We got into the car together, and it sped off. Though I felt a sense of safety, my heart was still racing. Ava had never been separated from someone she knew. Now, she was being taken somewhere unknown. She must be frightened.I felt my heart crush as I trembled uncontrollably. My precious girl! Would she be scared? Would anything happen to her?I prayed silently. My darling, be strong. Mommy will find you, and Uncle Atlas won't let anything happen to you.Atlas's arm wrapped me, holding me close and gently patting my arm. The car raced to the motor vehicle department. We all exited quickly.There were already people waiting there. No one said more than necessary. Dylan communicated with them, checking every car that left Amethyst Apartments during that period.On the large screen in the hall, cars kept flashing by. I was so nervous that it felt like I couldn't breathe. I had no idea which one my daughter was in in this sea of cars.Suddenly, Dylan shouted, "Stop!"We all turn
As the image of that car appeared, everyone in the hall gasped.The license plate appeared to be quickly replaced after the car trunk popped open, with the trunk jumping up and down. The car kept moving slowly, never stopping. This subtle change was hard to notice.Atlas caught onto this clue.A police officer beside Dylan immediately instructed his subordinate, "Zoom in on that license plate and find the owner!" Soon, the information came back. The plate was fake and was registered to a large truck. I stared at the big screen in despair, afraid the car would disappear again.Presumably, they had used this clever trick to swap out the front plate earlier. So, this car seemed to vanish into thin air right before everyone's eyes.We could conclude that our previous speculation about child abduction for ransom was unfounded. This was a premeditated kidnapping.I was stunned by this scene, my mind racing, wondering who could do such a thing. What were their intentions? Why take my
Atlas clasped my hand in his, but neither of us spoke. He simply cradled me in his arms. He looked at me, then gently rested his chin on my forehead. "I promise Ava will be safe."I reached out and hugged him tightly, burying my face in his neck. "Atlas, save her... She's so young and always so well-behaved. She must’ve seen something. Otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to chase after that car.""Don't cry! I understand." Atlas patted my head."That car... Something in it must have attracted her. I thought it was you. She must’ve seen you, that's why she chased after it... This morning, she asked me when you’d return from your business trip. She wanted to travel with you..." I choked on my sobs.I broke down in Atlas's arms, completely losing control."She must’ve felt so lonely. When my mom wanted to see her this morning, she refused and asked if her grandmother would bully me. She's so young, yet she already knows how to protect me. But I couldn't protect her. It's all my faul
The car burst forth as it chased the elusive tail lights ahead. I was sure those tail lights belonged to the same black car. At that moment, I wished I could grow wings and fly to my daughter’s side.I didn’t want to be afraid, thinking I would replace Ava in that car. Night had fallen, and the streetlights were far behind us, making everything look hazier.Just then, the car navigated through a sloping bend in the road. There was a dense forest on the right and a steep valley on the left, with our car being lower and the other higher.Our car wasn’t slow, and I knew the driver had professional training. He handled the speed and curves exceptionally. I saw the other car despite the darkness. We could catch up to them once we made it around this bend.I didn’t stop looking at the other car as I grew more anxious. There weren’t many cars on this road, especially in this winding section. Although the slope wasn’t steep, it seemed endless. I was relieved we were about to catch up, but
The child’s cry startled me, causing my ears to perk up as I told Atlas, “Listen, it’s Ava!”We strained our ears to listen for her amid the helicopters above us."It must be Ava!" I took advantage of Atlas’s brief distraction and leaped out of the car. The wind from the helicopters made it difficult for me to stand steadily.Atlas held me firmly from behind and said, “Get back in the car and listen to me! They’re searching for her!”“Let me go! I can hear her crying!” I struggled and pushed against Atlas.Ava’s cries were unbearable, and I knew she was nearby. Suddenly, one of the aides in the car ran over to inform Atlas, “They’re on the bridge!”Atlas and I were shocked. A moment later, Atlas caught me and brought me back into the car, sternly ordering the driver, “Let’s go!”The driver sped toward the bridge, and we soon saw Dylan’s group forming a blockade. Our car screeched to a halt before them, and I got out to look ahead. Those who were initially facing the car turned b
I watched as Atlas fearlessly approached the man on the bridge. My sobs and movements suddenly stopped. I was in disbelief, wondering why Atlas would walk ahead like that.I understood Atlas’s intentions when he gestured for the others to stop. I broke down again and tearfully told Dylan, “No, don’t! Tell Atlas to come back! Dylan, stop him!”Upon hearing my cries, Dylan handed me to two nearby bodyguards. "Protect Ms. Chloe."As he rushed toward Atlas, two gunshots sounded, the bullets hitting the ground near Dylan. I faintly heard the burly man shouting, “Stay back!”He warned Dylan not to approach but allowed Atlas to go ahead. I watched Atlas’s determined and steady figure stride toward the burly man as the latter pointed his gun at Atlas.Dylan advanced again, and another gunshot sounded. Atlas signaled Dylan not to come closer, and I was terrified. My beloved daughter was on the bridge, and so was Atlas. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing either.I wanted to save Ava but
Every movement on the bridge kept everyone's hearts pounding. Dylan's expression was grim as he clenched his fists. Meanwhile, the cops taking cover behind the car doors were on high alert.We were on edge as the situation left us feeling helpless. Atlas took two more steps, but the man roared, “Stop! You wouldn’t want…”His words were intermittent, indicating Atlas was trying to reason with him. I suspected Atlas knew the man.Meanwhile, Ava’s voice faded like she would run out of breath. My heart ached, and I felt suffocated. However, I knew no one dared to make any sudden moves. Everyone feared agitating the man who might let her go.For some reason, the man became agitated. He repeatedly pointed the gun at Atlas, shouting angrily. After his outburst, he threw Ava into the air, and she plummeted toward the surface. As that happened, the man leaped from the overpass and plunged downward.Immediately after, I heard several gunshots. I gasped and screamed maniacally, “No!”Simult
Ava continued to sob as the car sped toward the hospital. She clutched Atlas’s shirt, afraid he would disappear if she let go. She gazed at him and could hardly breathe from crying so much.I felt my heart shatter as her cries rendered me speechless. My daughter had always been well-behaved and had never cried so hard before. She kept shaking her head and repeating, “No!” no matter how much I tried to comfort her.Atlas held her and assured her, “I’m here now, so you don’t need to be afraid anymore. Ava, look at me. I won’t let you go, okay?”I was in disbelief at the usually commanding Atlas being so tender and protective toward my daughter. Although I was there, he showed no intention of letting her go. Instead, he continued to soothe and hold her.His usually indifferent expression now bore a look of fatherly love. It filled me with gratitude and a sense of security.My daughter hadn’t felt a dad’s love for so long, making me feel guilty. However, Atlas filled that gap in her 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