I was a bit stunned, but I grasped her meaning. She suggested that once Loak fully recovered, she would take over caring for my father.Anya quickly explained, "I've taken care of Mr. Rory before. I can handle it, and I want to take care of him."Grateful, I squeezed her hand and nodded. "Of course. When Loak gets better, you'll look after him, but you still need to keep up with school."Anya nodded earnestly. "I will."Loak, though still pale, smiled sincerely."Let's take a moment before going in. Don’t exhaust yourselves too much. I’ll just go in and check on my dad first,” I informed the doctor.Then, accompanied by Lauren, I entered my father's room. He was already awake, with a nurse checking his blood pressure.As he saw me enter with Lauren, he greeted her with a smile, "Hello."Lauren quickly walked to the bedside. "Hello, Uncle Rory."After the nurse finished, I gently rocked my father's bed. He sat up slightly, looking at us."Dad, this is my best friend, Lauren. S
My father thought for a moment. "Your mother did have a family crest—a brooch. Your mother carried it to commemorate her time in the Avila family.""Oh? Do you know where it ended up?" I couldn't wait to ask, thrilled that this family crest actually existed.My father shook his head and sighed, "I don't know. I never saw it again after your mother and I parted ways."His voice choked up as he spoke about it.Coming back home, he mainly reminisced about my mother. I suppose that was his greatest emotional wound. He returned, but his beloved was no longer with him.That kind of pain must have been unbearable. So, every time my mother was mentioned, he would tear up slightly.I pressed further. "So, where did Mom usually keep her jewelry? I mean, when you were together?""Your mother wasn't fond of jewelry. I think she avoided them to avoid putting pressure on me. After we got together, she knew I was struggling financially, so she rarely wore jewelry. That brooch was part of a set
It had been a while since I last contacted him, so there must be something important he wanted to tell me. I quickly answered the phone. "Mr. Fred."He got straight to the point. "Mrs. Chloe, I've moved to Bourdamun." "Is everything sorted in Solaris?" I asked in surprise. Even though we hadn't seen each other in a while, moving in just two months was quite fast."Everything's sorted. I did everything according to your plans,” Fred said simply. "I didn't even touch the personnel. Only one senior technician came with me.""Oh? Then what about your work?" His words made me anxious.Tanum, coupled with the projects in Solaris, was significant. If anything went wrong over there, I couldn't compensate for it."My projects are all large-scale. The amount of material needed is huge. If anything goes missing on your end, the consequences could be unimaginable," I emphasized, feeling the gravity of the situation.I started to feel a bit anxious, wondering if I had guided Fred onto the
I turned to my father, initiating a conversation about the Myers family's situation."This eldest son, Fred, is a practical and capable person. But after his mother passed away, his father remarried and had a younger son named Hugo. This younger son grew up spoiled by his mother."When his father couldn't manage things anymore, Fred took over the factory. He ran it well, with excellent quality and high output. He quickly became a leading figure in the industry, and no one can surpass him."To be honest, I really admire Fred's qualities. Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen to work with his company back then."But as this younger one grew up, he became envious of his successful elder brother. Plus, his mother was pushing him, seeing the factory as a treasure to go after.”"It's similar to the Pierce family," my father said."Listen to the rest first," I said. "The younger brother knows the limit to his abilities, so he wants to reap the benefits without doing any real work. He's not
My father noticed my contemplation and knew I was seriously thinking about what he said. "You need to understand how to mitigate risks when undertaking significant endeavors, Chloe. Indecisiveness leads to chaos."I nodded earnestly at my father's advice.Louis might have compromised on this in the past, and he had paid for it.My father didn't continue but instead said, "Get the nurse to take me out for some fresh air."I quickly called the nurse. Since I was pregnant, I couldn't afford to be reckless. Atlas wouldn’t even let me carry Ava anymore.As the nurse wheeled my father to the garden to see George, I returned to the foyer with Lauren.Lauren looked at me. "It seems your dad really sees through to the heart of the matter. He's right. This issue does need to be addressed at the root. Otherwise, it'll always be a problem. The best strategy would be to ensure that our supply remains intact, and it’s also our responsibility to do that.""I've actually had this idea and discu
Certainly, Atlas had played a significant role in this.Back then, the Beringer family had also contributed significantly to Atlas's persistent efforts to locate me.I only learned today that Archie's career had been on the rise back then. Louis and my father had paved the way for him, providing unwavering support and serving as his backbone, ensuring a smooth journey.Despite the Beringer family's prestigious reputation, their business had actually shrunk over the years.The three of them had sworn to be brothers in private long ago, with Louis as the eldest, Archie as the second, and my father as the youngest.That fact had remained unknown until today when Archie mentioned it at dinner. In fact, only my adoptive parents and I hadn’t known about this.Atlas had long known the inside story, as did Ardie and Arnold.So, my parents felt a little uneasy, and they definitely felt like outsiders.But at the family banquet today, Archie, in his capacity as the eldest, sincerely than
He quickly reassured me. "You're overthinking things. Come here and let Nick explain it to you," Atlas said, pulling me down to sit beside him and glancing at Nick.Nick adjusted his posture and looked at me, explaining Atlas's intentions in detail.Although I understood what Atlas was trying to do, I still felt uneasy. I looked at him and said, "But isn't there still a 'what if'? I won’t allow you to have this 'what if' situation. I'm just a simple woman who wants to live a peaceful life with our children. These things mean nothing to me."Atlas smiled contentedly, hugged me tightly, and teased, "Is your vision that limited? If you don't want this, then what do you want?""I..." I wanted to say, 'I just want you,' but we had an audience.I glanced at the other three people in the room."I understand what you’re thinking. I won't leave you. Don't forget, I searched for you for eighteen years. It was hard to find you, so how could I bear to part with you again?" His tone was tende
Atlas quickly lifted me up and took me to the bed in the rest area, looking at me tenderly, "You've worked hard, my dear."I glanced at him scornfully and snorted, "You’d better work hard, or I might replace you."He chuckled at my words, climbed into bed, and lay down beside me. He caressed my belly as he said, "Of course, honey. From now on, I’ll be your full-time employee. I'll do whatever you say.""Cut it out. I just want a simple life without all this wealth. Having so much money is exhausting. Spending it requires effort too," I said truthfully. I finally understood how Atlas had become a rich man when I signed those documents today. He was involved in many industries, and everything he did had gone well. That was how he had the capital to maintain his position as the king of the business world.With a heavy heart, I asked, "What percentage of ownership will we have once the BZ plan is launched?""Two-thirds," Atlas said confidently."Two-thirds?" I sat up abruptly, repe
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