When we stood outside, I told Atlas, “I’ll ride with Lauren.”Atlas nodded knowingly and entered his car while I entered Lauren’s. On the way, she remarked, “Stella’s involved with Ivanna’s disappearance.”During the drive, Grayson called, “Chloe, don’t follow Mr. Atlas’s path. Trinity’s people are following you.”I was alarmed and quickly told Lauren, “Don’t follow Atlas. Trinity’s people are tailing us.”I couldn’t help but admire Trinity’s caution and cunning behavior. Immediately after, I called Atlas and explained the situation. He gave me an address and instructed me to return to Amethyst Apartments to distract them.If my memory serves correctly, the address Atlas gave me was for a dilapidated building in Prespoint District that someone bought and converted into a nightclub. The hotel at the same building was on the tenth floor and above, with a peculiar name—Phantom.I could only follow his instructions and tell Lauren to drive to Amethyst Apartments. She cursed, “That ju
I suddenly realized something and exchanged a glance with Atlas. We exclaimed simultaneously, “Upstairs!”We turned and raced back inside. When we burst into the lobby, we saw the elevator already descending. Immediately after, Atlas pressed the button for another elevator.As we, Dylan, and the others entered the elevator, my phone rang. I quickly answered and could hear Grayson’s urgent voice, “Trinity just left Vanderberg Palace and is heading toward Phantom now!”I looked nervously at Atlas, and he patted my shoulder, saying, “Don’t panic. Let’s find Ivanna first.”I clenched his hand, determined to get Ivanna out if she was up there. When the elevator reached the top floor, we hurried out. As expected, the other elevator had stopped on the same floor but was already empty.Atlas assessed the direction and pulled me to the left, where we found a secure passage. We rushed inside and headed to the rooftop. It was spacious and bright as day due to the lightbox on the building’s r
"Ivanna... Ivanna..."As I got to the top of the iron tank, I heard Jared's uneasy voice from the bottom. I felt dizzy, and my steps faltered. When I slipped, Atlas caught me and lifted me back up.I couldn't afford to overthink. Anxiously, I followed the stairs spiraling down from the top of the iron tank. My trembling voice echoed, "Ivanna! What happened to her?"I could barely make out the situation below. A few faint lights swayed at the bottom of the iron tank, and there appeared to be water. The pungent smell of rust and stagnant water intensified as I descended, chilling me to the bone.At the base, Jared's men used their phone’s flashlights to illuminate the massive tank. The lights resembled fireflies.It was like a veil had covered my vision. In the darkness, I could only see moving figures. I heard Jared shout, "Knife!"My heart leaped to my throat. Why did he need a knife? I cursed myself for wearing semi-high heels. Even though I was anxious, I couldn’t rush do
Trinity stared menacingly at him. "Jared, you know what I’m capable of! You've seen what happens to those who defy me!""Then do as you please!" Jared's tone was uncompromising as he carried Ivanna to the exit."Get him!"Her people swiftly surrounded Jared, each brandishing ominous-looking objects.I was instantly on edge and ready to act in anger. Ivanna couldn't afford any more delays. She had been soaking in that water for 48 hours.I could not imagine how Ivanna survived that long in the sweltering heat of the day and the eerie darkness of the night."Trinity!" I yelled, fearlessly taking a step forward. "If any harm comes to her, I won't let you go!"Lauren immediately pulled me back. I struggled free from her grasp, locking eyes defiantly with Trinity. "Let go of me!"Trinity glared at me. "I’ve never seen someone so clueless about their mortality!""Then come at me!" I yelled. "Right now! Come on!"Trinity approached me with anger. Atlas, who had been standing by my s
Jared's hands were pressed against the wall of the emergency room door. Atlas walked over, and that was when he calmed down. He stood up straight and looked at Atlas. "Thank you."Atlas only said, "She'll be fine! Trust the doctors!"Two hours later, the lights in the emergency room finally went out. The weary doctors emerged, bearing news that was a mix of joy and concern.The doctor explained that Ivanna's vital signs had returned to normal. She had suffered only minor external injuries. However, because of being bound for an extended period, there was some tissue necrosis in her arm. Recovery would depend on how she responded.I felt a sense of unease. I rushed forward and asked, "How did it become necrotic? What are the chances of recovery?"The doctor patiently explained, "It's just a sign of necrosis. We will have to wait for the patient to regain consciousness and assess her sensory response before determining her chances of recovery. But the outlook is promising."I fin
When I saw Trinity at the Vanderberg Palace, I could not figure out why she was so composed. Now, it all made sense. She never intended for Ivanna to survive. Trinity was trying to kill her by putting her in such a hostile environment, isolated and abandoned.Trinity couldn't be bothered to face her at all. It was a deliberate decision to leave Ivanna there to fend for herself.Who would have guessed she’d lock her in that hellish iron tank? No one would’ve thought about it if not for Jared.Jared appeared to comprehend Trinity's ruthlessness. That was why she seemed so calm last night alongside Stella.I felt compelled to call Grayson and ask him to monitor Stella.Jared's phone rang, and he stepped out to take the call. When he returned, he approached Ivanna's bedside and gently said, "I'll be back soon."Ivanna looked reluctant but nodded. "Mm."Once Jared left, I asked Ivanna to explain what happened. She gripped our hands and slowly recounted the entire ordeal.She said
I scoffed. "This isn't just being audacious—it's evil! Luckily, we got to her in time, and now she's okay. Mom, just stay on Celestis Island for a while. Once things are sorted out here, I'll pick you up!"I was worried they wouldn’t feel comfortable there without familiar faces."It's perfect timing since Ava hasn't started school,” I reminded her, “You can spend more time together before she does. If you need anything, just let me know!""Mr. Atlas has everything arranged already. He had a bunch of daily necessities delivered early this morning, enough for a whole year." My mom's tone sounded cheerful. "The air here is excellent. Your dad loves it!""That's great! I'm glad you're all enjoying it."My mom hung up the phone, thoroughly satisfied. My heart felt more at ease, too. Hearing Ava's laughter, I knew I didn't need to worry about her.When I left, my mom wasn't in the best condition, but now she sounded incredibly pleased. The climate there benefited my dad's health, so e
Soon after, Lauren prepared to leave us at the hospital entrance. She smiled weakly and said, “I won’t go with you, Chlo. I should go home and check on things since it’s been almost two days since I returned.”I understood she also had a home to return to.I followed Atlas back to the car but realized I hadn’t driven since I returned. He glanced at me with a suggestive smile and asked, “Pleca Park or Amethyst Apartments?”“Amethyst Apartment, duh!” I felt embarrassed and couldn’t look at him.After driving me home, he got out and followed me inside. He seemed familiar with the place as he removed his coat and entered the kitchen. I hurried after him and said, “Why don’t you rest? Let’s just make some noodles.”He looked back at me, saying, “You should shower and rest. Let me handle this.”“Did you get any sleep today?” I remembered to ask. After all, he had also been on the go for over twenty hours.He gazed at me tenderly and asked, “Are you worried about me? Let’s go to bed ea
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