The words were tantalizing, but who did he spend time with today? The thought made me chuckle bitterly.What right did I have to interfere with his choice of company? How often had I been oblivious to that? How could I possibly know?“Why are you laughing?” His patience was wearing thin.“Enough, Mr. Atlas. I wouldn’t dare ask you to keep me company.” I pouted. “A mere commoner like myself wouldn’t dare!”Truly, I wouldn’t dare. He wasn’t mine to claim, and I had to give myself a reality check. I was recently divorced and involved in legal disputes.What right did I have to compete with anyone? Thinking about our relationship left me even more perplexed. Who was I to him? Still, seeing him with another woman caused me unexpected pain.Did my feelings grow too fast? Had I rushed from one chapter of my life into the next? I felt heartless.Atlas asked, “Why the sudden silence?” “What would be appropriate for us to talk about?” I asked softly, looking at him.“Ask whatever you
I thought the situation with his cousin had been resolved, but I soon found myself face-to-face with her.On Monday, Ryan officially joined the team. His presence gave me a boost of energy, as if he had lifted half of the weight off my shoulders.As a show of trust, I gave Ryan a detailed account of Tanum Corporation’s entire development process, including how it had been hollowed out.He even playfully referred to it as my second venture.On Tuesday, I went to ATL Empire for a meeting. Atlas’s cousin was there instead of him. She looked stunning in a pantsuit and came to our project meeting.Throughout the meeting, her gaze remained locked on me, making me uneasy.It was not until the meeting was over and Carol and I were walking out that she called, “Ms. Chloe!”I turned around and saw her approaching with a cheerful smile. “You’re Ms. Chloe, right?”“Yes, I’m Chloe Hartz!” I nodded, extending my hand in a friendly gesture. After all, this was ATL Empire, and I needed to main
I immediately shook my head. Forget it. I shouldn’t be too ruthless. Matthew’s cruelty didn’t mean I had to retaliate in kind.We had once been a married couple, and even though we had divorced, bitterness was unnecessary. Let the bridges burn. There was no need for a fight to the death.I found myself deep in contemplation. My mindset became more balanced with Ryan’s help at the company, and the previous resentment gradually faded away. Instead of fighting with Matthew, developing my business seemed more worthwhile. He might have bitten me, but I didn’t need to bite back. After all, he was still Ava’s dad.He hadn’t gained much from me, so stepping back would be better. However, I didn’t expect Matthew to back me into a corner.Over the next few days, one problem after another came up. Just as we were about to start our project, he left me with no option. What was the point of the project without these supplies? He was pushing me to the edge.Since Ryan took over Tanum Corporat
I was surprised Stella invited Atlas to join us.“He might be late since he went to Operose. He’s on his way back now, so we don’t have to wait for him to start eating,” she casually explained, “I impulsively decided to invite him. Atlas called me and asked what I wanted to eat, but I told him about our meal. You don’t mind, do you?”I replied, "Of course not!"Although I said that, I felt uneasy. I felt I wasn’t telling Stella the truth when I said I didn’t mind. Still, I couldn’t tell this sincere and harmless girl that.“That’s good,” she said, handing me the menu, “I ordered a few dishes since it’s our first meal together. I don’t know what you like, so please choose.”Her warmth made her more approachable. It differed from our first encounter when she seemed more indifferent and arrogant. I remembered how she glanced at the other diners the other day. Her expression was a significant contrast from her current one. She seemed like two different people.I chose dishes from the
I glared at Melanie through the mirror and said, “You’re like a ghost that haunts me. What are you trying to pull now?”“Hahaha! You’re so shameless, Chloe. He already has someone special in his heart, and you’re tagging along to their dinner? Did you forget you’re a divorced woman? Do you think you’re worthy of a wealthy man?”“That’s not for you to decide. I advise you to be kind for your unborn child’s sake,” I retorted while taking a paper towel to wipe my hands.As I turned to leave, Melanie realized I wouldn’t entertain her. She stood in my way, saying, “I’ll see how long you can keep this up, bitch. Sooner or later, you’ll be crying your eyes out.”When she said those words, Stella entered the restroom. She saw my and Melanie’s confrontation and stood beside me. Stella grabbed my arm and asked, “Ms. Chloe, what’s happening?”Her eyes darted between me and Melanie.Melanie gave Stella a once-over and then smirked. “Hey, gorgeous. You should be wary of the women around you.
I slumped onto the couch when I got home. I was exhausted as I gazed at the ceiling, thinking I was wrong to assume everything would go smoothly after divorcing Matthew. Despite my efforts to move forward, I felt trapped.I didn’t know what Matthew and his “allies” aimed for. Beside them, it seemed an unseen force was pushing me to move. I doubted whether my previous decisions were correct.It was good for the company to have projects, but I also felt tied down. I couldn’t turn back, even if it meant facing tremendous challenges.My mom must’ve heard me and realized I hadn’t returned to my room, so she quietly came downstairs. Her heart ached when she saw me looking so tired. She sat beside me, saying, “You look exhausted.”I smiled bitterly and nodded. "Yeah. Mom, why do we have to grow up?" I asked softly.My mom stroked my hair gently. "It’s a long journey, and you must learn to stop and smell the roses.”“Tanum is my dream and the result of my hard work. Although it’s undergo
I could only hear Atlas’s breath on the other end. Finally, he said, “You’ve been causing trouble for me for a long time now. What should we do about it?”I tensed up and tightened my grip on the phone. Atlas’s words caught me off guard, and I asked, “W-What do you mean?”"You should give yourself to me," he said playfully.I found him ridiculous. We were discussing something serious, yet he started joking with me.“Y-You’re…” I wanted to refute but switched to a more severe matter instead, “Did my contract affect your career? If that’s the case, I’d rather not take it.”"It's too late," he said, "So, you only have one option, and that is not to disappoint everyone's expectations."My body trembled as I gulped. After a while, Atlas whispered, "Are you asleep? Do you want to see me?"My mind went blank, and a longing surged within me. However, I restrained my impulses and changed the subject, “You’re going on a business trip tomorrow, and it’s too late now…”I couldn’t continue.
On the way to the office, I went through all of Tanum Corporation’s employees in my mind. I didn’t believe I had made a mistake keeping a traitor in the company. After all, those who stayed had a history with me.I wondered who among them would conspire with Matthew. Indeed, he was cunning as he played this endless game with me.When I reached my office, I called Atlas. I wanted to confirm Johnson’s information, but Atlas had already turned off his phone. It seemed he was already on the plane. It was just as Johnson said. Those suppliers were causing a commotion.Meanwhile, I stayed behind to manage the company while Ryan negotiated with those suppliers. It gave us an advantage since Matthew was observing me, not Ryan.Ryan left with the information I had provided, and only I knew his whereabouts. Not even Carol knew.There were unfinished projects when I took over Tanum Corporation besides the ones Matthew moved. These suppliers caused a commotion about those projects, demanding
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