"My dear girl, let me take a good look at you." Charles reached out and took Chloe's hand in both of his own. "After sleeping for so long, seeing you again is the greatest joy. You've been through too much all these years." "I'm alright," Chloe replied softly, her voice even. She felt something cool and smooth being pressed into her palm. As Charles withdrew his hands, Chloe looked down to see a bracelet resting in her hand. She recognized it immediately. It was the Myers family heirloom, a piece reserved for the lady of the house, passed down from Charles' late wife. During her time with the family, Madilyn had hinted at its significance more than once. And now, it was here, in her grasp. "You've grown into a strong, capable woman. My heart is at ease." Charles' smile was gentle and filled with warmth. "This is my gift to you. I wish you nothing but happiness in your life ahead." As he spoke, his gaze shifted meaningfully to the man standing steadfastly beside Chloe. Meeting Eugene's eyes, Charles offered a slight, knowing nod of approval. "My dear, I'm living at Myers Estate now. Whenever you have time, come visit me. We have much to talk about." Charles glanced at Robert, who was hovering nearby. "Bring the little one. I will have all the best treats and toys waiting." "I will," Chloe agreed readily. After a few more brief words and a polite acknowledgment of Robert, Charles turned to leave, seemingly oblivious to Arthur and the others still standing there. Madilyn's eyes flickered to the bracelet in Chloe's hand, a sharp flash of resentment passing through them before she turned without a word to follow Charles. Arthur remained rooted to the spot. He looked at Chloe, then at the man beside her, a strange, hollow feeling settling in his chest for the first time when he considered Eugene's presence. "Chloe, I..." Arthur began, but Chloe spoke first. "Congratulations on your marriage, Mr. Myers." Arthur froze. The simple, polite phrase felt like a knife twisting in his heart. Of course. He was married—to Jennifer. The license was signed, and Jennifer had made sure everyone knew. It was only natural Chloe would have heard. "Thank you for your well-wishes, Ms. Lewis. Arthur and I are very happy." Jennifer smoothly stepped forward, linking her arm possessively through Arthur's. She answered for him, her voice sweet. "We just tied the knot. Once we've set a date for the ceremony, you'll certainly be on the guest list." Chloe met Jennifer's gaze and offered a faint, unreadable smile. "I'll look forward to it." Jennifer's eyes then drifted to Eugene, her curiosity thinly veiled. "Ms. Lewis, we haven't had the pleasure. Who is this gentleman with you?" A shadow passed behind Chloe's eyes. Undeterred, Jennifer clung tighter to Arthur's arm. "He seems utterly devoted to you, Ms. Lewis. At every public event, his attention is only on you. Arthur, don't you think they make a striking pair?" She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "I wonder when we might hear some happy news from Ms. Lewis?" Arthur stood silent, his gaze locked on Chloe and Eugene, forgetting to respond. Instead of being irritated by Jennifer's pointed remarks, Chloe's lips curved into a gentle smile. "When there's news worth sharing, you'll be among the first to know." With that, she reached out and casually, naturally, linked her arm with Eugene's. In that moment, Arthur's breath caught. His eyes fixed on Chloe's hand resting in the crook of the other man's arm. It was the first time he could recall seeing her show such open, physical affection in public. Chloe looked up at Eugene, her voice dropping to a soft murmur meant only for him. "Let's go." "Alright," Eugene replied, just as quietly, and they turned to leave together. Jennifer watched their retreating figures, a flicker of pure malice in her eyes. This isn't over, Chloe. Just you wait. Nearby, the scene had descended into grim finality. Monique was being hauled to her feet by a police officer, her movements sluggish with shock. Carolyn was still at her side, a torrent of desperate, whining complaints in her ear—Why was she Ernesto's daughter? She should have been Scott's child. A vacant, broken smile played on Monique's lips as she stared numbly at the handcuffs being produced. Then, from the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Chloe's departing figure. Suddenly, her eyes cleared, flooded with a cold, venomous hatred. "Chloe... you're coming with me!" With a feral scream, Monique exploded into motion. She twisted violently, breaking free from the officer's grip. She lunged toward a nearby serving table, grabbed a heavy crystal wine glass, and without hesitation smashed it against the table's edge. Shards flew. Clutching the jagged, broken stem like a dagger, she launched herself in a blind, furious rush toward Chloe's back.