This was supposed to be the long-awaited moment. He had prepared everything, and now Chloe was a no-show. If she didn't appear, nothing that followed could happen. Just as Scott was hesitating, Ernesto's voice cut through the quiet. "What's Ms. Lewis playing at?" Hearing him, the crowd turned in his direction. Ernesto stood among the senior executives, hands in his pockets at the edge of the group, watching the scene with an amused smile. His pointed comment made the assembled shareholders and directors exchange uneasy glances. So many important people had gathered, waiting for Chloe. And yet, the guest of honor couldn't be bothered to show up on time—or at all. The calls weren't going through either. Was this sheer disrespect? Or was she genuinely held up? But what could possibly be more important than this? If Chloe was standing them up, she was taking things too far. For an event of this magnitude, she should have been here, regardless of any diva tendencies. Scott had already publicly embraced her. What more did she want? Many of the executives and shareholders present were elders in the industry. This behavior was simply unreasonable. While the shareholders looked uncomfortable, Ernesto simply remarked, "Seems Ms. Lewis isn't interested. Not showing up now... Is she afraid of something?" At the word "afraid", Carolyn and Monique exchanged a knowing look. Then Monique stepped forward gracefully, making her way to Scott's side. "Everyone, please, let's not jump to conclusions," Monique said, her smile strained but intact. "Chloe has always been a strong-willed girl. If she's not here, I'm sure she has her reasons." After all, this was her scene to play. She had to perform it well for the next act to proceed. Standing in the crowd, Carolyn discreetly scanned the room but saw no sign of Chloe. A cold sneer formed in her heart. So, she knows she's about to be humiliated in front of everyone and is too scared to show? How convenient.She had set the stage perfectly. Was her rival really too cowardly to face it? "Mr. Lewis," Ernesto pressed, raising his voice. "What's the story with your daughter? Whether she comes or not, everyone deserves an explanation, don't you think?" Monique positioned herself slightly in front of Scott, addressing the room with an air of concerned sincerity. "Chloe... grew up outside the city. She's always been independent and a little unconventional. Please, just give us a little more time. We'll reach out to her immediately." She then turned to Scott, lowering her voice to a worried whisper only he could hear. "Scott, what is Chloe thinking? This isn't the time for games. She promised she'd be here." Come out, little pest. The trap is set. I almost hope you don't come—it would be so much easier. Are you scared? Monique's face was a mask of maternal concern, but inwardly, she was alight with anticipation. Today, she would personally tear Chloe down from that pedestal. Today, Carolyn would claim everything that belonged to the Lewis family. She had waited far too long for this moment and had no patience left to spare. That old fool Scott actually planned to hand the company over to that country girl in secret. Did he ever think to ask her? After all the years she had stood by him, after all the years Carolyn had called him "Dad"—and now he suddenly favored some stray? Hmph! If he wanted to be heartless, then she had no reason to hold back. "Scott," Monique said softly, her head bowed in a show of wounded dignity, "so many people are waiting for her. Chloe can't do this to everyone... can she?" She paused, letting her voice tremble slightly. "Is it because she can't stand the sight of me? If that's it... I'll leave right now, as long as she agrees to come out." With that one carefully crafted sentence, she seized the attention of the entire room—including every media camera present. The implications hung heavily in the air. Was there some hidden strife within the Lewis family? This was pure tabloid gold. The reporters who had secured entry immediately redirected their lenses toward Scott and Monique on the stage. Scott's expression darkened. Chloe's absence wasn't just a slap to his face—it was an embarrassment to the entire Lewis Group. He had set aside his pride and communicated with her frankly, as a father and as the company's leader. She had given her word. And now this. "Mr. Lewis," a shareholder called out from the floor, "didn't you say you had a major announcement tonight? You've already introduced Chloe as your daughter. We get it. What's the real news? The press is here—just say it!" Scott's face grew stormier. "Mr. Lewis," another voice chimed in, tinged with provocation, "aren't you planning to turn over control of Lewis Group to Chloe? But it seems Ms. Lewis isn't very interested. Otherwise, why would she keep us all waiting?"