As our conversation continued, we lost track of time. Carol eventually came to remind me, "Ms. Chloe, it's almost time to leave. Are you still planning to attend the reception?"After a brief moment of contemplation, I decided that we should get ready to go together. Carol glanced at Grayson, her face slightly flushed. I didn't dwell on the subtleties of their interaction and promptly told Grayson, "I'll head home first."I went downstairs and quickly left the office before rush hour began. On the way home, I mulled over the various possibilities related to the accident. Either it was Celine's doing, trying to stop him from going abroad, or Atlas had orchestrated it to trap Celine. The third possibility was that there was another force, like the three factions mentioned online, before the shareholders' meeting.I cursed my involvement in such a complex situation and wished for a simpler life.Then again, how could he not fight back if someone keeps pushing him to his limits? Just
When we arrived at Starlight International, the parking lots were packed and it took a while for us to find a spot.We eventually made our way into the venue, which was teeming with people. The guests at the event were ATL Empire's clients from various industries, as the company had diverse business interests.I felt a little underdressed compared to the elegantly attired ladies in the room. Most of the women looked angelic and exuded gracefulness.Ryan seemed to sense my discomfort. Our arms were linked, and he patted my hand. "This style suits you the best. Otherwise, you'd stand out too much!"I smiled and said, "You're just trying to humor me."Ryan looked at me warmly. "I'm not just humoring you. Let's take a quick tour, and if you're not comfortable, we can leave. The crowd is quite diverse today, so we don’t need to stay too long.”I surveyed the bustling hall, and he was right. it was more like a Christmas party and didn't seem entirely suitable for us.Today appeared to
I joined them, already feeling worn out. Lauren discreetly pinched me to keep me alert. She introduced me to the elegant gentleman, and though I couldn't remember what she said, I kept up a standard smile.Handshakes, small talk, and such were all a blur.Ryan, on the other hand, was having a lively conversation with the man.Lauren led me to the side and pinched me again to wake me from my daze. The sudden pain snapped me back to reality, and I turned to her."Chlo, stay focused. Stay calm until you understand the situation. There are many eyes on you at this event, so try not to make a scene. You have a lot on your plate. You got me into this, so give it a chance."Lauren's words grounded me. I took a deep breath, wiped away my tears, and nodded.She continued speaking softly, "No matter what your goal is, I'm here to support you. Why aren't you making the most of me? You mentioned we'd work together, right? Let's get started now."Lauren turned to the gentleman and said, "Sir
The spotlight was on Atlas as he delivered an eloquent speech on stage, thanking clients who had supported him for years.I stared at his handsome face as I struggled to contain my sense of loss.A server gently whispered, "Ms. Chloe, someone is waiting for you on the rooftop."The server quickly left, and I looked around skeptically. Everyone was focused on the dazzling man on the stage.Who could be looking for me? I quietly made my way to a staircase that led directly to the rooftop, which was designed to look like an elegant open garden.Because of the evening's event, the rooftop was open to visitors. It was quieter than the bustling atmosphere below, making it suitable for private conversations.When I went into the rooftop garden, I did not see many other people. Most were gathered below, listening to Atlas.As I glanced around, I couldn't spot anyone waiting for me. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. I spun around and saw Harmony gracefully walking toward me.She was unde
I saw the set piece collapsing toward Harmony. I yelled and rushed to pull her away, but she pushed my hand away stubbornly. The structure came crashing down, and we both got caught in it.Thankfully, I stood a bit to the side, so I avoided being crushed. However, Harmony was a bit delayed in her struggle, and the board fell on her leg when she fell.On the rooftop, the scattered guests were shouting from a distance, too scared to come closer. Someone ran downstairs to call for help.Harmony's leg was trapped under the debris, and she cursed at me between howls of pain.I felt a sharp pain in my ankle. However, I was afraid of more pieces falling, so I gritted my teeth and tried to get up. At the same time, I tried to help Harmony."Chloe, how could you be so cruel? Why are you trying to hurt me?" Harmony screamed hoarsely."Please get up and check yourself for injuries. I didn't invite you here..." I said, trying to explain while helping her.Then, a crowd rushed onto the rooft
Her crazy fans didn't care about the truth, and soon chaos erupted in my hospital room.The window was broken, and the door was forced open. They started throwing eggs, rotten vegetables, and foul seafood at me. The room turned into a mess with an unbearable stench, worse than a public garbage dump.The situation went out of control. Ryan shielded me, and stinky egg yolks ran down his body and covered his head.The hospital eventually called the cops, who intervened and removed several instigators. They then dispersed the crowd from the hospital, finally ending the ordeal.When Lauren arrived, she saw me trembling in fear. Despite the mess, she hugged me while crying.I might have cried all my tears the previous night. Apart from shivering in fear due to the frenzied mob, I didn't feel anything else.Furious, Ivanna stormed into the VIP ward to confront Atlas in Harmony's room, but it was heavily guarded. It seemed they were ready to prevent any disturbance that might affect Harm
The following day, Grayson arrived at my house with a USB drive containing the entire incident at the rooftop garden.He said, "After Mr. Nick took you to the hospital, I checked the rooftop cameras but couldn't find any evidence. Someone had tampered with the footage from that time.“Since ATL Empire owns the hotel Starlight International, I didn't bypass their system. However, based on the information on this USB drive, it's clear that someone more skilled than us is involved. In other words, this information probably came from..."Grayson didn't finish his sentence, but I knew what he meant. The information came just in time, making everything crystal clear. The only disappointing part was that the person behind it was Jack, who worked for Kenzie. I didn't know Jack, and we'd never even met.Grayson looked at me, hesitating. "Chlo, should we keep investigating? I don't believe Jack is behind this—he’s just the fall guy.”I said coldly, "Keep investigating. But if someone's ta
As soon as someone took charge, the journalists moved aside. Grayson shielded me as we got into the car and headed straight to the office. In the rearview mirror, I could see the crowd dispersing.Outside the company building, fervent reporters and Harmony's fans were staked out. Even the underground parking lot was crowded.Grayson reacted quickly. He quietly reversed the car and left Galar Tower. Suddenly, a thought struck me. I decided to go to the Vanderberg Palace.I asked Grayson to gather a few people at the Vanderberg Palace. It was conveniently close to the office, making it a suitable place for discussions.As we entered the mansion, I saw the last person I wanted to see. It was completely unexpected. He seemed far away when I wanted to see him, but then, out of nowhere, he was there.Every cell in my body seemed to freeze. My gaze fixed on his face, which was both stern and captivating. I held Grayson's hand tightly, seeking support.The ever-composed Grayson greeted t
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