Mia's response was well-founded.Even the shrewdest individuals would have considered that the Tomlinson family might want to leverage Arthur's influence, which was understandable since they would soon be family.Moreover, the Tomlinson family was already in business, and no one could say much about their true intentions.So, I was convinced that the focus of this shift was Mia, as she clearly stated that she was more interested in business.Just then, Arthur signaled something to the waiters, and the banquet began immediately with everyone taking their seats.Atlas came over to escort me, and Mia immediately stood up, "I'll excuse myself now. I need to attend to the guests."I stood up just as Oliver came over with a smile too."Oliver, are you feeling better?" I asked quickly. After all, Oliver was injured because of me."I'm much better now. Thank you for your concern." He took Lauren's hand, then asked Atlas, "Shall we go together?"The four of us turned, and Arthur waved
I wasn't sure if he referred to Arthur or Ernest.His large hand rubbed my head gently. "Take a break, sweetheart, and think about what midnight snack you'd like to have. That's the real deal.""I just ate. Do you think I'm a pig?" I scoffed. "I can't move after eating."He chuckled at my comment. "Do pigs look as beautiful as you?""I consulted the doctor. At this stage, your body consumes a lot of energy, which is crucial for the baby's development. You need to make sure you're getting all the nutrients. You won't gain weight because our baby is absorbing all the nutrients," he explained."You're too knowledgeable, Dr. Atlas." I rolled my eyes at him."Nutrition is essential for the baby's development. This is the time when the brain grows. You wouldn't want our baby to be a little dumb, would you?" he teased me."Our baby must be smarter than me. He needs to win in life from the start.”"Just because you know so much, you talk like you've given birth yourself. How could my c
I instantly became much more awake as the voice came through, clear and devoid of warmth. "Atlas. Come back as soon as possible. Your grandfather is critically ill. This might be your last chance to see him.""Okay." I heard Atlas reply in a simple yet firm tone without any hesitation.All my drowsiness vanished immediately. I guessed that the caller was probably Celine.Atlas didn't say much and hung up the phone promptly."Was it Celine?" I asked Atlas, feeling a bit nervous. "What did she say?""Yes. She said my grandfather is critically ill," Atlas's expression turned cold, and his eyes narrowed in thought."Could it be true?" I asked in doubt, then checked the time on my phone. It was early morning in Nocturnia."Hard to say, but regardless, I'm going back. Normally, she wouldn't dare not to inform me about such matters, considering the public opinion," Atlas's tone was calm but decisive."What should we do? Should we take the early morning flight back?" I looked at him. "
I quickly packed a few changes of underwear and two formal dresses, leaving everything else behind. I'd grown accustomed to Atlas’s lifestyle while living with him, which made travel arrangements very straightforward. His wardrobe was always available wherever we went, eliminating the need for luggage.At this moment, I couldn't help but think about how grateful I was for Ryan. The ability to slip away whenever I needed made life so much easier. I also appreciated my parents' devoted care for Ava, ensuring my peace of mind when I was away.Suddenly, I remembered my conversation with Ryan yesterday about urging his family to come to Foswood soon. Ryan’s wedding was around the corner, but yesterday's rush had made me forget that crucial task.With my luggage packed, I pushed it out and sat on the sofa, contemplating my recent distractions. Whenever this happened, I felt sorry for Ava. I resolved to spend quality time with her once everything had settled down, perhaps after the b
Faced with my daughter's inquiries, I could only try to reassure her. "Mommy will be back as soon as possible.""You always say that, but you keep coming back later and later!" Ava's emotions instantly surfaced as she pouted. Her gaze lowered and she looked extremely upset."I’d never lie to you. It's just that some things don’t go as smoothly as we imagined, which delays my return home," I patiently explained.She suddenly looked up, and I noticed that her eyes were glistening with tears. "But I don't want you to keep going on business trips, Mommy. I'll be lonely.""How could you be lonely?" I was sympathetic, but amused by her statement. "Don't you have Jenny, Grandma, and Grandpa to keep you company? How could you be lonely?""But they're not you, Mommy. I want you, Mommy." Ava's tears finally fell, rolling down her cheeks.I quickly reached out to embrace her, feeling a pang of guilt. I understood her loneliness."Alright, I understand. We'll try not to go on so many busine
At the dining table, Atlas briefed my adoptive dad too, saying, "I'll discuss the lab with you when I return. But I've already arranged for people to start building the lab, so there's no need to worry.""I’ll wait for you to return. There’s no rush." He seemed a bit emotional.I noticed my mom's expression freeze for a moment. My adoptive dad might not have told her about that yet. But since Atlas was here, my mom didn't ask about it.My adoptive dad probably hadn't expected Atlas to start building the lab for him.After breakfast, we still had time to spare before our flight. Atlas told me he wanted to visit my father in the annex and discuss something with him.I nodded. "I'll go with you. I'll check on Loak and Anya too, and let them know where we’re going."Atlas nodded, and we headed to the annex together. He went to visit my father while I went to see Loak and Anya.I knew Atlas must have had something important to discuss with my father, since my father would have some t
After saying what needed to be said, Atlas held my hand and we left my father's room as he watched us leave.After we changed our clothes, my mom stood at the door to see us off. She seemed hesitant, which made me feel a pang of sadness.I knew she must have been reluctant for me to leave for Nocturnia. I went to hug her. "I'm leaving the house and Ava to you, Mom. I'll be back as soon as possible."Her head rested against my chest as she nodded. "Be safe and don't worry about us. I’ll be here to take care of everything.”Her words touched me deeply and resonated with me."Alright. Take care, Mom. I'm leaving now." After saying that, I let go of her. "I'll be back soon."We got into the car and left the villa for the airport.On the way there, I called Ryan’s parents to ask them to come to Foswood as soon as possible to help Ryan prepare for the wedding. The news made his parents ecstatic, and even I was infected by their excitement.When we arrived at the airport, we went st
He sensed my hesitation and gently patted my hand, saying, "That was exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. No matter his attitude, you need to remember that you’re the future female head of the Pierce family."His words moved me deeply."And the Pierce family now is not the same as the Pierce family back then. He is my grandfather, but he's just an old man with blood ties to me. My respect for him is limited to that of an elder."Atlas said that with a serious tone, showing that he was sincere.He continued, "Besides, he has no special privilege or authority over me. He has no right to influence any of my decisions. So, you don't need to care about his attitude."I really hadn’t expected Atlas to say that about his grandfather.He lifted me up, saying, "Let's have dinner. The food on our plane is pretty good. You should try it. Maybe you'll feel like sleeping after eating.""True." I laughed, teasing him. "As the lady boss, I can fire anyone if they don't do their job well
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