Arnold immediately said, "Are you sincere? We're here to invest money, not ask you for money. It's just a hospital room, right?"The assistant doctor looked conflicted, hesitating to speak.Arnold glanced inside and disdainfully said, "What's the big deal? We've seen mentally ill patients. Why is your situation so special? Open it! I must see who's so important inside."At this point, Wilbur also needed help to handle it. "Mr. Nick, it's indeed a bit challenging for us. This person is somewhat special. We can negotiate if there are objections, but we can't breach the contract. At least, not for now.""It's okay. We just want to see the interior conditions. If there's nothing special, then forget it!" Nick said.While they were talking, I kept my eyes on the person on the bed. She was unaffected by the external disturbances, motionless, with her hair covering her entire face. She might be asleep.I was so anxious that I almost shouted out Beatrice's name. But at a time like this,
I followed the group outside, feeling a little reluctant. I reflected on the glimpse of Beatrice I had just witnessed.As we walked out of the building toward the front of the main one, a Maserati entered the courtyard, casually parking without any regard for rules. A glamorous woman stepped out of the car.After getting out, she removed the sunglasses from her face and looked at us arrogantly with an air of superiority. This must be the legendary Hazelyn Marrow, daughter of the Chandler family.My anger surged, but I had to endure it for Beatrice's safety. After all, the Chandler family still had some influence in Gerby, and we couldn't confirm whether Beatrice was truly ill.We also lacked concrete evidence to prove that any wrongdoing had been done, and we couldn't take Beatrice away. If the Chandler family intervened, we wouldn’t be able to take Beatrice with us, and we might put her in danger.Byron definitely had issues. It seemed we had to bring down Byron if we wanted to r
Arnold dismissed him. "So what? A milk seller can act all arrogant now? You'd better tone it down, got that?""Don’t be unreasonable, Arnold. Let’s go." Nick said sternly as he cast a faint glance at Hazelyn. It was just a fleeting look, but it was enough to make Hazelyn guess what he meant. The cold aura emanating from him was intimidating.In the end, Hazelyn didn't dare pick a fight.Arnold remained silent and followed Nick, who walked confidently toward the exit.Then, we each boarded two luxurious cars. Under their watchful eyes, we left with heads held high.On the way back, I kept thinking about Beatrice's final gesture. Was she anxious for me to leave? But her vacant gaze and dull expression made me uncertain. Was she really sick? The way she looked at me sent shivers down my spine. It was not a gaze a normal person would give anyone.Our group returned to the hotel we had stayed at last night, and I went back to my room.Arnold immediately asked, "Did you see her, Chlo?
"What are you saying? Absolutely not! We need to handle this quietly ourselves. We can’t make this public. If the news leaks, the investigation will fail, and it might lead to unforeseen complications." Sean quickly told the man, "Use your brain. I bet this involves higher-ups for sure."Everyone agreed with Sean."I really want to meet this Byron guy," I said.Finn immediately added, "There's a business networking party in Gerby tonight, and many local and foreign businessmen will attend. Byron should be there."It was almost noon. If I wanted to return to Foswood by today, I needed to leave soon.I looked at Nick, and he understood my meaning. After thinking for a moment, he said, "We should stay. I want to meet those important people in Gerby, and Arnold’s here too. We can go together."After finalizing the plan, Finn left, saying goodbye until the evening. The rest of us went downstairs for lunch.Later, I went to explore the malls in Gerby with Eleanor. We were planning to
Even though I was already his wife, his words still moved me. We were destined to be together, and I was grateful to the heavens for giving me this perfect man to spend the rest of my life with.The party in Gerby was on the top floor of the Saint Eastin International, the most luxurious banquet hall in Gerby and the tallest landmark in the city.Arnold, dressed in a tailored suit and leather shoes, accompanied me. His elegant demeanor attracted many admiring glances.There were quite a few foreigners in attendance at the party.Both Eleanor and I wore suits. Since there were no international brands at the shopping mall, we opted for local top-tier brands. But I didn’t expect to find myself embroiled in an inexplicable situation with Hazelyn just because of my outfit.The scene was bustling, with glasses clinking, lively conversations, and men laughing at every corner. On the other hand, women discussed and evaluated each other's appearances.The women were mostly adorned in even
I could sense the disdain the two women behind me had for the Chandler family."Hmph. The Russell family is just as deceitful. They’re cut from the same cloth as Byron. If you ask me, if Helen hadn't married Byron, she wouldn't have died so early.""All her troubles were caused by her own mistakes. Our daughters should be careful when they look for a man. Gabriel isn’t a good person either. Look at Hazelyn. She's only a little younger than her elder sister. It shows that there was definitely something between Byron and Jocelyn! Helen might have been driven to her death by those two." The two women chatted fervently.I pretended to lose my balance and staggered backward, bumping into one of the ladies. I quickly bent down to apologize."Oops. I'm so sorry!" I smiled apologetically.The woman turned to look at me and said gently, "No worries. It's okay."I quickly continued, "You’re both very kind. You have an air of prosperity, unlike those other women."My words pleased them, an
I glanced at Eleanor and whispered, "They're talking about Sautoir Fine Jewelry.”The two ladies beside me commented, "Young people nowadays are so materialistic. They don't even look at who's wearing the jewelry. Is that girl a princess?”It seemed these two individuals harbored deep-seated resentment toward the Chandler family.Just as I was about to inquire further, there was a sudden commotion behind us."Oh, Ms. Hazelyn, your gown is gorgeous! I've been admiring it for quite some time.""I love your jewelry! Is it from Sautoir? It looks quite expensive.""Haha. It’s not expensive at all. Just a little over a million dollars. After all, our family collaborates with Sautoir, so I always get to choose from the latest release.”I found her words amusing. Collaborating with Sautoir? The Chandler family? This was news to me.I discreetly listened to their conversation, and the two middle-aged ladies beside me scoffed, casting a sidelong glance at Hazelyn."I heard the Chandler
"I think you better tell me exactly what you were doing at the hospital," Hazelyn said arrogantly with her arms crossed over her chest.I smiled and softly said, "Ms. Hazelyn, right? Who says you can't discuss investments while wearing a simple outfit?”Hazelyn exaggeratedly laughed. "Look at you. You’re dressed so shabbily yet dare to be so confident.""Ms. Hazelyn, do you place so much importance on money? What kind of attire, in your opinion, would make someone look like an investor?" I pressed on with a challenging tone.She snorted dismissively, rolling her eyes. "Certainly not like you. Just tell me. What exactly are you doing in Gerby?"The people around us shifted their attention to me, and their gazes now carried suspicion, as if I were some dubious character.I calmly said, "What? Is it necessary to inform the Chandler family whenever someone comes to Gerby?""It depends on the matter. I think it's necessary for your case," Hazelyn said unapologetically.Gabriel, by h
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