Although I was no longer fond of the Murphys, Grace hadn’t mistreated me for the past few years. I could also forgive her for giving me the cold shoulder that day because she only tried to protect her interests.She asked me to return to their house, but I declined because that place traumatized me. Instead, I chose to meet her at a cafe near her house. I softened my attitude when I saw her. After all, I couldn’t be mean to an older woman.Grace looked worn out and conflicted when she saw me. I understood her feelings and ordered her some hot milk. I waited for her to speak, and her lips twitched as she asked, “How’s Ava?”Immediately after, she burst into tears. I had to admit she doted on my daughter.“She’s okay but not as perky as before,” I spoke blandly despite myself. I noticed her sad expression and added, “You’re welcome to visit her anytime.”My words encouraged Grace, and she held my hand, “Can you reconsider the divorce?”I wanted to pull away but refrained. I somehow
Grace’s sudden action startled me and the other customers as they looked at us in puzzlement. I tried to pull her hands off me, but she wouldn’t let go. “Chlo, you have to promise me, okay?”I was upset and straightened up, saying, “I’m sorry, but I’m not you. I can’t accept Matthew’s rotten behavior, so go home. Your son can always marry someone else. Besides, Melanie’s pregnant with his child, isn’t he?”“Chloe, you can’t do this to us!” Grace held onto me. “You can leave after all these years. You’re being irresponsible!”I scoffed, wondering how I was the one being irresponsible. However, what Grace said next made my jaw drop, “It’s enough that you took Ava. How could you also take Matthew’s hard-earned money? Worse, you’re taking him to court over it.”Grace looked at me resentfully as she continued, “You can’t take all the money. It’s fine if you want to get a divorce, and we can let you keep your old place. The apartment belongs to Matthew!”She spoke as if I was someone wh
I went to ATL Empire the following day. However, I didn’t see Atlas, but Nick signed the contract with me instead. He shook my hand and said, “We’re looking forward to working with you.”“Keep your projects coming, all right?” I said with a smile.With the contract signing, I officially launched my company, Hartz Construction. Although I had Urban Builders’ support, I felt nervous about taking on such a massive project as my first. However, I was thrilled because I could provide for myself and Ava.Soon, the news spread throughout the industry, and everyone wondered who was behind Hartz Construction.As I stepped out of ATL Empire, I hesitantly called Atlas. After all, I couldn’t have signed the contract without him. The phone rang for a while before he answered huskily, “Yes?”He always spoke little and bossily, so I lost my mood to speak. Suddenly, he grew anxious and asked, “Chloe?”“I-I…just wanted to tell you that I signed the contract with ATL Empire,” I tried to sound spir
I was angry and resentful the moment I saw Matthew. How could he stoop to doing this? He smiled and said, “Honey, I know you miss your parents, so I fetched them to our new apartment.”He shamelessly brought my parents in as he spoke. My parents looked around the house, saying, “The place looks great! Your hard work has finally paid off.”As they entered, Ava exclaimed, “Grandma! Grandpa!”She wanted to run to them but saw Matthew. After some hesitation, she threw herself into my mother’s arms. Meanwhile, Matthew attended to my parents’ needs and acted like a good son-in-law.He didn’t even tell my parents what happened between us.“Honey, I didn’t get to eat anything on the plane. Why don’t you keep me company while I whip up something?” Matthew rolled his sleeves and headed toward the kitchen.I gritted my teeth but didn’t dare to scold him. After all, my dad’s condition had just stabilized, and I couldn’t afford to agitate him. I reluctantly sat down as my mom looked me up and
When I saw Matthew in the master bedroom, I grabbed my pajamas from the walk-in closet to sleep in one of the guest rooms. However, Matthew stopped me from leaving. “Where do you think you’re going, honey?”I whispered in exasperation, “Step aside, or you’ll be sorry.”He smiled. “We haven’t had sex for quite some time, right? Come on, I’m sure you don’t want your parents to know about what’s happening. Don’t forget your dad is still recovering from a stroke.”“You’re sick!” I tried to slap him, but he grabbed my wrist and stepped closer.“So feisty. I like it!”I tried to knee his groin as he leaned closer, but he blocked my leg with his hand. “The same old trick? Do you think I’m going to fall for it again?”I was furious. “What the fuck do you want?”“If you think you can take everything and leave me, you have another thing coming. Go on. Scream. I wonder what your dad will think.” He grinned as he tried to grope me. “Just stop thinking about other men, okay? You belong to me
Before Grace could reply, Melanie sat on the sofa’s armrest and put an arm around her. “My dad is visiting his younger brother, so we decided to stay with you.” What? Did she just say that they were also moving in?Melanie gave me a smug look. "You see, we don’t get to spend much time with Chloe."I restrained my rage and acted aloof. “Gee, that’s so thoughtful of you.” My dad stared at my face silently. My mother seemed to sense that the mood was off. She tried to lighten it up, saying, “Mel, you’re looking prettier by the day. Are you seeing anyone?”Melanie announced shamelessly, “Yes, and we’re finally getting married after many years.”I wanted to rip her tongue out. “That’s wonderful news! Don’t forget to invite us to your wedding.” My mom smiled warmly. “You’ll be the first on my list!” Melanie looked at me as she chuckled tauntingly. Gritting my teeth, I silently swore at the bitch."We would’ve married sooner if my boyfriend's ex-wife hadn’t been such a pain,"
I looked at him baffled.“Wasn't the divorce trial scheduled for today? Why wasn't there a hearing today? Why’d you cancel it?” He stared at me impassively, but his tone showed displeasure. Had he gone to the courthouse? No one knew we had postponed the trial. The only logical explanation was that he had been there.“Something came up, so I had to reschedule it at the last minute,” I explained. “Are you having second thoughts again?” His face grew stern. "How could you even consider it after what he’s done?"I was much calmer than he was. I took a few sips of my glass of lemonade and said, "I might not be able to get a divorce anytime soon." He fixed his eyes on my face. “Why not?” “There’s nothing I can do. Matthew is using my parents to blackmail me,” I said helplessly. “I didn’t expect him to stoop so low.”"Do you plan to let him manipulate you forever?" “My hands are tied, okay? My father just had a stroke. I'd rather be humiliated than risk upsetting him." We fell
I knew she was up to no good, likely trying to provoke me. I chose not to react and started the car.She looked at me and asked, “What’s the matter, Chloe? Are you upset?” “What do you think? I feel like throwing up when I see you,” I said plainly. “I feel the same about you!” She glared at me. “Listen carefully. You better move out of the apartment, or you’ll regret it.”I didn’t even glance in her direction. “Dream on! Don’t forget what happened to Henry. I can send you to jail, too, since I have proof of everything." She lost her composure. "Don't push it, Chloe!""You’re the ones pushing it! How dare you come to my house? Do you think I'm scared of you?" I looked straight at her. "You're a slut like your real mom!"Then I added with a snort, “Are you even good enough to stay in that apartment?” “Chloe, don’t forget what I can do to your parents and Ava!” she said maliciously. I stiffened, knowing well that my family was my weakness. She and Matthew would stop at nothi
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