When Poppy heard those words, she didn’t look pleased, but she couldn't refute it.But even if she felt that way, I didn’t think she regretted coming out with us. After all, she had tried to get close to me just to meet Atlas.But Arnold didn't care whether she felt awkward or not and continued, "If you’ve been an actress for a long time, you end up acting both on and offstage. I’m sure you’re no exception, Ms. Poppy."Arnold looked at Poppy with a playful smile. "Come over to my side. I'm better for you than him. Why bother chasing a married man?"I chuckled, leaning into Atlas's embrace. "That's enough, Arnold. Ms. Poppy is my friend. Don't cross the line.""Are you really so naive or are you just pretending, Chlo? She’s your friend? If she really is your friend, why is she still interested in your husband?" Arnold continued bluntly. "There's a saying that goes, never dip your pen in company ink. If she's your friend, why is she pining after your husband? Isn't that just courtin
I watched the flustered Oliver, who immediately stole a glance at Lauren to see her reaction.I couldn't help but feel the urge to burst into laughter. "Cut the crap, Arnold! Come on, everyone, take a seat!"I pulled Poppy along with me. After all, she was my guest, too.As soon as we sat down, the waiter brought the food out.I saw Poppy look at her phone, trying to conceal her emotions. I glanced at her phone screen and noticed that she was checking Arnold's information.But I knew there was no information about Ardie and Arnold online. Still, I understood what she was doing. Poppy seemed desperate to marry into a wealthy family and was always prepared.I could tell that Atlas had arranged to meet Oliver for something important. But since Poppy was here, it wasn't the right time to discuss anything serious.I asked Oliver, "What time did you get back?"Oliver glanced at Atlas. "Atlas called me and said there was something urgent, so I rushed back. Otherwise, I was planning
Arnold immediately countered when he heard Poppy's words. "Arnold sounds too intimate. We're not that close. Just call me Mr. Arnold or something."I looked at Arnold, interrupting him, and said, "Since when did you become so sensitive? You should be grateful I don’t just call you ‘hey’."My remark made everyone burst into laughter.Oliver rarely smiled so openly in public. He was probably feeling content since Lauren was sitting beside him.When Poppy saw everyone laugh so cheerfully, she naturally relaxed as well. However, she occasionally glanced at Atlas, who treated her like air.I didn’t approve of her behavior. As Arnold said, she was playing her role. She would face her own embarrassment sooner or later. I was confident about that.Lauren seemed to be enjoying this meal. She didn’t reject Oliver’s attentions, which made him more thoughtful and attentive.After the meal, Atlas and Oliver went to the balcony to talk.Arnold asked me, "When do you plan on going back to t
I found it strange, so I followed her gaze to the opposite side of the street. Matthew was standing beneath a large tree with a stuffed animal in his arms.When he noticed we were staring at him, he grew uncomfortable and tried to turn away, but it was too late.I hesitated, looking at Atlas and then at Av, who remained rooted to the spot.Atlas walked over and crouched down. He lifted Ava's chubby little face with his hand and said, "If you want to go, then go!"Ava snapped out of it and threw herself into Atlas's embrace. She held onto his neck tightly and said, "Daddy! I just want you as my daddy!"Atlas patted Ava's back, speaking softly, "Ava, you're such a loving daughter. Isn’t it better to have two dads?"Her eyes held stubborn resentment as she said, "But he's not a good dad!" "Darling, people make mistakes, and we give them a chance to make up for them. Look! He came to see you, which means he loves you and knows he was wrong. It’s great that there are so many people
I looked up at them and saw Ava's little hand slowly wrapping around Matthew's neck. Her tiny face was snuggled up to Matthew's neck.This revealed Ava's true feelings. She still loved Matthew. Atlas was right—blood is thicker than water.I watched as Matthew talked to her, lifted her, and kissed her. She remained still and nestled in Matthew's neck. They looked very affectionate together.After all, it had been about a year since they had last seen one another.I couldn't understand my own emotions at this moment.Atlas comforted me, "Don't worry, Ava is ours!"I watched their every move from a distance as Ava lifted her head from Matthew's shoulder. She even reached out and wiped Matthew's face.My heart honestly ached. Why had fate been so cruel to me?After chatting for a while, I saw Matthew walking toward us while holding Ava. He looked at me and then at Atlas. Matthew lowered his eyes and asked, "... Can I make a request? I..."My heart skipped a beat. Just as I was a
Atlas pulled me into his arms and hugged me. Feeling emotional, I asked, "Did she go with him?"My heart felt empty at this very time—hollow and aching. I even blamed Ava for wanting to go.Atlas lifted my chin with his hand, looking into my eyes. "Don't worry. She belongs to us. If she's upset, she'll call us, and I'll bring her back!""Do you know where he lives?" I looked at Atlas with some doubt.Atlas nodded seriously. "I do. Now, let's go home and wait. We need to give them some time!"All I could do was embrace Jenny while we were driving. The two little ones would always be frolicking in my embrace, but now there was just one.Ava clearly seemed to miss him still. In the past, Matt would pick her up from school more often.Back at the villa, Arnold had already returned. Seeing that Ava was not with us, he was puzzled. He asked, "Jenny, where's Ava?"Jenny immediately responded, "Ava went with her other daddy!"Arnold observed my emotional state and became concerned.
I fell asleep in this state, haunted by bizarre nightmares. One moment, I couldn't find Ava. In the next, Atlas was nowhere to be found.In another dream, I was a beautiful little girl, walking hand in hand with a handsome young man. We appeared to be heading home together after school, jumping and skipping happily as we entered a grand gate.The gate was truly magnificent. As we ran inside, we saw many people rushing back and forth, but I couldn't see their faces.The young man released my hand and ran towards a small building. I called after him while chasing him inside.There was a lot of mist. I wanted to yell, but nothing came out. White fog covered everything, making it impossible for me to locate the young man. I was nervous.I saw a beautiful woman looking back at me through the mist. Her appearance was so clear, and I murmured, "Mom!"She smiled and walked inside. Her face was beautiful. I wanted to ask her where the young man was, but she entered the small building, and
He glanced at me and said, "Yes, we have. I've already sent people to infiltrate, Navi has been quite active recently in recruiting and expanding. Judging by the trend, he seems eager to make a big move.""So, that means we have an opportunity?" I looked at him, seeking clarification. "When are we going there?""Dylan has already gone!" Atlas replied.So that was whyI hadn't seen Dylan around in the past few days."Did Loak go with him?" I asked."Yes! Loak is familiar with the place. Our operation will be more secure with him there," Atlas said without revealing too much."How about bringing Anya to Fremont Bay?" I asked Atlas. I wanted her around so I could inquire about some issues at any time."Sure, you can bring her here anytime you want!" Knowing how much I liked the girl, Atlas granted my request without hesitation."By the way, I'm going to Gerby today! I need to inspect the actual situation at Jaxford Doors Factory. Also, there's something else!"With a doubtful gaze