Why would a single piece of information be worth a life? I carried Ava through the tranquil neighborhood late at night amid the dim streetlights. The shadows shifted around us.I picked up the pace as the weight of Ava in my arms grew heavier. As I approached my front door, a shadow darted out from the corner.It startled me, and I gasped."Chloe, it's me... Do you really not know anything about what happened to Atlas?" The figure approached, and I recognized Harmony."What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" I snapped, my annoyance thinly veiled. Ava stirred and whimpered.I quickly patted her back to sleep and said to Harmony, "You scared me to death!"Harmony seemed to realize her impulsiveness. "I knocked on your door, and they said you weren't home, so I waited for you!" I gave her a sideways glance. "He's your boyfriend. Why are you asking me? How would I know?""Chloe, you know your relationship with Atlas, don't you?" She came closer, her gaze dark and pene
A wave of relief washed over me with Celine's departure from Foswood. Maybe things would become more manageable for us to investigate. From a particular perspective, this was good news.I asked Grayson to monitor the situation at ATL Empire. Celine leaving would have set things in motion. Even though Atlas was injured, the company had to keep going.Then it struck me—Atlas's home, the grand estate on the hills. It had been his private haven. I wondered if he might be there. After finishing my work at the company, I hopped in my car and headed for the estate.The season was just right, with lush scenery to the south. This area was still considered on hold, and I noticed construction activity over at the scenic area. It indicated ATL Empire was developing it.I turned onto the private road leading to the estate, and my heart began to race. I had a strong feeling that my hunch was correct. In my eagerness, I hit the gas. I could drive right into the estate on previous visits, but th
As I was about to exit the private road, I saw a bright red dot in the distance. It struck me—could that be Stella's red sports car? My heart skipped a beat at the thought. Stella? Was she here at Fremont Bay?I hesitated and followed my instincts. I spotted a small path leading into the woods and maneuvered my car into the junction. Thankfully, my midnight blue Panamera was discreet and wouldn't be easy to spot.Before long, a red sports car whooshed by, confirming my suspicions. Was it Stella? I couldn't be sure, but it seemed plausible since they were relatives. Just as I hesitated, a black sedan swiftly entered.I parked and waited for some time, but no other cars entered or left. Only then did I leave my concealed spot and return to the private road, exiting Fremont Bay premises.Back in the city, I called Nick to set up a meeting, using a project-related excuse as cover. He didn't refuse and instructed me to come to his office. Upon arriving, I got straight to the point."
I stood there feeling helpless and confused. Maybe because Atlas trusted Nick, my emotions got the best of me. I couldn't conceal my anxiety as I looked at him."Mr. Nick, besides the head injury, how is he? Is he okay? Did the doctors say when he might wake up? And...will there be any lasting effects?"I felt myself on the verge of breaking down. Why did fate have to be so cruel? Why did it have to be Atlas?Nick looked at my face, helpless. “He also had arm and chest injuries, but the head injury was the worst. The doctors can't provide a definite timeline for when he'll wake up. It could be a few days or maybe even months, depending on how the bleeding in his head resolves."I couldn’t hold back my tears, but I quickly wiped them away."Ms. Chloe, you should go back. This accident has already disrupted Atlas's plans. We all hope he wakes up soon and can take charge," Nick said seriously. "Of course, I understand how you feel, but now that this has happened, we must focus on mov
Ryan, who hadn’t seen me all day, was anxious. He had called me multiple times, but I hadn't answered. When I finally returned, he hurriedly followed me into my office."Chlo, where were you? Are you feeling unwell?" Ryan's concern was evident as he noticed the pallor on my face.I sank wearily into my chair. "I went to ATL Empire and met with Nick.""Any news?" Ryan inquired promptly, fully aware of why I had met with Nick."H-He's still unconscious! He hasn't woken up yet." I didn't hold back any details from Ryan. I felt utterly powerless. "He suffered a head injury. They're keeping the news under wraps."Ryan understood the gravity of the situation and said, "No wonder they are trying so hard to hide this. This happened as Atlas announced his takeover. It's not a good sign. Those loyalists of Celine, I'm afraid they will be active again.""The most important part is not knowing when he will wake up. Today, Celine returned to Nocturnia. I initially thought it was good news, bu
I remembered something and said to Ryan, “Speaking of Atlas’s injury, I haven't seen or heard anything about Dylan since then. Is Dylan also seriously injured?”I looked at Ryan in puzzlement.He nodded and replied, “You're right. Dylan should be injured, too.”“He was in the same car as Atlas. Judging from the car’s condition, Dylan should also be seriously injured.” I recalled what I had seen on the screen that day. Indeed, the car was severely damaged.“Chlo, trust that Atlas will be okay. You need to relax,” Ryan reassured me, fearing I would get worked up again, “Sometimes, we must think things through.”I helplessly nodded and said, “There’s nothing else I can do. I can’t see how Atlas is, so I can only wait. Please check on the progress of our project in the next few days, especially the project with ATL Empire. We must carefully avoid any mistakes to prevent Celine from causing trouble.”Just then, someone knocked on my office door. I said, “Come in!”Carol entered and w
I became cold and arrogant. While I was nervous during their first visit, I also felt resentful this time. The cops’ attitudes, expressions, and tone annoyed me.“I’m curious, officers. What exactly are you investigating? Although I’m not a professional, I know you’ve missed some crucial questions. I don’t know if you intentionally avoided asking them or if you already have the answers,” I spoke with skepticism.After a pause, I asked, “Why didn’t you ask me what Kennedy wanted to tell me?”Immediately after asking that question, I stared at the officer to observe his reaction. As expected, he was speechless.The other officer awkwardly said, “That’s what we wanted to ask you next.”“Then let me ask you two something. Did you overlook this question on your previous visit? Or did you avoid asking it? Maybe you already know what he wanted to tell me?” My follow-up questions were assertive.I continued questioning, “Since this case involves me, can I know why you’re investigating th
I remained silent momentarily before saying, “I was eager to know how severe his injuries were and why there’s no news about it.”One of the officers said, “Mr. Atlas suffered severe injuries in his accident, and ATL Empire requested to remove the news.”I couldn’t help but frown at the words “severe injuries.”“We could only cooperate with ATL Empire. However, it doesn’t affect how we usually handle his case. The news blackout only concerns Mr. Atlas’s condition, not the case’s outcome. The public should receive a satisfactory explanation once we’ve concluded the case.”I knew the officer was tight-lipped and that trying to extract the information I wanted from them was unlikely. However, I deduced that Celine had ordered to block the news because Atlas was in a coma.Although it was a reasonable precaution on her part, I needed to know what she planned to do afterward. I figured only she and her people knew.I helplessly looked at the two officers and softened my tone, “That’s
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