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."
Atlas had once mentioned to me that he was the most outstanding man among the younger generation of the Avila family and wielded considerable military and political power in Yare. That, coupled with his relationship with Trinity, only fueled my curiosity further.Before long, the doorbell chimed, and when I glanced outside, I saw that Tristan had already escorted them to the door.Atlas approached with confident strides and swung open the door, welcoming Trinity inside first.My gaze remained fixed on the towering figure beside her.He was tall and robust, seemingly even stronger than Atlas. His tanned skin exuded a masculine allure.His features were strikingly handsome, with a square face typical of Yare's men. Thick eyebrows framed his intense, deep-set eyes, and his straight nose and broad mouth gave off a rugged charm.Trinity, who usually had a cold and fierce demeanor, appeared delicate and charming standing beside him, completely devoid of her usual sharpness.No wonder
The waiter brought us drinks, fruits, and some grilled meats.I guided Mia to the small living room where the rest of us ladies gathered, while the gentlemen indulged in drinks.Since their arrival, Ross and Atlas had been talking nonstop.Ivanna glanced at Trinity and remarked, "No wonder you've softened and become more feminine. Looks like your boyfriend is quite the charmer."Trinity shot Ivanna a look. "Are you interested again?"We all turned to look as Ivanna replied nonchalantly, "Don't flatter yourself. He doesn’t suit me, and I know what I want. Jared is enough for me, and I’m unwavering to the end.""That's quite the personality. No wonder Jared is so committed,” Trinity commented."I love hearing that I've got charm too. But..." Ivanna deliberately trailed off, looking at Ross. "Your man, though...""What about him?" Trinity asked Ivanna."He's better for you than Jared," Ivanna exclaimed breathlessly. "Jared suits me perfectly."As soon as she said that, we all bu
Mia looked disdainful and scoffed, "Hmph. There was a life-and-death situation between the two of you, wasn't there? Yet you're pretending like nothing happened?"Both Lauren and I were left speechless. These two were a team now, going against all of us. But everyone seemed happy about the outcome."You know about that?" Ivanna asked in surprise. "She apologized to me yesterday."That smug expression of hers was asking for trouble.Sure enough, Trinity looked at Ivanna with a cold glare. "Do you have any class left or what? Do you want me to make a formal statement in the media? Would that balance things out for you?""No need for that. Your apology yesterday was enough." Ivanna puffed out her chest proudly.Mia couldn't help but laugh. "You're really something. It's the first time I've heard of Trinity apologizing to anyone""I did apologize. She's right." Trinity immediately confirmed, "I'm absolutely sincere about my apology, both of them can testify."She pointed toward me
Lauren's words stirred a sense of unease within me. Could Mia also have an interest in the old Bourdamun?As this thought emerged, I swiftly turned back and glanced at Mia. I couldn't help but wonder if her potential interest in the old Bourdamun could pose a problem for me.After all, I had meticulously planned out the entire project for the old Bourdamun, and construction for the two cities adjacent to it was about to commence. If Mia harbored any intentions regarding the old Bourdamun, it could jeopardize my entire plan.On top of that, the concept for the new resort, which had been my labor of love for months, would go down the drain.With Ernest's status in mind, I couldn't shake off a sense of pressure."Lauren, could you try to find out the purpose behind their meeting?" I looked at Lauren, my tone tinged with anxiety."Do you also sense that something's off?" Lauren shot me a glance, questioning, "There are factors here that are hard to gauge. Mia possesses advantages tha
I checked the time before heading over to Atlas. He quickly caught on to my intention and pulled me closer, allowing me to whisper a few words to him. Nodding in understanding, he agreed.I stepped out and instructed Tristan to wait for Atticus at the entrance. With a brief explanation about having some urgent matters to attend to, I left the villa.Inside the main building, a spread of food and drinks awaited us. Taking a seat on the sofa, I awaited Atticus's arrival. Soon enough, Tristan hurried in with Atticus.As Atticus approached, I noticed he seemed troubled."Chloe." He appeared somewhat weary as he sat down in front of me. It was the first time he addressed me by name, rather than as "Mrs. Chloe.""When did you return?" I asked him, pouring a cup of tea and pushing it toward him.Without hesitation, he took a sip of tea and leaned back on the sofa. "I just landed."I couldn't help but wonder about the urgency of his visit."Chloe, I've come to ask for your help with so
"I'll discuss it with him," I said reluctantly, aware that taking over Echelon Group was no small task."Chloe, if anything happens to me, it must be the work of the Sunny family. Remember, you must take over Echelon Group. Please do that for me." Atticus's eyes held a hint of despair as he looked at me.I have to admit, I felt a bit panicked. I had never seen Atticus look like this before. He was always such a confident and resolute man."Atticus, you..." I was at a loss for words, unsure how to comfort him. "Please don't say that. And thank you for trusting me.""I have to go now. Please arrange a meeting with Atlas for me," Atticus said before giving me one last glance and leaving.Even after Atticus disappeared down the corridor, I remained rooted to the spot, unable to shake off his words.His words echoed in my ears. What on earth was going on? What had Atticus encountered? Who stirred up this mess?After calming myself down, I finally stood up and made my way outside.Ba
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