Ryan pondered momentarily, a hint of disdain appearing on his gentle face. "It seems that Melvern is completely out of the picture. He was originally part of this plan and wanted us to take over the entire project. It seems that this second phase is destined for us.""Yeah, but these two collaborators are quite different." I smiled meaningfully.Ryan nodded in agreement. "Melvern really wanted to do this deal but Atticus outsmarted him.""Melvern was in a hurry to leave because he was afraid of being implicated," I said. "Atticus also took advantage of this. Otherwise, how could he be so confident?"Ryan nodded in agreement."Don't forget that when the designs were released, he told me in advance about his design intentions and asked me to follow suit. This shows that he was confident of winning." I concluded."Melvern probably didn't even think about it. Before he came, Atticus had already set him up." Ryan speculated."I can't say for sure, but one thing is certain. Atticus kn
Ryan noticed my silence and continued speaking. "After all, they chose Matthew to sabotage your position, and now they're regretting it. But they're unwilling to leave and keep staying around."I wouldn't mind accommodating them, but I didn't want to intervene. The crucial point is that they're skilled workers and haven't caused any trouble. They're quite hassle-free." Ryan then asked, "What do you think?"Hearing this, I couldn't help but smirk. "Do you think I'm the grudge-holding type? However, I also don't want them to think I'm too forgiving. Regardless, their return to Tanum is a step up," I stated firmly.Ryan didn't hesitate. "Then let's set the standards higher."I replied, "I can be accommodating, but I can't let them feel like coming back was too easy. I conduct myself professionally. Otherwise, it's unacceptable if they try to undermine me like they did when Matthew was around."Now, I can let it slide, but they shouldn't think they're invaluable. Matthew indulged them
"You're just a heartless capitalist. You're afraid I'll take too much time off. You just want to keep pushing me to work for you, right?" Ryan teased me again."There you go again. How could you say that?" I was immediately displeased and protested, "No... I've just been busy with personal business lately. Why are you acting like this?"Who you marry or have children with is your own business. Let me tell you, you're lucky to have met a girl like Joyce. She’s open-minded and tolerant. Who else would be so willing to wait for you? But you seem indifferent about her."He gave me a gentle glance, then said helplessly, "Am I that bad?""How could you not be? Can't you be loyal to someone who deserves it?" I exposed him bluntly.As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt like I might have gone too far."Are you saying you’re out of my league?" Ryan said self-deprecatingly.I chuckled contentedly. "Aren't I?""I guess. I’m practically invisible in someone’s eyes," he retorted sarcast
Ryan said, “The overall plan is ready. It's been on my desk all this time. When you come to work tomorrow, you can take a closer look. If you have no objections, we can use Old Bourdamun as a pilot project and replicate it like what we did for New Bourdamun. It could become a sophisticated system.""Great. I'm feeling positive about this. Atlas and I have discussed it, and he's fully on board. It's just that he's busy right now, so I don't want to distract him." I gave Ryan the green light."I'll have the Design Division draw up a plan to highlight the characteristics of Old Bourdamun and transform it into an ancient town. Retro-style things are in trend right now," Ryan said, getting excited immediately."Great minds think alike. The scale of Old Bourdamun is relatively small compared to other cities in the province, but turning it into a resort city that combines tourism, entertainment, leisure, and shopping would definitely be sufficient for this project. Plus, in the future, t
"You didn't tell me anything about bringing your dad back. There must have been some complications, right?" Ryan asked as we walked."Forget it. It's not something I can explain in a few words. It was dangerous, and our lives were on the line. We managed to bring him out at the last moment, thanks to Atlas's meticulous plan. It wouldn't have been possible otherwise." It still scared me when I thought about it.If Atlas hadn't brought Loak and his sister back, there would have been no chance of success at saving my father.Ryan looked shocked and asked in disbelief, "Was it that bad?”I nodded earnestly. "The entire rescue operation was challenging despite our careful plan. Involving Loak and Anya really made a difference. Atlas didn’t overlook any details. If it weren't for them..."I shook my head. "We probably wouldn't have found my dad.""He really is a good leader," Ryan said.As we entered the arrival hall, someone called out to me. "Mrs. Chloe!"I looked around and saw
Before I could fully think about the hidden meaning in Poppy's words, the large screen showed that Archie's flight had arrived. Ryan and I hurried forward.Not long after, Archie walked out. He was dressed plainly, wearing a mask and carrying a small bag as he strode toward the exit.Because of his status, he always kept a low profile when returning to Foswood.I greeted him with a smile as I approached, quickly taking the luggage from Archie's hand without saying a word so we wouldn’t alert the media.Ryan hurriedly took the luggage and walked ahead to unlock the car. Archie and I got in and drove away from the airport.Once in the car, I happily said to Archie, "What made you decide to come back today, Dad? We were supposed to go to Solaris tonight.”Archie took off his mask and looked at me lovingly. "I was worried about you traveling back and forth, so I came back. Besides, it's getting cold there. Our little girl isn't used to cold weather like that. What if she catches a
I scrutinized Grandma Rose beside me, my skepticism clear as I asked, "Did I hear that right? He said he was going to pick up Ivanna, right?"Grandma Rose nodded. "Yes, that's right.”I felt surprised. He was going to pick up Ivanna when Anson was here? What was going on? Had Jared already passed Anson's test?I couldn't help but gulp nervously, feeling puzzled.When Arnold saw my perplexed expression, he approached me and asked, "Hey! What's on your mind?""Oh, nothing," I replied uncertainly. "I was just wondering, since Jared's picking up Ivanna so openly, could it mean…”"Don't overthink it. Nothing can stop Jared if he wants to do something." Arnold dismissed my concerns with a glance.That was true. Jared would handle everything properly.I turned to Arnold, regaining my focus. "Are you heading back to Gerby tomorrow?"Arnold nodded casually. "Yeah, I’m catching an early morning flight.""Is it for Byron's trial?" I inquired. Arnold was dealing with that since Atlas wou
During dinner, Jared brought Ivanna back.Atlas brought my father into the dining room, saying he insisted on dining with everyone. He didn't look tired despite his paleness from a prolonged time in the basement. Now, due to excitement, his cheeks were slightly flushed. He was more accustomed to the night, as the ample sunlight during the day made him somewhat uncomfortable.Ryan and Ivanna went up to greet him. He sat with Archie, as they had known each other for years.My father was somewhat moved, and he said, "I never thought I'd have the chance to have a lively family dinner again."Suddenly, I thought of Atlas’s parents, who had both passed away. If they were still here, our family would be so happy together.While the elders were chatting happily, I quietly asked Ivanna, "Did Jared persuade Anson about this?”Ivanna glanced at Anson and whispered to me, "I suppose he agreed. But I wanted to tell you about this too. I have a feeling that this whole situation might be rela
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