I turned and shuffled back into the room. I sat on the bed while still looking toward the window. I even strained my ears, trying to hear the faint sounds outside. Disappointingly, the car stopped.On the press conference day, Ryan arrived early to pick me up. He sensed my nerves and reassured me, “Everything is in place. Don’t worry.”My parents wanted to accompany me, but Ryan and I insisted they stay home. Still, I couldn't shake my unease. For some reason, I felt things would not go smoothly.Since the press conference would occur in Galar Tower’s lobby, we made necessary arrangements with the building’s management. We even chose a time that did not clash with other people’s work.Upon arriving, I realized our mistake. Galar Tower was crowded, making it impossible to get in. Even the entrance to the underground parking lot was full of cars. I couldn’t enter the building, nor could the employees from other companies.I watched the chaos unfold as I sat in Ryan’s car, shocked. T
I desperately clung to the driver's seat, trying to prevent myself from falling. A suffocating sense of despair overwhelmed me at that moment.As the car was about to flip over, it jerked back into position with a thud. The impact made my injured foot hit something, giving me a piercing pain. My vision darkened, and my ears rang as I hugged my legs.I didn’t know what would happen next. I could only think about not dying in the car. Suddenly, I heard someone shouting, "Chloe?! Stop it, all of you! Chlo!"I knew it was Ryan's voice. Despairingly, I yelled, "Leave me! Go!"I sensed two groups fighting, constantly tugging the car but no longer causing it to tip over. I curled into a ball to protect my legs and prayed for the disaster to end.Heavy objects crashed into the car, causing me to tremble. A long while later, someone called my name and knocked on the car window. “Chloe, it’s okay! Open the door!”I recognized Ryan's voice and nervously obeyed. He climbed into the car, and
The press conference was remarkable. I was only supposed to clarify what had happened at the banquet, but it resembled a public trial after the authorities took over. It revealed underlying truths.Surprisingly, ATL Empire dispatched its PR team to provide a detailed account of the incident. They presented compelling audio-visual evidence that reconstructed the events during the banquet.The surveillance footage showed the waiter luring me and Harmony to the rooftop. The footage showed everything that had happened, including the set’s collapse and my attempt to save Harmony.I was even more surprised when ATL Empire presented signs of tampering on the set. ATL Empire vowed to cooperate with the investigation and not tolerate anyone tarnishing the company's image.I knew ATL Empire's response was a double-edged sword. After all, they were the hosts of the banquet. Their cooperation and stance showed sincerity, which preserved their image. I couldn't help but admire ATL Empire’s adep
Stunned, I stared at the door. I didn't know if what had happened was a dream or reality.Just then, Lauren entered with a bag of items. "You must be hungry, so I bought you food. You should have some now. You've slept for so long."I asked her groggily, "Did someone visit just now?"She looked at me, puzzled. "No one came. You were sleeping so soundly, so I went to get you food."I closed my eyes to calm myself. It seemed I was disoriented. Those who visited had already gone home, so I wondered who else it could be. I chuckled and struggled to sit up. Then, I accepted the towel Lauren handed me and wiped my hands.I said, "I slept for so long that I still feel tired."Lauren set the food by the hospital bed and said, "That riot scared me. The car was about to overturn, but the bodyguards and the cops arrived. It would’ve been disastrous if they arrived even a second later.""You saw it too?" I asked, still shaken."The whole nation saw it." She glanced at me. "The live coverag
I didn’t interrupt Lauren and refused to believe Atlas was behind everything.After dinner, I slept through the night. I woke up the following morning, still wondering who had visited me last evening. Later, Grayson visited and told me Atticus had sent those bodyguards, which relieved me.I would choose Atticus if I had to choose between him and ATL Empire. The favor I owed to Atticus was easier to repay.I stayed in the hospital for half a month, and the investigation concluded as expected. The authorities had found a convenient scapegoat. Naturally, I felt dissatisfied with the result but could do nothing.Still, I knew the details because I was directly involved. Finally, I could put weight on my foot and walk. The doctor advised me to exercise more to aid my recovery. On the day of my discharge, Harmony came to my ward.I was somewhat surprised. I thought Harmony would have visited earlier, yet the authorities had closed the case. She removed her sunglasses and looked at me. S
Harmony saw me laughing and asked, "What are you laughing at?""I'm laughing because you're too self-absorbed. I suggest you pay attention to others for a change. As for the rooftop incident, I wouldn’t dwell on it."The press conference made things pretty clear. You should read those reports if you don’t understand. As for my feelings for Atlas, I just have one question for you. How does Atlas treat you?”I intentionally asked this question, knowing Harmony would think I was prying into her life.Sure enough, her eyes narrowed. "That is between me and him. I'm asking about your thoughts, so don't deflect the conversation."I studied her, feeling some regret. How could such a lovely face be paired with such a closed-off mind?"You’re always seeking my opinion and information. It shows a lack of confidence on your part."I used provocative language because this dimwit couldn't resist a challenge."What confidence do I lack? I mean, let's be real. The online haters have a point.
The idea briefly crossed my mind, but I quickly pushed it away. I couldn't shake the image of him pulling Harmony away right in front of me.I reminded myself to forget all the passionate moments we'd shared. None of it compared to his complete indifference that night.It was ridiculous. Atlas claimed to love me, yet he didn't even ask if I was hurt. He just calmly left, holding another woman. I refused to be as heartless as he was."Do you still fail to see the big picture here? Using your fans to target me, then blaming you once the truth came out. Did the people you mentioned suffer any real consequences?" I continued, "Imagine if I hadn't rescued you when the stage collapsed. It could have been you in that hospital bed, not me."Harmony paled, and her gaze grew more complex.“You even chastised me. I regret saving you up that day! This mess might not have happened if I had stepped back and just watched. At the very least, I wouldn't have hurt myself. I could have stayed out
I shut my eyes, not wanting to face him right now.Then, I heard a low voice addressing Harmony. "You go ahead. I need to talk to Ms. Chloe.""Okay!" Harmony obediently replied, and the rhythmic tap of high heels receded as she left.The next moment, I felt that gaze drawing closer, as if I could almost sense his presence.“Is your foot okay?”I didn't open my eyes and said nonchalantly, "I'm not sure what okay means.""Is it still hurting?" His voice was gentle and slightly hoarse. As he spoke, he reached for my foot."Don't touch me. Get your hands off me!" I sat up abruptly and glared at his sinfully handsome face. "Keep her away from me and tell her not to be so foolish! Honestly, the pain in my foot is more bearable than seeing you two together!"His hand hung in mid-air, and his eyes had a strange look. However, his gaze never wavered from me, making me feel restless."Mr. Atlas, do you have anything else to say?" I met his gaze head-on and asked, "Thank you for providin
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