My dad was the first to break the awkwardness with his warm words, “Mr. Atlas, it’s been a while.”Atlas smiled and replied, "It has, Mr. George. I've been quite busy lately and haven't had a chance to visit. How are you?""Grandpa, Uncle Atlas gave me an amazing gift. He’s also celebrating my birthday with me!" Ava seemed happy, while I felt awkward. After all, my daughter had put me in an uncomfortable situation."Really?" My dad laughed heartily. I was genuinely surprised at how he had become such a good actor."Yes!" Ava giggled, looking incredibly cute. "Right, Uncle Atlas?""Yes! I promise to do whatever you want!" Atlas was unusually talkative today.I quickly tugged at Ava. "Come down now and change with Mommy!"Still, Ava clung to Atlas as if afraid he would leave. "I want Uncle Atlas to help me change!"I was shocked, wondering when they became so close."You're a little girl, so you should let your mommy change you. Don't worry, I won't leave. I'll stay and chat wit
I wanted to kick myself as the words left my mouth. I didn’t regret saying it, but a peculiar feeling had washed over me. Sure enough, Atlas smiled at me, but I noticed an unmistakable hostility.My dad spoke up, “What are you saying? Mr. Atlas had a drink, so he shouldn’t be driving!”“Oh,” I replied, getting up. “Alright.”When we got to the car, Atlas said, “Head to Cresswind Valley.”My heart sank a bit. Although Cresswind Valley was closer than Fremont Bay, I wondered why he didn’t want to go back there.As if reading my thoughts, he explained, “Fremont Bay is too far. I don’t feel comfortable with you driving back alone.”His words left me conflicted. Was it because he cared about me?Neither of us spoke during the drive, and the silence hung heavily in the air. When we reached Cresswind Tower, he said, “Come up with me.”Atlas opened the car door and walked towards the building without acknowledging my hesitation. After a pause, I parked the car and followed him into the
Atlas lowered his gaze and didn't respond.I asked him a string of questions, "Was it really you? Why didn't you come in? Did you spend your holiday abroad or here in Foswood? Were you alone?" "Don’t you think it’s a little late to be asking all this?" He sounded annoyed.I got teary and said, "There had been rumors everywhere. First, it was Annalise, and then it was Harmony. Will there be more of them? I don't care about your wealth, but how could I love an unfaithful man?"My words came out in a rush. "I've been humiliated enough by Matthew. And now, I’ve found another man who can't keep his heart in check. Am I a person anyone can use and deceive at their whim?""Am I just anyone to you?""You're not!" I looked at him, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I've told you I'm not worthy of you. But if you try to pursue me, you must take responsibility! All I want is a simple, love-filled life. Am I unworthy of that?" "You are worthy," he gently said, holding me tightly. "Don't cry."
I looked around from my car, trying to spot anything unusual, but everything appeared normal. However, that strange feeling persisted.With that nagging thought, I pressed on the gas pedal and drove home.My parents were still in the living room, watching TV. I knew they had been waiting for me."Did you drop him off?" my mother asked."Yeah," I replied casually, changing my shoes before heading in. "Why aren't you two asleep yet?"My dad finally got up, stretching with a yawn. "We were waiting for you to get home.""Mr. Atlas seems quite special. And he treats Ava so well!" My mother seized the opportunity to tease me. "Who would've thought our little girl would be so clingy?""He's been quite lonely. Since his parents are gone, maybe he liked the warmth of our family."Atlas must have spent New Year's alone amidst the celebrations of other households. My father seemed interested. "He has a big company, right?" "The bigger the company, the more he might be constrained. Whe
I hung up and quickly got ready before heading downstairs. Ava had already left.Just as I was about to have lunch, I got a call from Carol informing me that Eleanor was waiting for me in the office. I promptly let her know that I would be on my way.Grabbing my bag, I hurried towards the door. My mom had just returned from the grocery store after seeing Ava off.Seeing me heading out, she asked, "Have you had lunch?""Not yet. I'll grab something at the office. A client is coming, and we'll have lunch together." I explained hurriedly and left.When I entered my office, I saw that Carol was keeping Eleanor company.Eleanor quickly stood up and greeted me awkwardly as I came in, "Ms. Chloe."I smiled. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. It was my daughter's birthday yesterday, and we stayed up late, so I overslept!" I explained. I glanced at the time. It was still too early for lunch."Ms. Chloe, I took a look around your office earlier. It's quite impressive!" Carol complime
Eleanor could sense the tension in the air and whispered, "Who is she?"I chuckled softly. Eleanor didn't recognize Liora, which confirmed my suspicion that Liora had been the mastermind behind the sabotage of our contract, working from the shadows without revealing her face.So, I quietly informed Eleanor, "You might not be aware, but that’s the troublemaker who ruined our deal."Eleanor frowned at me, unsure of what I meant.I continued, "She's the one who extended a helping hand to your boss and caused us to miss a great opportunity for cooperation."Understanding dawned on Eleanor, and she pointed towards Liora, asking, "Her? What's her reason for acting so arrogantly?""She's the wife of the owner of a real estate development company in Foswood. Their company has quite a reputation," I stated calmly."Which company?" Eleanor inquired."Echelon Group," I replied in a low voice.Eleanor was even more astonished. "H-How can someone like her behave that way?"I raised an eye
My statement surprised everyone, including Liora. I knew she didn’t expect me to be confrontational. She paused and stared at me but remained silent.The receptionist who attended to me first said smilingly, “Don’t worry, Miss. Let me check how much longer it’ll take for your room to be ready.”“Oh, I’m not in a hurry. Since I’m here, I’ll wait patiently like everyone else. Discussing special treatment for members is unfair, right?” I deliberately provoked the crowd to draw their resentment. After all, Eleanor and I weren’t the only ones waiting.The others also voiced their frustrations. Those who didn’t respond to Liora’s earlier words were equally unhappy with the situation but chose not to express it.One displeased lady added, “That’s right, I want to know the difference between all members here, too.”The receptionist awkwardly replied, “Of course, they’re different, Miss. You’re a regular here, and I wasn’t talking about you.”“Oh, so you directed your words at me?” I smil
I calmly sipped my tea while observing Liora. I even smiled at her to show I didn’t care. Her expression grew colder as she glared daggers at me. I found it amusing but couldn’t understand how Atticus could be attracted to such a troublesome woman.No wonder he told me someone needed to humble her.Suddenly, I realized Atticus was trying to protect his assets. Perhaps he had realized Liora wouldn’t be a long-term partner who would share his hardships. Since he had started hiding his interests, he must be preparing for something.Soon after, a woman in a black pantsuit emerged. She looked authoritative, with sharp features and cold eyes. She glanced around and said, “Please calm down, everyone.”Everyone turned to her as her gaze landed on Liora momentarily. I noticed Liora’s smirk, and then she sat down calmly.Liora knew she had the upper hand, saying, “Ms. Kate, you arrived just in time. If you can’t resolve this, me and my friends will cancel our memberships.“Quick, cancel yo
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