Melanie rushed toward me while Matthew followed with a displeased expression. "What are you doing? Be careful!""Chloe! What were you laughing at?" She pointed at me.I acted shocked and looked at her thoughtfully. "Are you asking me? We were just chatting about how there are so many dogs nowadays. If you don't leash them, they bite people. Rabies vaccinations are in high demand. Haven't you heard?"The woman beside us suppressed her laughter and nodded. "Exactly! Mad dogs are running wild these days. It's hard to guard against them."Melanie grimaced angrily.Suddenly, the doctor’s assistant called, "Chloe Hartz, you can come in now!"I stood up with my paperwork and approached the nurse. I handed her my documents before entering the examination room.I smiled when I entered, which delighted the doctor performing the ultrasound. "Oh my, a beautiful lady like you with such a sunny disposition. I've been seeing frowns all day, and you're the only one who comes in with such radian
As I returned to the lobby, I spotted Stella in the crowd. The person with her was Liora. They seemed close as they chatted and laughed while approaching the ward.I wondered if someone we knew got hospitalized but couldn’t think of any friends we might share. Judging by their closeness, they had become quite intimate recently.I paused, then turned to leave since it would be inconvenient for me to follow. Instead, I called Grayson and asked him to find out who was in the hospital.On the way back, I couldn't help but wonder if Stella was visiting Celine. If she were, why would Liora come to visit her? Did they have a connection? If so, it would be interesting. I would have to dig deeper to discover when and how they had become acquainted.That might explain why Celine had given up on the land near Operose during that critical moment. Did Celine have some dealings with Atticus?Back at the office, Carol informed me that Tobshampton Group had sent a representative. They wanted to d
I awaited Grayson’s answer, but he just smiled without a word. My heart pounded as I guessed, “Don’t tell me it’s Celine?”Grayson snapped his fingers. "It is! The old lady has acute appendicitis!"I leaned into my chair, my mind racing. It seemed Liora was involved with Celine. I immediately told Grayson, "Continue the investigation and find out if Celine is connected with Atticus or Liora."Grayson looked at me understandingly. The difference between Celine’s connection with either of them was significant. After Grayson left, I picked up the pen again. The image of that man appeared in my mind, and my heart skipped a beat.I couldn't help but think about the car parked in the woods, wondering if it was him. I took a deep breath, shook my head, and forced myself to dismiss the thought. After all, how could it be him?I got up to find Benjamin to learn more about Tobshampton Group. I planned to secure this contract tonight. I gripped the pen tightly, determined to sign that contra
I arrived at the company early the following day to sign the contract with Tobshampton Group.Benjamin was pleased since he had been eyeing Tobshampton Group and Synergy Solutions. That was because they were easy to work with and offered good profits. Moreover, Tobshampton Group's brand dominated Foswood’s market.It was one of my primary demands in my discussion with Eleanor last night.I agreed to a slight price increase, understanding that the costs of raw materials were rising. They offered us the goods at a cost price, and I wanted our sales to speak for themselves.I had laid the foundation for many of our clients when I reclaimed Tanum Corporation, even though Matthew took away most of them. Several clients had already informed me before the celebrations that they would sign with us in the new year.Of the 80% of clients Matthew had taken, 60% had returned. It was a significant show of support. The remaining 40% who hadn't returned even assured me they would go with the new
Grayson promptly entered my office, and I instructed him to commence his investigation.Tobshampton Group had indeed forged an agreement with Ardora Construction, which fell under Matthew's jurisdiction.As expected, few individuals could orchestrate such a move, and Matthew was the prime suspect."But, it wasn't Matthew who initiated this. It was a scheme set up by Liora!" Grayson relayed."Liora?" I was surprised. How did she become involved in this?Grayson explained, "Initially, Tobshampton Group had no intentions of partnering with Ardora Construction. Matthew wasn't even being considered for Tobshampton Group's project. During their previous collaboration, there was friction. "Matthew substituted Tobshampton Group's genuine product with subpar materials in the construction process, utilizing a small factory for production. With minor alterations, he passed them off as authentic."So, when the incident occurred, Tobshampton Group didn't step forward. This time, Ardora Cons
I felt a sense of relief now that things were clear.It seemed that the Tobshampton Group was also caught up in this. This might not end well for Matthew, but he had been too eager to stand out and crush me. This time, he would have to rely on his luck. He and I were like cunning foxes, yet we couldn't outsmart these two clever vixens.Looking at it this way, perhaps it wasn't so bad that I wasn't entangled in this battle of wits with them. I preferred making modest profits in peace and finding contentment.After lunch, I had Benjamin and Carol accompany me to the construction materials market. It had been a while since I last visited.This market was where we had started our journey, tirelessly seeking clients. Reflecting on those early days brought a sense of satisfaction.The market was small at the time. It had grown into the country's largest construction materials hub, offering everything needed for large and small-scale construction and decoration.Grayson was also here.
She smiled. "I thought you were a clean and upright person. It turns out that it’s just a facade. You're aiming for the big fish while disregarding the small fry?" Her tone dripped with contempt this time."Ms. Liora, why make such assumptions? Have I offended you in some way to deserve this treatment? It's rather impolite, don't you think?" I feigned innocence.Since she had laid her cards on the table, I saw no need to dodge the issue."Heh... Is this considered impolite?" She let out a disdainful snort. "You'll do whatever it takes, won't you? Don't act all high and mighty while secretly groveling to the big shots.""Oh?" I responded with a light chuckle, never breaking eye contact with Liora.I had no intention of backing down. After all, I had already crossed her, and there was no way to avoid it. There was no need for reconciliation."In that case, I'd kindly ask you to go back and talk with Mr. Atticus about how I supposedly groveled before him. I'd love to hear about it."
I sat in the car for a long time, gazing toward Pleca Park. After rush hour, I started the car and drove home. Perhaps it was from sitting in the car for so long or sheer exhaustion, but I felt dizzy. Luckily, there weren't as many cars on the road at this time, so I arrived home quickly.Upon parking, I spotted my daughter playing in the yard. I approached, and she leaped into my arms, exclaiming, "Mommy, you're back!"She then took my bag and dashed into the house. Shortly after, she returned, grabbing my hand and pulling me outside to play.I had thought about lying down for a while when I got home. However, seeing her so excited, I couldn't bear to refuse.We played in the yard together, sometimes watering the plants and other times tending to the flowers. We played until the lights came on, and it seemed that my feelings of exhaustion had dissipated.My mother called us in for dinner, and we finally entered the house hand-in-hand. After dinner, I remembered the new clothe
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