Arnold let out a mournful cry, looking quite shaken. He regarded me with a hint of skepticism. "You have your own company? Doing what? Tell me.""Construction," I blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed."You? Construction?"Sure enough, Arnold was astonished. "What kind of construction work can a delicate girl like you do?"I chuckled, "It was a twist of fate. Once I got into this field, there was no turning back."Ardie was also intrigued. "I can't believe it. You’re such a delicate girl, and you’re into construction and development?"Arnold quickly said to me, "Give the work to him. He's a rugged man who should do construction. You can just run the business. In the future, we'll be a powerful team, with me in the field, and you managing the business from the office."Atlas immediately interjected, "Arnold, are you trying to poach her? What do you mean, 'you can run the business'? She's my wife. If she wants to be in charge, it’ll be for the business of the Pierce family. She can d
The next day, I received a message from her, asking me not to look for her and that she would come back when she was done having fun.When Oliver found me, it had already been half a month later. He looked utterly desolate, completely worn out. He appeared even more aged than his age.When he saw me, he asked eagerly, "Where did Lauren go?"I looked at him for a long while before asking, "When did you realize she wasn't around?"He looked at me. "I've been looking for her for a week.”"So, you mean you didn't even notice she was gone for the previous weeks?" I stared at Oliver intently.Initially, I had respected him. After all, he held the power of life and death over many businesses, including mine.In Foswood, no businessman didn't consider him the God of Wealth. Yet, he was so miserly toward a vulnerable woman, especially one who had accompanied him for so many years.It was the first time I had seen him up close like this. His sharp eyes met mine, and his pale face twitche
I was breathing heavily, glancing at him sideways. "Don't think it's all over just like that. Those images are etched in my mind, and they've hurt me deeply. I can't ever forget them."He held me, his tone indulgent. "Then punish me. Make me hold you forever and not let go."I chuckled at his persistence. This man was truly something else; he'd switch between being firm and soft, making it difficult to argue with him."If you dare do that again, I won't forgive you. I wouldn’t care about punishing you too." I deliberately teased him. "You have someone to hold, and I do too.”We playfully bantered back and forth.His handsome face tensed up, "Someone’s acting up, huh?”I was taken aback and looked at him suddenly, trying to discern the truth in his words from his expression.He immediately sensed my reaction, bit my lips, and said, "My girl, you're even harder to coax than Ava."I chuckled to myself; I knew he was just playing around. I stopped the teasing because saying too muc
She saw me coming out and rushed toward me as if she had been injected with some sort of drugs. "Chloe, you slut! Even after divorcing, you dare to get involved with Matthew. How do you have the guts to take in this dying woman? You slut, how dare you give advice to Matthew and make him take my house away?”"Your house? What are you? You're not even worthy of that," I said coldly, pulling my dad inside. "You all go in. Mom, get inside.”With that, I took out my phone from my pocket and called the property security directly, asking them to come. I didn't know how Abby got in.The yard wasn't a place where just anyone could enter. I had specially arranged an access card for Grace, so she could come and go freely. But how this woman got in, I had no idea. I also wanted to hold the property security accountable.I pushed the older ones inside and retreated to my own door. I did this on purpose. As long as she dared to step into my house, I wouldn't be polite.Sure enough, this woman,
I stared at the security guards. “Now you show up? This person doesn’t belong to our community. How did she get in? Call the police!”The security guard in charge was terrified as he looked at Abby, who was lying motionless on the ground. He glanced at me, looking somewhat helpless.“She trespassed into a private residence and even attempted assault. Everyone witnessed it! Call the cops!” I directed the head of security again.I was confident. A few neighbors who had been enjoying the drama had already recorded it all on their phones. Besides, security cameras were all around my house, and Abby was still holding that shovel.I suspected that the security guard was afraid to report it because they were the ones who let her in.“Well... Miss, we...”I made the call myself. I wanted peace, and that meant uprooting the likes of Melanie, ensuring she wouldn’t set foot here again.Melanie came rushing in just as I hung up the phone.Melanie threw herself on Abby, wailing, “Mom... She
Her face was pale, and she trembled all over. I comforted her, “Take it easy. I’m fine. It’s just a routine police inquiry. Don’t worry. She trespassed and attacked you. The police will understand.”“I’m going too... I have to be there with you!” Grace grabbed onto me as if she were afraid I wouldn’t return.Her eyes were full of despair and helplessness. I understood. After living this long and facing the twilight years, I was the first person to stand up for her like this, especially after the Murphy family abandoned her. Maybe I was the only support she had left in her remaining years.It pained me to realize the truth about people at this stage in my life.I gave her a reassuring pat. “Alright, don’t be afraid. Just relax. We’re both okay.”After explaining the situation to my parents, I helped Grace into the car. I assumed she didn’t want me to get in trouble. Plus, she could explain the situation if she went along with me.Sitting in the car, I noticed I was still in my
As I was about to turn and leave, Grace called out to me, “Chlo, c-can I come with you?”I glanced at Atlas, and a glimmer of tenderness flickered in his eyes. I looked at Grace and asked, “Are you sure?”She nodded, determined. “Yes! I want to go with you!”“Mom!” Matthew’s own mother choosing to go with someone else felt like a slap in the face.All the cops were left dumbfounded. Some of them understood our dynamics, which was nothing short of astonishing.I turned back, supporting her as she gripped my hand. Her trembling was so intense that it was almost unnatural. I wanted to ask her again if she wanted to come with me, but the words got stuck in my throat.In the lobby, Melanie stood there, watching Grace follow me. She stormed toward us in frustration, demanding, “Have you lost your mind? You’re going with her? Grace, if you go with her today, never come back to the Murphy family!”I scoffed at Matthew.Matthew, of course, understood my look. He yelled at Melanie, “Shut
Ivanna had already been discharged from the hospital, but Jared was keeping a close eye on her movements for her safety.I picked her up, intending to head to Arkadia Plaza. Just as we arrived at the plaza, I spotted Harmony emerging with bags galore.Ivanna glanced at me with a teasing smile. “Retail therapy?”I noticed Harmony struggling with a bunch of paper bags. It seemed like she had done more shopping, but something felt off. Her outfit had a peculiar touch that wasn’t in line with her usual style.“Ha! Looks like she’s found a new person. Despite the ban, she’s still living it up. Back when she was riding high, she wasn’t this extravagant! Now, it’s all about luxury brands!” Ivanna watched Harmony struggle to the parking lot.“Shall we go?” I said after parking the car.“Just look at her. She is a walking fashion disaster!”“You’ve noticed, too?” I looked at Ivanna. “This dress looks quite like...”Before I could say “mine,” Ivanna uttered, “yours.”We exchanged a pu
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