What else could it possibly be? Was it simply the official announcement that Chloe was taking over Lewis Group? But she had already been named Deputy General Manager during the celebration. If that wasn't the headline, what could possibly be more significant, worthy of a formal, public declaration? Noticing Monique's conflicted, inquisitive stare, Chloe spoke, her tone leaving no room for refusal. "Mr. Evans, the contents of the document, if you please." The lawyer glanced at Scott, who gave a slight, weary nod. Breaking the seal in full view of the assembly, the lawyer cleared his throat and read the contents aloud. "I, Scott Lewis, hereby voluntarily transfer twenty percent of my personal shareholding in Lewis Group, to be divided equally between Chloe Lewis and Carolyn Lewis. I formally resign from the Board of Directors. Executive management authority of the company is vested in Chloe Lewis. Furthermore, Carolyn Lewis is hereby added as a named shareholder and will participate in the governance of Lewis Group." "What did you say?" Monique stood frozen, the lawyer's words hitting her like a physical blow. This wasn't possible! Wasn't Scott supposed to hand everything to Chloe alone? Why was Carolyn's name in this document? He was splitting twenty percent of his shares... between them? Did that mean Carolyn would receive ten percent? Carolyn, added as a shareholder, given a role in the company's future... So Scott hadn't abandoned them. He had been paving a way for Carolyn all along. Why had he kept this from her until now! The sharp, metallic click of handcuffs snapping shut on Ernesto's wrists pulled Monique violently back to the present. Federal agents had hauled him to his feet. "You have no proof it was me! None!" Ernesto shouted, struggling against their grip. "You can't trust the ravings of a hysterical woman! If you've got evidence, show it! Show me!" His protests were futile as he was firmly escorted away. Watching Ernesto being led out, the last of Monique's strength drained away. Her legs gave out, and she slumped to the floor. "Mom! Mom, are you okay?" Carolyn rushed down the steps and knelt beside her, her voice trembling with frantic hope. "Mom, tell me it's not true. Please, tell me I'm not Ernesto's daughter. I'm yours and Dad's child. I'm Scott Lewis' daughter, Carolyn Lewis! Say it, Mom, say it!"Monique looked at Carolyn's desperate, pleading face and let out a hollow, broken laugh. "Does it even matter now, whose child you are?" "It matters everything! I need to be Scott's daughter! I don't want to be Ernesto's! Mom... please, tell Dad I'm his!" Carolyn's voice rose hysterically as she shook her mother's shoulders, trying to force out the words she so desperately needed to hear. All she received in return was Monique's weary, self-mocking smile. "Mom! Just say it! I won't be his child! I belong to the Lewis family. I'm the heiress of Lewis Group... I'm a shareholder! It was all supposed to be mine... Why did you take it all away from me?!" Carolyn kept shaking her, but Monique just endured it, her laughter now sounding resigned and utterly spent. Scott watched the painful scene from above, his face ashen. He swayed slightly but forced himself to remain upright. "Chloe." Scott's voice was thick, barely more than a whisper. Chloe turned to look at him, her expression composed, betraying no emotion. "I... I failed you." Scott's voice cracked with grief. Then, to everyone's shock, he dropped his head before her—slow, agonizing, a man laid bare by his regret. Chloe didn't move to stop him. She merely replied with quiet, devastating clarity, "Your apology isn't owed to me. The only person you failed was my mother. Save your confession for her." At her words, Scott's composure finally shattered. Tears welled in his eyes and streamed down his weathered cheeks. "Kristina... I'm so sorry! It's all my fault... Forgive me!" he sobbed. The once-powerful chairman, a figure always in control, now knelt broken and weeping. But the one person who could grant him absence was long gone. The watching shareholders could only look on, a mix of pity and solemn understanding in their silence. Chloe gazed down at the weeping man for a long moment. Finally, she turned away. She felt a steadying hand rest on her uninjured shoulder. Looking up, she met Eugene's gaze, his eyes holding a quiet, unwavering support. "It's done here. Let's go. That shoulder needs proper attention," he said softly. Chloe gave a slight nod. "Alright." "Chloe!"A familiar, kind voice called out to her. She paused and turned. Charles was there, at the edge of the crowd, looking at her with deep concern. She noticed then that he wasn't alone. Arthur and Madilyn were with him. Even Jennifer, with her ever-present scheming look, stood slightly behind Arthur. She had almost forgotten—Charles had come to the celebration, and the Myers family had accompanied him. "Charles," Chloe said softly, walking down the steps to meet him.