That afternoon, Barney was summoned for a meeting with Solara Energy's board of directors.
He spent the entire afternoon holed up in the study of his hotel suite, while Angela waited outside all the while.
It wasn't until evening, when Barney finally emerged, his face pale and drawn, that Angela hurriedly stepped aside.
"…I know things aren't looking good right now, but no matter what, your health comes first. You haven't eaten all day, so I ordered something for you. Make sure you eat."
Angela said this quietly, then left the suite without another word.
Barney watched her go, catching a flicker of hesitation in her posture, and for a moment, his eyes softened—but he said nothing.
Once she was gone, he irritably tugged off his tie and slumped onto the edge of the sofa.
On the coffee table sat untouched snacks, drinks, and the meal Angela had prepared.
He had no appetite. He only opened the coffee and took a sip. The bitterness in his mouth could not compare to the bitterness gnawing at his heart.
The board was furious with the current situation.
Though Solara Energy was still a family business, the Lemont family had given up most of their shares to go public, retaining only management and controlling power.
Barney had even signed a liability agreement to secure his early promotion: if his negligence caused the company significant losses, he would have to surrender his shares—or even hand over management entirely.
Now, the scandal with Angela had blown up far too big. The Solara Energy executives were completely disillusioned with him.
His family's elders had been calling incessantly, demanding he end things with Angela immediately.
Everyone was puzzled. Barney was known for his rational approach to relationships—how could he possibly get entangled with a woman like her?
Fortunately, Barney had been with Solara Energy for years, and his contributions outweighed his mistakes. Several people within the Lemont faction still backed him. As long as Solara Energy secured the bidding project, he could avoid personal repercussions.
But the Angela matter could no longer spiral. He had to sever all ties.
Barney sat in silence for a long while, then finally changed his clothes and stood, preparing to go confront Khloe in person.
But just as he was about to leave, a private detective he had hired arrived.
The man carried a briefcase and a trace of excitement on his face. "Mr. Lemont, I have new developments… regarding your sister—"
"Later. I have things to deal with right now."
Barney had no time for this. He was too agitated, and the detective hadn't even followed protocol by scheduling the visit in advance. He waved him off and had his assistant show the man out.
Barney drove off.
The detective, unaccustomed to such treatment, looked bewildered and asked the assistant, "Is Mr. Lemont in a bad mood today?"
"Yeah," the assistant replied dryly. "Haven't you seen the news? The company… is busy right now."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy)
This is the story that I like reading. The heroine got the hold of the situation right away. No humiliation, no injustice, which keep the readers feeling bad all the way while waiting for the right thing to settle in favor of the heroine. Good storyline,congrats writer!...