My eyes narrowed as I realized that the photo was of me and Ryan. The angle was truly deceptive, making it seem as though I was passionately kissing him after throwing myself into his arms.It was the moment when I was moved by his words as I was seeing him off to rest in his apartment. I had impulsively leaned in to express my gratitude to this brother figure for his years of care and understanding. However, being frozen in that split second gave it a different implication altogether—ambiguous and suggestive.Scrolling down, I found that it had already spread on the trending pages and was gaining a lot of attention. No wonder there was something off in the way Atlas reacted when I mentioned Ryan earlier. The source of his unease was evidently this.Just then, my phone chimed with a message notification. I exited the trending page and opened the message. It was a text on WhatsApp, and there was a link to a short video. I clicked on it.The video shocked me even more. It seemed to b
At that moment, Harmony's demeanor underwent an astonishing change. "Atlas, don't do this to me. I shouldn't have drank so much. I was wrong. Let's leave, okay? Please, don't be mad at me anymore..."She pressed herself against Atlas while lifting her clothes, revealing more of her skin. I was utterly surprised by her performance. What was she trying to convey? Did Atlas find her acting insufficient? Was this a scene in a movie studio? Had the plot just taken a wild turn?Only now did Atlas fix his gaze on her, uttering a few words coldly, "It's time to end this."He then removed his jacket and tossed it aside.I could clearly sense that Harmony's body tensed up for a moment.The camera flashes went off incessantly, and the sound of cameras clicking filled the room instantly. Atlas remained composed, as if he had been waiting for this moment.Suddenly, a deep voice sounded from outside the door, "Step aside!"I turned around and saw Dylan walking in, carrying a young man in his
All eyes in the room turned to Harmony, awaiting her response.Harmony froze, looking at Atlas’s darkened face with trembling lips. Then, her gaze became colder, as if she had regained her composure.I could see deep-seated resentment in her eyes. Harmony erupted into hysterical shouts.“No one put me up to this! These are my true feelings! Atlas, take a good look at the woman by your side. She’s fickle. That’s why her ex-husband didn’t hesitate to leave her. What do I lack compared to her?”Atlas’s lips parted. “You’re not even worthy of comparison.”“Why not?” Harmony jutted her chin forward, challenging him. “Am I not as pretty as her? Or is it because my status doesn’t measure up to hers? Aside from seducing men left and right, what else does she have? Haha, she even has a bastard child from her ex!”She seemed to have lost her mind, screaming, “I can give you everything she can, and I’ll do it better than her. You’re entangled with someone’s leftovers!”“Even if she has a h
He saw the confusion in my eyes and leaned down to kiss me with the utmost tenderness.He eventually let me go, still cradling my face. "Give me time," he said. “I’ll tell you how I lost you. Now, let’s go home.”I pushed down all the doubts in my mind. I didn’t want to tarnish the moment, knowing he wouldn’t lie to me.He escorted me back to Amethyst Apartments. At the doorstep, he bid me farewell. “Rest well and remember tomorrow’s private banquet.”“Aren’t you coming in? Ava hasn’t seen you today!” “I have something to take care of, and it’s too late. Ava must be asleep. I won’t go in,” he said, pulling me into his arms again. He planted a kiss on my forehead. “Be a good girl and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a brand new day.”Although I was reluctant, I had to give him the time he needed to handle his affairs. It might have been an excuse, but I had no reason to stop him.I looked back at him as I walked in, feeling something was off. He stood by his car, watching as I
I turned around. As the doors opened, a tall figure emerged. He was holding an enormous bouquet of vibrant red flowers.His face was handsome, with well-defined features. It was perfect. While he used to wear a cold and proud expression, today, he was all smiles. A group of attendants trailed behind him, creating a commanding presence as they approached me.This sudden turn of events dumbfounded me. It all felt surreal.He walked up to me, his thin lips curling up. “Congratulations on the successful transformation of Tanum Construction and Development! Congratulations, Ms. Chloe! Let’s embark on this brand new journey!”His eyes were deep and filled with tender affection. I was sure there was something more to this.I took the bouquet. He stood beside me and announced to the media, “I declare that as of today, ATL Empire will cooperate with Tanum Construction and Development. They will handle all development projects, including properties, of ATL Empire.“The design institute o
The sudden change left everyone at Tanum feeling unsettled. However, Ryan seemed to have everything well prepared, arranging the next steps.Judging by how smoothly he proceeded with the upcoming tasks, Ryan had been planning this for a long time. His preparations were thorough and well-organized.Perhaps this was the state of the company he had been aiming for. The previous Tanum had been limiting for Ryan.He was a talented individual, and even overseas, he had a significant presence. He had ambition and a desire to demonstrate his abilities when he first joined Tanum.I could tell Ryan was someone with ambitious career goals. Otherwise, during his interview at Tanum, he wouldn’t have spoken those words to me.It seemed that I lucked out. To have such a remarkable person support me was a stroke of good fortune. That feeling of being pushed forward became clear at this moment.This time, it was Ryan steering the ship, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was reaping the rewards.
Rose’s eyes held none of the cloudiness often associated with age. Instead, they gleamed with sharp intelligence.As she saw us approaching, her eyes twinkled. She said to Atlas, “You’re here and fashionably late!”Atlas’s eyes were warm as he smiled. He replied, “My beloved Grandma Rose, I’m just in time. No one noticed!”I had never seen Atlas like this before. The aloof and composed Atlas had a playful side to him! It seemed his relationship with Rose ran deep.“Introduce me, won’t you?” The elderly lady’s gaze shifted to me with a discerning look.“Chlo, this is the star of today, Rose Beringer. You can call her Grandma Rose!” He introduced me with a soft voice, smiling tenderly.I stepped forward, greeting her, “Grandma Rose.”“Grandma, this is the person I’ve been waiting for!” Rose gave me a thorough once-over, and then we shook hands. She gave it a gentle squeeze before nodding. “Mmm, soft as cotton, destined for prosperity.”Her words left me perplexed. I couldn’t he
I saw from a distance that someone was entering through the main gate. It was a figure of elegance and understated grace.I was quite surprised. Bella, it seemed, was also among the invited guests. This woman was truly extraordinary. Her serene and elegant demeanor concealed an enigmatic aura that was difficult to fathom.Moreover, she had entered alone, which suggested that she was on the guest list, and wasn’t the date of anyone.Seemingly noticing my distraction, Atlas turned his head to follow my gaze and asked, "Are you looking at her?"I glanced at Atlas and nodded. "Yes, she's quite remarkable."Atlas gave a faint smile and didn't say much. However, I could tell from his expression that he knew Bella. He was simply too much of a gentleman to discuss someone else's private affairs.Just then, Atticus walked over to where we were, his arm around Liora.Today, Liora seemed to have toned down her hostility. She was leaning gently into Atticus's arm, looking every bit like a t
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