I needed to hurry and finalize all this so it wouldn't affect any upcoming events. After all, David had already called for me twice, and I feared he might want to meet sometime soon. That could potentially cause a delay.To my surprise, Dominic actually arrived at the company with Fred. They had taken the same flight.In fact, they had met once before. This time, they had bumped into each other on their flight to Foswood.Dominic told me about it only after boarding the plane, which pleasantly surprised me.Plans changed fast, indeed.They were dedicated men, and we reached Bourdamun the same evening.Before leaving, I called Atlas, who was supportive and assured me he would return home on time to spend time with the kids. I felt relieved.Lauren came to Bourdamun with me to help manage the itinerary.On the way there, I received a call from Arnold, adding more certainty to my plans. I instructed him to stay at Pleca Park and, if possible, invite Rose to stay over. Since our
I felt more confident after my discussion with executives from the two nearby cities the day before. We needed influential people to join us if we wanted to expand the company. Their presence would enhance the company's strength and credibility, and they’d help the company management as well.It had been a long-standing wish of mine to invite Dominic to join us.He didn't immediately answer my question.These two men had different inspection targets and criteria. Fred was interested in the architectural area of Bourdamun, while Dominic had a broader perspective. He was interested in overall planning, future urban capacity, differences and similarities with the old city, and material-related matters. It was clear that he was keen on what I had to offer.We stayed in Bourdamun for two full days before preparing to return to Foswood.As it was late, Lauren suggested staying in Bourdamun and returning to Foswood the next morning.Lauren had booked a table at the distinctive Duca
My gaze met the dark eyes of a man seated at a table across from us.The young man sitting there didn't shy away from our eye contact, and I had no intention of avoiding it either.He looked handsome in a fresh way, with a square face and well-defined features. However, those deep eyes were like the bottom of a pond. They were dark and seemingly calm, but shrouded in mystery.I studied his face for a moment, feeling a sense of deja vu. But I was sure I didn't know him.Lauren called my name, and I quickly turned to her. She asked, "Do you want to go to the cafe here after dinner?"I looked at Dominic and asked, "Mr. Dominic, would you like to take a stroll to the cafe later?""No, I'm not used to drinking tea. You guys go ahead. I'll head back to rest," he said, decisively declining my invitation.I wasn't surprised at all. After all, he was a scholar, and such social events didn't interest him."How about Mr. Fred? Anything you'd like to discuss with me?" I suggested, looking
The familiar face turned out to be none other than Oliver, accompanied by Noah.It seemed that Noah had close ties with Oliver, which was not out of the ordinary. After all, the construction of New Bourdamun required substantial funding. These two were closely connected.Oliver didn't appear surprised to see us. Perhaps it was due to familiarity, but he didn't shy away and kept his eyes fixed on Lauren's face.However, I also noticed that Oliver's eyes wouldn't stray to anyone else as long as Lauren was present.I introduced Dominic and Fred to them.Noah warmly said, "Let's go together."After a round of laughter, we all headed toward the hotel. Oliver naturally stood beside Lauren.Although they walked together in silence without much conversation, I knew this might be the opportunity Oliver had been waiting for.At the hotel entrance, Noah bid farewell, and Dominic went back to his room to rest.I had matters to discuss with Fred, and Lauren quickly said, "I'll go back to
I spoke frankly to Fred, "You know your brother. He's a person without principles and insatiable."Fred leaned back on the couch. "You're right. I used to give him some leeway because of Grandpa. After all, Grandpa is getting old, and his heart isn't in great shape. This year, he even experienced symptoms of a stroke. I've always been afraid that he wouldn't be able to handle a shock."So, I've been indecisive. I never really dealt with Hugo. It's just warning after warning, but he kept getting worse. Plus, his mother is always instigating him behind the scenes. She supports him in deceiving Grandpa."I could completely imagine that situation."In reality, Grandpa knows everything. What Hugo wants is not the factory. It's the shares in Grandpa's hands. To achieve this, he recently got involved with a pregnant woman as another part of his scheme. "Before I came, Grandpa was hospitalized again. I suspect that this time, Grandpa's hospitalization isn't that simple." Fred looked
"But remember, you have to play your part to the fullest! Let him know that you've been forced into a corner. In the end, show your magnanimity in front of your grandfather. Only take what's rightfully yours and completely cut ties with them.""So, you're saying to cut ties with the Myers family completely?" Fred remarked."Because what you want is that inconspicuous little factory. He won't refuse. The key is to make him sign a contract, ensuring that this small factory has no connection whatsoever with them. Be decisive."I shared my general idea with him."During this time, straighten out your thoughts and arrange these matters. Here, you only need a trustworthy person to help you handle things. I think when it comes to splitting the shares, he won't even bother about this small factory here. You can build up strength and resources here.""You mean, give him an empty shell?" Fred caught up with my thoughts.I nodded. "Once the timing is right, you can take back control in the
