Morning came, and as the first batch of aluminum-framed windows had arrived, I sent Ava to daycare early. Then, I drove to the warehouse. Before I could finish inspecting the goods, I received a call.It was from that sharp-witted woman I met last time, inviting me to a suburban club. After entering the address into the navigation system, I realized it was on the border of the neighboring city. It was a long way from here.I had a feeling the person I was meeting was not her. Someone else must be involved. I debated whether or not to tell Atlas about this as I rushed toward the location.Ultimately, I decided against it. I still didn't know their intentions for wanting to meet me. Why worry him unnecessarily? Besides, I was selfish. I feared losing him, even if it meant being far away from him.When I arrived at the club, my suspicions were confirmed. There stood Atlas's aunt, whom I had met once from a distance. The sharp-witted woman introduced her as Mrs. Celine Pierce.Perhaps
“So, you understand what I meant when I called you clever,” Celine said. A moment later, she dropped her smile. “Leave Atlas.”“You should ask his opinion first,” I replied firmly.“I don’t need to ask him. He will accept it if you leave,” Celine spoke confidently, “You’re intelligent, kind, patient, and ambitious. I see great potential in you and can help expand your company to achieve your goals. I can also support your daughter’s education at any overseas institution you choose, but he can’t.”"Why?"My question annoyed her. “Why? He’s not an ordinary person. Atlas wants to head ATL Empire, so he must adhere to the family rules. Even without Stella, the family would have complete control of his life.“He has no privileges or freedom of choice!” Her words were ruthless, “He can’t forget Annalise Synder, even if he loves you, a divorcee with a daughter. Atlas was madly in love with Annalise. Ultimately, he only has two options: whether to give up or compromise.”Hearing Annalise
I deliberately slowed down to observe the vehicle behind me. After some distance, I was sure the SUV was tailing me. I wanted to see who was in it, so I stopped at a convenience store to buy a water bottle.I sipped the water and watched the SUV slowly pass by. However, it had tinted windows, and I couldn’t see inside. I waited until it was far ahead before returning to my car.This time, I drove slowly and no longer saw the car following me. I relaxed and thought I might’ve been overly paranoid.As I continued to drive, I came across a stretch of road along the coast. After passing through, I could get onto the highway back to the downtown area. However, I was wrong in assuming everything was fine.The SUV darted forward and blocked my path when I reached an intersection. I slammed the brakes and quickly locked my doors. I tried to reverse, but a black sedan had boxed me in. I didn’t know when that sedan appeared.I panicked and called for someone on my phone, not even checking w
I realized I had been here for a while when the sunset. Still, I saw no one around. I wondered if they planned to leave me here to die. If so, it could be Celine because my disappearance would solve all her problems.However, that would be excessive for a defenseless woman like me.On the other hand, it didn’t seem like Matthew’s style. Even if it were him, his motive would be questionable. I grew increasingly frustrated but couldn’t understand it.My hope lessened as the night grew darker. If my phone call hadn’t raised suspicions, someone at the daycare would have noticed my absence and contacted someone. They might even call Atlas to take Ava home.After all, Ava got into Sunnydale with Atlas’s help.I felt slightly at ease with that thought. However, my heart ached when I imagined Ava longing for me. I never expected to end up here and bring suffering to my daughter. I thanked my lucky stars my parents weren’t around to see this. Otherwise, my father’s life would be at risk.
I looked toward the door in terror. Before they reached me, the leader pointed his flashlight at me. The sudden brightness blinded me, and I couldn’t see their faces. I didn’t recognize their voices either.One whispered, “What a waste of a pretty woman.”“Shut up!” A stern voice silenced them. “Get her out of here.”I was startled and saw a figure approaching me. I tried to speak, but my words came out as muffled grunts. The man picked me up, and I struggled to free myself, but he kicked me. “Stop moving!”I looked toward the others standing in the distance. The leader was tall and muscular. They wore ski masks, so I couldn’t see features besides their eyes.I continued to squirm, and the man suddenly dropped me. I continued to make muffled cries and looked at them pleadingly. The man looked at me and then crouched to touch my face.“Boss, are we going to kill her? That’s a shame. Oh, you should have some fun with her first, then we can—”"Shut the hell up! Quit your nonsense a
Suddenly, blood splattered on my face, and I lost consciousness. When I finally awoke, I smelled disinfectant and saw Ivanna’s anxious eyes. “Chlo, you’re awake!”I felt pain all over, especially on my face. Still, I was relieved when I realized I wasn’t dead. The man with the knife got shot, and I shuddered when I recalled his knife coming down on me. If he got shot a second later, I would have died already.“Thank goodness you’re awake!” Ivanna exclaimed. Immediately after, she ran out of the room with teary eyes. “Chlo’s awake!”Atlas came in, and I choked back my sobs. He hugged me, saying, “Everything’s okay now.”I took some time to calm down before asking, "Who did this?"Atlas shook his head. "The leader got away, and we're still interrogating the lackeys. I want to know who hired them.""Who realized I went missing?" I wanted to know.Ivanna said, “It was someone from the kindergarten. No one went to pick up Ava, and the school couldn’t reach you, so Ava gave them my nu
I woke up the next day, and Atlas was nowhere to be found. Ava had already been sent to daycare, leaving me alone with Ivanna.My face had many scratches, and I wondered if the deeper wounds would leave lasting scars. They still hurt, too.Ivanna said, "Ryan came to see you. He told me to stay here and advised against going to the company. Chlo... "She hesitated, but I knew what she wanted to say."I'm fine," I reassured her. "Where's my car?""I’ve sent it for repairs. You shouldn't go out today!" She sounded urgent. "Let your face heal before making any decisions!""Alright." However, I was still thinking about yesterday's events. Atlas likely figured out that Celine had approached me based on those photos in my bag. One glance would’ve told him everything, so I asked Ivanna, "Where's my bag?""Huh? I don't know." She promptly got up and said, "I'll go check downstairs!"She soon returned with my bag, but I found the photos were gone.The close angles in those photos unne
Even though my body hurt, I quickly got out of bed. After pulling back the curtains and looking down, I spotted Stella at the door. How did she know where I lived? I didn’t recall telling her that I stayed at Amethyst Apartments.She rang the doorbell twice more before I opened the door. Stella had a bright smile on her face as she stepped inside, holding a basket of fruits. She had an innocent expression as if she wouldn't hurt a fly."Ms. Stella!" I smiled and asked, "How’d you find this place?""Well, you sure went through a lot!" She walked in and looked around as if she owned the place. "Your house is nice, very classic!""Please, have a seat! Can I get you something to drink? I have coffee and tea!""Anything is fine. Don't trouble yourself!" She cheerily followed me. "How did this happen? It's truly terrifying. Did you offend anyone? How’d you end up kidnapped?"She seemed well-informed about my situation, which perplexed me."Wow, the news traveled fast!" I chuckled, t
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