I spun around, but the figure hurrying away was now a fading silhouette. The figure vanished quickly. Still, the build, the height...Feeling something was off, I followed the figure to the roadside, but there was no trace of anyone. That captivating glimpse seemed more like an illusion. I scolded myself for paying attention to the scenery, not the person passing by.But I knew who I saw, even if he was dressed in all black and wearing a low-brimmed cap. Though I couldn’t see his face, his presence was…I stared around blankly until Carol returned to find me. Then I reluctantly followed her, still staring at either side of the path.Throughout the entire meal, that figure remained on my mind.The next day, I went to see Nick. I said nothing about what happened, but I insisted on seeing Atlas. It didn’t matter if he was still unconscious. I needed to see him.My firm stance made Nick uneasy. Even though his face darkened, I stood my ground.“Otherwise, I’ll head straight to Ple
Nick kept it brief on the phone, stressing the importance of attending the cocktail party and awaiting further instructions from him.I didn’t press for details and assured him I’d be there. Nick was clearly using this party to arrange a meeting with Atlas.Sure enough, I spotted Nick at the reception, with Stella by his side. He was introducing her to other high-level executives from different companies.After all, Nick was the head honcho of the Torado headquarters, so his presence was expected. As the ATL Empire representative, Stella demonstrated the company’s importance. With these two representing the ATL Empire, they made their presence known.It was unspoken knowledge that Atlas was indisposed because of the car accident. Everyone was wondering how serious his injuries were.All the hushed conversations at the reception revolved around this. I mingled in the crowd and exchanged pleasantries with other CEOs. Meanwhile, I watched Nick closely, afraid to miss his instructio
Knowing too many people were around, I didn’t want to cause a scene and suppressed my anger.Matthew tried to grab me as he said, “Chlo, what’s with your temper?”I dodged his hand, and it only grasped the air. He looked flustered, then glanced at the people watching us before casually putting his hand into his pocket.Matthew continued, “There’s a discussion for everything. We won’t need to worry about our companies’ statuses if we successfully handle these two projects. Why are you making things harder for yourself instead of joining me?”I tried to shake him off again and replied with a hint of disdain, “You should just enjoy your life. I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”Still, Matthew persisted in getting in my way. “I promise to give you whatever I give Mel. She’s leaving her work responsibilities to care for our son. You and I can have a harmonious family. What do you say?”"Matthew, you have no shame. Are you daydreaming? Wake up."The air went silent as Lauren approached u
I saw something flash in Stella’s eyes, which confirmed they were related to what happened to Kennedy.Just then, I noticed Nick giving me a signal. I excused myself to greet him and approached with a smile. After a few pleasantries, Nick quietly informed me, "The car is waiting outside. I can only stall them for forty minutes. You must leave Pleca Park within that time."I nodded and observed Stella before turning to head outside. However, Atticus and another man walked toward me with clear intentions to greet me.I cursed my luck while he waved to me from a distance. I smiled and approached before saying, “Mr. Atticus, did you just arrive?”“Ms. Chloe, let me introduce you to my friend. This is Bryan Cohen, the CEO of Alliance Corporation,” Atticus then smiled at his friend, “Bryan, this is Ms. Chloe Hartz, the owner of Tanum Corporation.Bryan extended his hand to me, and I politely shook it. He looked like a dashing young man, about the same age as Atticus. However, the former
I froze and clenched my teeth, inwardly cursing. I turned to see Stella, who had just come out with me. I could just tear her apart with my gaze."Why are you leaving so soon?" She seemed to have seen through my intentions. She strolled toward me and scrutinized me with an intentional air of confrontation. I realized how much she loved trouble.She asked, "What's the rush? Why are you so frantic and disoriented?""You seem quite attentive to notice such a thing." I feigned shock. Still, I steadied myself and said half truthfully, "Yeah, I’m in a rush. What's wrong? Do you need something?"The more anxious I became, the more she squinted at me. The sinister glint in her gaze made me uneasy, but I couldn't afford to lose my composure. I had to maintain my dominance, even just for appearances."Quick, speak up. I can’t stay long.” I didn't hide my impatience. After all, five minutes had already passed since I saw Atticus.I never realized how short forty minutes could be. Every wast
I entered the other car, where a refined gentleman awaited. He nodded at me but said nothing. Then, he started the car and drove toward Pleca Park.My nervousness intensified as the moment of truth neared. I even intertwined my hands tightly."Don't be nervous. Just relax." The doctor seemed to notice my anxiety and tried to calm me. "Just follow my lead, don't speak, and cooperate with me."When we arrived at Pleca Park, the familiar ornate gate remained closed, just like when I visited two days ago.However, the gate slowly opened as our car approached. We entered smoothly, and the gate closed behind us. There was no sign of guards or heightened security at the entrance. Still, I knew the security measures were more rigorous than they appeared.When we reached the house, the doctor instructed, "Stay close and don't speak. Just relax."I nodded, my hands sweaty. When I realized I was getting closer to Atlas, my heart pounded. Soon, the doctor gestured for me to get out of the ca
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the room as I lifted the blanket. I instinctively turned to see what was happening while gripping the blanket. To my surprise, Kenzie appeared before me with several attendants.I realized that I had been exposed. Kenzie and I locked eyes, and then I turned back to Atlas. Since I had already come this far, I was determined to see things through.I saw Atlas’s leg in a cast and several bandages indicating unhealed wounds. One of his arms was also in a cast, and just seeing his condition was heart-wrenching. Soon after, I pulled the blanket further.My tears welled as I glanced at Atlas, saying, “Please wake up soon.”"Ms. Chloe, you’re bold," Kenzie commented coldly. She remained rooter as she watched me.I couldn't help but chuckle as I retracted my gaze from Atlas. I stood upright and wiped my tears before turning to Kenzie. I copied her detachment, saying, “That’s enough. I can do whatever I want. I don’t think I’m bold. I wanted to see my f
I locked eyes with Stella. "If you don't want people to know what you've done, it's best not to provoke me."I walked out and addressed the doctor who had escorted me in. "Sir, could you please take me back?"He calmly nodded. "Certainly."I was worried that leaving the doctor there might put him in danger.Back in the car, a wave of nervousness washed over me, causing my hands to tremble. I turned to the doctor and said, "I'm sorry for involving you. They won't harm you, will they?""No, it won't be that serious," he replied. Then he started driving."How is his condition?" I asked the doctor, still feeling concerned."You saw it yourself." He glanced at me. "The injuries to his limbs aren’t too serious, but the head injury is severe.""So when do you think he'll wake up?"His response was ambiguous. "That depends on how he responds. It could be anytime." We reached the spot where we had switched cars earlier. The other car was still waiting. I thanked the doctor and return
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