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
As the old man named Johnny basked in his glory, Atlas's clear voice cut through the air."That doesn't mean you can leverage the close friendship between the Burnett and the Pierce families to act like you’re in charge here and point fingers at me. Do you think you're entitled to that?"Atlas's words stunned everyone. No one expected him to rebuke Johnny so harshly.Johnny was taken aback. Glaring at Atlas, he gulped several times before finally spitting out a word. “You!”"You did everything for your own selfish gain. You caused your own brother to be paralyzed so you could be the head of the family, and you joined forces and formed an alliance with Celine! “You manipulated public opinion, colluded with shareholders, and pressured my dad to relinquish control of Pierce Corporation. Have you forgotten all that? Did you think I didn’t know? Or is it that you simply don't think much of the Pierce Corporation?"Atlas launched a barrage of questions, each more relentless than the l
"Your wife? Her?”Adeline exuded an aura of authority as she stood across from me. "What kind of woman dares to come to the Pierce family’s residence and act so arrogantly? Your wife? Pfft.”She snorted and turned to Atlas. "This woman's background is unclear. Even if she is Rory's daughter, she has no right to be part of our family until Rory has been cleared from suspicion of betraying Louis.”People behind her echoed her sentiments, showing extreme disdain.Adeline raised her voice. "Do you think I’m dead? How could I ever allow a divorced woman whose scandals are well-known by the entire town to be part of this family?”She glared at me, and her words immediately ignited my anger."You're not dead, but you can't claim to be the head of the Pierce family.”I stood tall, full of confidence. "I married Atlas lawfully, which makes me Atlas's legitimate wife. Who do you think you are to meddle in our affairs?"I finished my retort and strode to the main sofa in the hall, taking
The crowd was shocked and wasn’t sure where the sound of someone being hit had come from.The old hag wailed hysterically. "How dare you hit me?"Everyone looked at Adeline and saw her holding her face on the ground. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and her face swelled visibly.Adeline was used to being in charge, so she refused to back down. She glared at Tristan, screaming, "Murder! This is murder. You're all witnesses. That scoundrel dared to attack me, rebelling against authority. Atlas, you...""Didn’t we say you should stop talking?" Tristan took another step forward, frowning. "You deserve this punishment.”Tristan's movements scared Adeline. She trembled on the ground."Atlas!" Celine shouted angrily. "You've gone too far. I tried to help you connect with our acquaintances in Nocturnia and solidify your influence here. And yet, you repay me like this."She glared at Atlas. "Regardless of whether you admit it or not, I’m still your grandmother and an elder of
The crowd’s curiosity was at its peak. They were holding on to every word, eager for more juicy details.The plot twists left everyone curious and unwilling to leave. After all, Atlas’s words held a lot of weight.“What are you up to? Don't forget your identity. As the head of the Pierce family, you shouldn't..." Kevin was starting to panic.I felt a rush of satisfaction. It seemed like this plot twist was about to get even juicier."You're right. I am the head of the Pierce family. From today onward, everything in the Pierce family is under my command. I won't spare a single penny of the Pierce family's wealth. I have no reason to support anyone from the Ellis family anymore."The hall erupted into chaos."What does this mean?""Who is he talking about?""Is he referring to Adeline? No way, right?""Quiet down and listen."Everyone in the hall was stunned, their eyes fixed on Adeline and Celine.Just then, a high-pitched, angry female voice rang out, "Kevin, what does he me
As Tricia's hand hovered close to Atlas's body, his cold glare pierced through her, causing her hand to freeze mid-air. She looked lost and desperate, pleading, "Mr. Atlas, please spare the Ellis family! Don't do this..."Her previous arrogance disappeared completely. If I hadn't witnessed her earlier display of insolence, I might have felt sorry for this girl.Kevin immediately crumbled. He looked at Atlas, seated regally on the sofa like a victorious emperor returning from battle. "You little scum! How dare you trick me?”"Anyone who dares to meddle with the Pierce family will face my wrath. Kevin, the Pierce family has been investing in this case for 20 years. It’s time for us to receive our gains." Atlas said to the disheveled Kevin, "Are you satisfied with tonight's banquet?"“You—” Atlas's cold gaze cut off Kevin's angry retort. "Since my father passed away, there’s nothing I can’t do. A businessman must always make a profit.""Guards!" Celine's furious shout caused ch
Before she could reach David, he suddenly lifted his cane and poked it into her chest."You wretch!"Adeline cried out in pain, immediately clutching the area where David had just struck her. With a grunt, she knelt before David.She looked at David sorrowfully, overwhelmed by his chilling aura. Her swollen face made her look even uglier, and the dried bloodstains at the corner of her lips highlighted the sinister horror of her face. Yet, her eyes radiated with a stubborn viciousness."Do you really think I am so foolish that I would believe your lies?" David asked."Dad..." Celine took a step forward. Don't listen to what they say. I've worked so hard for the Pierce family all these years.”"Dad?" David chuckled sarcastically.Celine took another step forward, looking pitiful. "Dad, I've managed Pierce Corporation diligently all these years, and I've never been disloyal to you. You're the only father I acknowledge.""Really? You've taken control of Pierce Corporation, yet you’