My heart raced as I narrowed my eyes. I pushed Stella aside, not paying attention to her stumbling a few steps away. My sole focus was reaching the emergency room, but dark-clad bodyguards blocked my way.I saw a doctor speaking with Celine, but I couldn't make out their words. The doctor returned to the emergency room in less than two minutes, and I could not help but notice the chilling amount of blood staining his gloves.My gaze remained fixed on Celine. Her expression revealed nothing about the nature of the news, whether it was good or bad.She stayed in that dazed state before finally saying something to Kenzie, who was behind her. Stella took this opportunity to pass by me and enter the room. Stella reached out and grabbed Celine's arm as if inquiring about something. Celine's cold eyes met Stella's, and she immediately lowered her head."What's his condition? Let go of me!" I roared, far from composed.Celine's eyes met mine, deep and merciless. She then said something
It was as if I had finally opened a mysterious door. I rushed in, checking room after room, but there was no sign of anyone.Then, a nurse saw me. "What are you doing? This is a sterile area. How did you get in? Get out!"I grabbed her. "Where's the person they were just trying to save? How is he?""Get out! Which one are you talking about?! There are many people here!" She tried to free herself while pushing us towards the exit. "Hurry up and leave!""Mr. Atlas, the one they were just trying to save, how is he?" I persisted.The nurse forcefully pushed me out. "I don't know!"Then the door shut, and I heard the lock click.I slumped against the wall, feeling deflated and lost. I wanted to cry out, "Atlas, please tell me how you are!""Chlo, listen to me. Let's go back," Carol said.We left the hospital, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was somewhere in the building. If I left now, I might miss him.Carol drove directly back to the office. It was nearly the end of the
Seeing Stella's name flashing on my phone sent a shiver down my spine. I answered, my patience wearing thin, "Stella, if you're not going to say something useful, spare me. I don't have the patience for you right now. Whether or not you tell me about Atlas, I'll find out eventually!"Stella's tone dripped with sarcasm as she enjoyed the spectacle. "Looks like you're genuinely worried, Chlo. Such a fiery temper!""It seems like you have too much free time!" Before ending the call, I knew showing indifference was the best way to deal with her.Predictably, my phone rang again, and I reluctantly picked up after three rings. "Don't test my patience!"Stella couldn't resist taunting me further, "Haha, Chlo! I just want to tell you he's fine! Really! But I'm afraid you won't be seeing him for a while. What a pity! I didn't want you to worry too much, so I thought I'd give you a heads-up!"With that, she hung up, and I clenched my fists. The battle was on. It was better to face her openl
The unknown caller asked to meet me in person, claiming he had information about Atlas. I asked who he was, but he hung up and sent me an address instead.I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. I set up my navigation system and rushed to the location, my heart pounding. It was the first time someone had mentioned having information about Atlas, and I couldn't afford to miss this chance.I didn't even question who the caller was. I wanted to hear what he had to say, even if his information was false. It was better than remaining in the dark.News of Atlas’s accident vanished from public attention. There weren’t traces of Atlas or even updates on his condition. I was about to go insane, wondering how they swept such a significant accident under the rug.After all, the accident involved six people, with one reported dead.The person’s call resembled a light at the end of a tunnel. The location was remote and unfamiliar. Although it was still in the city, it wasn’t a part of town I f
Two cops entered my office. I didn’t know what could have happened to attract the cops’ attention. I offered them a sweat, feeling puzzled. One of the officers asked sternly, “Do you know someone named Kennedy Brawford?”“Who?” I said, “I don’t know that person.”The officer wasn’t satisfied with my response. He glanced at his colleague and said, “Show her the photo.”I accepted the photo from the other officer. I saw a man who appeared to be in his twenties in the photo. He was good-looking, almost like a student. I shook my head and said firmly, “I don’t know this person.”Suddenly, I thought about the cafe.“Are you sure you don’t recognize him?” the officer who handed me the photo asked. He seemed accustomed to interrogating suspects.Displeased, I looked at him, saying, “I honestly don’t know him. I’ve never seen that man before.”“The last call he made was to you. How can you claim not to know him?” The officer’s tone became even more severe. Then, he passed me a piece of
I felt a chill run down my spine. The person on his way to meet me had died tragically in a car accident. I suspected it couldn’t just be a coincidence. Moreover, he only wanted to share information with me about Atlas, yet it cost Kennedy his life.It was disturbing that a refined and polite-looking person could die so suddenly. I realized this incident was far from simple.I grew increasingly uneasy as I watched Grayson rush off to investigate. I also wondered why the officers didn’t ask me about the information regarding Atlas.Since Kennedy had died due to a drunk driving accident, why would the cops still conduct an investigation? It was contradictory.However, if it wasn’t a simple coincidence, who killed that young man? Was it Celine or someone else?I couldn’t imagine Atlas's involvement in this conspiracy or what secrets the Pierce family held to drag innocent people into their web. These things haunted me all afternoon.I left the building after clocking out and saw the
I slowly returned to the main road after finally collecting myself. The traffic had eased up by then, and I headed straight home.My mom was relieved to see me and began cooking. I seldom had time to eat with them since I was always so busy, especially these days. My parents had eagerly awaited my return. My mom even said freshly cooked food was best.After dinner, I called Ivanna to see if she was home. She said she had just arrived, so I took Ava for a walk and headed to Ivanna's place. Since I hadn’t seen her for several days, her first question was about Atlas.However, I could only shake my head in response.Ivanna reassured me, “Harmony has been quiet recently, too. She’s been restless, probably due to the lack of news on Atlas. Don’t worry. I told her assistant to inform me if anything unusual happens.”I was grateful to have friends who looked out for me. “Ivanna, I can’t help feeling something’s amiss here,” I confided to her and looked at my daughter, who was playing gam
Ivanna looked at me in confusion and nervousness. “Why? Is someone forcing you?”“N-No, it’s not that!” I shook my head and explained, “For some reason, I feel there’s an inexplicable force pushing me. It’s not just about Atlas’s love.”Ivanna stared at me, still not wholly understanding my words.“I wanted to escape many times. I know I don’t deserve Atlas. Anyone would think I’m delusional for even considering being with him. Still, I always feel like there’s a prevailing connection between us, and it keeps getting stronger.”I spoke solemnly to Ivanna, “I’ve had that thought for a while but always doubted myself. That inexplicable force pushes and pulls me whenever something related to Atlas arises.Ivanna chuckled, “Did you fall too deeply into this? Is that it?”I looked at her with severity and asked, “Do you think I’m trying to justify being with him?”Ivanna hesitated before nodding. “A little.”“No, I even feel like he has appeared in my life before,” I surprised mysel
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