"I doubt I'm the first," Chloe replied with a faint smile, her gaze steady on the man before her. "I imagine Eugene isn't exactly known for his deference either." That man could be so sharply direct it was almost intimidating. She could only guess what their conversations were like. Hogan watched as Chloe invoked his son's name so casually, and his expression grew even more rigid. Just how well did this woman know Eugene? "Ms. Lewis, since you've mentioned him, I'll be direct," Hogan said, snapping his fingers lightly. A bodyguard who had been waiting outside entered, carrying a small tray. Chloe observed him, elegantly adjusting her posture. "I'm listening." Irritated by her unflappable demeanor, Hogan raised his voice slightly. "I am Eugene's father. You're an intelligent woman; you can surely deduce why I'm here. "My son has always been headstrong, a bit of a rebel. You know he's become... excessively attached to you. As parents, we don't wish to see our children in such a state." Hogan gestured, and the bodyguard stepped forward to offer him a cigar. "This is a small token from me. I hope you'll accept it, Ms. Lewis." With another gesture, the bodyguard placed the tray directly in front of Chloe. Only then could she see clearly—on the tray lay a cashier's check for one billion dollars, accompanied by a gilded pen. The message was unmistakable. A classic payoff. Straight out of a daytime drama. Usually, the heroine would deliver some impassioned speech about love being priceless. How utterly predictable. Chloe looked back at him, waiting for him to continue. Hogan let out a derisive snort. "Eugene came to this city on corporate business. He should have returned long ago. The royal family of Eldermar has proposed an alliance with our family. Given Eugene's standing, you must understand he is destined for a partner of suitable stature." Listening, Chloe seemed to consider his words, then gave a gentle nod. "You're right. On that point, I agree. Eugene does deserve to be with a better woman." Hogan had been prepared to dismantle her arguments—her rural background, her divorce, her child. She couldn't possibly compete with royalty. But before he could launch into his critique, she had already conceded the point. This...The sudden shift left him momentarily speechless. Hogan's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly toward a secluded corner of the room. Receiving a silent cue, he straightened his posture and pressed on. "This is a check for one billion dollars. Sign it, and the money is yours. No strings attached. I trust you'll make the wise choice." Chloe appeared to think it over. "That is... quite an offer." "I'm confident you will. If you believe you can secure Eugene's world by clinging to him, you're being naive," Hogan added with a deliberate, cold edge. "A single word from me, and I could revoke his authority over Cosmos Group. He'd be left with nothing. Would you still love him then?" "You make a fair point," Chloe said, a faint smile touching her lips as she met Hogan's gaze. "Your proposal has merit. I can see the logic." "Then you—" "Are you certain that once I sign, this one-billion-dollar check is irrevocably mine?" Chloe asked, her expression one of polite expectation. Hogan was taken aback. They had anticipated a scene where Chloe would defend her love, proclaiming its purity against the corrupting influence of money. Instead, she seemed genuinely interested in the check. Perhaps, just as they had suspected, Chloe was duplicitous. Everything Eugene saw in her was merely a facade. Who wouldn't be tempted by one billion dollars? A pity Eugene wasn't here to witness it. He should see for himself how the woman he cherished regarded him. In this woman's eyes, he wasn't even worth that sum. "I am certain. Once the check bears a signature, it belongs irrevocably to the signatory," Hogan confirmed, his voice now icy. "In that case, I won't stand on ceremony," Chloe said. She leaned forward smoothly, picked up the pen, and with an elegant flourish, signed a name on the check. The stroke was bold and decisive. Sitting back upright, she offered a composed smile. "Thank you for the check, Mr. Rosewood."