He had brought up some practical concerns.I found myself speechless under his questioning. It seemed a little far-fetched to say that everything was fine with Beatrice. "Plus, even though Anya’s familiar with the place, she’s been missing for a while. If she suddenly reappears, she might attract attention. She's still just a kid. I can’t believe you're bold enough to follow her like this!" Arnold's tone held a hint of anger.He added, continuing to grumble, "Atlas spoils you too much too. You're stubborn, and he just lets it slide. I don’t understand it."I had never seen Arnold so serious before. He looked quite impressive with his handsome face darkened like this, completely overturning the image I had of him.And I had to admit that he was right. His concerns were valid. I thought having Anya meant I had everything under control and I wouldn't have to worry about safety issues with Arton.But I now realized that Anya was just a child, and putting all my trust in her was risk
After getting off the plane, the stifling heat hit me immediately. It seemed like it had just rained here, but it definitely wasn't as heavy as would have been in Foswood.The scorching sun felt like a furnace, making it unbearably hot.As soon as I walked out of the exit, my eyes were drawn to a commanding figure in the crowd. With his sleek hair and partially covered handsome face behind sunglasses, he exuded an irresistible charm, making him look incredibly handsome.His presence dominated the entire hall, attracting everyone’s eyes.Atlas seemed more casual than usual. Today, he was wearing white sportswear, which was a rare sight. As he looked at us walking toward him, a faint smile played on his lips, causing everyone, especially the women, to stop and stare.Some even dared brush past him intentionally, then turned back to flirt shamelessly, trying to talk to him.I couldn't help but frown and walked toward him determinedly. But before I could assert my dominance, he beat
I nestled comfortably in his arms, listening to his descriptions. It was my first time here, so everything felt novel."Is there anything delicious to eat here?" I asked."Of course. When did my baby become such a foodie?" He nibbled on my earlobe, and I instinctively recoiled, giggling.I whispered softly in his ear, "I don’t see any chaos here.”He laughed and kissed me. "Everything always looks more glamorous on the surface.”I immediately understood his underlying message. But I felt content and safe with him by my side.When we arrived at the hotel, I was even more amazed. The beauty here was intoxicating. I had seen plenty of subtropical landscapes, but this place left me speechless.As we got out of the cars, Atlas said to Arnold, "You take care of them."Arnold was clearly very familiar with this place. And to my surprise, the people here spoke a language I understood.The hotel was by the sea, with detached guesthouses. Atlas didn't bother about the others and took me
"Have you found out anything?" I asked."They’re just speculations for now. There's more to our fathers’ situation than just the plane crash. The non-organization must have hidden secrets from our fathers. Also, Navi must have caught wind of some information, which is why he's reluctant to let go easily," Atlas explained."What do you think it could be?" I asked.Atlas shook his head slowly. "It's hard to tell at the moment. We'll only understand the whole picture once we rescue Rory."I felt even more pressure. What exactly had happened to my dad? What made him suffer for 20 years?Atlas said patiently, "That's why I didn't want you to come. This game is unpredictable, but for us, saving your dad is crucial.""But can Xavier really help us?" I asked, feeling a bit worried.Atlas scoffed. "It's just a matter of each side getting what they want. Navi caused Xavier a lot of trouble over the years, and Xavier has been wanting to get rid of him for a long time. But Navi isn't someon
Downstairs, Atlas had already set the table, but I didn't see anyone delivering the meal.As soon as I saw the delicious spread, I felt invigorated, almost unable to control myself. I was eager to dig in right away.Atlas seated me and skillfully sliced the steak, placing it before me. I wasted no time and started eating. The lobster here was exquisite, and I indulged in its flavors.While eating, I looked at Atlas and asked, "Do you think it's possible to find clues about Gemma?"It had been a wish of mine to find my parents' biological daughter.Atlas shook his head. "It's hard to say since we're not insiders of Navi's organization. But I've already instructed Dylan to get close to the senior members around Navi. However, this requires careful negotiation, and we can't rush it, or it could be dangerous.""Is Navi's headquarters here?" He shook his head. "No, I just came back from there this morning."I caught onto something. "You've been there before?""Yeah. I went straigh
He had no choice but to compromise and left the room with me. Standing at the door, he pointed to several villas below. "Our people are staying there.”I glanced down, marveling at the beautiful surroundings. Each villa was perfectly spaced among the lush greenery. Our villa was relatively larger, with a sparkling blue swimming pool nearby. It truly was a leisurely place."Let's go see them," I suggested, leading the way down the path. Atlas happily followed beside me. "Arnold said he'd leave once I’m with you. I need to ask when he's planning to leave."Just then, Atlas's phone rang. He quickly stopped, and I looked at him, listening intently as he answered the call.He simply responded with an "okay," and I couldn't hear what was said on the other end."Good. Have someone keep an eye on things." Atlas instructed before hanging up.I hurriedly asked, "What's going on?""Navi left the main residence. It seems like he's meeting someone and planning something.”"What do you mea
Hana looked at her and asked her something in Cirencester's language, which I didn't understand.Anya lowered her gaze. "My home used to be here in Trestlewood.”In that instant, Anya's face darkened. I looked to Hana, who translated their conversation for me.I gently patted Anya's hand and said, "I'm sorry."Though Anya shook her head, her emotions seemed affected. She spoke softly and rapidly.Hana translated swiftly, relaying Anya's words almost as soon as she spoke them. "She says, ‘My family used to live in this city, and my parents ran a small business. My mother sold souvenirs and other items, while my father sold amulets. Though the business was small, we lived comfortably. My father loved us and often took us on outings.'"I kept my eyes on Anya's beautiful, innocent face, now tinged with a hint of sorrow.Anya's recounting seemed somewhat pitiful, and she was completely immersed in her memories. Her ability to recall everything from her childhood made me envious, as
As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I shouldn't have rubbed salt in Anya's wounds like that.Arton had already opened two coconuts, handing one to Hana and another to Anya."I'm sorry," I said sincerely.Anya shook her head. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she said, "It's not your fault, Mrs. Chloe."Then she continued, and Hana continued to translate for me. "It's because, one day, the person who robbed that crate of goods appeared before Navi and recognized my father."My father also recognized him, but he couldn't speak by then. He was mute, pointing at that person and trying to explain to Navi, gesturing and making noises. He wanted to tell Navi that the person was the one who robbed us and that he was innocent."At first, that person was nervous, but when he saw my father's condition, he became brazen. He accused my father of embezzling his money right in front of him."I shook my head helplessly, knowing the likely outcome.As Anya looked at me, I noti
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