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
As I was leaving the hospital lobby, I spotted Melanie entering, cradling a child. Walking beside her was a woman, heavily made-up and dressed provocatively. She must be Melanie’s recently reconnected mother, Abby.My gaze swept over her, thinking that Abby had successfully re-entered Melanie's life. I could not help but sigh. After all, nothing beats a mother's love. This time, Grace is in for a rough ride. I wanted to ignore them, but Melanie had already spotted me."Chloe!" She immediately called out in anger then swiftly walked toward me.It's been over a month since the party, and this was my first time seeing her. I had heard from Johnson that Abby had been hospitalized after a brutal beating from Melanie. It seemed like she had recovered.I stopped in my tracks but was too tired to muster any attitude toward her. I calmly asked, "What do you want?""You live life to the fullest, huh?" Her small eyes looked at Ryan as she spoke sarcastically, “Every day is like a soap oper
Abby's aggressiveness shocked the onlookers, especially considering she was holding a child. Her irresponsibility made everyone break out in cold sweat.The child, destined for a fiery spirit, didn't cry. He wore an annoyed expression instead.Meanwhile, Melanie made no effort to stop her mother. She watched with smug satisfaction.Ryan quickly pulled me behind him, roaring angrily, "I dare you to continue!"His booming shout startled the mother-daughter pair. Abby froze, cradling the child in one arm while the other formed into a menacing claw.Onlookers sighed in disbelief. "She's nuts! Going berserk with a child in her arms!""Are all mistresses this brazen these days?""These two aren't decent people. Shameless! Not setting a good example for the child!"Hearing this, Melanie lost her temper. "Do you all even know what's going on? She's the mistress here. After she had a kid and got divorced, she’s now trying to seduce a big shot to marry into wealth. She got pelted with ro