Actually, I had read about their family history. Fred started boarding school at 12, indicating that his stepmother wasn't treating him well. Otherwise, they wouldn't send such a young kid to a boarding school. Rather than saying it was to toughen up the child's will, I think it was to bring peace to that family. At least that woman could be at ease without seeing the child.I believe his father understood this, and Fred must be well aware of the situation. However, he remained overly loyal to his father.When he was 17, he went straight into his family's factory instead of going to college. If his father hadn't been unwell, I'm sure he wouldn’t have gotten the factory. He was essentially a puppet working for the three members of the Myers family.Fred has one significant advantage. That was dedication. This was one of the main reasons I believed in him. Secondly, it was his excessive filial piety. He was loyal and trustworthy since he could be so filial to such an extent. This
The next day, we set off precisely at ten o'clock to return to Foswood. Once we arrived, we headed straight to the airport to drop them off.The gifts from last night turned out to be perfect.They both said they would give me a definite answer after returning.Fred said it wouldn't be long before he came to meet Noah to discuss the factory construction. I told him that it would be no problem.Back at the company, before we could even think about having a meal, Arnold walked in.I looked at Arnold. "How did you know we were back?"He nonchalantly said, "Telepathy, I guess."Lauren smiled. "Telepathy indeed. If Atlas finds out, he'll give you a piece of his mind.""I’m not afraid of him." He seemed defiant as he looked at me. "Come on, I'll take you all out to eat something delicious."Lauren laughed even more. "We should be the ones taking you to a meal."Just then, Carol walked in. "Ms. Chloe, Ms. Poppy is here to see you."I raised an eyebrow. Things were getting out of ha
Four months later, at a hospital in Foswood.After being wheeled out of the delivery room, I saw my entire family waiting for me outside.My grandmother, supported by Hana, walked up to me, trembling. "Chlo, my Chlo, you've been through so much!"Beside my grandmother was a girl who looked a lot like me, standing silently beside my grandmother. She was the one who had been crafted to be my counterfeit.What was even more dramatic was that the DNA test results had revealed that she was actually my parents' daughter. When we found out, we cried tears of joy. It was truly heaven-sent. From then on, I gained another sister, who was like a twin to me.Feeling a little weak, I looked at her kind smile and said, "Grandma! It's two boys!""We all saw them. They’re very handsome and healthy! I can finally rest assured. My daughter has a life partner now," Ivanna said as she eagerly squeezed by my side.Everyone burst into laughter. Jared reached out his long arm and pulled her back. "Com
I closed my eyes, trying hard to recall my dreams. Usually, this scenario always appeared in my dreams, but now I couldn't remember any details.Atlas looked at me indulgently. "Take your time, don't rush. Your mom will help us."I took a deep breath, clearing all the distractions from my mind. I seemed to see my mom holding my hand, eagerly walking into the woods, looking around and at the treetops. As we ventured deeper into the woods, I asked, "Where are you taking me, Mom? The woods are so dark. I'm scared! Don't go in, Mom. There might be wild animals!""Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. We need to find the tallest tree.""Why do we need to find the tallest tree?""So you can remember!""But I can't walk anymore. I'm scared!""Go sit on that rock for a while. I'll come to you.""A rock," I murmured as I suddenly opened my eyes.I quickly stood up, searching for a place with rocks."Search where there are rocks," Atlas instructed the others.Everyone dispersed quickly,
I gazed at Atlas's anxious face, his features wavering before my eyes. "Chlo... tell me what's wrong," he said, concern etched on his handsome face. I glanced around the room, noticing all our loved ones present, their faces filled with worry, both inside and outside the door.Closing my eyes, I nestled into Atlas's embrace. I felt exhausted like never before. With a soft murmur, I confessed, "I'm... I'm okay." My head throbbed fiercely with an unbearable sensation."I'm fine," I repeated before settling back into his arms, still as a statue. In my ears, the echoes of my dream lingered.A team of medical staff rushed in. Atlas patted me gently. "Let the doctors check you out, sweetheart. You've been out for 48 hours! Let them examine you, okay?"He eased me onto the bed. After the doctors finished their examination, they briefed Atlas on the results.I drifted back to sleep, this time for real, unaware of anything.When I woke up again, the room was bright. Blinking, I look
Ernest was truly shaken by the sight before him, visibly trembling in fear."Everyone in the car, get out! You have one minute." After Atlas's words, several red dots appeared on the foreheads of the people inside the car.The driver immediately wet himself in fear, raising his hands. "N-No... please!..."As his hand reached for the door handle to exit the car, Kenzie shot him dead. I screamed in terror, but at the same time, the man in the passenger seat slumped over, also dead.However, that shot came from a sniper outside.The others were dumbfounded. The two men beside me immediately grabbed their heads and crouched down."Get out of the car!" Kenzie shouted loudly.The two men beside me acted as if they had been granted clemency, reaching to open the car door and shouting, "Don't shoot!" Then, they rolled out of the car, clutching their heads."Kenzie... release Chloe... save me!" Ernest wailed, his appearance filled with disdain.Kenzie's voice trembled. "Ernest...""
