Ivanna sat up and looked at me, saying, “Matthew will regret it one day. His protectiveness over Melanie is just an expression of his insecurities. He always feels his inadequacies around you.“You outshine him in every way, whether it’s Tanum Corporation’s founding or your decision-making skills.”“I didn’t mean it that way, Ivanna.” I was puzzled, wondering how my abilities could pressure Matthew.“That’s the unfortunate truth. Matthew fears you but doesn’t want to accept it. That’s why he’s constantly trying to change that. He wants to surpass you and be a real man, but he can’t do it,” Ivanna said.I couldn’t agree more and added, “Add Melanie’s deliberate seduction to that.”“You’re right. So, Matthew finds a sense of masculinity with Melanie. He revels in a woman’s adoration and dependency. That was why he wanted to take the lead when you were pregnant. Matthew showed his fear of you surpassing him.“It’s not just his vulnerability, but his whole family’s. That’s why they’r
We spent the afternoon openly sharing our thoughts, turning it into a ranting session. After a while, we smiled at each other knowingly.As it was getting late, Atlas called, saying he would pick me up for dinner. I excused myself, and coincidentally, Jared returned to the ward at the same time.When I got downstairs, Atlas was waiting. Amidst the crowd, he always stood out, shining like a star.Seeing me, the cold demeanor on his handsome face immediately softened, and he extended his hand to me. "Tired?""Definitely hungry." I replied with a coy smile."Then let's feed you quickly." He smiled warmly. "And later, you'll have the energy to feed me too."I was about to explode at his suggestive remark. This man and his constant innuendos.He playfully pulled me into his arms and we got into his car. His entourage took my car back home.As soon as we sat down at the restaurant, someone approached. When I looked up, I met a pair of gloomy eyes, none other than that of Harmony. It
"I'll tell you next time." There was a mischievous tone in his voice that made even this familiar aspect of him seem somewhat endearing. My mind involuntarily wandered for a moment.Seeing that I was still staring at him, he raised an eyebrow. "Are you jealous?"My face flushed, and I tried to conceal my embarrassment. "Of course not."He poured a glass of juice and gently placed it in front of me, his gaze fixed on my face. "Hold on a second."Then he lifted my chin and lightly wiped the corner of my mouth with his index finger. The gesture was an extremely intimate one.Feeling awkward, I flinched slightly. Harmony's gaze remained fixed on our table. I was sure our actions would be completely visible to her."What's there to be afraid of?" He furrowed his brow slightly and asked in a calm tone."Didn't you see the things online today?" I intentionally asked him. I was certain there was some deliberate intention behind his earlier actions."So what?" he replied, deliberately s
We both froze as we locked eyes and burst into laughter. I gently pushed him away, saying, “It must be another one of those Murphy family members.”He got up as well, biting my lip. “I’m heading upstairs. I’ll be waiting for you.”I went to open the door, only to find out it wasn’t anyone from the Murphy family at all. It was Harmony.I asked her through the intercom, feigning ignorance, “What can I do for you?”“Open the door!” Her tone was forceful. After saying that, she pressed the buzzer several times, almost like a provocation.I chuckled and pressed the unlock button.In the video feed, I saw Harmony push open the door and storm in. When she reached the entrance to the living room, I opened the door.She shoved me out of the way and walked right in. I was certain she had no good intentions and was out to humiliate me in front of my family.She looked stunned after scanning the empty living room. It took her a while before she turned back to me. “What? Are you the only
Atlas’s face darkened as he looked at her.“Mr. Atlas... H-How’d you end up here?” Harmony’s voice was trembling, her gaze unsteady as she looked at Atlas. She balled her hands into tight fists.“Ms. Harmony, please tell me why I shouldn’t be here." Atlas’s words cut through the tension as he took a seat beside me.His face looked unusually somber. “Answer me. When did I agree to be your boyfriend? Did I do something that made you misunderstand?”“I... She...” Harmony stammered, her words disjointed.Her face shifted between anger and fear.“You tried to bind me, spreading rumors that I’m your boyfriend and confusing my family. I’ve been patient, but it seems you’ve overstepped.” Atlas’s thin lips were pressed together, his gaze sharp.“But s-she’s...” Harmony’s words were faltering.“She looks like you? I don’t see it.” Atlas lowered his gaze, pulling me into his embrace.“Does my woman need to rely on someone else’s power?” Atlas clasped my hand in his, his eyes cold. "Do
If it weren’t for Carol’s phone call, I wouldn’t have wanted to get out of bed. I felt like all the energy had been drained from me.I found that the spot beside me had gone cold. It seemed he had been gone for a while.With gritted teeth, I pushed myself up and glanced around the bedroom. It was impeccably tidy. I muttered under my breath, “Is this guy a wolf? He nearly devoured me.”After a quick shower, my legs still felt shaky. I changed into some fresh clothes and headed downstairs. I saw breakfast was already laid out on the table, along with a note.Scoffing, I picked up the note. Was this some kind of trend now?His handwriting was bold and powerful. The note reminded me to eat and replenish my strength.My face flushed as I cursed. This guy had no shame. He just had to point it out.I lifted the lid off the dishes. The dishes were exquisitely prepared, and he even made some soup. Maybe it was because my energy was depleted, but I dug into everything with gusto. It was s
Grayson immediately snapped his fingers. “Impossible! His qualifications are way off. Bourdamun intends to establish a new district, shifting the city southward to connect with the Muborough coastline. This will bring it closer to the transportation hub and boost the economy of Bourdamun's old district. "It has received provincial approval. But the specific details haven’t been completed yet. So, Jeremiah's information is correct, but how it got to him is made up.”Grayson’s words ignited a spark of desire in me. I said, “Dig deeper. See who’s overseeing this project.”“Got it!” Grayson nodded.This information seemed precious. I had to thank Christopher. When inspiration struck, there was no stopping it.“Oh, these days, Stella has been in close contact with Trinity,” Grayson mentioned.“That’s not surprising. I think those online rumors might just be Stella’s handiwork. Yesterday, Melanie came here and let something slip. I’m sure she was involved in Ava’s case, too. “So,
"Mr. Atlas, when did it become okay for you to dismiss my people as you please?" I asked with a hint of annoyance. Grayson chuckled and left.Grayson, of course, knew about our relationship. Once Grayson left, Atlas sat on the couch. He extended his hand. “Come here.”I smiled and walked toward him. He grabbed my hand, pulling me onto his lap. “What did you have for lunch?”“I ate everything you made in the morning, so I’m not in the mood for lunch,” I admitted. “Why did you come?”“I missed you. Is that a good reason?” His deep eyes locked onto mine.“Why haven’t I seen you be this clingy before?” I teased.“I’m addicted! I’m obsessed!” He declared.This man was shameless, saying such things with a straight face.He pinched my cheek. “What do you want for dinner?”I still had no appetite, so I hadn’t even thought about dinner. “I haven’t decided yet. What do you want?”“I just want you!”His words almost left me breathless. I pointed at his nose. “I’ll bite you if you kee
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