My adoptive father, George, who had been silent all along, suddenly asked, "Were you the one who received the child from Navi?"Clark turned to look at George, squinting slightly, while Atlas urged in a sinister tone, "Speak!""Yes." Clark nodded, "That's how I got to know Navi.""How old was the kid? Do you remember any distinguishing features?" He seemed eager and involuntarily took a step forward.I knew he was trying to find out about where Gemma was."It was a girl. She was young, around 8 or 9 years old. There was nothing particularly distinctive about her.""And what happened to that child afterward?" I asked."She... she is now Ms. Stella," Clark said naturally.I glanced at Atlas.Stella again? But why had Atlas said the test results proved she wasn't Gemma?"Are there any other girls around Celine?" I asked."I don't know." Clark glanced at Atlas, then quickly continued, "She never let me get close to her inner circle. She only entrusted me with minor tasks and dea
Clark continued, "I sensed something was wrong. She didn’t trust me anymore, so I secretly took my son out and kept him close to me. After all, he was still young, and I was afraid that Celine might harm him. Her usual tactic was to use him to control me."I tilted my head, murmuring, "What a perfect scheme."Clark looked at Atlas and said, "I knew that if I handed him over, she would have no use for me. So, I tested the waters..."Atlas looked at him expressionlessly, his gaze icy. "Go on."Clark turned to my father. "I told Celine you had escaped. That was when you constantly wanted to flee. When I tried that, I found out that she really wanted me dead."I had no other choice and nowhere to run. She sent her spies out everywhere to hunt me down. In the end, I had to seek refuge with Navi."I didn't know anyone else at the time. But even if I did, no one would have dared to shelter me. But Navi was different. I knew what he was capable of. He was ruthless and he wasn’t afraid of
When my father heard Clark's question, he looked at him mockingly. "Yes, we do. It's a secret that would fulfill all your desires overnight, and it’s something you couldn't even dream of!"A glimmer of hope shone in my father's eyes like a halo of imminent achievement."But someone like you doesn’t deserve to know this secret. You’re destined to be nothing but a clown, a lowlife who lives in the gutter forever!”With that said, he looked at Atlas. "Get him out of here."Clark immediately knelt up, looking at my father. "Rory, I did everything. Spare my son. He...""We can’t forgive him either. He harmed the people I love. This will be the last time you two will ever meet," Atlas said calmly."Don't get cocky. When I'm gone, my son will grow up and never let you off the hook," Jarvis shouted furiously."Too bad you don't have a son anymore," Cane said icily."What do you mean? Say that again!" Jarvis struggled, looking at Cane angrily, demanding, "What did you do to my son? Tell
Cane nodded, "It’s absolutely true. We were watching that kid all along, but he was reckless. His mother couldn't control him, and he was disrespectful. Plus, he had a history of addiction since he was eleven."His words shocked all of us.Cane sneered, "This was all Clark's fault. After he got in touch with Navi to protect himself from Celine's retaliation, he tried to send Jarvis to Navi. Once Jarvis was there, he fit in perfectly. It was as if he had found his calling."Clark didn't hesitate to join the trade for money. He hid the drugs at home and even used his son as cover during occasional sales. Over time, that brat’s curiosity led him to try it, and he ended up addicted. Things spiraled out of control from there."My father sighed. "The father and son have met their karma. They're paying for their sins now."After leaving the cave area, Atlas led the two fathers around, explaining the situation here. It was as bright as day despite it being night time.Both my fathers loo
We had watched Cane burn the notebook at Navi’s base, so how did we still have it?Atlas smirked. "I wouldn't actually burn George's life's work, of course. We burned a replica. We just made it look old."Oh."You still have it? That's great." My dad couldn't contain his excitement. "That’s fantastic, but it wouldn't be a loss even if it had been burned. All that data has been deeply ingrained in my mind. Besides, there's a lot of unpleasant stuff in there. We’re better off without it.""You're mistaken, George." Atlas countered. "I want to develop an antidote against those toxins. It's a promising venture and an urgent global project.""Do you have any ideas?" George asked immediately."I do. Several top research teams across the world are working on this, but there hasn't been a breakthrough yet. Your data and formulas are already in a leading position. If we succeed, it'll be a project that will benefit humanity and rescue those people. You'll be remembered throughout history.
Atlas was genuinely frightened. Seeing that I could still move, he immediately carried me out and gently placed me on the bed, his large hand resting on my waist. "Does it hurt? Hmm? Tell me if there's anything wrong. Don't hide it!"I relaxed a bit and took a deep breath before shaking my head. "I think I'm fine!""Did you slip?" he asked, looking at me."Yeah! It was close!" I looked at his anxious, handsome face and smiled. This man was genuinely attractive; even his nervous expression was charming.He quickly fetched my nightgown and gently helped me put it on. Still uneasy, he asked, "Should we still go to the hospital just in case?""It's okay, I didn't fall, just twisted a bit." I pulled him back to me by grabbing his already upright body. "Let's check tomorrow, and it's about time for a prenatal checkup.""Are you sure you're not uncomfortable?" He nervously looked at me and kissed me lightly. "It's my fault. I won't let you shower alone next time.""I'm fine. I want to
I had trouble falling asleep after thinking that. I had to go to the company today. After signing the second phase of the Rivendell project with Atticus, I didn't have a chance to discuss things with Ryan.I needed to plan. I decided to go with Atlas if he wanted to return to Nocturnia to see his grandfather.Even if his grandfather didn't want to see me, I wanted to go with Atlas. After all, the allure of that home in Nocturnia was too strong for me.Everything there was described to me by Atlas, but I had no memories of it at all. I always hoped to return there. Perhaps it would trigger a memory.People who hadn't experienced this couldn't understand the feeling of missing a piece of memory. It felt like leaping across a void, and suddenly, I was back to when I was fifteen.Every time Atlas described those scenes to me, it felt painful. Those ten years were exactly what I wanted to remember because it was the sweetest and happiest!There was my real mother there. My entire chil
I stood there dumbfounded, looking at everything in the bathroom. For a moment, I thought I had entered the wrong room.A new material made explicitly for children's restrooms, anti-slip boards with granular massage particles covered the entire bathroom floor.I felt incredulous. I didn't know what had happened while I was sleeping.Atlas gently wrapped his arms around me from behind. His large hand rested on my abdomen and softly asked in my ear, "Do you like it?"As I turned to face him, a sensation I had never experienced began to surge in my body and spread throughout my heart."When did you do this?" I asked softly, a bit coquettishly. My heart was utterly captivated."I couldn't let the danger of last night happen again. Jim bought this. He wanted to install it in the bathroom for our daughters. I did it last night so you wouldn't slip again!"I was startled and asked, "Are you saying, Ava and the others' bathroom was also installed?""Yes! I can't just take care of the m
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