I chuckled as I wondered what the good news could be. Ivanna didn’t specify the news due to time constraints, and I didn’t pry. Instead, we agreed to meet tomorrow.Meanwhile, everyone waited at my in-laws’ place for me to return for dinner. Surprisingly, Melanie was there.When Grace saw me, she quickly laid out the dishes, saying, “Dinner’s ready! Chlo, it’s been a while since you last joined us for a meal.”I smiled while washing my hands and helped with the dishes. The atmosphere was heartwarming with the whole family together. Henry asked Matthew about the project in Operose during the meal, but Matthew brushed it off.Without much thought, Grace asked Melanie, “What were you doing with your brother?”Immediately after, I noticed Melanie pausing and glancing at Matthew. He questioned, “You went to Operose too?”Melanie froze, seemingly off guard, as she hesitated before saying, “Uh…I went there with my friends!”However, Grace persisted, “Then why did you tell me you were w
I laughed at myself for thinking I had a way back while Matthew and the other woman were already transferring assets. I wondered when I became such an idiot. Ivanna was right to call me a fool.Matthew was practically selling me off, yet I stood beside him to count his money. I had no idea who that woman was and how cunning Matthew could be. Still, the woman’s identity was not my priority; I was just curious.Most people in my situation would obsess over finding out who they lost their love to, but the results were always the same, no matter who the other person was. I had already lost.After some thought, I told Ivanna, “My priority is finding where that money went.”"I already have someone looking into it, don't worry!" Ivanna reassured me confidently.I returned to work after our chat to figure out how to reclaim my company and bring Matthew down from his pedestal. That was my only wish. No one noticed when I had left and returned. After all, everyone knew I was the boss’s wife
Matthew seemed shocked at my question.I said innocently, “That was our house savings, so we need that money back soon. I want to buy a place once I find a suitable one. We can’t afford to delay our move any longer, especially after Ava’s fall. I need to find her a decent kindergarten, preferably Sunnydale Institute.”Matthew remained silent as I spoke. I feigned naivety and continued, “Why are you so quiet? I’ve noticed you’re so indifferent lately.”Matthew chuckled awkwardly, saying, “How’s that? Honey, I’ve got everything under control. I told you what happened to the money, right? We invested in a project many people have their eyes on.“We had to make an executive decision then, so I used our house savings as payment first. Do you think we’ll have trouble finding a good house once the company grows stronger? It’s all part of my plan, so don’t worry.”He smiled and gently pinched my nose. However, I knew his smile wasn’t genuine.We were preoccupied with our thoughts through
The message read, “I just wanted to show you how amazing he is.”Those few words sparked my wild imagination. I knew what the other party meant by saying Matthew was amazing. I was outraged and threw my phone aside, heavily panting to contain my impending scream.I knew the person was taunting me. I clenched my teeth so hard they made a grinding sound. Then I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. After a while, I picked up my phone, grabbed my bag, and stormed off.I could no longer hold back my grievances when I saw Ivanna. I threw myself into her arms and wailed. I couldn’t understand why I felt so shaken even after enduring torment.When I showed Ivanna the photos, she roared, kicked, and smashed things around. I guessed it was her way of helping me relieve my frustrations. “That bastard’s shameless! Disgraceful degenerate! How dare he?!”Once we finally calmed down, I looked at Ivanna and said, “I won’t fall for her provocations. She’s the wrong one, and I need to show h
Finally, there was a breakthrough in Johnson's whereabouts. Ivanna's report shocked me. Johnson frequented Amethyst Apartments, a newly developed upscale apartment community.This revelation reminded me of that key that never seemed to match anything. I wondered if the key belonged to that house but found it hard to accept.I had been with Matthew and endured countless hardships for many years. We had repeated discussions on finding a nurturing environment for Ava to grow up in. We even talked about getting a bigger apartment in a good school district.Yet, he always brushed it off and delayed his decision. However, I discovered he had bought a unit in Amethyst Apartments. Matthew's actions shattered my perception of a man's behavior after infidelity. He was either utterly clueless or just an animal.After confirming the location, I dared not act recklessly. Instead, Ivanna arranged for someone to observe discreetly. Once she confirmed the house was empty, she called and urged me t
It was tough to pretend. I admired those couples who stayed together despite the absence of feeling. At this point, life at home was just a show. Matthew and I were actors, showcasing our acting skills.I couldn't bear to be intimate with him since I found that condom. His slightest movement would make me nauseous. Forget the photos of his 'adventures,' which were beyond repulsive.I’d feel a chill running down my spine whenever he touched me. Thankfully, his attention was no longer on me. He used to bug me about the little things. However, he would stop insisting when I stood my ground. It was apparent he was growing more distant from me.These past few days, I had intensified my efforts to examine the data Ivanna had uncovered. I was surprised the sales figures for these years were impressive, far exceeding my estimates.However, 80% of those clients were the old customers I had cultivated. Many of them were potentials I had identified years ago, and they had flourished during th
The timing was uncanny as Johnson slowly entered. Immediately after, he exclaimed, “Where is everyone?! Where the hell did they—”Before he could finish, he became wide-eyed and froze when he saw me sitting on the couch. I smiled and tipped my head at him. "Mr. Hyger."It took him a while to close his mouth, and he stammered, "M-Mrs. Murphy!""Are you surprised to see me?" I continued smiling at him. "Come and sit down. Don't worry. I've already sent the workers away.""Uh... I need to call the foreman to calculate the work hours first," Johnson excused himself and rushed out."Johnson, calling the foreman isn't that urgent, is it?" I was calm, but my icy tone echoed throughout the spacious room.Johnson halted, then turned around in panic and confusion. His lips twitched, and his face paled."I thought you might want to listen to what I have to say," I observed the beads of sweat forming on Johnson's forehead. "Do my words carry no weight to you anymore, John?"My words drippe
“Chlo, I honestly don’t know. M-Mr. Murphy has someone, but I don’t know who she is.” Johnson’s confidence wavered as he spoke, “M-Matthew, he…”“You know he has another woman, yet you claim not to know who she is? Johnson…” I trailed off."Chlo, I swear I don't know. He's never brought her around. I've only seen her twice from behind," Johnson's confession left me conflicted. Either Matthew was highly cautious, or Johnson was lying.However, there were more pressing matters on my mind. I suppressed my frustration, lowered my intensity, and changed the subject, "I need you to do something for me.”As expected, Johnson seemed to relax. He sighed in relief and surrendered, "Sure! Chlo, just tell me what you need. I’m all in.""I want the concealed financial reports and the recent list of major clients," I said firmly.Johnson froze at my request. He was in disbelief. "Chlo...""Why? Is there no such thing?" I curiously questioned."Chlo, there's no such thing. I've shown you all
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