Eleanor’s information sparked a bold idea. I knew Matthew liked cutting costs because he constantly sought to reduce expenses and increase profits. It was a perfect vulnerability to use against him.I recalled advising him not to focus solely on profits. After all, being consumed by greed would only lead to failure. I remember Matthew scoffing at me, calling women timid and having no foresight.He even pointed to his head, telling me to use my brain. It seemed he would fall to his doom because of it.I couldn't help but feel delighted with a plan in place.At that moment, my mom entered with Ava. Upon seeing my arm, my mom’s eyes welled with tears. "You were just about to leave, but you’re in here again. Nothing good ever comes from those two.”Ava approached my bedside and touched my arm. "Mommy, does it hurt here? Let me blow on it, and it won't hurt anymore!""The Murphys just make me mad!" My mom couldn't restrain her anger."It doesn’t hurt much. It's just a tiny fracture.
Upon seeing the two in the room, I felt slightly awkward. I wondered if I had interrupted a private moment.Atticus immediately smiled and said, "Ms. Chloe, please come in. We've been expecting you!"I nodded graciously and stepped inside. The woman in the room looked at my face, then my bandaged arm, smiling faintly.Atticus turned to the woman and said, "Let me introduce you. This is Chloe Hartz from Tanum Corporation."He then turned to me and said, "Ms. Chloe, this is the boss of the Vanderberg Palace, Ms. Bella Vanderberg." I extended my hand to her. "Hello, Ms. Bella. It's a pleasure to meet you!"Her smile deepened as we shook hands. She was very amiable.As we settled into our seats, Atticus looked at my arm and asked, "Still not healed?""Well, it's almost time to take the cast off. Once that's done, I'll be good as new!" I chuckled awkwardly. "A new injury added to the old one. Oh, speaking of my injury, I must thank you for sending your bodyguards to assist me in a
I settled back into my seat and asked, "Mr. Atticus, did you have something to discuss?""Nothing too urgent. The design for the downtown project is complete, and construction will begin soon." He sipped his tea and said, "I had some free time, so I thought I’d invite you for a chat."I quickly said, "If you're looking for staff, the project with ATL Empire is about to wrap up. Your team will be back in no time! I have been meaning to thank you, but it seemed insufficient."Atticus chuckled. Since I met him, I always thought he had a captivating smile that was also mysterious."Do you think I invited you here just to reclaim the team?" He lounged on the couch and asked, "So, any interest in continuing our collaboration?"“Yes, I’d love that. But that depends on how fruitful you think our partnership has been.""The downtown project's architecture and interior design may be synchronized. I considered doing it myself, but my energy is limited. So I'm thinking of outsourcing it."A
Atticus smiled faintly. "Unless Celine is willing to go all out."My heart raced. He was right that if Celine went all in, ATL Empire wouldn't be the only one affected.Was Atticus trying to imply something to me? However, since it involved Liora, I couldn't openly ask.I had always consciously avoided discussing Liora with Atticus.Atticus asked, "Is your inclination towards high-end designs inspired by Pinnacle Group?"I nodded. "Yes."After all, it was Atticus who introduced me to Dominic."A word of caution. Don't rush things. Pinnacle Group has an exceptional planning team, considered among the global elite. But that means no one has replicated their success yet. Be careful!" Atticus warned."Are you trying to set me back?" I asked with a light laugh."Not at all. I'm merely offering a reminder. Some things require the perfect alignment of timing, location, and personnel," he advised."Got it. Thanks for the advice. I'll proceed cautiously," I replied, feeling a heighten
Harmony's agent immediately countered, "Ms. Harmony doesn't have that much time to move back and forth. Do you think we have nothing better to do?"I looked at Harmony's agent, Eloise. I had seen her before, and now she stood arrogantly looking down at me.Ivanna had complained about Eloise a long time ago. She had been trying to use Harmony's influence to push Ivanna down.She felt empowered to bully the weak because Harmony was highly successful and had a benefactor like Atlas.Ivanna was the one who assigned her to Harmony, but Harmony's assistant claimed that Eloise and Stella were secretly connected.Inspiration struck me. I could stage a situation by having Eloise deliver a message to Stella. We would openly disagree with Harmony, causing Stella to return.The idea was set, and I had no intention of backing down."We must go to the showroom to solve the problem and satisfy Ms. Harmony. It’s the quickest way to identify and solve problems." My tone was firm as I said, "I'm
The head of ATL Empire looked at me with some hesitation and said, "Well... I need to get approval for this.""That's fine, I can wait!" I declared, taking a seat in the conference room.I could see Ivanna suppressing a smile. However, Eloise was no longer composed. "Ms. Chloe, what do you mean by making us wait?""What else?" I challenged her with a provocative tone.In a low, questioning growl, Eloise demanded, "What do you mean?"The project head seemed a bit anxious. "Ms. Chloe, can we...finalize the plan first? Then seek approval from higher-ups?""No need!" A cold, clear voice suddenly declaredAtlas strode into the conference room, Harmony never leaving his side. He glanced at everyone present, his eyes sliding over my still-raised arm."Let's go with Ms. Chloe's suggestion and add the sponsorship!"My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't expected Atlas to agree to my request.Eloise immediately put on a fawning smile and said, "Mr. Atlas, um... Isn't this against the requ
“No problem, Ms. Chloe.” The designer nodded earnestly. Ryan had brought her to Tanum Corporation from overseas. Her name was Hana Avila, a classmate of one of Ryan’s juniors, Joyce.She won the newcomer award in the International Interior Decoration Competition. Considering the room for growth in the industry, her remarkable achievement was exceptional. Her return followed Joyce’s.After we finalized the business plan adjustments, Ryan expanded our team. Reviewing my budget, I realized our major projects had laid a solid foundation for us. Lauren’s support also boosted my confidence.I planned to visit Solaris after removing my arm's cast to stabilize Hartz Construction’s foundation. Once the timing was right, I would merge the two sides.Upon entering the showroom, the design and layout gave me a sense of accomplishment. The furnishings were the cherry on top. It was simply absurd for Harmony to be dissatisfied. I only realized Atlas came when I entered. I didn’t expect him to be
There was something in Atlas’s eyes I didn’t understand. Soon after, he said, “I don’t believe you’re that stupid, Chloe.”Again, he called me stupid. I retorted, “Since you think I’m stupid, you ignore my feelings and do whatever you want. You’re too self-centered. Do you even know how to respect others? Don’t you know others also have dignity and rights?”I became agitated. “Yes, I’m stupid enough for you and your people to treat me like an idiot. Still, I willingly get hurt to play these deceitful games with you. I was stupid enough to sacrifice myself for you.”Suddenly, I saw his eyes narrow and his hands clenched."I was stupid enough to watch you turn your back on me while I was on the floor. You're right. I finally realized how stupid I was." I lowered my gaze, feeling tears welling in my eyes. After a while, I sighed, "Forget it.”When my words fell, I felt like a deflated balloon. I finally vented my frustrations. Although I managed to maintain my dignity, I felt I had l
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