Arnold set down his cup with a wicked smile and said, "Both mother and daughter are cunning."When Hazelyn met with that doctor, she spiked his drink with drugs that made him have a heart attack and die! If she hadn't confessed, no one would’ve known. She had not only murdered one person but two.”"Haha... truly tit for tat. He ended up using the prescription he wrote on himself, so he deserved it!" I sighed. "They’re a dangerous family!"Arnold shook his head as he spoke, "It’s frightening. Beatrice is lucky. In Hazelyn's words, if she had given her another month, Beatrice would have died suddenly, too.""It's just monstrous," I complained. "How has Beatrice been these days?""She's been alright! Just under a lot of pressure! Suddenly, everything is weighing on her shoulders. She's a bit disorganized, so Gavin and I are doing our best to help her. Gavin is giving her systematic lessons to catch up!""Oh? Gavin has this method?" I was impressed."You're underestimating Gavin. He
Arnold grinned mischievously and said, "Hana's back! We had plans to go out for a meal together, and now we're stuck with two third wheels!"Ava glanced at Arnold with confusion and asked, "Uncle Arnold, why do we need wheels?"Both Arnold and I chuckled, looking at Ava. Arnold explained to her, "You and Jenny are the third wheels!""Why?" Ava stubbornly asked.Arnold was at a loss for words.I said to Rose, "Looks like he has a target now!"Rose looked at Arnold and chuckled, "Men from the Beringer family are loyal but not proactive!”"Hana is a very elegant and lovely young woman. She's a skilled and responsible new breed of designer—a furnishings designer! We've been collaborating for a while, and I do like this girl, she's mature and responsible.""I've met this girl. I met her the night you got married!" Rose glanced at me and said, "She's indeed a very likable girl!""Grandma, you noticed that too!" I was amazed.My mom and I went to the hospital together after our meal
I glanced at Lauren and said, "This is exactly what I sensed, so I haven't figured out what's going on! But I feel like Atlas knows some insider information!""It's easy to explain that. Atlas has always been a strategist! After finding you, he was bound to investigate your dad and mom." Lauren’s thoughts coincided with mine. I remained silent, feeling uneasy."Do you think the recent events are a bit sudden? Could they be related to Liora's escape?" Lauren asked.I glanced at Oliver. Seeing that we were talking, he turned sideways with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep. He still looked weak.Lauren also looked at Oliver, then reached out to tuck him in with the blanket. I gestured to Lauren and pointed to the balcony.We went to the balcony of the ward and continued our conversation. “It’s clear that I was the target instead of Oliver. However, Atlas asserted that Liora couldn't have been the culprit!""Right, I was too busy with Oliver, and didn't have time to ask about thi
Lauren saw my expression and asked, "What's going on? "I made a shushing gesture at her. I slid to answer the call and then opened the recording.The hoarse voice of the voice changer rang out again."Ms. Chloe, do you think things have ended?" There was a tinge of mocking and contempt in that voice."What else do you want? Stop playing tricks. You're Navi Mansk, right? I warn you, if you dare set foot on Zydan again, I'll make sure you won't be able to go back!" I gritted my teeth."Hahaha..."The voice on the other end laughed uproariously, sending chills down my spine."Don't forget! The most important person to Atlas is still with me! If you want him alive, then use that notebook to trade! Consider which is more valuable, and weigh your options carefully."The other party hung up before I could continue.Lauren looked at me, her eyes filled with fear.I nodded at her. 'The person who kidnapped my dad! I have to go find Atlas!'"Then hurry up!" Lauren urged me. "Be sure
My dad hung his head low. Since he returned yesterday, his spirits seemed deflated, and he appeared burdened with heavy thoughts. It made me feel very uneasy.I understood his emotions. After all, this was connected to everything from his past. Most importantly, it revealed the fact that they weren't my biological parents. I knew they wouldn't want to lose me, their only daughter.I was their everything.At this moment, I fully understood why my mom had sighed when they sold the house in the small town. She must have been worried they would be left with nothing and felt a sense of insecurity.But I never expected this to happen so quickly.When Atlas saw how depressed my dad was, he calmly reassured him. "Don’t worry too much about it, Dad. Letting him go back was part of my strategy to buy time. Many clues are connected to him. We let him go as part of the long game."My dad remained silent. The notebook seemed to be the key to unlocking this conversation.We waited for what se
My heart ached as I lifted my eyes to see my father in front of me, who seemed both familiar and unfamiliar."I had no family left, so all I could do was study. I devoted all my time to my studies, excelling in both middle and high school. I was a model student and was admitted to the prestigious University of Ithaca. Chemistry was my favorite subject, and later, I was admitted to a top-ranking university in Nocturnia, becoming one of the best there," my dad said slowly."My name is Oscar Parson. My real name is Jasper Paul, but I changed my surname to Parson to honor the ones who took care of me." My dad revealed his name."So, you’re Oscar Parson? But what about Lucas Paul?" Atlas interjected, looking at my father in disbelief.My dad looked at Atlas in shock. "How did you know?""I happened to see some information about Oscar Parson from a prestigious Nocturnia university. I also got the information about Lucas Paul from the Bermuda secret files," Atlas said calmly.I saw my d
Even though it had been twenty years, my dad appeared utterly mired in the shame of that moment as he spoke. It was clear how deeply the experiences of that period had impacted him and affected his self-esteem."I lost my mind back then. I tried to drive Moira away, yelling at her and smashing things. But she still took care of me until my injuries healed, even though it exhausted all her savings. I couldn't afford the high medical expenses and had to leave the hospital even though I hadn't fully recovered," my dad said.My mom covered her face beside me, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably."Moira was afraid I would be traumatized when I returned to school, or that I would become depressed and have suicidal thoughts because I hadn't fully recovered. She took me back to her house. Moira was by my side the entire month, taking painstaking care of me," my dad continued."After I got beat up, that wealthy girl never got in touch with me again. I don’t know if she just thought it was
After listening to my mom, my dad sighed deeply. "I gradually started depending on your mom. But when it rains, it pours. We only stayed in that house for a month.""Why?" I asked."Your mom didn't have time to work to support us while taking care of me. Plus, she had spent all her money while I was in the hospital, so the landlord kicked us out."That was the cruel reality. Your mother and I sat side by side with our luggage on the streets of Nocturnia that evening. At that moment, I vowed to myself then and there that I would become wealthy, well-known, and provide Moira with a secure home so she wouldn't regret saving me."My hand subconsciously tightened around Atlas's hand, imagining the embarrassment they must have felt.Atlas gripped my hand solidly to show that he recognized how I was feeling."Where did you go then?" I asked weakly.I could guess how easy it would be to go astray in such a situation.My dad shook his head, looking at me and Atlas. "When someone hits ro
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