Harmony rushed into the examination room, fully disguised, before I could recover. "Mr. Atlas..."She froze when she saw me on the hospital bed. She approached Atlas and asked, "What's going on here?"Atlas didn't answer but gestured to the doctor and left the ward. Harmony stepped forward, looking displeased. “Chloe, what are you doing? Why are you here?""How’d you get here?" I retorted instead of answering her question."Haha, Atlas asked me to come!" she retorted boldly.I laughed bitterly. I wasn't sure what Atlas’s intentions were. Harmony crossed her arms and persisted, "Are you pretending to be pitiful? You’re such a schemer. How dare you resort to such despicable tactics just to see him?"Her words were harsh, but I had no energy to argue. I struggled to sit up. While the headache had subsided, I felt sore all over. Harmony looked at me disdainfully, warning me, "Stop shamelessly pestering Atlas, okay?""How do you know it's me who pestered him?" I asked."Who else cou
There was a sense of urgency in his quick, forceful movements. I was shocked at how audaciously Dylan shoved Atlas’s girlfriend.He quickly cautioned, "Ms. Chloe, please find shelter in the inner room. Once things calm down outside, leave the building quickly, and don't mention that you were at the hospital!" After Dylan left, Carol glanced at the consultation room and saw the small inner chamber. She quickly pulled me inside.We could hear bustling footsteps from the corridor outside. Carol and I dared not make a sound, fearing that someone might discover us.I was clueless about what was going on outside. Why would such a maneuver be necessary? Still, since Atlas had arranged it that way, I had to comply.Carol and I hid in the inner room for half an hour, waiting until it grew quiet outside. Only then did we venture outside. She led the way, making sure there were no strangers in the corridor before motioning for me to follow.Finally, we left the hospital and returned stra
I looked at the phone, and there was new information. It stated that Harmony had acute cholecystitis. Even the attending physician had given an interview.Atlas had successfully removed me from this incident entirely. It was clear he intended to show the world that Harmony was ill, with no connection to me.I couldn’t understand why he would go to such lengths. Why did he bring me to the hospital if he didn’t want anyone to know we were connected? Was it really necessary to conceal my medical condition and change the doctor?It seemed like an inconsequential detail. What would it matter if everyone knew about my illness? It wasn’t even really an illness, just a case of amnesia.I paused. Could this be related to my amnesia? No, it couldn't be.My mind was filled with surreal images, various versions of what I might have missed as a child. There were pictures of Annalise and Stella, scenes from when I fell off a motorcycle, and more…Those images were strange, and they gave me a s
I had already brewed the tea when Jared entered the room. I looked at the refined man, his eyes brimming with the depth and wisdom that only time and experience could bring.He didn't seem surprised to see me, merely giving me a subtle quirk. "Hello. We've met before."I nodded and got up. "Yes, we have. I'm Chloe, Ivanna's closest friend.""She mentioned you." I was a little uneasy about his composed manner. After all, this man was enigmatic. I felt the vast disparity in our status as a woman watching out for my best friend.Both of us sat looking calm, but there was a faint air of distance. Neither of us rushed to speak.It wasn’t that I didn't want to start the conversation, but I had never interacted with someone like him before. I had no idea how to begin. I gestured toward the tea I had poured for him. "Please, Mr. Jared."He got straight to the point. "Do you know what you wanted to discuss with me?" "Ivanna," I replied directly.What else was there to talk about
I started to feel nervous. His eyes were bottomless as he scrutinized my expression."Ms. Chloe, for Ivanna, I will do everything in my power," he stated, with no unnecessary words.Although it sounded concise, coming from a man of Jared's stature, it held weight."Are you willing to let go?" I persisted."I never once thought of letting her go," he affirmed firmly.I felt moved. Such words, especially when spoken by someone like Jared, were a powerful tool for touching a woman's heart.What more was there to ask? I had intended to ask if he could keep that promise, but how could I even ask such a question to a man like him?I coolly stated, "Honestly, your answer doesn't satisfy me. These words may be significant to you, but they appear superficial. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, especially in Trinity's case. "Perhaps one day I will ask you to protect Ivanna's life, but you might not be able to. Even if Ivanna is willing to give her life for you, I am not willi
My response threw Lauren off guard. She couldn't quite grasp what I was getting at."What do you mean?" She tilted her head to look at me. Perhaps my despondent expression had slowed her train of thought."If we had met the right person at the right time, we wouldn't face these complications. You, me, and Ivanna. Why didn't we meet the right person at the right time?"Lauren suddenly understood what I meant. She shrugged, looking resigned."If I had realized that Ryan had been with me from the start, we could have fallen in love, married, and had children. We would’ve led a simple and fulfilling life." My expression softened."Just like you met Oliver at the right time, how fortunate! If Ivanna had met Jared at the right time, she wouldn't have to be so anxious, would she?" I leaned against the wall."How do you know this isn't the right time?" Lauren countered. "For most people, there are two types of romantic situations. Love at first sight and growing affection. We're not ordi
Ava's questions surprised me, and I responded vaguely before quickly getting up, "Ava, Mommy doesn't have time to take you today. You can take a walk to the kindergarten with grandma, okay?”"Mommy, when will you get home? When are we going to the island?" Ava slid off her chair and approached me excitedly.I knew I couldn't make promises, or she’d question me endlessly. I almost slapped myself for bringing it up. Even if we were going, I should’ve kept it a surprise. But now, I couldn’t fulfill my promise. I had to make it happen no matter what, or I would let my family down.I looked at her excited expression and thought before saying, “We’ll go when I return from Solaris, okay?”I thought taking my parents on vacation would be perfect since Matthew derailed our plans last time. Afterward, I put my small suitcase in the trunk and said goodbye to Ava before leaving for work.However, I saw someone standing at the neighborhood entrance. The woman appeared much skinnier since I las
Grace was petrified as she stared at me, trying to determine if I was telling the truth. She also observed my expression to see if I was being nice. She looked skeptical as she gazed at my seemingly gentle demeanor.I realized why some people hated others. It was because of the things they did in the past.Finally, Grace looked away and mumbled, “I-I just… want to see her.”My heart softened as I looked at Grace. It had been nearly half a year since she saw Ava. The last time might’ve been when they stayed at my place before my divorce. They probably hadn’t met since then.I knew it must’ve taken a lot of courage for Grace to stand here now. I calmly said, “You have my number, so you can call me whenever you want to see her.”She looked at me doubtfully and said, “Y-You’ll… allow me to see her? You’re not going to… stop me?”I answered, “I never said you couldn’t see Ava. I just don’t want you to disturb or hurt her normal life. I won’t stop you if you can do that.”Grace became
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