Lauren was aware of the situation and offered to accompany me, but I declined. I didn't want her to get involved. I suspected she had ulterior motives for wanting to be there, but I told her to let it go. There was no need for her to get mixed up in this mess. Lauren relented, so I brought Carol, who used to work at Tanum Corporation. I had my reasons for bringing her, and I didn't have to explain them. Carol was perfectly capable of handling the situation on her own.The party for the baby took place at La Dolce Vita. The venue was packed, and Matthew stood at the entrance, welcoming guests from all directions. When Johnson brought my car to the entrance, Matthew rushed down the steps and opened the car door.He seemed a little unhappy when asked, "Chlo... where's my little girl?"I calmly said, "Everyone already knows you have a son and a daughter.”He forced a smile and said, "Well, you better come in!"Carol quickly stood by my side and handed two cash envelopes to Matth
She approached gracefully, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Those serpentine eyes were fixed on my face, and I could see the tension in her jaw. Such restraint must’ve been painful.Maintaining a calm smile, I watched them eagerly begin the performance. Myra was so nervous that she hardly dared to breathe. She nudged me several times, and Carol was gearing up for a fight. I grabbed her and gently pushed her back down."Oh! I was wondering who it was. It’s my sister-in-law!" I smiled at her. "Melanie, what game are you playing? We had never called each other that before. Where's the 'sister-in-law' coming from?"Carol wasn't going to let it slide. She immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Matthew is already yours, so where's the 'sister-in-law' coming from? You have a son now, so maybe start acting like a mom. Chloe has already taken a step back for you."Suddenly, Melanie adopted a pitiful look. Her eyes reddened, and her lips quivered as if she had been wronged. The whole
I gently held Carol’s wrist with a strained smile. "Melanie, are you sure about this?"Seeing that Carol was already upset, Stella added fuel to the fire. "Melanie, why bring this up at a time like this?"Melanie knew her words were having an impact and continued to play the victim."I'm happy. Otherwise, none of you would get to see my son today, and Matthew wouldn't be as happy as he is now! Let’s not hold grudges, Chloe. I won’t blame you for causing me to give birth prematurely. Can’t we all get along? After all, we're all part of the Murphy family!”"I'm not part of it," I couldn't help but retort.The onlookers immediately turned their stern gazes toward me. I could tell that if I said "no," they might tear me apart. I smirked, realizing how cunningly they had orchestrated this.It was a blatant attempt to turn everyone against me. One wrong step and my reputation in the city would be irreparable. I would be labeled a scheming woman.This was precisely what the three women
Carol reacted incredibly fast. Before the shadow reached me, she swiftly pulled me away. Just as I got up from the chair, the shadow collided with it, resulting in a loud thud. The entire room gasped in shock. I was still trying to process what was happening.As I gathered my wits, I realized Grace had lunged at me and ended up on the ground. Her forehead had hit the chair during the collision, and now she was hurling insults in my direction."Chloe, you wretched woman! After serving you for ten years, I never expected you to be so heartless and vile!"She listed my crimes, "You not only took the Murphy family's property but you also got involved with a man who brutally beat up my son. He was left battered and bruised. Chloe, you're a despicable person! Have you no shame?"The crowd of onlookers gasped again, staring at me like a demon.Carol's face flushed with anger, and she roared, "Hey, why are you twisting the story?"Liora watched with folded arms, seemingly relishing my di
The sudden brightness in the banquet hall stunned everyone. All the large screens had lit up, capturing everyone’s attention.A familiar video played on the screens. It was footage of Ava’s birthday when Matthew had carried her out of the school gate to collect her gift. Then, Melanie arrived.The people in the banquet hall were puzzled and started whispering, “What’s going on?”Even I was surprised, wondering who had orchestrated it. It seemed I had an unexpected ally in attendance. I couldn’t help but glance at Johnson, who had come over with Matthew earlier. Besides Matthew and Melanie, Johnson was likely the only one who knew the whole story.As the video played for the second time, someone exclaimed, “Oh my, isn’t that Melanie? What's she—?!”The person’s exclamation drew even more attention as everyone focused on the repeated violent scenes. Finally, someone made a bold guess, “Isn’t that Melanie? She’s pregnant yet causing trouble at a kindergarten. She even kicked someone
Everyone turned to the entrance when they heard the slightly mocking voice. To my surprise, I saw the uninvited Lauren walking in. I instinctively face-palmed in amazement.Lauren's presence shocked everyone. She had exposed Matthew’s affair at our wedding anniversary a few months ago. The supposedly upright Matthew even went to court for our divorce.Lauren’s actions caused Matthew and I to divorce. His notoriety skyrocketed immediately after. Although Lauren was once his mistress, she had exposed him for his affair with Melanie.Today, she again appeared at Matthew’s son’s full moon banquet. I knew she wasn’t here to enjoy the food, either. Her appearance always held some significance, and it seemed Matthew would pay the price today.I was even more surprised because we agreed she was not supposed to come. I wondered why she came anyway. I covered my eyes, realizing that another exciting show was about to begin. Still, I didn’t know what she would do this time.As I looked aroun
I almost laughed aloud after finally realizing who that woman was. She was Melanie’s biological mother. The woman was a drama queen. She kept repeating, “You made it hard for me to find you.”However, her expression felt out of place. I wondered what she was looking for.After birthing Melanie, the woman left her with the Murphys and showed no concern over the years. Since that was the case, I couldn’t believe her struggles to find Melanie.The Murphys caused a stir when they moved out of their old place. The woman would only need to ask around to find their new place. Considering her attire, she probably didn’t fare well alone. Now, she had found a lucky break.I knew she was a troublemaker, too. Her return meant that the Murphys, especially Grace, were in for dark times ahead. I couldn’t help but glance at Grace, shaking with anger. I felt genuine sympathy for her.After all, she had sincerely cared for Ava over the years.I admired Lauren for managing to find that woman. I won
Lauren tugged at my hand, I glanced at Carol, and then we left together. When we arrived at a fondue restaurant, Carol could not wait to ask Lauren how she found Melanie’s biological mother. Lauren smiled smugly and told us everything. She had tasked her friends with finding Abby and had been waiting for an opportunity to put her to use. It was clear why Matthew was so embarrassed.Lauren had searched for Abby for several months. About a month ago, she received word that Abby was in the suburbs. The older woman had been hopping from one place to another, marrying and causing trouble for her various husbands.However, Abby had never established herself properly.Lauren had brought her back to Foswood in time for Matthew’s party. She had wined and dined Abby for an entire evening, subtly influencing her. Hence, Abby could not wait to reunite with her ‘successful’ daughter.Carol and I burst into laughter as we listened to Lauren’s story. It was quite a spectacle, and the Murphys we
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