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
My heart raced and my face flushed at his words. Damn it! He was flirting.He effortlessly carried me while he ran, his incredibly handsome face showing a hint of sweat. But still, his breathing was calm, regular, and not erratic in the slightest.His demeanor fascinated me. When he held me, the muscles in his upper arm bulged, exuding a powerful feeling that sent me into a reverie. I couldn't resist pinching him, intoxicated by his strength.He glanced at me, lifted me, and kissed me.He didn't set me down until we got to the main road that led to the main building. He grinned mischievously and said, "There you go. Isn’t your husband great? Now you know why he lasts so long in 'battle'.""Get lost! You’re always telling dirty jokes!" I gave him a fierce punch and blushed, running toward the main building.I quickly had breakfast after a quick shower, changed into clean clothes, and took care of Jenny. I was planning to head to the kindergarten with Jenny in tow.Atlas checked t
I was devastated when I heard the automated message telling me Matt’s phone was turned off. I couldn’t believe it."He must have taken her away since he’s turned off his phone!" My emotions were spiralling out of control as I looked at Atlas. He checked his wristwatch.I glanced at my phone screen too, and realized there were still 5 minutes to nine.At that moment, I heard a faint shout, "... Mom!"Startled, I turned to see the tall figure of Matt at the end of the pavement, walking briskly toward us. He was holding Ava.With just one glance, my heart settled back into place.I quickly walked toward them, and Ava joyfully called out, "Mommy!"She was dressed in a gorgeous new green dress, and her laughter was endearing."Why are you only her here now?" Even though I had finally seen Ava, I was still a little angry.Relieved, I extended my hand to grab Ava and give her a firm embrace and kiss."Don't be mad at Daddy, Mommy! Daddy doesn't have a car anymore, so we took the bus
I couldn't help but laugh at myself.There were simply too many "ifs." I wouldn’t have caused my daughter to experience a fate like this without so many deviations. Fate had been unfair to me, tormenting me and then subjecting my daughter to the same.All because of the man in front of me.Matt was the one who made me feel disgust from the bottom of my heart.He had made this decision himself. His grievances had nothing to do with me.I stopped talking to him. There was a reasonable saying: when the words don't fit, there's no need to force any more. I thought of everything I did for Matt as a favor to my daughter.Coincidentally, Atlas had just finished sending Ava off, and he strode out. Matt forced a bitter smile, looking at Atlas and bowing slightly, "Thanks for handling the lawsuit, Mr. Atlas. I'll entrust my daughter to you from now on.""She’s my daughter too." Atlas replied firmly.Matt's mouth twitched again."Well, I won't disturb you any longer." Matt took a dee
When we walked out, we saw Mr. Cameron there in person to greet us, to my surprise. That truly warmed my heart.After exchanging pleasantries, Mr. Cameron asked, "Ms. Chloe, should we go to the hotel first so you can get some rest or head straight to the factory?""Of course we'll go to the factory first. We can have lunch at your factory," I replied without hesitation.Mr. Cameron laughed heartily. "You’re definitely someone who gets things done, Ms. Chloe. I'll gladly follow your lead. Let's go to the factory."We got into the car. Mr. Cameron drove, and we headed straight to the factory.During the ride, we had a great conversation. As we traversed the city, Mr. Cameron enthusiastically told us about Gerby.Casually, I said, "I heard that Keller's Dairy is doing well in Gerby.""Oh? You know about Keller's Dairy?" He smiled and glanced at me in the rearview mirror. Then he continued, "It's been renamed Chandler's Dairy. The old Keller family is no more."His tone was a litt
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