When he entered my office, his demeanor was genuinely repulsive. It was as if he owned the place, inspecting every corner as if it were his home.The fault was mine. When I took over, I prioritized convenience over renovations. The office remained exactly as it was, untouched.After his inspection, he settled into the sofa, looking at me confidently. He said, "Chloe, you're quite sentimental. It’s obvious from this office. You've never had the heart to change the look. Do you feel like I'm still here?"I let out a cold hum and silently cursed in my heart. The villain thought he was the cream of the crop. Even the way he sat was so smug.I looked at him indifferently, unwilling to engage with his antics. "Alright, what brings you here?""Let's not beat around the bush. I've got too many projects on hand, and they keep pouring in. I can't let such a good opportunity slip away to someone else. That's why I'm here to talk to you. How about merging our companies?"He swayed his
I knew Matthew didn’t expect me to appear so calm while telling him to get lost. It must’ve been a great insult to him since he looked so embarrassed.“Chloe, I came to talk things out with you. You can make amends or face the consequences of defying me. You can choose if this is a friendly discussion or a warning.Suddenly, someone opened my office door. Ryan entered, asking, “Who’s speaking with such authority? Tell me, where are you planning to move to?”Matthew’s lips twitched when he saw Ryan. The former regained his arrogant composure and retaliated, “I didn’t expect to see my senior from college here.”Matthew knew Ryan well, especially when Matthew pursued me in school. Ryan had taken good care of me then. Therefore, Matthew had been wary of him until I accepted Matthew as my boyfriend.Ryan glanced at Matthew and said, “You just mentioned moving, right? Where to?”Ryan confidently sat at the main seat and looked Matthew in the eyes, saying, “The difference between a man
I had been preoccupied with Atlas’s injuries these days and neglected work. Ryan noticed my skepticism and smiled, saying, “I’m confident we can succeed.”“How are you confident about this? Are you saying..." I hesitated in making assumptions."Unless something unexpected happens, then yes." Ryan grinned.I stared at him, dumbfounded. Considering his calm demeanor, he didn’t appear to be joking. I cautiously asked, “Are you saying we might secure phase two?”Ryan nodded with a smile. "Why not? Who says we can't secure a major project?""Are you serious?" I felt elated. "Were you working on this all along? I wondered why you were rarely around."“You wouldn’t have trusted me with this job if I sat around all day hoping for projects to come to me. We can't let Matthew win,” Ryan said smugly.I laughed, "Haha! Tell me the details. How’d you manage to get in touch with them? If we secure this, we'll have a smooth road ahead."Ryan explained the process to me in detail. Evidently, w
It was survival of the fittest in the business world, and I was determined to make Liora relent. If I didn’t, it would be over for me.Conveniently, Matthew's groundbreaking ceremony had just concluded. I thought it was the right time to put my plan into action.Ryan assured me, "You can get a good night's sleep this time. I’ll consider us established in Foswood once we have the capital to be independent.”I wholeheartedly agreed with his sentiment.However, ATL Empire added to my pressure when the retested inspection reports returned. Surprisingly, they showed elevated levels of harmful substances, rendering the project non-compliant.Immediately after, ATL Empire ordered all remaining construction to halt. If we couldn’t resolve it, the project would never continue. Since we sold all the units, I would be in serious trouble if the homeowners complained.ATL Empire didn’t give me a chance to address the issue. The work stoppage was just the first step. Then, they sent an outrage
Atticus quickly answered the call. He said hoarsely, "Hmm, Ms. Chloe? What's the matter?"I glanced at Lauren, and she nodded reassuringly, urging me to speak."Um... are you at the company? I'd like to discuss something with you," I said, still lacking confidence."Sure, go to Vanderberg Palace. I'll be there in a while," he responded promptly.I felt dazed because I did not know what Vanderberg Palace was. Lauren saw my confusion and patted my hand, signaling me to end the call."All right, see you later," I replied awkwardly before hanging up. Then I turned to Lauren and said, “I don’t know where Vanderberg Palace is.”Lauren laughed at me mockingly. I felt embarrassed and asked, “Hey! Why are you laughing?!”“Because I know where it is. Hahaha,” Lauren continued to tease me, “I should’ve driven you around more when we had nothing to do. You should have some fun driving around. Geez, you embarrass me sometimes.”Soon after, we arrived in front of a tranquil courtyard. Lauren
Atticus showed no surprise and nodded. “Go ahead.”I explained my purpose and then looked at him, asking, "Can you give me some advice?"Atticus didn't respond directly. Instead, he contemplated momentarily before saying, "I can't help you with this."My mind went blank, and my heart dropped. I realized I might’ve been too hopeful since I wasn’t close to Atticus. It was unrealistic for him to help me for no reason. As I was about to provide a way out for myself, Atticus continued, “However, I can offer a suggestion.”I looked at him in surprise and waited for him to continue."Do you know Pinnacle Group?" he asked.I nodded. Pinnacle Group was the country's leading company and the most renowned real estate brand. They had properties worldwide and were well-known for their quality."Go to them. Their building materials undergo rigorous selection and meet national standards. I noticed the items you used identified as non-compliant are the same ones they use. Wouldn't that be quite
Lauren insisted on driving me back home as I left the Vanderberg Palace. I grabbed a couple of fresh outfits and asked her to take me to the airport.During the ride, I made calls to both Ryan and Grayson. Grayson offered, "I can accompany you, you know. Are you sure you want to go alone?""Your mission is more crucial. Finding evidence is the key to victory. I'll be fine on my own. Trust me," I earnestly advised Grayson.The remorse in Ryan’s voice was clear.I was not worried about the company with Ryan in charge, but he was not good at complicated relationships. His time abroad had dulled his understanding of complex interpersonal dynamics.Teasingly, I said to Lauren, "Your ideas are truly classic. Why do I feel like you're such a smooth operator?"She glanced at me and retorted, "Who's the smooth operator here? You're just too close to the situation. Your brain is leagues ahead of the rest of us. "In my opinion, you've let the company stagnate in the years Matthew ran it
Not only did the shop owner open up about it, even the woman getting her hair done chimed in. It seemed like they were both very familiar with this family.It turned out that Dominic's eccentric behavior had a backstory. He was born into an intellectual family and taught chemistry at a university in the city. He was devoted to his career and got married quite late. He had a child in his middle age, the cherry on top of his already blissful life. Everything seemed perfect, but little did he know that his idyllic dream lasted only five years. At the time, he was at the pinnacle of his career. He was the youngest Ph.D. supervisor, and he even bought a house.This was supposed to be an enviable celebration, but tragedy struck when his beloved son was diagnosed with leukemia the second year after moving into the new house. This news shattered Dominic's dreams. He traveled far and wide to seek treatment for his child, depleting his wealth and ending up with nothing. He couldn't f
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