**TITLE: A Promise Hidden in the Quiet Rain by Adrian Hale**
**Chapter 321: Financial Crossroads**
“Yeah,” Chloe replied, her voice soft yet steady, as she swirled the deep red wine in her glass, watching the liquid catch the light.
Landon leaned back slightly, absorbing the atmosphere of the evening. The air was rich with the aroma of grilled skewers, and the gentle murmur of conversation surrounded them, but the weight of business loomed in the background.
“Lewis Group is only seeking a partnership worth one billion, while Myers Group has directly offered two,” he said, his brow furrowing with concern. “Even if other parties express interest, no one is likely to stand up to Myers Group with such a generous offer on the table.” He lowered his voice, casting a discreet glance at Eugene, gauging his reaction.
Chloe’s smile, though faint, held a hint of warmth. “This evening is meant for relaxation. Let’s leave business aside for now. The skewers here are excellent—they really deserve our full attention.” She raised her glass toward Landon, her eyes sparkling with an unspoken camaraderie.
Caught off guard for a moment, Landon felt a rush of obligation to lift his own glass in a toast. The clink of their glasses resonated like a promise, momentarily pushing away the weight of their discussions.
As he took a sip, a thought flickered through his mind. Part of him wanted to suggest that since Chloe now held the reins of their finances, she could easily ask Eugene to cover that billion privately. After all, the man was never short on cash. It would serve as a clever way to put her shameless ex-husband in his place. Yet, looking around at the laughter and enjoyment shared among friends, he decided against stirring the pot.
Lately, Landon had been questioning his own judgment. Just the other day, he had embarrassingly mistaken Melinda for a man—a blunder that still made him cringe.
But the thought of Arthur’s frustrated face brought a smirk to his lips. He couldn’t help but wonder how Chloe would navigate the impending negotiation meeting.
*****
With less than five hours remaining until the partnership negotiation meeting with Lewis Group, the atmosphere in the Lewis Manor was tense yet charged with anticipation.
Scott had risen unusually early, the light of dawn barely creeping through the curtains. He sat at the dining table, surrounded by a mountain of documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. Over the past few days, he had immersed himself in the company’s operational data, scrutinizing each page with meticulous care. On the surface, everything appeared stable; however, the company’s operating expenses were alarmingly high, leaving little room for surplus.
“Scott, why are you awake at this hour? It’s still dark outside,” Monique asked, her voice laced with concern as she emerged from the bedroom. She found the other side of the bed empty and followed the sound of rustling papers to the living room.
“I couldn’t sleep,” he admitted, glancing up from the files. “I thought it best to go through these before Chloe’s negotiation meeting. Who knows if she’ll actually find a suitable partner?” He clenched the documents tightly, releasing a heavy sigh that echoed his unease. “Monique, have you ever taken a look at the company’s financial reports?”
“No, I haven’t. Why do you ask?” Monique replied, her curiosity piqued. She moved closer, settling beside him on the couch. Noticing that he was only wearing thin pajamas, she instinctively reached for a nearby blanket and draped it over his shoulders, hoping to provide some warmth.


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