Her mind was consumed with resentment toward Chloe. Charles was a traitor to the family legacy. The heirloom bracelet, the symbolic token of the Myers family's lady, had been brushed aside as if it were nothing—and he had wanted to hand it over to her. Why give it to that nobody? Why not to someone else? Giving it to Chloe was a direct insult, a slap in the face. And now that arrogant little wretch had survived a car accident. Why couldn't she just die! Now she was here at the banquet, stealing the spotlight. How could they possibly ruin her now? Madilyn wished Chloe would simply vanish from the earth. Jennifer's whispered words only sharpened her fury—that woman was still here, perfectly fine. "You shouldn't have given her the chance to show up. How could you be so careless?" Madilyn muttered under her breath, her voice dripping with scorn. "As long as she's alive, you'll never truly be the lady of the Myers family. Even if she doesn't want the title, her very existence blocks your way." Jennifer's fists tightened. Didn't she know that already? Her eyes burned toward the stage, where Chloe stood, luminous and untouchable. "Today marks my daughter's formal return, and it is also a milestone for Lewis Group... I have an important decision to share with all of you." Scott paused deliberately, then gestured toward the crowd. Under puzzled glances, everyone followed his indication to see a man in a dark suit carrying a briefcase as he walked onto the stage. While others might not have recognized him, the Lewis Group shareholders and senior management knew immediately—he was the company's corporate lawyer. What was in that briefcase? Could it be...? The rumors had swirled for days. Was Scott preparing to hand over the company to Chloe? Now it seemed all but confirmed. Scott really was going to transfer power. The lawyer's presence meant the documents were already prepared. All that remained was the public announcement to make it legally binding. Seeing this, Carolyn's eyes widened in panic. Scott really wasn't leaving them anything. Was he truly going to give everything to Chloe? She shot a desperate look at Monique, her expression darkening. If Scott made the announcement now, they would have no chance. Once it was declared that Chloe would take over Lewis Group, she and her mother would be left with nothing. They couldn't let that happen. They had to stop it. A flash of anger passed over Monique's face as well. She watched as the lawyer moved to open the briefcase, then quickly stepped forward, placing a restraining hand on Scott's arm. "Scott, dear," she began, forcing a gentle smile. She glanced at Chloe, her eyes glinting with false concern. "Given Chloe's... condition, is now really the best time for an announcement? Shouldn't we get her to a hospital first? I'm worried she might be hurt more seriously than she's letting on." Monique's words gave Scott pause. His eyes shifted to the visible injuries on Chloe—the cut on her cheek, the slight dishevelment beneath the elegant coat. "Chloe, perhaps we should—" he started, worry creeping into his voice. "I'm fine, Dad. Really. I came because I'm okay to be here. My friend was the one seriously injured—he's already at the hospital." Chloe offered a soft, reassuring smile. She deliberately emphasized the word Dad, making sure Monique and Carolyn heard it clearly. When Scott heard her call him Dad, a tremor of emotion ran through him. After a brief hesitation, he responded with a quiet, heartfelt, "Mm," his eyes growing suspiciously bright. He was visibly moved, on the verge of tears. To Monique and Carolyn, that single word was like acid. How dare she! Carolyn itched to shove Chloe off the stage. What right did she have to call him Dad? That was her title. Chloe was just the long-lost daughter who'd been gone for years—what gave her the right to parade around here now? Chloe could not become the heir to Lewis Group. Scott could not be allowed to hand everything over to her. Had anyone asked for her opinion? Carolyn's gaze dropped to the coat draped over Chloe's shoulders. The evening dress beneath was stunning, clearly chosen for the occasion—but wearing a man's coat over it? Who did she think she was? Chloe had walked in wearing that coat without a second thought. Did she have no sense of propriety? Especially with her ex-husband Arthur watching from the crowd. Carolyn's mind raced back to their plan. This was the perfect moment to derail everything. But no one had steered the conversation the right way yet. They needed an opening. During Scott's introduction of Chloe, a promotional video was scheduled to play—a recap of Lewis Group's dramatic turnaround. It highlighted the company's brush with financial crisis and the remarkable recovery fueled by the 50-billion-dollar investment. In just five minutes, it was meant to showcase the company's resilience and bring the audience to their feet.