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
Grace knelt at the gate and reached through it as she waved at my daughter. “Ava, come here! Ava…”Even my deepest grudges vanished at that moment. After all, Grace was an elderly woman who had a troubled life. Now, she had to face such a thing in her old age. Still, someone had to be responsible for causing this tragedy.I felt a tear in my eye as I turned away and gulped. I noticed Ava retreating while Grace cried, “Ava, please come here. Don’t you want to see your grandma?”She appeared frantic, looking around as if seeking help to get inside. I could no longer bear it and approached the gate. Ava saw me and called out, “Mommy!”She let go of my mom’s hand but didn’t run toward me. Perhaps she was scared, or Grace’s changed appearance made Ava think she was a stranger.When I reached Grace, I reassured her, “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to her first, okay?”Grace looked at me tearfully as I spoke.Meanwhile, my mom softly spoke to Ava, presumably encouraging her to come over. I kne
I looked toward the departing Grace and felt a sense of oppression. We were once a close-knit family who shared everything, but it had come to this. I realized how unpredictable life could be.I recalled Grace angrily defending Melanie at the baby’s full moon party. Looking at Grace now, I understood her life must be far from ideal, given how worn and aged she looked. After getting in the car, I drove to the office feeling gloomy.I dealt with some urgent matters and told Ryan I needed to go to Solaris. After some thought, he said, “Can you postpone it for a day? We can go together tomorrow.”“You want to come?”Ryan smiled at me, saying, “I mentioned wanting to visit a few friends there last time. I can’t leave yet since we have clients from Canta coming to discuss business.”I thought about it and realized postponing the trip wouldn’t make much difference. After all, I felt unsettled after what happened in the morning. I considered Ava, knowing she wouldn’t be happy today, eithe
Bourdamun was a neighboring city to Muborough. However, the former’s economy couldn’t match Muborough. Although close, Bourdamun lacked a coastline, which slowed its development.Matthew hadn’t taken projects in Bourdamun in recent years because of its sluggish development. I hadn't even considered anything in Bourdamun. A client from there visited today, and I was curious to learn about it.Jeremiah smiled sincerely, but his words were doubtful. He said, “Yes, we’re in the development business. I heard Tanum Corporation’s interior design and construction are leading in Foswood. I’ve always wanted to work with you, but the timing was never right.I smiled calmly and responded, “That’s an overstatement, Mr. Jeremiah. Tanum Corporation is just an ordinary company. It’s been a rough year, so I wouldn’t dare claim it’s leading in anything.“We do our best to uphold honesty and quality to satisfy our clients. Do you have any ongoing construction projects?” I didn’t want to stall. Instea
The day was busy from start to end. Just as I thought the work was winding down, Benjamin said the warehouse inventory was done, and we needed a quick meeting.I hurried to the small conference room. I needed to get back soon and surprise my daughter. The morning scene hadn't faded from my mind. I was sure my daughter felt the same. Let them look, I stubbornly decided. I wanted to see how they felt.After all, Ava was a child of the Murphy family.But to my surprise, the meeting ended abruptly. Before it was over, I received a frantic call from my mother, sobbing and wailing. She said Ava was missing.This was a nightmare come true. I didn't even bother to wrap up the meeting and rushed out. How could an obedient child like her just vanish?I descended the stairs, and Carol followed. She took the car keys from my hand, hopped in, and we sped out of the underground parking lot.We made it back to Amethyst Apartments. From a distance, I saw my mother on her knees, gasping between
My mind went blank. I dialed Atlas's number almost frantically as I clenched the phone. I could feel my whole body trembling uncontrollably.He answered quickly, but before he could say a word, I shouted, "Atlas, were you at Amethyst Apartments when you got off work?!"All I could see was Ava standing at the door, looking lost and disappointed as the car pulled in."I haven't been there," His voice came through, sure and steady. "What's wrong? What happened?""That was your car, and it took Ava away! Bring her back to me!" I screamed, my voice breaking upon hearing his denial.I dropped the phone, the impact with the floor almost drowned out by my sobs.Ava must have recognized someone in that car, prompting her to run out and chase after it without a second thought. Only Atlas could make her brave enough to chase after a car alone.As this realization hit me, my heart ached even more. "Ava..."Carol and the others finally returned from checking the area. Their expressions were
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