yet." Every guest was logged upon entry. No log meant she wasn't here. The news that Chloe hadn't even arrived turned Scott's expression grim. "That girl... of all times..." She had promised him she would be here. What was she thinking? If she didn't show, how could the centerpiece of this long-planned celebration possibly proceed? "Call her," Scott ordered, unable to mask his irritation. "Tell her she needs to get here immediately." "Yes, Mr. Lewis." The assistant nodded, taking Scott's phone and quickly dialing Chloe's number. The call connected, but after a moment, his face fell. "Mr. Lewis... her phone appears to be switched off. It's going straight to voicemail." "This is..." Scott was at a complete loss, momentarily speechless.