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
Soon after, Johnson arrived and saw his wife and son with me. His little one’s laughter made him smile as he politely greeted, "Chloe, sorry to impose on you.”He then exchanged pleasantries with my parents and even told us he bought snacks for Ava.The dinner was joyous and harmonious. I knew it had lifted a weight from Myra's shoulders. She played with the children after dinner. My parents realized Johnson and I needed to talk, so they went for a walk together.I discussed Ardora Construction’s current situation with Johnson and understood that the Thompsons had been active lately. They had snatched several projects from others and pulled in a few significant shareholders.It seemed they played a big game and were unafraid to take risks. The mastermind behind everything was Liora. Even without Johnson's explanation, I knew Keegan was not the one making things happen.It had always been Liora. She didn’t want to lack money because she was married to Atticus. I wondered why she co
I couldn't resist and stepped closer to the man. He had tanned skin, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. His appearance wasn't bad, but his gaze had an underlying air of menace that sent shivers down my spine.My sudden movement startled him, and he turned to look at me. I looked away and calmly asked, "Are you done? I'm in a hurry, sorry."Yet I sensed his gaze intensifying on me. When the nurse handed over his prescription, he snatched the medicine and swiftly walked away. Meanwhile, I gave the nurse my prescription and discreetly watched the man.I saw him hurriedly heading toward the medicine collection counter. Although I could barely see his face last time, I knew he was one of the kidnappers. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have narrowed his eyes at me like that.When I received my medicine, I looked toward the collection counter but saw no one there. I overlooked collecting my medicine and scanned the corners of the lobby. However, the man had vanished.It seemed he had recognized me.
Joyce visited Tanum Corporation because she helped connect us with a team of business planners to assess and strategize for our company. Ryan had been planning these things, and it seemed he was in a hurry.Ryan and I had been getting closer recently, so he pushed things forward faster to bring Tanum Corporation to greater heights.I discreetly observed Joyce. Although she looked young, she appeared cheerful and open-minded. She was warm and unreserved around Ryan, complementing his reserved and refined nature. Strangely, I felt they were an excellent match.However, Ryan's attention was primarily on me, which made me feel somewhat guilty. When Joyce noticed Ryan’s different treatment toward me, she became curious about me.In the afternoon, Joyce's three business planners arrived at Tanum Corporation. We spent the day discussing our ideas and making plans in a meeting room.After work, Ivanna called to inform me that Stella had returned to Foswood. I called Grayson and asked him
Grayson shared something that left me anxious. His tone was solemn, and I could sense danger, "Chloe, someone’s investigating Hartz Construction.""When did this happen?" I asked."Just a moment ago. Someone tried to infiltrate Hartz Construction's system, but we detected it and reinforced the security. They can't make any further attempts now. But from this, we can confirm someone wants to investigate the company," Grayson stated with certainty."Can't we find out who it is?" I asked, wondering who was snooping around Hartz Construction so suddenly."They withdrew too quickly, and we couldn't catch any leads in time," Grayson regretfully said.I didn’t know how the person became aware of Hartz Construction. I felt uneasy because only a few knew about it. Excluding them meant that everyone was a potential threat. Moreover, it was not the right time to reveal that company."Oh, I encountered a man when I removed my cast today. If I'm not mistaken, he was involved in my kidnapping,
Neither ATL Empire nor Echelon Group was within my sphere of influence.No matter which company won the bid, I suspected either of these two might deliver the interior design project to me.Firstly, ATL Empire had made us responsible for interior design, meaning we would automatically secure the development rights.As for Echelon Group, Atticus might also entrust me with this responsibility. After all, we had an excellent work relationship. I believed we had already established an unspoken understanding. If I had no chance in development, I could pursue the next big thing by establishing an interior design company.With designers like Hana on our team, building upon her foundation and recruiting a few renowned designers would be our winning formula.My thoughts gave me a direction. I proposed this idea to the business planners, which surprisingly helped us clarify many issues. Our qualifications, experience, and funds would become more convincing.I received praise from Joyce, wh
"That just proves he’s not your true partner! A true partner can give you everything you want and also protect you. He can’t give you anything but trouble." My words were harsh, but Ivanna didn’t argue. After a long pause, she murmured, “Actually, I’ve struggled with it, too. But I can’t bear the pain of leaving him... I’d rather face death head-on.”I fell silent since I understood what Ivanna was saying. How could I break my addiction to Atlas? Perhaps, like our current situation, the best way was for him to have a change of heart.“How did you two meet?” I asked Ivanna.She sat motionless on the sofa, her voice soft and distant as she recounted the story.“It was coincidental. It was about one of my artists, Vanessa Oakley. She was taken to Emgrand Nightclub and caught the eye of some playboys there. Coincidentally, Vanessa was a promising new talent I had high hopes for.”I sat next to her, listening intently.“The day things went south, she called me. So I rushed to Em
After some silence, Ivanna said, "I was supposed to plan for my artists' best interests. I couldn't let the one I'm responsible for get hurt, right? Things would’ve been different if she had called me."I knew Ivanna was a woman of principle. I felt guilty when I initially suspected her of being involved with Matthew. Even though she never held it against me, it weighed heavily on my conscience.Ivanna missed my wandering thoughts and continued, "Back then, I just wanted to get Vanessa out of there. She had just started her career and showed great potential. Venessa was willing to work hard and wasn't interested in vanity.“She was much more valuable than Harmony. What could I do? Stand by and watch someone destroy her life and future?"I nodded in agreement.Ivann’s tone turned severe, "Also, Eloise introduced Vanessa to Emgrand Nightclub. She lied to Vanessa, saying she was arranging an endorsement deal for her.""Eloise is a menace. Why would your company continue to employ so
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