"She’s just stating the facts. We're in this mess because of her. She blatantly disregards business rules and has no integrity whatsoever. If people like her stick around in this market, we might as well quit.”"We're all barely making ends meet, trying to solidify our market share. Especially now, we should stick together to maintain a harmonious market order. People like her aren't here for real business.""Exactly, she's just disgraceful!""Look at her, trying to dominate here, rallying these thugs. What's her game?"The crowd grew more infuriated, shouting louder.I gave a cold look at Andrea. She was visibly flustered across from me, and I asked, "Is this what you call malicious competition?"Andrea immediately pointed at the surrounding crowd and shouted, "Shut up, all of you!"Then she turned to me, pointing, "Chloe, who do you think you are? You’re just a cheap woman relying on a man's authority. How dare you talk back to me?"As she ranted, she shouted at the men aroun
I exclaimed in shock, "Carol!”Carol, upon hearing my exclamation, suddenly turned around and froze in place. It was too late to dodge, but just as the bat was about to strike her, Tristan grabbed another hefty man in the nick of time.The man was flung out and crashed into the man wielding the bat. With no footing, both burly men fell heavily to the ground, emitting a muffled thud.Carol jumped aside in astonishment, watching the two men tumble to the ground. Then she gaped at Tristan.Even the onlookers were surprised by Tristan's actions. Nobody could understand how he, with his slender frame, effortlessly knocked down the two hulking men. It was evident how powerful his force must have been.Andrea was also stunned by the scene. She covered her face, watching the rolling men on the ground, then pounded her chest in anger. "Useless! What are you all doing? Just watching them fight? Hit them! I'll show you who's boss today. Get them!”The men seemed to snap out of their daze, c
I smiled knowingly at Eleanor. I knew Aidan very well. He had been in this market the longest. Back when I was just starting out in business, he was already making a name for himself, running the largest store here.Aidan was protective, loyal, and had a good reputation, making him more suitable and influential than Eleanor to lead this matter.Kicking them out wasn't a solution without concrete evidence and involving contract issues. We needed to uncover the facts and have everyone join forces in filing complaints.After everyone dispersed, Eleanor pulled me back to the small office in our store.She looked at me and said, "Chloe, thanks for your timely arrival, today wasn’t a disaster. While I can repair the store if it's damaged, I can't handle her constant trouble. Since they moved into the market, it's been one problem after another."I can't directly approach the market management. After all, this market belongs to ATL Empire. If Tanum's store gets into trouble, it reflects
I figured Julius was an opportunist. His words to Eleanor were likely just a front.Maybe he wanted to leverage the influence of Andrea’s family for himself."Julius used Andrea's family's support to start a lime factory in the area. He got to know the construction industry while running sales. Later, he gradually got into floor tiles. But wasn't it because of this kind of pestering that Julius..." Eleanor glanced at me but didn't finish."Don't make excuses for Julius. Eleanor, everyone walks their own path. Since you've escaped that mess, don't entertain thoughts of him anymore.“If he binds you with such methods, it shows he's not worthy of being your partner. You'd better realize that." I was straightforward, knowing Eleanor's past.Eleanor blushed and nodded earnestly. "I understand, Chloe. I won't let you down. Since the day I left Surface Solutions, I've been determined not to be fooled or used by anyone.""Eleanor, determination is good, but letting go of thoughts about h
I looked at Eleanor and smiled as I said to Aidan, "Then please take care of each other. I'm busy and can't always come here, so I'll leave Eleanor to you all. We old friends must get along well.""Hey. Don't say that. She not only focuses on your own sales but also brings us a lot of business. It’s mutually beneficial, so we all can't just watch her being bullied. “That woman is simply a troublemaker. With our joint effort this time, we'll drive her out. You can rest assured," Aidan said enthusiastically, showing that Eleanor had a good reputation in the market."In that case, I'll be relieved. I have other matters to attend to, so you guys continue your discussion." With that, I pushed Eleanor lightly. "Don't send me off, and just get back to work."Eleanor smiled at me and Carol as we left, then turned back to attend to her duties.As I stepped out of the store, I couldn't help but think that perhaps Eleanor would manage this largest building materials market in Torado in the
I also firmly believe that Ryan was truly valuable to me. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to have his own accomplishments overseas.His mother was a great mother-in-law too. She pulled Joyce over and remarked, "Joyce is the best. She’s reasonable and understanding, unlike those materialistic women. She's not only excellent at work, but also very virtuous.""Exactly!" I quickly agreed.In this regard, Joyce was truly exemplary. After all, although she was of Etrian descent, she had grown up abroad, and she had a different mindset from other girls in Zydan.I was very grateful that Ryan had met Joyce.Time passed quickly, and if Carol hadn’t reminded me to go see the little one, I would have forgotten.After buying some snacks and toys for the kids, I knocked on the Reese family’s door again.To my surprise, Charlie was running around the house. When I walked in, he froze on the spot, staring at me blankly.Then, he abruptly dropped the toy in his hand and staggered toward
My heart felt content as I saw the relieved smiles on the faces of the Reese family members."Yeah. I have him doing quality inspection now, and he's doing a great job. Actually, it's a tough job," I said truthfully. I looked at the little one. "He can’t even spend time with little Charlie every day.”Carol chimed in. "I went to Bourdamun with Mr. Ryan a few days ago. We saw him, he's doing well. He knows the quality standards inside and out.""Yeah. He's changed. He’s really different now. He wouldn't even speak before, but now, he's so respectful to us old folks. It's all thanks to you, Mrs. Chloe." Donovan sighed."Don't say that. You don't know the love of a parent until you have a child, right? Besides, he wasn't really bad. He was just a bit rebellious, which led him astray. “It's a good thing he's back on track. After all, he has a son now." I looked at the little one calling me mommy with his face upturned toward me. "He's a lucky star. Look at how cheerful he is.""I us
In the garden, bathed in golden sunlight, my mother's white dress took on a golden hue. She looked ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful against the backdrop of the rose-purple water lilies.As she stood up and looked at me reluctantly, she told me she had to leave and asked me not to forget the tallest tree.Feeling sad, I rushed toward her, but she had already turned decisively and left, disappearing into the golden sunlight.I wanted to call out but couldn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t move to catch up with her.I reached out to grab her, but a black mist enveloped everything. The figure suddenly turned back, looking at me with a grimace and uttering in a low growl, "You will regret this!"It was Celine. I was startled and shouted, "No! No! No!"I sat up abruptly, but a pair of large hands lifted me up. In my scattered gaze, I saw Atlas's mesmerizing face.He lovingly pulled me into his arms, soothing me gently. I closed my eyes, recalling the dream I just had."
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