I glanced at them triumphantly and dropped my smile as I turned and left. I felt a deep sense of pain and blamed myself for being forceful.I laughed at myself and felt exhausted. I gritted my teeth as I entered the room. I took a deep breath, not wanting anyone to see me so miserable. As I composed myself, Hana approached and handed me her tablet.She glanced at it and shook her head helplessly. She seemed to be speechless about something. I swiped through a few times and then looked at her. "Can you sort out this information if I call for a meeting now?”"Yes," she replied confidently."How long do you need?" I asked. I didn't want to waste any more time on this issue. Engaging with them would only ruin my mood, and I had more important things to do."Not long. Anywhere with a computer will do," Hana said, her confident look making me feel comfortable. I thought even women could be charming and capable.I nodded approvingly. "Good. Ask Harmony if she has other requirements. Dou
Eloise questioned, "What do you mean?"I knew she was displeased. Everyone knew she had always desired Ivanna's position. I answered by exaggerating each word, "I meant that literally. You fit the role of a celebrity manager best."Ivanna defused the tension, "Ms. Chloe, you've got it wrong. Eloise is ambitious and capable."I snorted. "Anyone can dream.""Who are you talking about?" She didn't catch what I said due to the distance and asked for clarification."Idiot." I winked at her and smirked playfully. Then, I turned to Harmony and said, "Ms. Harmony, is there anything else you want to add, or should we continue?"She greedily surveyed the surroundings, wishing to claim this showroom as hers. She had been holding onto Atlas's arm the whole time. Still somewhat dissatisfied, she said, "That's enough for now. Even if I say more, you may not meet my standards.""Whether or not we can meet them is my problem. Your manager was unhappy just now, saying you're too busy. Since you'
Hana first presented the showroom’s initial layout and decoration. The images depicted a splendid room with a grand style. The attendees occasionally nodded in approval. It seemed they were satisfied with the initial showroom.Hana then displayed a series of images. With each one, she asked, "Ms. Harmony, is this what you'd like?"Hana was soft-spoken as she guided Harmony. The latter became engaged this time, perhaps because she wanted to show off her thoughts to the audience. She appeared elegant and continued expressing her ideas.Whenever this happened, Hana would provide her with feedback before asking, "Is this what you want?"Harmony clapped, nodded in agreement, and occasionally exclaimed, "Oh, yes! That’s what I want. The effect is perfect. Wow, it's great. I love it!”Everyone in the room watched. The attendees were eager to see the overall effect and learn about the celebrity’s design preferences. Harmony’s excitement engaged everyone’s enthusiasm. It seemed she had a m
Everyone present avoided Atlas's piercing gaze, afraid he might single them out.I turned to Eloise and said, "Ms. Eloise, as Ms. Harmony's manager, why don't you share your thoughts? We're all eager to hear your opinion."Eloise hesitated. "I think it's quite…down-to-earth?""This is pure garbage!" The designer, Steven, chimed in. He was straightforward and didn’t care about the consequences. "This kind of decor is terrible. Do you understand it, or are you just making a mess here?"Mr. Atlas, are you trying to tarnish ATL Empire's reputation? Who here would buy a house if it was decorated like this? It's a joke!"Steven was truly fearless enough to criticize Atlas directly. Everyone secretly glanced at Atlas to see his reaction.Then, the photographer mustered the courage to speak up. "I'm sorry, but I can't photograph something like this. I have to be responsible for my work!"The others maintained a cautious attitude, exchanging glances and not daring to speak."Down-to-ear
Atlas's response baffled everyone. Was he declining the offer from Tanum Corporation, or was he going against my suggestion?Harmony was dissatisfied at first, but her expression began to brighten. She seemed to think that Atlas was rejecting me on her behalf.Then, Atlas turned to Ivanna."Ms. Ivanna, please provide Austier Agency with a detailed report. This whole ordeal has disrupted ATL Empire's operations for almost seven hours. I want to issue a warning to all of you. The manager will not participate in ATL Empire's endorsement services again."Harmony exchanged a quick glance with Eloise, whose face turned white. It seemed she had some inkling of what was going on. Harmony then glanced at Atlas, trying to discern his intentions."Ms. Hana, starting today, ATL Empire will request Tanum Corporation to designate you as ATL Empire's soft furnishing designer."My expression froze. I looked at Atlas, my mind filled with confusion. Could it be that he meant…Atlas continued, "St
Atlas's decisive actions left those in the room reeling.After a while, Nick stood up and announced, "Let's adjourn!"His words seemed to snap everyone back to reality. I turned to Carol and suggested, "We should leave, too."Suddenly, a piercing shout cut through the air, "Chloe! This is all your doing... What did I ever do to you? How could you conspire against me like this?!"I turned, startled, to find the source of the rage. It came from Eloise. Her eyes burned with anger, and she pointed a trembling finger at me, her hatred strong."Chloe, I have unfinished business with you. You wretched woman, for...""Outrageous! This is not Austier Agency. You can't shout so loudly here. Get out!" Nick looked at her with a stern face. It was the first time I saw Nick look so forbidding. Everyone's attention turned to Eloise. The room was already tense from the previous conflict, and Eloise's shouting only added fuel to the fire. She found herself in an awkward position as her fellow
I warmly greeted Myra and noticed her little son was already exploring the house. I sighed at how quickly time flies.Ava was having fun playing with him and acting like a big sister. She made him laugh, and the kids got along well. Ava probably felt lonely.Myra seemed a bit hesitant. “Chlo, this is my first time at Amethyst Apartments. The environment is incredible. Johnson used to tell me about it, but I never imagined I'd come here. I should have visited sooner!" I could sense from her tone that Johnson was unaware of Myra's visit to my house today."You should have come earlier. Look at how well the little ones are getting along. In the future, feel free to bring him over to play whenever you like.”After signaling for Myra to sit down, I joined her and looked at the two kids. My mother was busy in the kitchen, and upon seeing me return, she said, "Myra, have dinner here today. Chlo, we'll serve the meal once you're done chatting!""Thanks, Ms. Laura. I'll just talk to Ch
Myra hesitated but then spoke with determination. "Melanie is in charge of the materials. She secretly manipulates things and often sends Johnson in to handle it."I understood what Myra said right away. This was my chance. I needed this evidence to catch Melanie and her cohorts in the act.Johnson's distress was understandable to me. After all, this was not a small-scale project but a substantial endeavor.This was one of Celine's few major city projects. When Liora got it, she secretly handed it to Matthew, using him to open another front for her younger brother. If anything went wrong with this project, all three would be implicated.My body tensed up. I hadn't expected it to be so effortless. While I had plans for these three businesses, I never expected things to work out so well. My scheme hadn't been this ruthless. Now, I could bring their entire operation to a halt.Myra became concerned when she saw my dazed expression, fearing she had said something wrong. "Chlo, I-I h
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