When I returned to my office, I sought Grayson and gave him a task. Coincidentally, he also handed me a report of his investigation. I was surprised to receive it so quickly. I couldn't help but admire his efficiency and praise him.However, Grayson was serious when he said, “Don’t get too excited, Ms. Chloe. This is just surface-level information, and there seem to be no issues at all. Still, my gut feeling tells me something’s off.”The investigation report was about Stella, detailing her birth, parents’ passing, adoption, and school history.“It's right here.” Grayson pointed something out. “It says she attended primary school here, one of the most famous schools in Nocturnia. However, I couldn’t find any pictures of her from that period.“Also, I only found one picture of her during high school, yet she lists photography as one of her hobbies. Why would a girl with such a hobby have no pictures or videos of herself?” Grayson looked at me with a questioning expression as he spok
“When did you get back?” I asked joyfully.“I’ve been back for two days now,” Atlas replied flatly. Although he sounded calm, I felt disappointed. It seemed I wasn’t that important to him since he could come and go without notifying me.My mood plummeted, and I said nothing.He continued, “You don’t need to worry about that and just focus on your work.”"What do you mean?" I replied, slightly annoyed."Do you have time to worry about me?" he spoke forcefully, avoiding my question.I knew he was in a bad mood, so I didn’t respond. Instead, I hung up, thinking he should know what it feels like for me to hang up on him. I waited a while, but he didn’t call me back. I felt even more dejected.While scrolling through my phone, I realized I hadn’t seen Ivanna and Lauren for several days. I called them, but Ivanna’s line was busy. Immediately after, I called Lauren, and she answered with a complaint, “You finally remembered me!”“Why are you like Ivanna? You’re always complaining like
I saw a black Maybach pulling up at the entrance. A tall and well-built figure appeared. He was charming in his black trousers and black shirt with two undone buttons. The man had meticulously groomed jet-black hair and wore sunglasses.He drew the crowd’s attention when he removed his sunglasses. Soon after, he opened the car door and assisted an elegantly dressed woman. Her attire seemed exaggerated, with sunglasses, a scarf, and a mask.However, the figure was alluring, and I knew she wasn’t Stella. She gracefully exited the car and wrapped her arm around the man’s arm. She appeared delicate and charming.I recognized Atlas but not the woman. My heart ached, and I realized why he sounded so impatient earlier. It seemed he didn’t want me to waste time worrying about his whereabouts because he was busy pampering and accompanying that woman.Although Atlas sounded irritated earlier, he was now smiling. I stared at him and the woman in a daze as they strolled into the clubhouse.My
I splashed water on my face and took deep breaths. Lauren called for a drink and handed me a glass. I felt calmer after downing it. Then I covered my face with a towel and said, "Go ahead and chat. I'll rest for a bit.""Why are you napping all day? You just slept in your car, and now you're sleeping again?" Ivanna teased me, giving me a playful nudge. "What's going on with you?""There's too much going on lately. I'm working myself to death! Cut me some slack, will you?" I replied from behind the towel. Tears had already mixed with the water droplets on my face. Ivanna didn't press me and chatted with Lauren instead. I regained my composure before removing the towel from my face."Weren't you napping?" Ivanna asked. "You know, you do look like that actress I mentioned earlier. Chloe, I'll be your manager if you ever want to step into showbiz. Although you're much prettier than her.""Step into showbiz? I’m about to step into another world." Lauren handed me a glass of wine
"Doesn't she look a bit like you?" Ivanna looked at me and asked, "I used to have a good impression of her. There's something about her that resembles you. But now... damn! She's trying to climb the ladder..."Ivanna's words made my heart race. Did I look like Annalise? Or rather, was it Harmony who resembled Annalise?Atlas held a deep affection for Annalise. He wouldn't let any woman resembling her slip through his fingers. He was looking for Annalise's shadow. Harmony and I fit the bill.It appeared that his quest for an Annalise doppelganger had never ceased. Perhaps he had found me lacking.I chuckled and sipped my drink. "How long has Harmony been in the limelight?""Not even two months! Strange, isn't it? Suddenly shooting to fame!" Ivanna dismissed it with a wave of her hand.Two months… I was already divorced by then, and Atlas had taken over the ATL Empire.He knew how to make the most of his time. An unexpected rising star must have caught his attention. This meant
I spotted Matthew, who had disappeared for quite some time.I had just parked at the company’s underground garage when he appeared at my car, dressed sharply. I didn't know how he found me, almost as if he'd been keeping tabs on me. He smiled warmly and even opened the car door. "Chlo!"It seemed I had forgotten about this person's existence. Seeing him again felt like waking up from a dream and returning to reality.I sighed. How was this man still alive? As soon as he appeared, I felt sick again."Move aside!" I spoke icily."Chlo, I was wrong! Don't hold it against me. I came to apologize to you today." Suddenly, Matthew seemed to revert to his former self. "Chlo, I've missed our daughter!"He blocked me, acting like he was really sad. Even his eyes looked watery. I didn't know if he really cared about our daughter."Listen, it's been tough for both of us since our split. We're not happy," he said. "I miss our daughter a lot. Can I see her? And also, my mom is sick, and she
This idea made me feel helpless because I knew I had to face this alone. It had always been that way—I had to save myself.The lobby was crowded, but none of them were familiar to me. I felt even more lonely.Back in the office, Carol brewed a cup of coffee for me. She watched me quietly, and I knew she was worried. I maintained an air of nonchalance while keeping busy. Thankfully, I had resolved the two previous issues and set everything in motion.During lunch, I spotted Johnson. He seemed genuinely surprised to see me since we hadn’t seen each other in a long time.He beckoned me over, and I joined him for lunch."Chlo! Long time no see! I heard things are going well on your end." Johnson wore a big smile."It's alright, I suppose. How’s Myra and your kid? Is he being a handful?”"They're doing great! No trouble at all!" Johnson ordered more food and said, "Mr. Matthew just closed a big deal with a company in the neighboring city. It's a major contract, but he's keeping it qu
I had an idea and casually remarked, "It seems that Matthew's luck knows no bounds!" "Absolutely! Otherwise, he'd be in a tough spot. He mentioned during the meeting that he's focusing on projects outside the city to avoid competition. Now he's busy preparing for it.""I heard his mom isn't doing well," I said casually."Yeah, not too good." Johnson nodded.After some small talk, I left the restaurant. My mind was filled with thoughts about Grace. Maybe I had been too stern and shouldn’t harbor ill feelings. However, there wasn’t a single Murphy worthy of pity.Back at the office, I summoned Grayson. "Look into who Matthew contacted after he was attacked. Also, find out which companies are handling projects in Muborough."Grayson nodded. "Is there anything wrong?"I replied, "Matthew secured a contract in Muborough while in the hospital. Find out how he got it, especially who he interacted with during his hospitalization. He went on a business trip right after being discharged
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