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
My tone came off as clearly dismissive. Atlas pinched my cheek. "Seems like you're trying to get rid of me. You’re a wild girl, aren’t you?”I smirked. "Come on, you said you had something to take care of. I can't just tag along and bother you, right?”When he heard me say that, he had no choice but to let go. "I'll make sure to come back for dinner with everyone."He looked at me affectionately and raised an eyebrow before turning and leaving.I cursed under my breath, "Can't he tone it down? There’s so many people around."As soon as he left, I turned to Anya, bending down to get her attention. "You're the tour guide. Let's go get some fresh air."Sure enough, she wiped her tears and smiled. "Okay."I couldn’t just stay cooped up in the room. The beach didn’t appeal to me much, and although the seaside here wasn’t as tranquil as in Foswood, it was better than doing nothing.Plus, I needed to keep Anya occupied so she wouldn’t dwell on those tragic memories.Hana asked Anya
I glanced back occasionally, but couldn't see anything suspicious.Arnold noticed me looking around and softly asked, "What's wrong?"I averted my gaze and said, "Nothing."I stopped worrying about it after a few glances with no hint of trouble. After all, a 'professional' soldier was trailing behind us. He couldn't possibly miss any shady characters. When we reached the clothing market, Arnold frowned and said, "We shouldn’t buy any clothes here.”When Anya heard Arnold's comment, she suddenly seemed to remember something. She stuck out her tongue, looked at me, and said, "Mrs. Chloe, I... I forgot."She seemed eager to express herself, but couldn’t seem to remember the words for what she wanted to say.Hana communicated with her for a moment, then looked at me and said, "She means she forgot that the clothes here are too cheap."I glanced at Arnold and said to Anya, "It's okay. Let's buy a set as backup. It might come in handy, right?"I had noticed that the local girls her
Anya was stunned by the sudden turn of events, and I shouted, "Anya!"Arton reacted quickly too. He dropped what he was holding and grabbed Anya, running toward us.The lobby erupted into chaos. People scattered in all directions, screaming and ducking for cover. Some even fell to the ground.I dared not look back, but I could vaguely sense gunfire behind us, aimed at us.Arnold pulled both of us with him and ran toward the bar, where the back entrance would lead to a safe passage.But just then, Arnold stumbled, his body jerked, and he suddenly let go of my arm. I was flung away by the momentum and fell to the ground. I heard Hana exclaim, "Arnold!”I quickly looked at Arnold and saw that he had been shot in the upper arm. He ignored his injury and pressed Hana against the wall behind the bar. Then, he reached back to grab my ankle and pulled me toward him, hiding us behind the bar."Arnold, you're injured!" I shouted. He shielded me, extending his injured arm to protect us. Th
The group stood stunned, gazing at the handsome man before them as if he were a god descended to earth. Then, they reacted to Atlas's words, quickly getting up and rushing outside, leaving only a few of us behind.I suddenly shouted nervously, "Arton! Anya!"As I called out, Arton responded, "We're here!"Following the sound, I saw Arton protecting Anya, emerging from behind another part of the bar.When I saw they were unharmed, I collapsed into Atlas's arms in relief."Thank heavens," I breathed out.He patted my back reassuringly. "It's okay. Don't be afraid.""Arnold is injured." I quickly looked at Atlas. "We need to take him to the hospital."Hana was squatting beside Arnold, holding his injured arm.Arnold looked at Atlas and asked, "What's going on? Whose men are they?"Atlas didn't answer his question. He barked an order at his men. "Take him to the hospital immediately!"Arnold tried to get up. Hana and I helped him to his feet."There’s no need for that, it's jus
When my hand touched him, he suddenly fell, and I exclaimed, "Arnold!"As I hugged him, he smirked at me mischievously.I was exasperated. "You scared me to death. How bad is your injury?"Hana looked at me and said softly, "The bullet just grazed his skin.”Arnold joked, "See? What did I tell you about me being lucky?""I can’t believe you're still joking. If anything happened to you, how could I face Archie?" My voice trembled."He still has you and Ardie anyway. What are you worried about?" he shrugged."Nonsense!" I glared at him. "You and Hana should go back and rest properly tomorrow. It's too dangerous here. You shouldn't stay.""You’ve only realized how dangerous it is here now? I warned you about this before we came. Didn’t you believe me?" Arnold's tone was serious. "Would I have been injured if you had listened to my advice?"His words made me even more uncomfortable. "That's why I want you to go back. And Hana, no matter which Avila family you’re from, I won't allo
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