Zachary sounded earnest. Howard, momentarily surprised, nonetheless respected Zachary; his words were quite unexpected. In this dire situation, Zachary didn't view Howard as a savior, instead confiding everything—a development Howard hadn't anticipated.

Howard offered a subtle smile, his eyes gleaming with an enigmatic spark. He mused, The boss never needs money or good projects!

Lowering his voice, Howard said, "Mr. Chambers, I've calculated that saving the Chambers Group requires about five billion dollars. That's insignificant to me. The money will be in your account by tomorrow. Regarding those promising projects you mentioned, if you're interested, my company has a department dedicated to game development. We're planning a collaboration with FastPulse Technologies in Mysonna. I can transfer the entire department to the Chambers Group—they'll be your team. With them, the Chambers Group can begin anew. If you wish, everything will be ready by 8 PM tomorrow. What do you think?"

Zachary's hand trembled; his coffee cup slipped, clattering onto the expensive carpet. He looked bewildered. Lucas thought, Has this whole world gone mad? Liam echoed the sentiment: "Yes, the world has gone crazy."

Howard remained impassive, unconcerned by the implications of his words.

Zachary nervously asked, "Mr. Yates, surely you're not joking?"

Howard smiled mildly, his tone casual, as if such matters were commonplace.

Zachary's composure shattered. He's investing five billion dollars just like that? Giving me his core team? Why is this happening to me?

Calming himself, Zachary considered this, then asked, "Mr. Yates, are you planning to acquire the Chambers Group?"

"Why would I acquire your company? I'm not like the Smith or Carter families—they're crazy," Howard interrupted, his thoughts unspoken. He then stated, "Mr. Chambers, perhaps I didn't explain clearly. I'm not interested in the Chambers Group and have no intention of acquiring it. The money is an interest-free loan for Ms. Chambers' sake, with no conditions or deadline. The team and technology are free. Don't feel pressured. Simply agree, and I'll instruct my team to begin preparations immediately. It's that simple. Don't overthink it."

Zachary nodded stiffly. He wasn't a fool; refusing such an opportunity would be idiotic.

Seeing Zachary's nod, Howard felt relief, his task finally complete. He reflected that if Zachary were as unconcerned about money as his boss, he would have been far more anxious.

Over the next two hours, Howard and Zachary finalized the collaboration details, scheduling contract signing for the following day, resolving the Chambers Group's crisis. Afterwards, Zachary insisted on treating Howard to a meal—an unusual gesture Howard didn't refuse.

En route to the restaurant, Zachary's phone rang. A familiar voice—Nellie's—threatened him with destruction of the Chambers family if he left her. Zachary immediately hung up. This crazy woman has been harassing me lately, he thought, using various numbers. She's like someone with schizophrenia—sometimes soft, sometimes volatile, sometimes threatening, sometimes begging.

He offered Howard an apologetic smile. Nellie's voice had been loud, and Howard, looking serious, guessed the caller was Zachary's audacious ex-wife. If my boss hadn't wanted to handle this herself, he thought, I would have punished her.

Howard asked, "Mr. Chambers, might Ms. Chambers be free to join us later?"

Zachary considered this reasonable. Howard had significantly aided his family, acting for Yvette's sake; inviting her wasn't excessive.

Yvette, drying her hair, paused upon seeing Zachary's name on the screen, then lowered her eyes. Her collarbone and partially revealed arm were strikingly elegant, her skin soft and luminous. She answered, "Hello," her voice aloof and languid.

Zachary briefly explained the dinner with Howard and invited Yvette. She raised an eyebrow, her dark eyes gleaming slightly. "Sure," she said, "send me the address."

After hanging up, she chose a T-shirt, slacks (rolling up the hems), and her usual white canvas shoes. She grabbed her phone and headed to the restaurant. Jeremiah provided the address en route.

At the restaurant, Howard's excitement since learning of Yvette's arrival was palpable, noted not only by Zachary but also Lucas and Liam. In the next twenty minutes, he glanced at the entrance over ten times.

While ordering, Zachary politely inquired about Howard's preferences. Howard expressed indifference, as long as the food wasn't spicy or contained cilantro. Zachary assumed this was a simple dislike of spice and cilantro.

Once the food arrived, Zachary suggested they eat while waiting for Yvette, but Howard insisted on waiting. Seeing his determination, Zachary relented.

The door opened; Yvette entered. Howard's eyes lit up with joy and surprise. He rose and strode towards her.

Yvette walked calmly, scanning the room with a gentle smile, her bright eyes mischievous. Howard, brimming with excitement, approached her. "Yvette, long time no see."

Yvette nodded, her expression cool. "Five years," she stated lazily.

Howard nodded. "Yes, five years. So fast. I'm not young anymore."

Yvette's lips curved slightly. Her eyes, dark and bright, met his. "You are," she replied.

The atmosphere between them was remarkably harmonious, leaving Zachary feeling a touch of jealousy. Yvette had never treated him so warmly. I'm not a good father, he thought.

After exchanging pleasantries with Howard, Yvette refused his offer to sit beside him, choosing Zachary's side instead. Leaning back casually, she tilted her head. "You didn't sleep well last night?"

Zachary, surprised and touched, stammered, "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Yvette produced a vanilla toffee, placing it before him. She glanced at him, saying nothing.