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
When I exited the elevator, Matthew froze. Immediately after, he reverted to his usual self and smiled. He exchanged a few words with the woman and sent her to the elevator without introducing her to me.I couldn't help but take a second look at the woman. She seemed elegant, intellectual, and full of dignity. Our eyes met, and the woman grinned at me as the elevator doors closed."Who was that?" I asked."A client," Matthew simply answered, then held shoulders. "Where’d you go?"It seemed he still cared about my whereabouts. His question revealed that he knew I was out. I smiled and glanced at him mischievously. "I won't tell you."On the other hand, Johnson didn't return to the company building until it was time to get off work. The following day, he secretly passed me the information I asked for. The look on his face was indescribable. "Chlo… I… Please don't make things too difficult for me. I…"I knew what he wanted to say. He feared I would report his misdeeds and Matthew
Tanum Corporation was likely the smallest of the six companies shortlisted. This meant that we were also the least competitive.Truth be told, I didn’t expect success. I was only here to divert Matthew's attention.Companies that wanted to bid on the project gathered in a large conference room. They were waiting for the ATL Empire’s project lead. The goal of the meeting was to clarify the project. Each company would also highlight their skills and make an impression.After five minutes, there was still no sign of the project lead. Whispers began to echo around the room.Suddenly, the door to the conference room opened, and everyone turned to look. A young man walked in. He wore a white shirt, black pants, and a black tie. Not only was he tall and poised, but he was also handsome. It was hard to tell his age, though.Behind him came a secretary and several project staff. Everyone's eyes followed him as he walked to the head of the table and sat down. Then, he scanned the people
The call shook me to the core. I hadn't visited my hometown in two years due to Ava's age and Matthew's packed schedule. He wasn’t comfortable with me traveling alone with Ava, which was why I hadn't been back for so long.I held the phone, feeling dazed. A wave of guilt washed over me.Although I was the only daughter, I grew apart from my parents after college. I turned to them only in tough times, but I had neglected them in the past couple of years.Assuming my parents were healthy, I cared for Matthew’s parents more than my own. However, the word “stroke” changed everything.I felt panic, realizing what a terrible daughter I had been. They raised me, but I had done nothing for them.My parents had waited for me without complaint. How could I tell them that my marriage was crumbling and that the family I had devoted myself to was falling apart?There was no time to dwell. I rushed to Matthew's office, almost in tears, and blurted out, "Honey, please book me a flight. I need t
Feeling disheartened, I entered the gate and walked to the boarding area. In times like this, I wanted a partner to go home with me, as did my parents.I tried to console myself that the urgent phone call was why he had to leave. I called Ivanna to let her know where I was. Then I settled into the airport lounge while waiting for boarding. Matthew had only been to my hometown three times. The first time was the year we graduated. He came to meet my parents after our relationship became official.The second time, we wanted to start a business but did not have enough capital to get started. We went to them for help.The third time was when we mortgaged my parents' house to get a loan. After it was approved, he insisted on taking me home to thank my parents. We did not return home together after that. The reason was always the same—he was busy.My parents were always understanding, knowing the challenges of starting a company. They said it required dedication and hard work. The fi
I gasped and closed my eyes while bracing for the impact. But the next second, I felt my body embraced and almost drifting.I could hear gasps and applause while I trembled. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the arms of a tall man, wrapped in his firm, masculine presence.He wore a black mask and was staring at me intensely. Something about his eyes seemed familiar. I held on to his arm as I stared back at him.He put me down and steadied me without saying a word. His eyes shifted to my hands on his arm. I quickly pulled it away and smiled awkwardly. "I’m sorry! Thank you!"Another person had picked up my luggage and brought it to me, saying, "You should be careful! That was a close call. Thankfully, this gentleman was quick!"I nodded at the man. "Thank you so much!""Where are you headed?" His voice sounded husky.I looked at him, puzzled. His voice sounded oddly familiar, too. I observed the composed man with his deep, mysterious eyes.He sensed my confusion and pulle
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