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
Atlas nodded slightly at the man with a cold expression.His icy gaze swept over Hazelyn's face, leaving her somewhat trembling.She stared at me. "You..."Some people seemed to have understood the situation and approached us. Just then, Nick, accompanied by several city officials, walked through the crowd and said, "Mr. Atlas, great to see you here! We've been waiting for you.”After shaking hands with several important figures, Atlas calmly stated, "I had my wife come to Gerby for a survey first."Whispers filled the crowd instantly."It’s really Atlas from ATL Empire. Is he coming here to invest?"Some voices criticized Hazelyn for her earlier arrogance."Oh my, just now, someone said they came looking so shabby. Haha. Saying that the world's largest financial group is shabby? She’s just too arrogant and doesn't know her place.""That's right. Other people are just low-key. Look at him, topping the wealth rankings, and he's not flaunting it."Everyone turned disdainful gla
Someone in the crowd chuckled and mocked, "You don't even know who owns Sautoir Fine Jewelry. Who in the world did she collaborate with?"This statement stirred the crowd, leading to a chorus of hisses."Even if you're boasting, do some research in advance. You've shown your ignorance and got embarrassed, right? How can the Chandler family be so shameless?”I recognized the voice—it was Arnold.Sure enough, he strolled out of the crowd with his hands in his pockets, staring straight at Hazelyn. "Where did you get your confidence from?”Atlas calmly added, "Ignorance is forgivable. I'll make sure she deeply understands what being poor and shabby truly means."Afterward, Atlas embraced me and turned to Nick, saying, "Is Mr. Nathan here? Let's talk business."The high-level executives nodded and bowed, "Mr. Nathan has been waiting for you, Mr. Atlas. This way, please."As our group was about to leave, Arnold said, "Ms. Hazelyn, here's a piece of advice for you. Be careful with you
Nathan didn't beat around the bush after everyone was seated. He expressed his hopes for Atlas in this region and the general direction they wanted to collaborate on.Atlas listened without offering too many opinions. Dylan was replaced by Cane, who listened attentively.Atlas only mentioned that these projects needed a comprehensive assessment and that any investment must yield returns.Nathan seemed aware of my identity, smiling as he looked at me, asking for my impression of this place.As I was thinking about how to respond, Atlas gave me an affectionate smile and said, "My wife is mainly involved in a project with Jaxford Doors. Perhaps you’ve heard about it, Mr. Nathan. “The construction project in Bourdamun is under her management, and she has decided to use the high-end doors from Gerby's Jaxford Doors as the flagship doors for the new area.”The mayor of Gerby immediately became enthusiastic. "Indeed, we have several large enterprises in Gerby doing very well. Jaxford D
Back at the hotel, I was too tired to move. Atlas bent down, gave me a quick look, then gently removed my shoes.I rolled onto the bed with a grumble, and Atlas softly suggested, "Go take a shower before you sleep, okay?""I don't want to," I replied with my eyes closed.Ignoring my protests, he lifted me up, undressed me, and carried me into the bathroom. I had no strength to resist, so I quickly showered then hurried back to bed.After finishing his own shower, Atlas came out with a hairdryer to dry my hair. Looking at him, I asked, "Can't we get Beatrice out first? I don't want her to suffer in there anymore.""Don't get impatient. We need to plan this carefully. If we act hastily, it might lead to a chain reaction. We can't let them figure out what’s going on. They won't stay calm for long. What happened today will put Byron on alert. I've arranged for someone to monitor him secretly and prevent him from doing anything desperate."Atlas comforted me while blow-drying my hair.
Eleanor and I followed the health department's vehicle straight to the mental hospital.During the journey, I learned that this was in fact the day for a comprehensive inspection by the health department. I was surprised that so many people had been mobilized for my idea. If it weren't for Atlas, this wouldn't have been possible.What surprised me even more was that Tommy McGrath was leading the team. He was the one who had posed as another bodyguard to come with us to the mental hospital yesterday. It seemed he was Sean's assistant for this case.When we arrived at the hospital, I felt a sense of familiarity since I had been here before. Before we left the car, Eleanor and I tied up our hair and put on surgical masks. I was confident that no one would recognize me in this disguise.As we entered the courtyard, I noticed Hazelyn's Maserati.Quietly, I whispered to Tommy, "This is bad. Looks like Hazelyn is here."Tommy noticed the car too and furrowed his brows. He whispered back
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