Stella laughed recklessly but soon understood that her attitude was inappropriate. She quickly restrained herself and nodded. She said, "That's right, you're returning home."I noticed a deepening mockery on Celine's face. I met her gaze unabashedly and asked, "Oh... by the way, shouldn't you reintroduce this Miss Stella to me, Celine?"I passed the ball to Celine, who was standing beside Atlas.When I saw Celine stifle a laugh, I said, "You’ve always treated her as your adopted daughter, and she even introduced herself as Stella, Rory’s daughter. I’ve been meaning to ask you, Celine, if she’s Stella, then... who am I? I didn’t know my father had two daughters."As soon as I said that, everyone turned to look at Celine.Atlas's hand had been around my waist all this time. When he saw me questioning Celine, he looked at her with apparent interest as he waited for her response.My question may have been too sudden. I had slapped Celine in the face with that question, and no one in
Celine’s face was filled with sorrow and distress."As the only surviving bloodline of the Pierce family, I had to shoulder the responsibility. Rory's wife passed away suddenly from grief, leaving two children in the mansion. As their aunt, I took over the care of the children and temporarily stayed in this mansion."I seized on the loophole in her words and asked, "Temporary?"She glanced at me, not responding directly, and continued, "It was chaotic at that time."Celine calmly recounted the events, and if I didn't know the whole story, I might have been moved by her kindness.Suppressing my inner anger, I maintained a faint smile, watching her continue performing.Meanwhile, everyone in the hall nodded and sighed intermittently, their eyes filled with admiration for her."Little did we know, that night, someone took Rory's daughter away during the chaos. It wasn't until morning that she was discovered missing, and the Pierce family immediately sent people to track her down. M
"Aunt Celine, your storytelling skills are truly amazing. You know the details so well, and everything is logically sound. Why do I feel like you are the mastermind behind this whole thing?" Her eyes swiftly locked onto mine before quickly returning to normal.She remained composed as ever. "Do you think we gave up investigating over these years? It's no coincidence. Later, our people found Clark's body, which finally put an end to any leads regarding Rory.”I smiled. This twist eliminated Clark, leaving me wondering how she'd react if faced with him again."Not long ago, there was news that Rory was still alive. Stella rushed to the scene to bring him back but was ambushed by ill-intentioned people, resulting in her getting serious injuries. Her leg still hasn't fully recovered."Her words were succinct yet captivating, completely changing the facts. Not only did she frame my father as the one who betrayed Louis, but she also portrayed me as an imposter.In her narrative, the r
The VIPs in the hall whispered and murmured, discussing the matter among themselves. Celine had successfully stoked their resentment, uniting them against me and even targeting Atlas because of my presence.Suddenly, someone voiced dissent, and a familiar voice rang out, "Are you Stella?"It was that impostor again. I knew she was about to add more drama to the scene.She limped forward and turned to Atlas, saying, "Atlas, how did Ms. Chloe become Stella? This is impossible."Her questioning immediately piqued everyone's curiosity once again. They were all eager to understand what was happening."Do you know her well, Ms. Stella?”"What's going on? Can you explain?""Speak up. Who is this woman? Is she really Rory's daughter?""Doesn't she know where Rory is?"Everyone urged the fake Stella, fearing she might conceal the truth out of embarrassment.She said, "I've investigated her background. She was born in a small town in the northern part of Foswood. Her father was an ordi
"What a compassionate soul."I glanced at Atlas beside me, feeling somewhat uneasy about him being subjected to ridicule alongside me. It was the last thing I wanted.Those 'elderly' figures who seemed rather dignified were particularly disdainful. They confronted Atlas, criticizing him for getting involved with a woman of unknown background and bringing her to such an occasion, thereby inviting shame upon himself.One of them even stated, "A woman of uncertain identity has no place here!”"Yes, they shouldn't allow such despicable individuals to enter this premise. She should be kicked out immediately.""Even if she truly is Rory's daughter, so what? Until the truth of the past events is uncovered, she shouldn't set foot in the Pierce family’s residence because they are sworn enemies."Once this mood was set, the atmosphere in the hall became tense.Atlas remained silent, but his hand on my waist continued to guide me. Earlier, when he pressured me to admit I was Stella, he was
The proposal immediately garnered everyone's support, and they all chimed in, "Then let Ms. Stella grace us with a piece."I glanced at the impostor, her innocent expression masking her malicious delight.Even Celine joined in, "That's a splendid idea."Of course, I knew the impostor was aware of my memory loss. How could I possibly play the piano?The crowd quickly cleared a path to the piano. As I gazed at it, it seemed exactly like the one from my recurring dreams.Everyone seemed to be waiting for me.Atlas's hand on my waist tightened. I looked up at him, and he gazed back, saying, "Don't worry, I'll play for you. It's been a while since I played for you."He must have wanted to shield me. He probably feared I couldn't do it.The piano used to be Stella's forte. Atlas once told me they won a piano competition together."Atlas!” the impostor cooed, wrapping her arms around Atlas's. “I'd like to learn from Stella’s piano skills. Don't ruin this for me, okay? It's been my dr
Atlas extended his hand, and we rose together. He embraced me emotionally, kissed my forehead, and tenderly said, "My Stella, you're finally back."I could only say it was instinctive.Actually, I never formally learned to play the piano after regaining my memory. Pianos were rare luxuries in the small town where I grew up.During the holiday after my junior high exams, when I could laze around at home before starting college, I would often hear the piano being played when I was at home doing nothing.The principal of the nearby school lived next door, and his daughter played the piano. I felt strangely excited whenever I heard her practicing in the corridor. I always listened intently and wanted to watch her play.Finally, one day, I got a chance to do just that.Her mother forgot her keys when she left the house that day. Since she needed the keys in the office, she wanted to ask her daughter to bring them over.But she couldn’t reach her daughter's phone, so she called my mom
They all looked at Atlas with apprehension, unsettled by his sudden change in expression. Celine quickly caught on, maintaining her peacemaker persona.With a rare smile, she preemptively spoke before Atlas could. "Atlas. It's been years since you last visited. Naturally, things are a bit unfamiliar to you now. “I just invited everyone here to reunite us all. Over the years, everyone has been busy with business, not to mention the upheavals in the Pierce family..."Her voice trailed off, sounding melancholic."The upheavals in the Pierce family?" Atlas's tone carried a hint of mockery, his already cold gaze turning even colder. "Indeed, the upheavals in the Pierce family were quite significant. Even those who are here have become traitors."Celine hurriedly interjected, "Don’t be rude. Everyone who’s here today are all dear friends of the Pierce family, and they all...""I don't see any friends here," Atlas snorted, cutting off Celine. "Every word they said to criticize us earli
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