I looked at Lauren, trying to gauge her thoughts. She had no doubt about the accuracy of this information."We might not be able to touch Echelon Group, but Matthew is another story." Lauren smirked. “Your divorce is driving him crazy. Can he bear to watch you gracefully move on? If he gains power, the first person he'll crush is you!""You're absolutely right. He's already causing chaos with suppliers, leaving me no peace," I sighed."So, are you just going to let him get away with it? Is there still hope for Tanum Corporation?" Lauren looked at me intently. "Whether or not you consider me your friend, when it comes to Matthew, I'm on your side."I lightly patted her hand. "Thank you!"However, revealing my background and details of Tanum Corporation wasn't appropriate, so I only said, "I won't let Tanum Corporation crumble under my watch!" Then I asked, "What's going on with the ATL Empire? Why all the upheaval?" She was as savvy as any businessman and had a keen understandi
I kept my cool and looked at Josh. “How has it been these past two days?”“Hey, don’t even get me started. These guys are no pushovers. They look at every detail, and I have worn out my mouth trying to explain that these are Matthew’s accounts. They kept bugging me, saying they only deal with Tanum Corporation!”“You’ve worked hard, Mr. Josh,” I said, appearing to trust him. “Any ideas on how we can make them see reason?”“Ms. Chloe, if you ask me, Matthew’s not a real man. He should accept the court’s decision. What’s the point of all this?” Josh shook his head. “We should focus on our negotiations with suppliers. You need a plan because the project is about to start!”“Yes, you’re right. In the worst-case scenario, we can subcontract the project on hand. It might mean earning less, but it’s a safer bet,” I said, looking at him helplessly. “Do you have any suitable candidates?”Upon hearing my decision, Josh feigned regret. “Are you set on this?”“What choice do I have? If Matth
The phone call was from Ava’s teacher, informing me that Ava’s father had picked her up. It threw me off. Why on earth would Matthew suddenly decide to pick up Ava?I hurriedly dialed Matthew’s number. The once familiar digits now felt strange and cold. It rang for a long time before he answered, his voice filled with tenderness. “Honey!”I was furious. “Matthew, what are you doing? Who asked you to pick Ava up?”“Honey, calm down. I just missed our little girl. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, and I couldn’t wait any longer!” His words sent shivers down my spine. Although he talked sweetly, there was a hidden menace to it.Could he really miss our daughter?“I’ve told you, don’t call me that. It disgusts me. Where are you?” My eyes were red with anger, and I shouted into the phone.“It’s out of habit. You’ll always be my wife. That won’t change in this lifetime!” His tone was gentle, and I was sure it was deliberate. He said, “Relax, I’m at Snow World.”After hanging up
Ava leaned into my arms, clutching me tightly. She looked at him, forgetting to continue eating."Chlo, do not be so hostile to me! I never meant to hurt you. Isn’t it wonderful, the three of us together?" He shamelessly declared, "Have you noticed Ava's change? She’s not as chatty as she used to be."He looked as if he were questioning me, as if it were all my fault."Can't you compromise for the sake of our child? ATL Empire has changed hands. Your support is gone. Do you still want to persist?" Triumph filled his eyes.My heart churned. I clenched the small spoon in my hand and looked at him. "What then?"Ava's little hand tightened around mine. She was afraid that we’d start arguing. I let go of the spoon, embracing her tightly. I reached out to stroke her head. "Mommy's here!""Let’s go back to how things were. You can live in the house, and I won't take your money. But you must send your parents back, and I expect you to be home on time. I want to be with you and our child!
Matthew continued, “We have nothing to worry about if we join forces. We’ll dominate Foswood’s construction industry. What do you say, honey?”“Keep dreaming, scumbag! You’ll never have my support again. Karma will catch up to you.” I couldn’t stand that disgusting man. I picked Ava up and looked at him. “Next time you want to see her, call me!”“Chloe, you’ll see the results in about three days. I’ll be waiting for your mind to change. Think about Ava, and stop being so stubborn,” Matthew revealed a sinister smile as I walked away, “I’m waiting for the day we reconcile, my dear wife!”I held Ava close as I rushed out of Snow World. My body trembled, and I felt like I was about to explode angrily. Ava sat in the child's seat, looking at Snow World’s entrance. I hugged her as tears rolled down my cheeks. I tried to wipe away my tears so my daughter wouldn’t see them.After regaining my composure, I forced a smile and said, “Mommy will take you out for some nice food, okay?”She loo
When Josh passed me the suppliers’ payment reminders the following day, I secretly got Carol to select a few representatives from the companies on the list and match them with the collected information.Then, I told Josh to notify all suppliers of a response meeting at Tanum Corporation next Monday.Josh seemed puzzled. "Ms. Chloe, what's your plan for the meeting?"I noticed his eagerness and asked smilingly, “Mr. Josh, what do you think would be the best way to resolve this situation?”He chuckled, not entirely understanding my intentions. "Ms. Chloe, I'm not sure I follow. You're being quite mysterious.""Haha!" I laughed heartily. "As if you've ever understood me!"He joined in the laughter. "That’s true!""I've got you figured out," I teased him.He blinked, appearing a bit nervous.“Don’t worry, get back to work. I have ideas you can trust,” I reassured and dismissed Josh from my office.Although reluctant, he realized I didn’t care to continue the discussion and left.
I couldn’t shake off my loneliness amidst the lively atmosphere. While the crowd discussed and speculated who the new CEO would be, I considered Matthew’s information. He said something about the son of ATL Empire’s chairman.My face grew numb from smiling and exchanging pleasantries with old clients. I just wanted the conference to end as soon as possible. After all, coming here was about confirming the inevitable.I felt small, lonely, and powerless amidst the crowd. I wanted to escape back to my small hometown to live a peaceful life with my daughter and parents.Finally, the moment arrived. Someone took the stage, and the audience gathered around. I followed the crowd with my heart pounding and fists clenched. I never expected ATL Empire to hold such significance in my life.Matthew stood beside me again, and I silently cursed him. I wondered why he still stuck to me like glue, even after getting what he wanted.Various speeches and formalities occurred on stage. It resembled
When Monday arrived, I had many matters to handle and people to meet. When I reached my office, I noticed how quiet it was. I even wondered if I had got off on the wrong floor.Despite the dark circles around his eyes, Josh knocked and entered my office with a smile. “Ms. Chloe, will the meeting start on time today?”"Of course, why wouldn't it be?" I replied while observing his expression. I couldn't help but wonder why he was so excited.He said, "Great, then I’ll inform the rest.”I entered the large meeting room at ten o’clock. People were in a heated discussion, demanding I settle accounts today.Before the meeting, I invited Adrian to come. After taking over Tanum Corporation, I signed an engagement agreement with him. He was my personal lawyer and the company’s legal counsel.Josh was presiding over the meeting, trying to ease the tension among the crowd. When he saw me, he introduced me to those present. I glanced at the people in the room, who looked like they were glari
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