I hadn't come down from the excitement of such a big event, so there was no way I could fall asleep.The scenes that had just happened in the Pierce mansion played out in my mind like a movie.I didn't know if those keys were what we had been looking for.I really couldn't wait to find out, but that would have to wait until morning.While I was thinking about that, my phone rang. It was Trinity.I hesitated for a moment. Just thinking of her made me automatically think of the Avila family.I unlocked my phone. "Hey, Trinity.""Are you in Nocturnia, Chloe?" she asked."Yeah. I've been here for a few days. I received sudden news that Grandpa was critically ill, so I rushed here without saying goodbye to you.""How's the situation? Is everything okay?" she asked."It’s fine. It was a false alarm," I complained.As I said that, even I was surprised. A thought flashed through my mind. Who was the mastermind behind this false alarm?Was it Grandpa or Celine? Why did I suddenly fe
Everything felt chaotic when I thought about it.If my guess was correct, what special significance did that brooch hold? It was truly intriguing to me.That involuntarily led me to think about Hana. She had never admitted to being part of the Avila family, so was it just a coincidence that she had come to me?It seemed it would be necessary for me to meet Hana and talk to her when I returned. She hadn't told me the truth last time.As I lay there lost in thought, I hoped I was just overthinking it. Perhaps I had been tossing and turning for too long. Finally, exhaustion overcame me, and I gradually fell asleep.In the middle of the night, a thunderous clap woke me up, but to my surprise, Atlas hadn't returned to our room yet.The wind and rain were raging outside. Although it was the rainy season in Nocturnia, thunderstorms were rare.The wind lifted the curtains high, and the chilly breeze blew in.When I got up to close the window, lightning flashed across the night sky, fol
My attention was drawn to a box on the coffee table. It was an open jewelry box containing the jade jewelry set I had seen Adeline wearing at the Pierce mansion yesterday.Atlas noticed me coming downstairs and pulled me to his side. When I sat down, he gently said, "You’re awake."I glanced at Tristan, who was sipping black coffee. "You're here early. Couldn't sleep last night?""Yeah. Got a lot on my mind," Tristan replied, looking tired.Atlas pointed at the jewelry set and said to me, "Keep this safe. It belonged to my grandmother."I was surprised. No wonder Atlas's demeanor had changed when he saw Adeline yesterday.So, that was the reason.Adeline was audacious indeed. She had boldly worn his grandmother’s jewelry in front of him, openly provoking him. No wonder Atlas couldn't stand it.Atlas's voice was cold as he continued, "This jewelry set is a priceless family heirloom of the Cross family. When my grandmother married my grandfather, the Cross family gave it to her a
I discreetly assessed the newcomer and I found him to be a gentlemanly and refined middle-aged man, accompanied by our little cousin who had saved us the night before, Melvin.Atlas quickly went to greet him. "Hello, Uncle."The man nodded. "I've come to discuss a few things with you, Atlas."Atlas nodded, walking side by side with the man into the study on the first floor.Melvin immediately approached me with a mischievous smile. "How are you, Chloe?"I gestured for him to sit down. "Please, have a seat. Have you had breakfast?""I haven't slept all night, so of course I need a hearty breakfast to replenish my energy. Do you have a sister, Chloe?" he suddenly asked, catching me off guard.He looked at me with a sunny smile and explained, "You're so pretty, so your sister must be just as lovely. Can I get in line early?""Watch your manners, Mr. Melvin," Dylan warned, noticing his flattery.Melvin glared at Dylan. "Mind your own business."Then he continued bantering with me
Although I was a bit nervous, I believed that Atlas would be able to open it.As expected, he reached out without hesitation and pressed the confirm button. With a click, the lock opened.I breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Atlas with joy. I didn't expect him to open it so easily. I didn't know if he was just too clever or if it was too smooth for him.The manager, Tris, and Dylan withdrew, leaving only me and Atlas inside. I knew that Atlas wouldn't hide anything from Dylan and Tris.A stack of somewhat yellowed documents was visible when Atlas opened the box. After a fleeting perusal through them, Atlas's hand stopped sharply, and his eyes brightened.He handed the documents to me, and I was also surprised. These were some mining approval documents. This meant that Louis and Rory had already made all the preparations for mining. It was a pity that they were just one step away from realizing their dreams.He then took a velvet bag from the box containing Louis's official s
Inside was a stack of folded, slightly yellowed papers. Atlas took them out and spread them on the table. There were six pieces in all, and the patterns resembled satellite maps.We glanced at each other. Six! These were the mysterious exploration distribution maps.In addition to the six maps, there were five deposit vouchers with large amounts. Seeing the string of numbers on each one, I almost couldn't believe my eyes. I was so stunned that I nearly let out a silent gasp.Louis already had so much wealth 20 years ago. It was simply unbelievable. Moreover, my father had never mentioned this money to us!I looked at Atlas and asked softly, "Did my father mention this money to you?"Atlas nodded. "He did. He said that my father had already prepared the funds for the implementation. But he didn't know how my father dealt with it.""Oh! So that's how it is!" I nodded."He was worried about being taken advantage of by Celine and has always been very worried. After picking him up, I
The following day.I couldn't sleep well because Atlas hadn't returned to the room all night, so I got up and went to Ava's room.She had already gotten up and finished washing.The moment she suddenly saw me, she exclaimed and rushed over, startling my mother so much that her face turned pale. She quickly pulled Ava into her arms. "My little darling, you must be careful not to bump into mommy's belly! Mommy can't hold you now, you know?"She blinked her big eyes and looked at my belly in confusion, appearing a bit aggrieved.I quickly squatted down and hugged her. I explained, "Just be careful. The little brother inside is still tiny!""Oh! How small is he?" She asked incredulously.I was speechless. How should I answer that question?Fortunately, she asked eagerly again, "Mommy, did Daddy say our home is coming back?""Yes! It's coming back!" I said it proudly. "Your daddy is very powerful!""Really? When will you take me back?" Ava exclaimed excitedly."It's being renov
When Lauren and I heard her words, we both laughed. "Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"Ivanna looked at me indifferently and said, "Don't you know from experience? And you say I'm exaggerating?""To be honest, I completely forgot about it while I was carrying Ava. After all, it's been five years. I find that I have some selective amnesia!" I said as we walked back to the living room.Ivanna sneered, "You're forgetting the pain once the wound heals! Can you really forget about this?""But it's not possible to remember all the details!" I argued, then pulled them to sit down.Lauren considerately opened her bag and said, "Come on! Let's eat and chat! Oliver bought the fruits at the farmers market. They've all been washed!""Farmers market?" I was a little surprised. I didn't expect the dignified tycoon to go to there. I teased Lauren, "It seems your tycoon also has a lively side!""Yeah! He goes there to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Nowadays, he's very keen on cooking!" Lauren sa