If they weren't going down without a fight, then neither would she. A dangerous glint flashed in Chloe's eyes. Her fists clenched, her gaze fixed on the smug faces of Carolyn and Monique. For a second, all she wanted was to lunge forward and silence them. For good. Suddenly, a warm hand encircled her wrist, pulling her back from the edge. She looked up to see Eugene standing beside her. His grip was firm. The moment their eyes met, the simmering rage within her cooled slightly. "I have a little gift for you," Eugene murmured, his voice for her ears alone. "Hope you like it." Before Chloe could ask what he meant, the sound of heavy, authoritative footsteps echoed through the hall. Several uniformed police officers entered the venue. Even the police? The crowd instinctively parted, creating a path for the newcomers. The officers approached. The one in charge stepped forward, his voice carrying clearly. "Who is Monique Lynn?" Hearing her name called, Monique flinched. She didn't answer, just stared. Her eyes darted past the officers, searching frantically for Ernesto in the crowd. She looked at him with a pleading expression, but he only gave a faint, almost imperceptible shake of his head, a silent warning to stay calm. Monique steeled herself. Things were already in ruins. No matter what, she had to make Scott pay. So what if the police were here? Adultery wasn't a criminal offense. Bringing in cops for a scare tactic? Did they think she was a fool? "That's me," Monique snorted, drawing herself up with a show of defiance. The lead officer walked up to her and presented an official document. "Ms. Monique Lynn, you are under investigation for suspicion of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, and related charges. You need to come with us to the station." "What?" Monique blurted out, her face a mask of incredulous fury. "Have you lost your minds? Me? Attempted murder? That's the most laughable thing I've ever heard! If you were here about the affair, fine, I'd own it. But this? This is utterly ridiculous!" She turned her venomous glare toward Eugene and sneered. "If you're going to put on a show, at least hire convincing actors. Have some professionalism!"Monique was convinced this was an elaborate bluff by Chloe and her allies. An affair was a personal scandal, not a police matter. Bringing in cops was just intimidation. Attempted murder? Of whom? Keep acting. They're almost believable. "Tell me the truth, how much did Chloe pay you to play dress-up? You really shouldn't do this, you know. Impersonating an officer is a crime!" Monique curled her lip in a cold laugh. "Be smart and walk away now. You do look the part, though. Someone less informed might actually be fooled!" "That's right!" Carolyn chimed in, emboldened. "My mother is the lady of the Lewis family, and a major shareholder of Lewis Group. If you want to accuse her, at least come up with a believable charge. Attempted murder? Who do you think you're fooling?" She looked the officers up and down with open contempt. Hearing their taunts, the officers' expressions grew stern. "Monique Lynn," the lead officer continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We are acting on evidence received regarding your suspected involvement in the incident surrounding the death of Kristina Thomas twenty years ago, as well as the subsequent disappearance of her daughter, Chloe." "What are you—" Monique began to scoff, but the moment the name "Kristina" reached her ears, her entire body went rigid. She froze, staring at the officer, taking several long seconds to regain her composure. Only then did she truly focus on the document in the officer's hand. It was an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant. For her. This couldn't be happening. What right did they have? "What absolute nonsense are you spouting?" Monique shot back, her voice rising shrilly. "What death? What disappearance? Twenty years ago? I have no idea what you're talking about!" "You are free to deny the charges. You can save your explanations for the court," the officer replied flatly. He nodded to the officer beside him, who promptly produced a pair of handcuffs. "Don't you dare touch me!" Monique shrieked, stepping back. "This is slander! I'll sue you! Chloe, this is your little game, isn't it? You really will stop at nothing, won't you?" Chloe watched Monique's revolting display, her voice colder than ice. "Monique, I have always believed you were responsible for my mother's death. For years, I lacked the evidence. Now, it has been found. If I don't see you behind bars today, my name isn't Chloe Lewis."At that moment, Bruce slowly ascended the steps to the stage. He fixed a cold stare on Monique and held up his phone. "Perhaps this will refresh your memory," he said, and tapped the screen. A recording began to play.