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
Ryan beamed when he heard my words. Even his usually composed expression reddened. However, I felt an overwhelming guilt. Perhaps I had been too cruel to him. Even a simple suggestion like this could move him so much.He seemed slightly nervous, saying, “Well… I hadn’t thought about that.”“Then, let’s do it! First, they get to experience the Southern climate. Secondly, it’ll save you the hassle of traveling. Finally, our families can celebrate together. Oh, I can invite Lauren, too. Her parents aren’t around, and her younger sister doesn’t move much.“I’ll invite her to my house, and you can all stay at my place. No need for hotels. It’ll be super lively.” I spoke genuinely.I had met Ryan’s parents before. His dad ran a small business, and his mom had a fixed job. They were wonderful people. It was a spontaneous idea, and I hadn’t discussed it with my parents. Still, I believed they wouldn’t oppose it.“Wouldn’t it trouble you if everyone stayed at your place?” Ryan seemed hesit
My heart raced, but I stayed tough. I replied with the same emotionless tone, “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”"Do you have any questions for me?" Atlas continued to scrutinize me."None," I stubbornly responded."Are you sure?" His gaze turned cold."Mr. Atlas, if you called me here to make things difficult, I apologize, but I'll take my leave." I didn't have the time to confront him here. It would be meaningless. I’d rather be with my family.His eyes narrowed. "Do you want to avoid me without clarifying your doubts?”Atlas’s words struck a chord with me. It was as if he could see through me. I guiltily lowered my gaze, not allowing myself to have further delusions for this man. I couldn’t let him trample on my pride like this.While Atlas had fun with Harmony, I was alone. It was horrible, and I wondered how he differed from Matthew. I might have lost value in Atlas’s eyes, but I would never disrespect myself that way.He could see through my emotions and
I clicked my tongue in frustration and clenched my bag strap, fingernails digging into my palm. The pain gave me an odd sense of comfort.Suddenly, Atlas’s phone rang. He looked at me and answered, "Yeah?"A woman's voice said, "Atlas, where are you?""I'm busy," he replied coldly."Do you want to come out? Maybe you can come to my place?" The woman's voice turned tender."Another time. I'm busy right now," Atlas responded and hung up.I felt awkward and said, "Mr. Atlas, you seem busy. I'll take my leave."Without waiting for his response, I headed toward the exit. However, he quickly held me. I yelped in surprise as he turned me to face him. He was about to kiss me when he saw something on my neck.He asked angrily, "What happened here?! Who did this?!"I was puzzled. I looked at Atlas with panic, saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."He grabbed my wrist tightly and led me to an exquisite bathroom with mirrors on the entire wall. Atlas pushed me toward one of th
I lifted my head and noticed his bleeding hand. I looked at him, feeling flustered. “I have so many things to say, but not like this. I don’t want to beg for love or live in the shadows. I hate playing games and manipulation. I just want a peaceful life.”I looked at the ceiling and continued, "I hate the constant deceit and schemes. If I must choose, I want the one who has always been by my side. I don't want to miss that anymore."I knew these words would cut deep into Atlas’s heart. However, they were insignificant to me. Since I couldn’t have him, I would let him go. I had no reason to hold onto something that wasn't mine.Atlas looked into my eyes and asked, "Are you sure about your choice?"I hesitated, then lowered my head. "Yes."Suddenly, he smiled. "Good, Chloe, you've finally made your choice."I looked at him in confusion. I wondered why he said it was my choice when it was his. His thoughts confused me. Why’d he be affectionate with another woman and then blame me?
I realized I was in the hospital when I awoke."Are you awake? Do you feel any discomfort?" An attractive voice sounded, and I turned to see Atlas."How did I end up here?" I asked weakly. My memory of recent events was hazy.He pressed the call button, and the doctor entered to reexamine me. He asked, "Do you feel any discomfort?""No, I’m just exhausted and want to sleep," I replied.Dylan entered with a large paper bag and said, "Doctor, here are her X-rays. Please take a look."The doctor examined several X-ray films and asked me, "Miss, how long ago did you break your collarbone?"I stared at the doctor in disbelief and asked, "Are you talking about me?""Yes, from the X-rays, you have an old collarbone fracture. You should be careful with that area as it’s prone to issues. Besides that, you're fine. Thankfully, the car wasn't going too fast, so there was no major harm. You can just go home and rest."The doctor's words shocked me. I tried to explain, “I’ve never had a bo
I entered the house, and my parents were still awake, waiting for me.When my mom saw how tired I looked, she grabbed my bag and asked, "Why are you so late? Have you eaten? Why do you look so pale?""I haven't eaten yet, Mom. I'm starving!" It's true what they say—a mother's child is always her treasure. No matter how old you are, as long as your mother is by your side, you're still her child."Alright, I'll heat some food for you!" "Dad, I'm going to change my clothes!" After saying that, I went upstairs. In truth, I longed for my daughter and went straight to Ava's room. Seeing her sleep so peacefully was heartwarming. Her chubby little legs were poking out from the blanket. I smiled and tucked them back in.She turned over, and her little hand grabbed my shirt. It was as if she sensed something and slowly opened her sleepy eyes. With a sweet smile, she called out, "Mommy!"At that moment, I felt more fulfilled than I ever had. What else could I possibly wish for? I h
Suddenly, I noticed a car parked outside the main door, and my heart skipped a beat. The soft night light in the room would show my silhouette, so I pulled the curtains and turned off the light.I leaned against the window, straining to hear any sounds from outside. My eyes grew teary, and I cursed myself for this display of emotion. Wasn't it better for us to stay in our own worlds?Only the faint sound of the car moving away could be heard, and a few tears escaped. I quickly pulled the curtains open and looked outside, but all I could see were the fading red tail lights disappearing from view. My heart tightened.He left even though it was late. He did not come in eagerly like he used to.I slowly drew the curtains again and sat blankly on the bed. Eventually, I got under the covers and tried to sleep.It was already close to noon the next day when I woke up. I woke up close to noon the next day, feeling refreshed. After getting ready, I went downstairs for lunch. I considered
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