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
Anson let out a bitter smile and sighed. "To be precise, he became part of the Huffman family when he was only eight."They were from out of town. We didn't even know where their hometown was. I rescued him from a car accident, which was truly horrific."I was surprised. "A car accident?"Anson nodded. "Yes. The other party was in a car, and they were a family of three on a motorcycle. The force of the collision caused the child to fall into the river below the bridge.“I quickly had my men jump in and rescue him. His parents, however, died on the spot. The scene was simply unbearable."As Anson spoke, he sighed weakly."If he hadn't been rescued in time, his life might not have been spared. After he woke up, he couldn't remember anything and just cried incessantly."He was terrified, seriously ill, and stayed in the hospital for a long time. He didn't like to talk, either. When he saw me, he suddenly grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go, looking like he wanted to cry. It was hea
I nodded in agreement."The Huffman family lacks culture," Anson admitted frankly.It dawned on me why he regarded Jared differently. Jared was both scholarly and martially adept, yet also strong-willed.Anson continued, "But I overestimated him. He picked up vulgar habits from those underlings but behaved obediently in front of me. Some of my trusted men saw through him, and though I was aware, I didn't allow them to gossip."He was never cut out for studying. He caused trouble at school and those around me, eager to curry favor, covered for him. Eventually, he became unruly."I lectured him several times when I caught him, and though he seemed repentant, he never truly changed his ways."So, I sent him to Bermuda to test him. The environment there is like a touchstone. If he couldn't control his desires here, he would be even more reckless elsewhere. Sure enough, it proved true."Anson sighed heavily, shaking his head incessantly."What exactly happened?" I asked, curious abo
It had been a while since I'd properly worked, so I arrived at the office early the next day.To my surprise, Carol was already there, tidying up my office. When I entered, she exclaimed, "Chloe, you're back? I missed you so much!""Yeah, I'm back." I stepped in with a refreshing smile, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders."Did everything go smoothly?" she asked, then chuckled. "I guess that's a redundant question. I can tell from your expression that things went well.""You're sharp. Bring me the proposal for old Bourdamun that Ryan prepared. I'm back to work properly this time."As soon as I said that, I realized it might be too early for me to be sure of that."Oh..." I coughed awkwardly, trying to cover up, "Um... I'll have to leave again on Wednesday."Carol looked at me with a knowing smile. "Do you have to go to Gerby again?""How do you know everything?" I glanced at her and nodded. "Yes, I have to go again. Good things must be seen through to the end."Carol gave
I hung up the call, and at this time, Carol walked in, holding a stack of documents. I thought they were piled-up files, so I asked her, "So many? Didn't Ryan handle them?"Carol looked at me and asked, "Don't you need the development plan for old Bourdamun?"I nodded. "Yes."She waved the stack of documents in her hand and said, "These are it.""Oh?" I exclaimed in surprise at the documents in Carol's hand.Seeing my expression, Carol chuckled, "I've reviewed this plan. Chloe, it's incredibly creative. The plan and budget are precise and reasonable. This is what a plan should be. You'll know once you take a look."I took the documents and said, "Hold a mid-level management meeting in an hour. I've been away from the company for so long, and I want to know the current status and progress."Most importantly, I needed to study the recruitment plan, bring in those people as soon as possible, and ensure everything was in order.I asked Carol to call Atticus and arrange lunch togeth
“The police are pretty certain she’s still in the country and hasn't surfaced yet,” Atticus said when I inquired about Liora.“But didn’t they say someone else took her? Could they still be in Foswood? Why haven't they been caught after all this time?” I asked skeptically.“Her follow-up case hasn't been closed yet, and they're still investigating. It's tough.” Atticus gestured to the food. “Let's talk while we eat.”I picked up the cutlery and asked, “You mean the prison situation?”“The kid belongs to Felix. How could he run away with his brother? Franklin has been in court for many years, and Liora has given him plenty of opportunities. Their relationship has become an important chain, so how could they escape?” Atticus scoffed. “I'll make sure my people find something on them. Besides, they have a deep bond, so there’s definitely something fishy going on between them.”“Have you done your research?” I asked.He smirked. “I won’t let anyone who offended me off the hook.”I ga
"Everything’s ready. We've ironed out the details, signed the contract, and we'll start construction next week," Atticus said happily."Why are you in such a rush?" I looked at him. "No wonder you were in a hurry to find me.""Once construction starts, I'll have to go to Celestis Island. The project there is also important to me. Competition on Celestis Island is fierce, and there's no room for mistakes." Atticus emphasized the importance of the project on Celestis Island."Looks like you have a major project every year," I praised him sincerely."You're not bad either. You've risen to the top. Has the project in Solaris been finalized?"I was surprised by his question and realized he knew everything, even about the project in Solaris."Yeah. The preliminary work has been finalized." I didn't hide anything from him. Since he had asked a question like that, it meant he knew the details.We discussed some details of phase two of the project in San Cosbech. Since it wasn't our firs
I nestled in his arms, pouting. "I don't want to burden you too much.""But this is a special time for us. Our little one is on the way. That makes my responsibility even heavier. I won't shy away from it. Plus, I’ll support whatever decision you make."When Atlas said that, he was serious, leaving no room for doubt."We've been handling the Chandler family business from start to finish, so we can't miss this final trial. It's not just about supporting Beatrice. We also need to wrap up our affairs properly. That's how we can achieve a perfect ending to this chapter."His words moved me deeply. He spoke not only to relieve my burden but also to ensure I knew about his unwavering support. "And there's a third reason too. I've already confirmed the grand opening ceremony for Arkadia Plaza in Gerby on Saturday. We can't miss it, no matter what." His reasons were undeniably compelling.I was overjoyed and threw myself into his arms. "I knew it. You'd never blame me. You're the best h
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