"I trust you completely. I wouldn't have left this responsibility to you otherwise," I told Johnson. "It's a heavy burden, and I understand you’re carrying a lot of responsibility. But I feel much more at ease with you around.""I understand the responsibility on my shoulders. As long as I'm here, there won't be any problems. I started my career in Tanum, and it feels like I'm returning to my roots now, which gives me a sense of belonging. I'm working for a better future together."We chatted for quite a while before hanging up.After checking the time, I called Ryan. As soon as he answered, he asked, "You're back?""How did you know?" I was a little surprised."If you hadn't come back, would you have called me?" Ryan joked.I chuckled. "This is my way of reporting back after returning.”He grunted and solemnly said, "The design plans for the Solaris project have arrived. Since you're back, I need to make a trip there. Are you coming with me?""I can't go anywhere for the next
"Hah, it was even worse than that. When she got out, she was barely breathing, and you could even see her ankle bones. She looked more like a corpse than a living person. She hasn't fully recovered yet, but she’s just taken over the businesses from the Keller and Chandler families, so it's been a little overwhelming for her."It tugged at my heart to think about Beatrice looking so helpless when I had left."I want to see her. It's been too many years, especially in times like these. It's a pity I can't help her," Ivanna sighed. "It would be nice if she were still in Foswood.""I invited her to come back to Foswood, but it might not happen anytime soon. After all, she’s never managed such a large company before. Now, the weight is on her shoulders all of a sudden, and she needs to deal with their mess. It'll be really tough for her. The crucial part is she doesn't have a good grasp of many insider details. Those people are still Byron’s subordinates. I’m worried.""Doesn’t she have
"Alright. I’d like to visit and thank everyone as well," Beatrice responded pleasantly. Then, she remembered something else. "Oh, the two brothers from the Chandler family came to the company to see me today. They said they’ve decided to work with us, and they want us to become their sole shareholder for joint development.""Oh?" I felt warmed by the news; it seemed those brothers were loyal and principled."You should work with them. You’re friends who share adversity. It's not a bad idea. If they take over completely now, it might not be good for the development of the company. It'll be better to work together. They’ll have an ally, and you won't need to worry as much." I encouraged her."But I'm a little worried. Some people might think I'm taking advantage of the situation." Beatrice expressed her concern. "This is a very sensitive issue.""If you approach it with a supportive mindset, I don't think you’ll have anything to worry about. Besides, some things shouldn't be influe
"You left without a word, so how could I ask them to come?" Ryan grumbled, "But we had a discussion in the video call and provided them with relevant data. After explaining our ideas, they were interested and suggested visiting for an inspection, which came as a surprise to me.”"Oh?" I looked at Ryan and said seriously, "I don't want to collaborate on this project. I want us to do it on our own.""I understand. They want to inspect on-site to get a more accurate positioning. After all, global trends in tourism projects are booming, especially those with their own uniqueness. If the plan is feasible, then they can help us connect with opportunities globally," Ryan explained."Alright, when you come back from Solaris, we can put this matter on the formal agenda." I suggested tentatively.He glanced at me, speaking with a somewhat complaining tone, "Wait until I come back to discuss it? I know you too well. You're whimsical. You can just leave without saying anything. If I make an ap
I exchanged a glance with Carol and smiled, remarking, "Looks like he's turned a new leaf. His son is a little angel who changed his life.”"Chloe, if he’s like this now, I might need to reconsider my opinions of him. I can’t look down on him anymore." Carol playfully stuck out her tongue.Her words made me smile. I glanced at her and teased, "So, you admit you used to look down on him?""I... didn't know. How did he suddenly change so much?" Carol chuckled awkwardly.As I approached Arton, he gave us a casual glance and continued working without paying us much attention. He had only realized it was me when I reached him. He immediately stopped working, offering an awkward smile."Ms. Chloe…" He scratched his head after speaking, "Why are you here?""It's my construction site, so of course, I'm here," I replied with a smile."I-I didn't mean that," he said, inserting the shovel into the sand. Then he picked up the towel around his neck and wiped his sweat.Carol turned and left
I hung up the phone, and Carol remarked, "Johnson is truly clever. Back then during Matthew’s era in Tanum, he was nothing but a smooth talker, adapting his words to different people. Surprisingly, he has changed a lot now. At least he's not annoying anymore."I chuckled. Carol was spot on. If I hadn't seized the opportunity to put pressure on him back then, I couldn't imagine how Johnson would be today."People deserve a chance to change," I sighed, "It's fortunate that he turned over a new leaf.""That's because you intervened in time. Otherwise, where would he be today?" Carol commented, "Those of us who can be by your side, to be honest, it's our blessing. I'm no exception. If it weren't for you, I might be in a completely different situation now."I glanced at Carol and said, "And I wouldn't have been able to handle things so effectively without your support.""That's true. It's all about fate. Back then, I was almost bullied to the brink by that devil, Melanie. Just when I w
Just as I was about to step inside, a shout came from behind, "Hey, you heartless woman! Didn't you see me?"I quickly turned around, and that glance was more than enough to surprise me. Her belly was much bigger now!In the past month, it seemed like she has been eating well, making her gain a little weight and looking a little rounder.Dressed in the maternity dress I bought for her, she had her hair tied up in a bun. Now she truly portrayed the image of a gentle expectant mother.Seeing her rushing toward me, Jared quickly followed and cautioned, "Take it easy! Watch your steps."Ivanna hugged me as soon as she reached me. "I missed you so much. You just left without a word, taking Lauren with you. That worried me. I almost went to Gerby. If you didn't come back, I might have actually gone."I believed her words. After all, Beatrice was our classmate.I pulled away from her and examined her. “You've really changed a lot. Are you still doing the show?"I deliberately asked th
I immediately added, "But I feel like this reason is a bit far-fetched."Jared shook his head gently, "Don't overthink it. We've been investigating the movements of Melvern and the Sunny family thoroughly. Once we figure out the Sunny family's intentions, we can understand their purpose. Of course, we can't rule out the possibility that Liora wants revenge, but Melvern may not have the same motive."Jared looked at me and said, "You have no bad blood with Melvern.""It's hard to say, as these kinds of people are unconventional. Do you know how they think? I couldn’t be sure about that. At the very least, Melvern must see me as an obstacle.""But he fears Atlas," Jared stated.At that moment, Atlas walked in with large strides. Noticing that we were all there, he came directly to me.Jared glanced at Atlas and asked, "Why are you so late?""Had a few clients to talk to.” He exchanged a look with Jared.These two seemed to have a good understanding of each other. Just that moment
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