Scott had finally had enough. This was not the time for Carolyn and Monique to stir up trouble with their insinuations. "Carolyn, that's enou—" "Dad," Carolyn interrupted, her face the picture of innocent curiosity, "wasn't there a corporate video prepared? Shouldn't we show it to our guests? I heard the production team worked through the night to finish it. If everyone wants to understand the Lewis Group's story, they should see it, right?" "That video was put together by the PR team after pulling several all-nighters," Ernesto chimed in supportively from the floor. "It really is worth watching." Hearing this, other shareholders began to urge Scott on. "Mr. Lewis, we've all been waiting to see this film. Have the staff play it already!" "Yes, please! I was even in it for a second—I'd love to see how it turned out." "Make your announcement first, Mr. Lewis. You can deal with... other matters afterward." With the mood in the room shifting, everyone's curiosity was piqued by this promised promotional video. Even the media reporters raised their cameras, training them on the large screen set up behind the stage. Carolyn looked at Scott with a helpless shrug. "Dad, I was just thinking out loud. Chloe, please don't be upset with me. It's just... you're single now, and there's no man in your life. Where would you get such a finely tailored coat? My mind just went to the obvious place." She even managed to look slightly wounded. Chloe observed her smug expression and allowed a small smile. "Since my sister is so concerned about this coat, I suppose I should clear things up." "This jacket..." Chloe began, her fingers lightly brushing the tailored wool. "The coat she's wearing is mine." Eugene's voice, calm and clear, cut through the room before Chloe could finish. All eyes swung toward him. His striking appearance commanded attention once more. With just those few words, he became the focal point of the entire assembly. A flicker of triumph passed through Carolyn's eyes. Good, he took the bait. Now it would be easy to tie him and Chloe together in the public's mind. The guests watched Eugene, their curiosity about his connection to Chloe now palpable.Hearing the man speak up, Monique raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And who might you be?" she asked, adopting a tone of matronly authority. "What is your relationship with Chloe? And why is she wearing your coat?" "Chloe, who is this gentleman?" Carolyn seamlessly picked up the thread. "If I remember correctly, he's often seen with you. You seem quite close. Why don't you introduce him to everyone?" The mother-daughter duo performed their practiced routine perfectly. Their words, wrapped in false concern, were designed to highlight the "inappropriate" closeness between Chloe and Eugene. Once the topic was out there, anything Eugene said would only feed the narrative. Eugene looked at the two women, his gaze cool. "What's my relationship with her?" he echoed, a hint of derision in his voice. "What the hell is that to you?" His blunt retort made Carolyn flush red. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, feeling an inexplicable and instinctive sense of intimidation. This man's presence was overwhelming. Seeing Carolyn falter, Monique raised her voice. "What kind of way is that to speak? We are Chloe's family. Is it wrong for us to care about her well-being? On the contrary, your tone is incredibly rude, especially in front of her father." Monique cleverly pivoted, framing Eugene as the arrogant outsider causing a scene at the Lewis Group's event. Scott was standing right there—Chloe's father. Surely this man's disrespect would not sit well with the guests. Eugene let out a soft, dismissive sound, a slight smile touching his lips as he regarded Monique. "Family? That's a curious word. And you are... Ma'am?" "You—!" Monique was momentarily speechless, furious at being called Ma'am. Was he calling her old? The audacity. "Scott, did you hear that?" Monique grasped Scott's arm, her voice thick with feigned hurt. Scott glanced from Eugene to the coat on Chloe's shoulders. Now was not the time to delve into this. He had more important matters at hand. "Chloe," he said, firmly steering the conversation back. "I have an important announcement to make. Before that, as everyone knows, the company prepared a promotional video about the Lewis Group's journey..."