"Tsk tsk. Lewis Group isn't hers yet," Ernesto remarked, raising an eyebrow. "The real president is still up on stage." "I—" "A few words in her defense and you're already this worked up. You two must have gotten quite close behind the scenes." "Ernesto, I've never wronged you. Don't make baseless accusations. I'm a devoted husband and a loyal member of this company. Ms. Lewis and I have a purely professional relationship," Gordon insisted, stumbling over his words in his agitation. "Who's to say?" Ernesto shrugged, glancing at the others around him with an air of indifference. The senior executives on site watched Gordon and couldn't hold back faint smirks. As the exchange grew more heated, some guests began to look at Gordon with open suspicion. Even a few fellow shareholders eyed him with disdain. Just as Ernesto had implied, Gordon's shift in attitude was the most dramatic—from critic to champion. Could a 50-billion-dollar cash infusion really change a person's loyalty that completely? It seemed too convenient. Was there something more going on between them in private? Chloe was undeniably beautiful—striking looks, a graceful figure. Not just Gordon, but any man might find her hard to resist. But she always carried herself with such professional rigor in public. Who knew what she was really like behind closed doors? Could it be...? Was it possible? "You think she's really involved with him on the side?" someone began to whisper in the crowd. "Don't you dare say that about my sister!" Carolyn cried out, as if struggling to maintain her composure. "My sister is a good person. She would never do such things. She's brilliant—she must have her own life. How could she be what you're implying?" "Since Ms. Lewis isn't here, and no one's seen her, who knows what she's really like?" A voice called from the audience, followed by a low laugh. "Mr. Lewis, just make your announcement already! If you've got big news, let's hear it. You've kept us all waiting long enough." Scott's calm facade finally began to crack.His face darkened, anger simmering plainly in his eyes. He had prepared for so long, arranged everything behind the scenes. At this banquet, he had wanted to make amends—to repay every debt he owed Chloe as a father. It was the only thing left he could do. But now, what did any of it matter? Even if he truly handed Lewis Group over to her, so what? He couldn't change the fact that she hadn't shown up, disrespecting every person in the room. Her actions—or lack thereof—had already alienated the entire gathering. Scott clenched his hands, his palms damp. "Scott, just make the announcement," Monique urged softly at his side. "Whatever you decide, we'll support you." "Dad, I support you too. I know your decision will be the right one," Carolyn added. The mother-daughter duo spoke with such firm conviction, it should have bolstered his confidence. Yet in that moment, Scott hesitated. They were standing by him so sincerely—but was his decision actually the right one? Chloe still wasn't here. What was the point of his announcement now? He'd already had the lawyers draft the share transfer agreement. All that remained was to announce that he would assign his remaining twenty percent stake to his two children, then step back and let them run the company together. Carolyn was young and impulsive, lacking real management experience. Chloe, though she'd grown up outside the city, had repeatedly proven her business instincts. With Carolyn assisting her, he truly believed Lewis Group could reach new heights. But now, with Chloe absent and unreachable, any announcement felt hollow—meaningless. The lights were set, the music was cued, the atmosphere was perfectly staged. And now... none of it mattered. Arthur returned in a rush, making his way to Charles. He leaned in and spoke a few quiet words. Charles' face immediately tightened with worry, and he muttered what sounded like a sharp reproach. Arthur stood frozen, offering no reply. Scott didn't need to ask to guess what had happened. Arthur must have failed to reach Chloe, too. Was Chloe staying away on purpose? Or had she never intended to come to this celebration at all? He'd been so elated when she agreed. Now... it all felt painfully empty. "Since Chloe has chosen not to be here," Scott began, raising a hand to quiet the room, his voice heavy, "there seems little point in proceeding with my announcement. Ladies and gentlemen, regarding tonight's celebration..."