My dad's expression remained blank, but he didn't let go of my hand. "Chloe, do you think she'll remember us?"Honestly, his question felt a little selfish. It pierced into my heart like a knife.After a while, I managed to ease the pain in my heart and nodded. "Yes, I’m sure she’ll remember you both."Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked down at my face. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I’m really sorry.”I understood the meaning behind his words. He was sorry for my lost memories.After comforting him for a while, he gathered himself and ruffled my hair. "I never regretted saving you, Chloe. I only regret walking the wrong path and wasting precious time."Through gritted teeth, he said, "That's why I hate Navi. We need to bring Navi and his gang to justice, whether or not we find Gemma. I'm willing to face the consequences. I could testify against them!”"Don’t think about that right now, Dad. You should take care of your health first. Atlas and I don't have any more family, and you can
Downstairs, Hana had finished showering and was helping Ava with her hair while Jenny waited. The three girls chatted and laughed while doing their hair, creating a heartwarming scene.Meanwhile, Arnold kept teasing and bothering them, provoking protests from the girls. We heard high-pitched shouts and bursts of laughter from time to time.Grandma Rose sat there, watching Hana's every move as if appreciating a beautiful scene.It seemed that she had developed a liking for Hana.The atmosphere was peaceful, and I thought it would be wonderful if our lives could continue like this.I checked the time and realized it was almost 7 p.m.. The sky outside was getting dark, but Atlas still hadn't returned.He must have been very busy this afternoon."Let's have dinner," I said to everyone.My mom asked, "Chloe, did you call Atlas?""Oh. I'll do that now." I helplessly picked up the phone and dialed Atlas's number, only to find that it was turned off.His phone must have run out of ba
"Oh, really?" She seemed surprised, then looked at my mom without hesitation and said, "I didn’t know she was from Yare.”I smiled faintly. "Not this mother here, but my biological mother. Her name was Lucille Avila, and she was probably from a noble family in Yare.”"In that case, I wouldn't have known her. Our family is just middle-class. In Yare, we’re just an ordinary family." Hana's response was quick, and she was clearly distancing herself from any connection.If their family was really ordinary, how could they afford to send their daughter abroad for further studies, especially to Monora?I wasn't swayed by her words and said gently, "Some changes happened in my family. My father was framed, my mother was killed, and I lost all my childhood memories. Later, I found out that my current parents were not my biological parents. Back then, some people wanted to kill me, and they saved me, allowing me to live.”"Oh... is that so? You don't remember anything from before?" she aske
Just then, Arnold walked over from the main hall and noticed the two of us chatting. He came over with a playful smile, saying, "What secrets are you two girls talking about? Care to share them with me?”Hana smiled and answered with an excuse. "It’s getting late. I should go home.”After saying that, she stood up from the rocking chair. "Could you please take me back?""What if I say no?" Arnold smiled playfully, looking mischievous. "You can stay here.""No way!" Hana immediately retorted. Blushing, she said, "I have to go back even if it's late."I knew she was sharing a place with Joyce, and they got along well. "How’s Joyce’s relationship with Ryan?”Hana smiled. "They’re doing very well.""You have to give them some space, okay? If you stay here, I can show you a movie. We can watch movies all night if you want," Arnold suggested.Hana looked puzzled, "Here?"I smiled. "It's true. There's a home theater in the annex, and we have a lot of classic movies.At that moment,
I stood up abruptly.I would go find Anya. I needed her to guide me into Bermuda. After all, she was familiar with the environment there, and it would be much safer than attempting to navigate it alone.Besides, we were inconspicuous girls, so we could quietly go there without drawing much attention.With this in mind, I quickly went to the bottom drawer of the bookshelf, found the remote control for the secret passage that Atlas had told me about, and then left the study. Back in the bedroom, I changed into sportswear, grabbed my car keys, and took the elevator to the underground garage.Although I had accompanied Atlas through this secret passage to the storage area several times, this was the first time I went alone. I felt a bit nervous, despite knowing it was extremely safe here. But I was still getting goosebumps for some reason.Forcing myself to focus, I looked ahead, and the voice-activated lights illuminated as needed, casting light behind me.Suddenly, I thought of ano
Although her pronunciation was quite awkward, it was evident that she understood my words and responded accurately. I felt happy about that.I told her, "Tonight, you'll leave with me and stay at my house. We'll set off tomorrow."This time, she seemed a bit puzzled. Thinking she didn't understand, I gestured and repeated myself.She nodded, pointing to herself, "I’m going... to your house?"I nodded. "Yes, I came to pick you up."She looked somewhat excited. After contemplating, she said to me, "Then, let me get my original clothes. I want to wear them when we arrive there.” I agreed with a nod. However, I cautioned her, "Just tell them I'm here to take you with me. Don't tell them where we're going."The reason for this caution was to avoid her saying too much. The people here might inform Atlas, who could then hinder my journey. The individuals here were all elite soldiers, astute and sharp.She hesitated momentarily, and I quickly clarified, "I'll inform them myself."A
“I'll go anywhere you want me to go without hesitation. It's my duty," Arton's voice was resolute.Arton's unwavering sense of duty impressed me deeply. Loyal and faithful people like him were rare, and I appreciated his admirable qualities."Get some rest early. It might be a tiring trip ahead for us,” I advised him, "And make sure to let your family know.""Sure, I got it. You rest easy too." He politely hung up after saying so.With Arton taken care of, I let out a sigh of relief. Checking the time, I noticed it was almost dawn. I considered trying to call Atlas again, but I knew that his phone was still off.My prediction was becoming more certain. Atlas must have already set off for Bermuda.He should have arrived at Bermuda a while ago. I wondered why his phone was still switched off.I quickly showered, checked on Ava's room, and found the two little ones already fast asleep. I couldn't tell when they had gone to bed. Sitting at Ava's bedside, I admired her adorable sleep
Only Rose was present in the living room. She was always the earliest to rise, engaging in outdoor activities and having her morning tea.Seeing me bring a young girl out, she looked at me in surprise and asked, "Where did this lovely girl come from?"Smiling, I explained, "She's the sister of the guy rescued by Atlas. Her brother is helping Atlas with something. Anya, say hello to Grandma Rose."Anya respectfully bowed to Rose and greeted, "Hi, Grandma Rose.""She’s a foreigner?" Rose asked."Yes, from Bermuda," I replied. Then, I walked over and sat beside Grandma Rose, saying, "Grandma, I'm also going there today. Atlas probably left yesterday, but I want to bring my father back personally. Just in case..."I found it hard to continue, but I knew Rose understood.Setting down her teacup, Rose looked at me and said, "That place is chaotic. If Atlas didn't take you, he must have his reasons. I understand your feelings, but I disagree with your plan.”"I'm bringing Anya with me
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