Lauren had booked a luxurious suite with its own hot tub. However, my dad was old-fashioned and preferred to soak outdoors, so we reluctantly let him go.Ava was thrilled to visit this kind of place for the first time. She kept admiring her swimsuit and dancing in the mirror. My mother joined the fun, and they both had a great time.Lauren and I continued to discuss the state of ATL Empire. She expressed her helplessness and said, "This time, I really don't know what to do. Nobody can get in touch with Atlas.""Don't blame yourself. I'm well aware of this. Pleca Park is off-limits now that he’s injured and there for treatment. Plus, Celine has arranged for her own people to guard him. It's as if he's under house arrest."I was getting more anxious after learning he’d be treated in Monora. Something didn't seem right. He would be taken to Monora unaware and can’t defend himself if Celine tried to hurt him."I've received word that they plan to send him to Monora for treatment," I c
I was feeling incredibly anxious, and my hands were clenched. The door finally swung open, and I peered inside, looking at the spot where I had seen Dylan. The food on the table remained, but there was no sign of him.Disappointed, I approached the room to see what was inside. The person who opened the door blocked my path and demanded, "Who are you looking for?"Lauren smiled at the man and said softly, "Why so aggressive? I'm looking for Mr. Dylan. I have something to discuss with him."I was amazed by Lauren’s courage. The man was unconvinced and said, "Who's Mr. Dylan? There’s no such person here!”"I saw him just now!" Lauren replied, clearly frustrated. "I just wanted to ask him something. It’ll be quick!”He stepped aside and said, "Find him then. See for yourself which one is Mr. Dylan."I quickly grabbed Lauren’s hand to prevent her from going in."It's fine then if he’s not in. Maybe we made a mistake," I said, dragging Lauren back to our room. She looked at me and
When the elevator dinged on her floor, I was confused. I looked up just as the elevator doors opened.Flustered by what I saw when the doors opened, my face turned red. I felt embarrassed and didn’t know where to look.Perhaps sensing something, the two people inside the elevator quickly separated and turned to face me.I hastily waved and said, "I didn't see anything! You can continue!"The two individuals in the elevator were Ivanna and another man. The man was tall and well-built, and I didn't dare to look too closely."Chlo!" Ivanna called out, her face flushed. She quickly stepped out of the elevator and grabbed my arm. I could smell a faint scent of alcohol on her. It appeared that they had been drinking."I-I haven't seen you for a while, and I just returned from Solaris," I stammered. When I noticed the man exiting the elevator, I hurriedly fled inside. "I'll talk to you tomorrow!""Chlo!" Ivanna’s face was still red. "Are you sure you're okay?""Yeah, let’s talk on
I was startled by my thoughts. When did I become so trusting of him?I shook myself out of my thoughts and continued scrolling through my phone. The comments and opinions were still pouring in. People were expressing a wide range of views.A closer inspection revealed three main discussion groups. Most supported giving power to Celine. Atlas's condition was critical, so leaving a large corporation without a leader was unwise. Even if Atlas was incapacitated, the company needed management and decisions made. Another group was focused on protecting Atlas's interests. They strongly opposed Celine's ATL Empire consolidation. They said she was overstepping and questioned why she took control while Atlas was incapacitated. It seemed like an opportunistic power grab.Then, there was a neutral group advocating for balance. These individuals acknowledged the need for leadership but were cautious about letting any one person have too much control.These discussions were growing and showing
I was completely stunned by what I witnessed, and my limbs felt unresponsive. I couldn’t tell if I was dreaming.The small plaza beneath ATL Empire was lined with a grand procession of cars. Several well-dressed bodyguards emerged from these vehicles, creating an almost otherworldly barrier against the journalists.At first, I wondered if I had overlooked some important celebrity, but what I saw next was beyond belief.A tall figure emerged from one of the Maybachs. His mere presence earned screams from a crowd of girls, and it was difficult not to be captivated by him.I watched in wide-eyed amazement as the reporters lost their composure. Could it be... Atlas?The Atlas I had lost countless nights of sleep over?His stern countenance, sharply defined features, and regal demeanor all made him appear as if he were a king returning to his realm. His impeccable black suit accentuated his air of solemnity.He seemed invincible.With measured steps, Atlas exited the car, calmly fas
I gazed doubtfully at him. Could he have deceived me, too?It seemed that within Atlas's intricate web, I was the only one kept in the dark. I felt like a pawn expertly manipulated in this game, and I remained oblivious to the truth.My intense scrutiny may have surprised Grayson, and his mouth twitched. "Chlo."I smiled wryly. "Is there anything else I should know? The fact that he played me is, in fact, the best news I've heard yet.""Chlo, do you suspect me of betraying you, too?" Grayson asked.I fell silent. Even Atlas, Nick, and Dylan had all deceived me. Who could I trust now?Did Atlas not realize how devastating this would be for me? I had spent countless sleepless nights worrying if he was alive. It all turned out to be a lie.I looked at Grayson. "Tell me, are there any further updates?""Apart from Nocturnia, all the ATL Empire accounts in other countries have been frozen."I instantly understood."It seems this time, it's quite the grand move," I murmured. Even
At that moment, Celine decided on a second-best option and relinquished all operational rights to ATL Empire. She imposed one condition—Atlas had to marry Stella on a date of her choosing. After the wedding, they could merge the Pierce Corporation with the ATL Empire, and she would retire.She didn’t expect Atlas to refuse in front of all the shareholders. He wouldn't accept Celine's proposal, he wouldn't marry Stella, and he wouldn't integrate the Pierce Corporation. Instead, he permanently handed over the Pierce Corporation to Celine, firmly closing the door to any further involvement between the two companies.This left Celine in shock. She never anticipated that Atlas would be so unwavering.In other words, the ATL Empire completely severed ties with the Pierce Corporation and emerged as an independent entity. I understood why Atlas chose to establish the headquarters of ATL Empire in Jitador rather than Nocturnia.Celine had no further connection to ATL Empire. She was no
I sighed heavily as we left ATL Empire. Carol sensed my mood and offered to drive. I handed her the car keys without a second thought and got into the car. As I looked at the building through the car window, I smiled bitterly. Its existence felt almost like a mirage to me, something that might vanish at any moment. It was possible that I was just a silly presence from the start, or maybe even just a shield.Back at the office, I was in low spirits. Carol kept the staff away from me and left me alone in my office. I sat in my chair and stared out the window, trying to piece together the entire process of knowing Atlas. Despite remembering every detail, I couldn't make sense of our relationship.I lost track of time. Eventually, Carol knocked on the door, holding an invitation card. She asked softly, "Ms. Chloe, ATL Empire is hosting an appreciation party for old clients tonight at Starlight International. Are you...going?"Since we were also clients of ATL Empire, I had no reason
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