“Hmph, who else would be a handful?” Ivanna growled, “I swear that woman’s digging her own grave.”“Calm down, Ivanna. We’ll talk when we meet later.” I interjected, trying to avoid a rant.I received another call as we talked. I glanced at my phone and saw Atlas’s name, so I told Ivanna, “Hang up. I have another call.”When she ended the call, I answered Atlas’s, “Hello.”"Who were you talking to?" he asked."Ivanna."“Oh. Come to Pleca Park after work tonight,” Atlas said firmly.“Sure!” I blushed but replied sweetly, “Aren’t you busy?”“What do you think?” He sounded flirtatious, “You can help me relax.”“Stop that!” I lost my breath, thinking of how shameless he was.He laughed, saying, “Do you know what you want to eat? I’ll prepare it for you.”“I’m meeting the girls for local food soon. I’d prefer something lighter in the evening,” I replied confidently.“That sounds doable. You can hang up now.”I imagined how he looked after ending the call. I leaned on my desk wh
I had never met Lauren’s date but was familiar with his appearance. Still, I wasn’t the only one. Most in Foswood should be familiar with him because he was always on TV. It was easy to search for someone online now, not to mention someone famous.Lauren continued as we entered my car, “He has been considerate toward me, and I’m content. People should be grateful for what they have. We distanced ourselves from each other after the incident with Matthew.“Soon after, we realized we couldn’t live without each other. Even though we get what we need, perhaps this is how our relationship is supposed to be.”I felt guilty when she mentioned her situation with Matthew. Her reputation would’ve remained intact if I didn’t meddle. Still, I never expected Lauren and I to be so close.“Indeed, it’s rare that he’s loyal to you, but…” I began.“It’s okay this way. If love were to last long, it wouldn’t be interesting. Haha! Plus, it’s better not to be together constantly. Otherwise, the relatio
Ivanna’s question surprised me. I looked at her in disbelief and asked, “What do you mean? Is she moving to Amethyst Apartments?”“Not only that—she’s also staying in the villa zone in your area! It should be pretty close to your place,” Ivanna said, frustrated, “The company has been too nice to her!”Hearing that made me uncomfortable. I had a strange feeling I might have conflicts with Harmony. Although she and I looked similar, I felt uneasy when I first saw her. I couldn’t help but wonder if Ivanna’s impression of her had influenced my feelings.Still, I knew others couldn’t influence me so easily. However, seeing Annalise’s photo gave me a sense of familiarity.Lauren interrupted Ivanna, saying, “I thought we came here for a relaxing meal. Can we change the subject? Talking about Harmony affects my appetite.”I obliged and said, “Hey, guess what? Melanie gave birth.”"What?!" Ivanna exclaimed. I succeeded in shifting her attention.“Is it time already?” she asked, wide-eyed
I glanced at Ivanna in puzzlement. After all, I had never interacted with Harmony before, yet she knew my name. I knew Ivanna was equally surprised."Yes, I am," I replied confidently.Harmony smiled faintly. "Someone kept telling me that someone looks similar to me. I didn't expect us to have a resemblance."I immediately realized what she was referring to. Something told me she had met someone inside the restaurant."Ms. Harmony, may I ask how old you are?" I calmly inquired.She hesitated momentarily. Her eyes turned cold as she asked in annoyance, “Why?”“Oh, don’t overthink it. I’m not interested in your private life. I just want to know who’s older between us,” I continued smilingly, “I assume you’re younger because of your beauty and charm.”"I think so, too," she replied firmly.“Then, it’s true that you look like me,” I contradicted her earlier statement, “I’m the original, after all.” I discreetly scoffed at the idea that I resembled her.Lauren returned from the res
Lauren looked at me and asked, “If you have a plan, don’t forget to tell me. I want to watch the show when the time comes.”"Of course!" I said proudly.When we arrived at my company, Lauren drove her car off. I checked the time and realized it was still too early to clock out. I chuckled at myself for being too eager. Strangely, it felt like forever since I last saw Atlas.No matter how impatient I was, I could only head upstairs and continue working. The afternoon felt like an eternity, making me restless. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much work to do that afternoon to pass the time. Finally, the end of the workday arrived. I happily packed my things and left. I was hurrying to Pleca Park, and the scent in my car was pleasant. It even lifted my spirits. I wished my car had wings to fly there, especially during rush hour.I felt a sudden weakness in my legs, perhaps due to excitement. I looked at the time and realized it was getting late. I wondered if Atlas had already reached h
There was a cacophony of noises around me. I felt pain coursing through my entire body, and the intense vibrations of the impact were unbearable. The screeching of brakes, the pungent smell of disinfectant, and the ringing phone all assaulted my senses.I let out a startled cry, "Ah!""She's awake! She's awake!"I gasped heavily, feeling as though the surroundings were suffocating me."Chlo, are you okay? Chlo..."I turned to the voices and saw my mother's tearful and anxious eyes. Lauren was by her side, supporting her arm. My father stood nearby with red-rimmed eyes."Mom...""How do you feel, Chlo? Can you hear me?" Ivanna's voice filled with concern.I slowly turned my head to look at her, finding an expression of sheer terror on her face. Grayson and other relatives were gathered behind her, equally concerned."I didn't die?" I asked, opening my mouth. "I didn't die?" I asked, the words more like an attempt at humor, but they left a bitter taste in my mouth as soon as I
Dylan turned and disappeared from the hospital room.Finally, the doctors advised me to rest and observe. I had to tell the medical staff if I felt uncomfortable. Then they left the room. My head was still in a whirl, and my body ached. Ava wanted to come closer, but Carol held her back, soothing her, "Ava, don't touch Mommy, it'll hurt!""Mom, Dad, you should go home! I want your handmade pasta, Mom," I murmured. "Ryan, take Mom and Dad back. If everything's fine tomorrow, I'll come home!"Ryan looked at me. He had been watching from a distance, not saying a word. However, his eyes had been fixed on me, full of anxiety.When he heard me say this, he immediately responded, "Alright, we'll go back and make you some pasta! We'll bring them over a little later!""Okay!" I smiled at him. "I'm fine!"Ryan left my hospital room with Ava and my parents. Truthfully, I didn't really want pasta, but I didn't want them to worry about me knowing too much.They had only left briefly when
Lauren's words left me feeling somewhat dazed."The car was completely wrecked. You were only saved because the airbags deployed and protected you. Plus, the truck hit the back of your car. You narrowly escaped a catastrophe!" Lauren continued, her voice filled with concern. "If the timing had been just a bit off... It's horrifying even to think about!"As I listened to Lauren's account, I recalled that desperate press of the pedal. If the doctor's assessment had been accurate, a slightly delayed reaction could have left me paralyzed, or worse, I might never have seen my family again.It was shocking to see the accident report photos later. Stella visited my ward two days later, and I admired her composure.Stella entered, accompanied by a bodyguard, holding a big bouquet and carrying a basket of fruits. She walked in with the confidence of someone who owned the place.I stared at her in disbelief, but she looked genuinely concerned as she quickly approached my bedside."Chlo,
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