"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
"I've gone through it, and I've reaffirmed a few points with them. It's a solid plan that’s worth investing in." He confidently endorsed the proposal.His assurance took me by surprise, and I looked up at him. "Are you serious?""Yeah. It's a promising project with a long-term strategy and considerable returns, so it’s definitely worth the investment. It's not often I come across such innovative ideas. I've even increased the investment by five times and expanded the scope of the plan," he confirmed."So you're not just investing in Bourdamun but expanding to the neighboring cities as well?" I probed further, feeling a surge of excitement and determination.I wanted to delve deeper into the conversation, but he interrupted by pinching my nose gently. "Exactly. But for now, we need to get some sleep."With that, he guided me back into his arms and turned off the lights.Although the idea of increasing the investment by five times, as suggested by Atlas, had me excited, the thought
Theo walked over with a smile. "We're all Beatrice’s classmates, so we wanted to be here for her at a moment like this. We need to show her that she’s not alone and we’re here to back her up."If Ivanna hadn't told us about this, we might have missed it. Everyone I could call is here."Ivanna looked at me proudly and said, "We missed out on rescuing her, but we can't miss out on supporting her now."As I was about to say something about Jared, Ivanna interrupted me."Are you only going to let your husband take the high ground?" she protested disdainfully. "We have to step up too."Everyone looked at the two of us. They knew that our marriages weren't completely public, but at the last reunion, everyone had met Atlas and knew he was my husband. But even though they knew Ivanna was pregnant, nobody knew who her husband was.Ivanna didn't care, and she had no plans to make her relationship public, but she couldn’t escape scrutiny this time.Sure enough, as we were talking, Jared st
Upon arriving in Gerby, Arnold came to pick us up. Since our arrival time was uncertain, so I didn't notify Beatrice.As we left the airport, Ivanna asked me, "Chlo, why don't you see Beatrice by yourself? Everyone's idea is that you accompany her tonight. After all, you must have a lot to talk about with her.“Also, the trial is tomorrow, and she wouldn’t be in the mood for socializing. We'll meet her at the court tomorrow and give her a surprise.""Then I'll have Arnold arrange for someone to take care of you," I suggested to Ivanna.Arnold immediately said, "Let Alvin handle it. He's from Gerby and knows his way around. Just tell him what you need."Theo quickly added, "Don't bother. We're here to accompany Beatrice, not to cause her trouble. I can handle everything here since I'm quite familiar with this place.""It’s alright. It'll be convenient to communicate anytime too with Alvin around," Arnold said, then immediately called Alvin, who promptly agreed.We got into the ca
She nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm planning to recruit some young talent. This will bring more vitality to the company. I've also consulted with them, and they all agree.""Right now, Gavin is helping me streamline our client base and rigorously screening them. Anyone with a bad record is eliminated without exception. To be honest, I'm quite satisfied with this process. I've learned a lot," Beatrice said sincerely."Now I feel a bit more relaxed than when I first took over. I'm not in a panic anymore." When she talked about the company, there was a hint of confidence in her expression."What about your personal life?" I asked her."I've brought back all the seniors from before, and they’re like family to me. I've adapted to everything,” she replied succinctly.She was avoiding the real question."What about Finn?" "Yeah, he comes to see me every day. He’s very attentive to me," Beatrice said.I then asked, "How would the Russell family be dealt with?"Beatrice paused before saying,
The next day, a huge crowd gathered outside the courthouse to witness the trial.Many media reporters were conducting interviews, and people demanded severe punishment for the Chandler family. It seemed that Byron had angered the citizens of Gerby.As the car waited to enter the courthouse, I overheard an elderly citizen being interviewed. He passionately said, "Byron is insane, and he does not even spare his own daughter. What kind of person is he?"Upon hearing this, I couldn't help but glance at Beatrice. Her face remained pale, and she appeared calm. Sensing me looking at her, she clasped my hand with her cold one.The powerful voice from outside continued, "Mr. Elijah, the ex-CEO of Keller’s Dairy, was a remarkable person. He's our pride in Gerby!”The old man was indignant, and his words garnered approval from the surrounding crowd."I'm 60 this year, and I’ve been drinking the milk produced by his company for decades. This esteemed man, who has safeguarded the health of Ge
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Gabriel waiting outside amidst the crowd. At the sight of our gathering, he hesitated and quietly slipped through another entrance.The courtroom was packed to the brim, with every seat occupied and people standing silently at the back. The Bullocks, the Chandlers, the hospital staff, and others were among the crowd.We were directed to our designated seats.When Byron, Jocelyn, and Hazelyn were escorted into the courtroom, I felt Beatrice's body tremble slightly before she relaxed again.I embraced her, offering support. Finn wrapped his strong arm around her as well.Byron, now with his once jet-black hair shaved short and turned white, looked noticeably thinner and worn out. Gone was his former arrogant demeanor.As he entered the hall, his eyes scanned the room, eventually locking onto Beatrice's face. His mouth opened, and his gaze was filled with complexity.I sensed Beatrice take a deep breath, resolutely withdrawing her gaze and fix
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