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
He called and said he’d return to Foswood on Friday. Although he had been gone for over 20 days, he only called me three times. He told me over the phone that the trip was fruitful, and I was relieved. Atlas only gave me a little over a week to complete the task. Ever since Atlas went to Quillbrooke, I had only seen him at the press conference from a distance. He hadn’t called me since his return, and I didn’t want to disturb him.After meeting a client, I spotted Stella coming out of Galar Tower.She was excited to see me. “You’re back, Ms. Chloe!”I asked, “Were you looking for me?”“Yeah. I was at E-Times, so I stopped by to ask you out for lunch. So much for trying to surprise you.” Disappointed, she let out a gentle smile. “Hey, I wanted to treat you the other day, but you weren’t around. Come on,” I said, gesturing for her to get into my car. I took her to the restaurant that Lauren and I went to. Although Josh and Melanie spoiled my appetite back then, the food mad
Something felt off. Stella reached for a wet wipe and cleaned her hands before saying, “He always says I’m his cousin.”“You’re not?” I felt uneasy, thinking that Atlas had lied to me. “Technically, I am. But I was adopted,” Stella said, smiling at me. My heart skipped a beat. So she’s not blood-related to him! Not again. I waited for her to continue. However, I regretted being indiscreet. Atlas wouldn’t have told me she was his cousin if we weren’t close, would he? “My mom is Atlas’s aunt. She’s a strong woman and the former CEO of ATL Empire.” Stella wiped her slender fingers meticulously. She did everything perfectly. Even her fingernails were flawless. “Former CEO?” I murmured. “Yes, my mom used to run ATL Empire. She had only just handed over the company back to Atlas.”Wait a minute. Hadn’t the power struggle lasted for quite some time? Was it between Atlas and his aunt?If so, why would she give up control of the company? On what terms? “Hand it back?”“ATL
I was flustered when I saw his name. I wasn’t going to pick it up, but my finger slipped and I hit the answer button. “What took you so long?” I rolled my eyes at his commanding tone. Getting no answer, he asked, “What’s the matter?”“Nothing…”“You don’t sound happy hearing my voice,” he said. “Should I be happy?” I asked. Happy that he finally thought of me? Come on.He said, dissatisfied, "I haven’t heard from you. Don’t tell me you didn’t know I was back.” “Hey, did you check your phone? Don’t assume it’s my fault, alright? Also, why should I keep calling you? People gossip about divorced women all the time. You should stay away from me, shouldn’t you?”I caught myself sounding upset because he hadn’t called me. Just as I wanted to explain, he hung up. What the hell was wrong with this man? Why did he have to hang up on me all the time?I nearly threw my phone away. How could he not even say goodbye?Two days later, Ryan returned to the office. I almost couldn’t r
This was the most joyous dinner ever since I moved here. My parents hadn’t laughed so heartily in a long time.My dad even drank a can of beer. I was worried, but he insisted it was okay. After dinner, Ryan stayed with us for quite a while before he got up to bid farewell. I offered to give him a ride home, as the apartment unit he rented wasn’t too far from my place. As we walked to my car, Ryan asked, “Would you like to take a walk? I’m too full, and you can tell me what Josh did.”I said yes, and we walked out of Amethyst Apartments. I brought him up to speed. Since I brought Ryan into the company, I considered him my partner, so I didn’t want to hide things from him. My phone started ringing in my pocket, and I took it out to see who the caller was. It was Atlas.I rejected the call, continued our walk, and talked about the company. That was what we had in common.The phone rang again and Ryan looked at me. “Why don’t you answer it?”I smiled and did so. Atlas’s voice ra
Atlas brought me to the resort again, but he strode away alone after getting out of the car. I mumbled, “He was stalking me, yet he acts like I’m wrong?”The driver exited the car and whispered, “Ms. Chloe.”I stopped and looked at him. He glanced at Atlas, who had walked out of earshot, and said, “Mr. Atlas had a busy week, and he rushed back from Operose just to meet you. He hasn’t even had dinner—"“Hurry up!” Atlas’s voice startled me.The driver quickly shut up, wanting to say more but couldn’t. Meanwhile, I realized why Atlas was upset and felt terrible. Then, I nodded at the driver and chased after Atlas, softening my attitude.After entering the room, Atlas walked toward a sofa and removed his jacket. Immediately after, he stopped to look at me, and I collided with him. He pulled me along and then pinned me to the sofa.He kissed me passionately, and I couldn’t breathe. I felt a trace of anger in his kisses. After a long while, he stopped and stared at me, asking, “Did yo