I smirked, knowing dealing with Melanie was a piece of cake. However, I decided to keep a low profile after signing the contract as it would make anyone envious. It wouldn't be wise to stir the pot at this sensitive time.As for using Melanie, I would have to wait for the right moment.Although Tuesday was my birthday, I might have forgotten it if my mother hadn’t prepared a special breakfast. Ava woke up early and sang a birthday song with her childlike voice. Her voice was so heartwarming that I felt an indescribable mix of emotions.Matthew was supposed to be away on a business trip on this day last year. However, he returned in the evening with a necklace, a complete set of makeup items, and his wishes. We even went to Al Dente, a well-known restaurant, for dinner with the whole family.Looking back now, I wondered if he had been on a business trip or if he had been spending time with Melanie.I chuckled bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat. I lowered my head and bit into a w
"Are you busy?" I asked."What is it? Go ahead," Atlas sounded somewhat unhappy, making my heart race slightly."Where are you?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy."Quillbrooke," he hushedly spoke, sounding like he was in a meeting.I felt even more awkward. "I was just...wondering what you're up to right now. I'm fine, so you can call me back when you're not busy."I quickly hung up but couldn't hide my disappointment. I wanted to tell Atlas I missed him but knew the situation prevented it. Since he was a business tycoon, being with him daily was impossible.Perhaps choosing him meant not living an everyday life. I chuckled, wondering why I was so sentimental since it was only my birthday. Soon, I composed myself because I had many important things to handle. I couldn’t afford to dwell on my emotions and had to face reality.That afternoon, I called Lauren and Ivanna to invite them for dinner. Ivanna knew it was my birthday and always remembered it each year.Before leaving work,
He stood by the car as I got out with Ava, and he approached us, saying, “You’re back!”My dad had a strong impression of Atlas, mainly since the latter had visited my dad at the hospital twice. My mom said, “Hello, Mr. Atlas, please come in! I’m sorry if we kept you waiting.”“That’s okay, Mrs. Laura. I just arrived,” he said with a smile. When he saw me carrying Ava, he asked, “Can I help?”I was surprised as I stood rooted, not knowing what to say. However, Atlas had already approached me, saying, “Let me hold her.”His gesture made me feel like crying for some reason. He reached out for Ava, but it seemed he didn’t know how to take her from my arms.“I can manage,” I said.“You can give her to me. You look like you’re struggling,” Atlas insisted, and I could only pass Ava to him.From his stiff and awkward posture, I knew he had never held a child. Still, he was earnest, like he was handling a delicate item. I almost laughed at his awkwardness and went to help adjust his pos
When we entered the Starlight International penthouse, a dinner for two and a chilled bottle of wine were waiting for us. Atlas pulled me into his arms and said, “Happy birthday! This was the best I could do because I’ve been swamped. But I’m glad I didn’t miss it.” I leaned into him and said, “I prefer simple celebrations. Just being with you makes me happy.”With a magician’s flair, he produced a gift box seemingly out of nowhere. I looked at him, and he gestured at me to open it.I lifted the lid, revealing a stunning pen. It was adorned with diamonds and featured my initials inlaid with rubies.“It’s gorgeous!” How did he know that I had a thing for pens?Back then, I used to collect various pens and had a sizable collection at my parents’ house. However, when life grew busier, I set my collection aside.The pen was not just a luxury item. It was a genuine work of art—an Aurora Diamante fountain pen. It was a pen I had once mentioned to Matthew that I would buy when I beca
His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter?” “It’s nothing. Design Division asked for the drawings,” I said. “I met Nick the other day and told him about it, so he’s aware.”“Design Division?” Then he said, “They could always get them from Nick’s project department. You don’t have to resend them.” I almost criticized that mean woman, but I refrained. After all, she was his employee. I said nothing, and he didn’t ask further questions about it. Time went by fast, and we were only together for four hours. It was late at night when he sent me home. I felt terrible when I saw how tired he looked. He had hurried back just for my birthday and would have to leave for Quillbrooke early tomorrow.At the door, he pulled me into his arms and held me for a moment. “Good night.” I looked at him. “Try to get some sleep, okay?”“I will.” He watched me go in. I didn’t want to close the door, but he’d never leave if I didn’t. He needed to rest. I shut the door with a heavy heart, and then ran
ATL Empire still seemed in trouble, and I wondered what was happening. The traffic light turned green, and I continued driving. "I'm almost home.”Stella's voice sounded a bit moody as she said, "Come on. I have no friends here, and I need someone to talk to.""Then wait for me at the coffeehouse across the office building." I glanced at the kindergarten, turned the car around, and headed back.At the coffeehouse, Stella was nowhere to be found. I was about to call her when she entered with a smile, looking pretty as ever. She set a small paper bag in front of me. "It's for you."I gave her and the bag a puzzled look. "What is it?" "It’s from the latest YSL collection. I just got it," she said. I knew the lipstick was quite expensive. "I rarely wear makeup. You should keep it for yourself.""I ordered it just for you." She glanced at me. "And you gave me a treat, didn't you? Consider it my way of saying thanks. Just take it.""Well, thank you then," I replied, not wanting to
Despite feeling completely helpless, I tried to appear unconcerned. It was clear what Stella was trying to tell me. However, I couldn't let on how I felt. I realized she had been probing me ever since we first met.She seemed surprised by my indifference. "You don't seriously think this is normal, do you?"I sipped my coffee, but it tasted bitter. "I wasn’t born rich, so I don’t understand your world. Though I’m a businesswoman, I’d never force anyone against their will, especially not my family."Stella was somewhat taken aback."Does your mom need to force you into it? You can just marry if you love each other. After all, you’re not related." I stared at her, my words tauntingShe wanted to tell me that Atlas was hers and find out if there was anything between us. I wanted to know why they weren’t married if he loved her. I doubted she could answer me!"Let's change the subject. We're getting off track," Stella chuckled. “Do you know why I've been so interested in you from th
It seemed I had underestimated Stella, and she wasn't as innocent as I thought. Those from ATL Empire were never what they seemed. I once again realized the inexplicable force that had sucked me in.I pinched my thigh to wake myself up. My mom had picked up Ava from kindergarten, who ran over to me. "You're so early today, Mommy! Uncle Ryan bought me a new doll.""Uncle Ryan?" I was puzzled. Ryan came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "I was at the bank earlier and bumped into your mom. So, I accompanied her to the kindergarten."My mom joined him from the kitchen and said, "He also took us to Parkside Plaza, and we went shopping at the supermarket."I could tell she liked Ryan from how happy she looked."I saw you leaving the office early. Why are you only back now?" Ryan asked. "Well, I was almost at the kindergarten, but Stella wanted to meet me," I said, tired. Ava showed me a new Barbie doll from the latest release. I had a soft spot for Barbies, too. When I was a
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