Lauren comforted Ivanna, “You shouldn’t worry about such things because it’s his family’s business. You’re better off ensuring your safety. You must learn to put yourself first, which is the best way to support Jared. It’s evident he cares about you.”I added, “Ivanna, you’re my constant concern because Trinity is formidable.”Suddenly, Ryan called. I quickly realized I never told him what had happened since returning because I was worried about Ivanna. I answered his call softly, “Hey, Ryan.”“You’re back?” Ryan sounded calm.“Yeah, Ivanna had a little accident, so I rushed back,” I explained, “Have you returned from Solaris?”“What happened to Ivanna?” Ryan became alarmed.Ivanna gestured for me to keep our conversation discreet, so I said, “She had a minor issue, but we helped her solve it. I’ll return to the office tomorrow.”“Perfect. Things went smoothly in Solaris, and I’ve been back for a few days. I’m considering taking Elanor to the construction materials exhibition ne
Since I had some time, I went to the nearest supermarket to my house. I was low on vegetables, so I planned to buy some.The fresh vegetables on the shelves looked perfect, so I grabbed a bunch of leafy greens and fruits. I also selected a piece of high-quality beef before wandering the supermarket, wondering what Atlas liked to eat.However, something felt off. It seemed people were following me and whispering to each other. Still, I was puzzled whenever I turned back because everything seemed normal.At the checkout, a perky girl holding a notebook blushed and mustered her courage to approach me, saying, “Ms. Harmony, can I have your autograph?”I looked at the girl in shock, realizing she had mistook me for Harmony. The girl looked at me expectantly while occasionally glancing behind me. When I turned, I noticed a boy of similar age standing there.I returned my attention to the girl and gently said, “Sweetie, you might’ve mistaken me for someone else. I’m not Ms. Harmony.”“H
Atlas noticed my hesitation and looked at me skeptically, asking, “What’s wrong? You don’t want to?”Since I had to devise an excuse, I said, “Ava should spend more time with Grace. We can discuss moving to your place later, but Molly can stay here for now since I have many rooms downstairs. I welcome them here so Ava and my mom have company.”Atlas smiled and said, “Sure, we should let Ava spend time with her grandmother. We can always decide on moving later.”After dinner, we snuggled on the couch and enjoyed our rare peaceful time together. We discussed our time in Celestis Island and were about to call my mom and the others when the doorbell rang.We smiled at each other, wondering who it could be this time. I quickly got up and checked the peephole, feeling frustrated when I saw Matthew through it. It seemed I could never get rid of this thorn in my side.However, I felt at ease with Atlas around. I pressed the button to open the apartment door, and Matthew appeared shortly a
"You know that Melanie is immature. Don’t stoop to her level. So why do you insist on arguing with her?" Matthew looked weary and exasperated.“Sorry! It’s your choice to tolerate her behavior. I have no obligation to do the same. I’m not stooping to her level, so don’t get it twisted.” I said, “Don’t get any ideas. I took your mother to the hospital because I don’t want her discomfort to affect my child.”“Oh, right! What about Ava?” It was only now that he remembered to ask about her.Matthew had me baffled. What’s going on in his head?“She went to Celestis Island,” I replied.“Celestis Island?” Matthew’s face fell. “Why Celestis Island? You didn’t send them so far just so you could be alone with other men, did you? It’s so hot there, and for a little kid...”“Do you have anything else to say? If not, go home!” I cut off his words, not wanting to see that expression on his face.His eyes were filled with rage, but he kept his emotions in check."Chloe, you should respect m
Matthew could only hang his head, unable to argue.“You’re a man, and you can’t even protect your mother? She raised Melanie, and this is how she’s repaid? Melanie, Melanie... Is the whole Murphy family indebted to her?” My words were bitter, but I just couldn’t keep quiet at a time like this. How did I ever fall for such an idiot?"Do you know how humiliated she has been her entire life? Her husband cheated on her right in front of her, keeping his mistress under the same roof. In the end, she had to raise that woman's bastard child.”I was enraged, even yelling words I never thought I would say. My outburst surprised me.“Now, this despicable Melanie, along with that woman who brought her a lifetime of shame, are ganging up on her. How could Grace not fall ill?”Matthew looked at me without saying anything back."Ask Melanie why she insists on taking Grace to the hospital. Does it come from a sudden sense of duty to treat her right and save her life?" I glared at Matthew.He
I frowned and went to check. Melanie's fiery presence greeted me as I swung open the office door.Two junior employees were holding her back. Eleanor and Carol were both there, witnessing the scene. Melanie looked as if she had come here ready for a fight.I glanced at Carol and nodded. “Let her go!”Melanie shook her shoulders and adjusted her sleeves once she was free. “Chloe, you shameless woman. Did you seduce Matthew again? What did you say to him?”Turning to Benjamin, I said, “Call Matthew and have him come pick up his dear wife. She may not be ashamed of her behavior, but I certainly am!”I could see that people from other floors were already sneaking glances at us.“Stop fucking pretending! Do you think you’re a saint?!” Melanie was fuming as she yelled, “You two are divorced. Why are you still meddling in our family affairs? What did you say to Matthew that he came home berserk?" I understood what she meant. It seemed like Matthew had taken action after returning from
"Do you think Grace had an easy time raising you?" I continued, “Your mother only gave birth to you and caused havoc to the Murphy family. But you’ve teamed up with your mother to bully Grace? Do you think you would be here today if Grace weren’t so kind?"“Chloe, spare us your nonsense! Our family matters are none of your business!”I pressed on. “When you can’t sleep at night, reflect on your past. How many times have you been on the brink of life and death? Has Grace ever given up on you? "She took you to the hospital tirelessly, though she couldn’t even buy clothes for herself. Even I have spent time and money caring for you countless times. And I was an outsider who only joined the Murphy family later. Do you have an ounce of conscience regarding Grace?”Others in the office joined in, criticizing her. After all, most of the people in this building were familiar with her. Melanie had lost all moral integrity.“Chloe, don’t pretend to be righteous. You’re no saint, either. Yo
Just then, the elevator dinged, and a figure strode over. “Chlo, stop it, let her go!”It was Matthew. He rushed over, prying my hands apart. After he flung me aside, I lunged at Melanie again.Matthew glared at me, shouting, “What are you trying to do? Chloe... I’m warning you, let go!”Melanie was now in Matthew’s arms, panting and coughing. Her face, once purple, was returning to its normal color. After catching her breath, she pointed at me and cried out to Matthew, “Matt, hit her! You saw it. She was trying to kill me. She’s been plotting against me. Make her pay!”Once more, I charged at her. I had never felt so out of control in my life, even when Matthew was violent toward me. No one could stop me. Melanie’s face turned pale with fear.Benjamin, Carol, and Eleanor tried to restrain me, holding onto my trembling body.Matthew was taken aback. He shouted at everyone, “What are you all trying to do? Ganging up on a defenseless woman? You’re really...”Before he could
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