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
I faced the suppliers fearlessly while maintaining my composure. “Everyone here had contracts with Matthew. Each payment and the obligations of both parties were clear. Do you think those contracts are just pieces of paper?“Each contract and payment was complete. Shouldn’t you approach Matthew if you face payment delays? Didn’t he pay you all?”Someone shouted, “There are still many outstanding payments!”I scoffed. “You dare to admit they’re outstanding payments? Why are you here to ask for them now? Do you need to beg for money because you’re tight on finances? How have you done business for so long with this attitude?!”I turned to Carol, who handed me a stack of documents. I slammed them on the table, causing them to slide everywhere.“Do you think you were so perfect? You all cut corners and compromised quality for your contracts with Matthew. Should I bring the developers in to discuss this or report it to the relevant authorities for investigation?“Maybe I should invite
I then met with all my employees and told them the farce was over. As for Matthew, I was sure he and Echelon Group were too busy to target me. To be safe, I called Lauren and asked her to look into the company. I needed precautions to know how to act in the future.Lauren impressed me with her ability to gather information. She was good to me, and I trusted her.However, I was still reeling from last night’s shock. Although Carol was all smiles, I felt troubled. I called Ivanna that afternoon and asked when she could get off work. She knew something was up and agreed to meet up.I got some beer after work and met her by the river. When she arrived, she exclaimed, “What a lovely spot!”She then went to her car and changed into long pants. We drank while sitting on the riverbank. Being my best friend, Ivanna knew I was troubled.She asked me about Atlas. Seeing that I was silent, she admitted, “I don’t think you’re right for each other. You live in different worlds, and even if