"I really haven't seen anything. What are you talking about? My dad never told me about this!" I gritted my teeth, holding onto this secret, but it was clear they already knew about the existence of the survey maps."If you want your children to live, you better tell me the truth. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to show you no mercy. Let me tell you the truth, I didn't plan on leaving alive!" Kenzie's admission was chilling."Then if I die, bitch, I'll take you down with me. Oh... no, scratch that. It'll be you and your children. Haha… So, tell me!" She hit me with the back of the gun."Kenzie, you know how Atlas feels about me. He wouldn't let me be harmed. Do you really think he'd tell me too much? About those maps you mentioned, not only do I not know, but I haven't even seen them. “Even if they exist, my father would only tell him..." I appealed to Atlas's protective feelings toward me, a reasonable plea since most men would be protective of their loved ones, especially Atlas.Ju
I adjusted my breathing and asked, "What do you want to know?"Although I asked this, my mind raced. "He's been back for some time now and has said too much... You've got to tell me, what exactly do you want to know?""Louis and Rory had a secret between them. What was it?" Kenzie said, her voice dripping with malice."They…" I deliberately gasped loudly, buying myself some time. I knew Atlas would come to rescue me. My priority was to protect my children."They... two of them had a... sizable sum of money..." Since that money was already in our hands, I thought it would be futile even if they knew.Kenzie completely released her grip and then shoved my head forward abruptly. My body plunged forward, but quick reflexes saved me as I grabbed onto the front seat, steadying myself."What money? How much?" Kenzie seemed very interested."The amount is significant, but I don't know exactly." I played coy with her. After all, everyone was interested in money matters.Of course, Kenzi
The screech of brakes pierced the air, and a gray car halted right in front of me. Instinctively, I stepped back, unable to discern the make of the car before two individuals leaped out and swiftly pulled me into the vehicle. Simultaneously, a panicked cry sounded from behind me, "Chlo…"Before I could even assess the situation inside the car, it bolted forward."What do you want? Who are you people?" I struggled and shouted.Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind, gripping my neck tightly, and a chilling voice whispered, "Enough."With just those words, I instantly recognized the person. The voice was all too familiar.I steadied my nerves and spoke with feigned calmness, "Kenzie, you've got some nerve, attacking me in broad daylight. It seems like you're really desperate. What? Your plan failed, didn't it?"My neck was forcefully pulled backward. The sudden suffocation drove me to claw at the arm, choking me instinctively."Don't move! If you don't want to die so soon, beh
Atlas's face darkened as he uttered a curt "Hmm" and hung up the phone.Turning to Tristan, he said, "Escort Mrs. Chloe back to the office."He looked at me and softened his tone, "You go back to the office first, I'll come to pick you up later." Atlas expressed a hint of apology."Okay." I nodded.Tristan escorted me to my office and gave me some instructions before leaving.Then, my phone rang. It was a call from Trinity. I quickly answered, "Chlo, I'm about to head to the airport, I’m going to Yare. Do you have any messages for the old lady?"Her sudden question caught me off guard. I really didn't know what message to convey. After all, the old lady of the Avila family to me was just an impression from a photo."No. Let's talk after everything's settled. I'll arrange a time to visit her," I said lightly.Although the travel ban for me had been lifted with the situation becoming clearer, Yare was in turmoil, and I was pregnant. I didn't want to make any promises to the old l
Atticus carefully watched the agitated Mia as he sat in the wheelchair. He pulled out a document and held it out for the media to see."ATL Empire invested 10 billion in Echelon Group a month ago, intending to work together to build a new real estate development and construction field in Zydan. I regret to inform you that you’re no longer a significant shareholder in Echelon, Miss Mia."Even I was shocked by that investment certificate. I looked at Atlas, who seemed confident."To be more accurate, Echelon Group had already signed this agreement before I went to Celestis Island. The real largest shareholder of Echelon Group is ATL Empire. I’m just a partner."As you planned, the shares had long been diluted, but unfortunately, not by you, but by ATL Empire. But I still want to thank you for helping me remove the scum from Echelon Group and purifying Echelon’s ranks."Mia suddenly stood up and banged her fist on the table. She shouted, "Impossible! Atticus, are you playing me?""Y