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