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
I looked toward the source of the voice and saw Arthur approaching. I was somewhat surprised and quickly went up to greet him, simultaneously avoiding any awkwardness with Liora."Mr. Arthur.""Congratulations on your recent achievements," Arthur said with a smile. I felt that he was only doing this because of Atlas. Otherwise, a figure of his status in Foswood wouldn't bother to congratulate me.I immediately replied modestly, "Thank you, Mr. Arthur.""I never expected you to be so capable. I read the article, and it’s not bad. Our city is truly in need of benchmark enterprises with far-reaching goals, and that aligns with your ambition. Building a brand is indeed not something that ordinary people dare to think about. Many businessmen are only interested in short-term gains and lack a long-term vision, so they can't become great entrepreneurs." Arthur praised me wholeheartedly.I noticed Liora's expression became colder.Amused, I decided to provoke her a little more. "You’re t
I quickly stood up and positioned myself beside Bella, taking a slight step back to avoid overshadowing her.It was evident that Archie had come over for Bella.Bella had always seemed mysterious to me, her identity remaining a puzzle. I enjoyed deciphering the interpersonal relationships here, especially when I wanted to understand Bella better. She was quite alluring to me. More precisely, Bella possessed a charismatic personality.At this moment, she gracefully shook hands with Archie, exuding a gentle yet distant allure that made her inscrutable. Her demeanor was perfectly balanced, with just the right touch of charm.She didn't forget to mention me standing beside her. "Mr. Archie, this is Atlas’s girlfriend, Chloe."Her introduction was interesting, positioning me as Atlas's girlfriend, not just a friend or companion but a girlfriend. This indicated that Bella was quite discerning. After all, my status hadn't been confirmed by Atlas, so she couldn't outright claim it. Howev
Upon hearing my reminder, she seemed to think I was trying to oppress her and instantly became furious, raising her voice several notches."Chloe, don't think that just because you rely on Atlas's connections to come here today, you feel like your worth has doubled. What are you? An outsider trying to establish yourself in Foswood? You really have some nerve. Even Matthew could easily shoo you away with a kick. Do you really think you can come and go as you please, you despicable wretch!"Liora's words were extremely cutting, but I paid them no mind. I was well aware of her character and had seen enough of her. There was no need to stoop to her level; I couldn't afford to lose my dignity here.I continued to speak softly, "I have always known how to put myself in the right place. It's true I'm an outsider, but I started my business with my own wisdom, aboveboard and honest. I would expect you to have a bit of decorum. At least, show some respect for Atticus. No matter what, we shoul
Rose pulled me to sit down, her face still grim. I glanced around the table, not seeing Liora, but I did notice Atticus still there. His eyes were fixed on me, and it seemed he must have noticed what had transpired.Fearful that Rose might continue her outburst and embarrass Atticus, I quickly reached out and poured her a cup of tea. "Grandma Rose, please have some tea."She sighed and looked at me, seemingly complaining, "You are such a considerate girl. If only I had a granddaughter like you."Upon hearing Rose's words, Bella suddenly smiled and said, "Grandma Rose, you and Mr. Archie are so similar. You always dwell on shortcomings. Since you like Chloe so much, why don't I suggest that Mr. Archie just accept Chloe as his daughter?"This statement completely stunned me. What was Bella thinking? She continued to smile gently. "Having a granddaughter would make you happy, and Mr. Archie would have a daughter too. If you care for her, it would give her support and prevent others fr
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