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
Ivanna glared at the young girl. “What’s with your attitude? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?”“Why can’t I speak like this? Don’t come here if you don’t want to hear it. Remember to keep your dignity intact. Do you think this place is your personal jewelry box?” The saleslady spat.Baffled, I asked, “Calm down. Explain what you mean. I just wanted to look at this bracelet. Is there a problem?”The store manager hurried over. She pulled the salesperson behind her and said. “Ms. Chloe, I’m sorry. She didn’t mean it!”“Who says I didn’t mean it? I meant it! I might as well quit if it bothers you so much! You treat this place like your own without shame. I’ve never seen someone as greedy as you. You treat this place like a pawn shop. Don’t you know any better?”The girl was relentless. Even my composure wavered in the face of such blistering criticism.I frowned. “Have I offended you? Are you talking about me?”“Yes, I’m talking about you!” The girl was fearless.The store ma
Ivanna was not backing down either, "I'm telling you again. We didn't take it!"Megan was truly furious. She broke free from the control of the other people in the store and walked swiftly to the counter, quickly pulling open a drawer and snatching out an account book.The store manager, Matilda, immediately lunged forward and tried to snatch it back. "Megan, you're out of line!""You're afraid of her, and you want to please her, but I’m not! What? Are you still trying to climb up the ladder? Then don't give away the boss's things as favors. This shop isn't yours."With a crisp sound, Megan stumbled for a moment, clutching her face and looking at Matilda.Matilda, after delivering the slap, seemed to realize she had gone too far and stood frozen for a moment.Megan took the opportunity to snatch back the account book and looked at the store manager. "Remember this slap. I'll pay it back sooner or later."Then she strode over and slammed the book on the counter."Look, is this y
Nolan took the ID I handed him and glanced at it before carefully looking at me. Before he could speak, there was suddenly some commotion in the store. I instinctively turned my head and looked toward the entrance, where I saw Atlas approaching.Under the splendid and bright lights, he was as noble as the shining gems in the store, causing everyone to pale in comparison. His deep, dark eyes exuded a cold and proud air, as he swept a meaningful gaze over the entire store. Perhaps because it was Sunday, he wasn't in formal attire, and was wearing a crisp white shirt that accentuated his slender figure. The cold air exuded from him, his sudden appearance akin to that of a returning king. His dominating aura made everyone nervous, rendering them breathless. Especially Nolan, who stood so rigid, his face turning white instantly."Mr. Atlas, what brings you here?" he hurriedly went up to Atlas with great deference, waiting for his instructions.When his gaze fell on me, it seemed as if
Megan glanced at me with uncertainty. I nodded at her, encouraging her, "I prefer the way you were just now. You should never give up on your principles.""Ms. Chloe." Matilda's mouth twitched, sensing the impending disaster.Upon hearing my words, Megan immediately straightened her back, looking at Atlas with a hint of excitement. The fingerprints on her fair face were even more visible, and she articulately recounted the entire incident.Matilda and Nolan’s expressions grew increasingly pale and restless as Megan recounted the events.Atlas's fair and handsome face exuded a sharp and cold aura. His cold gaze, at this moment, seemed even more profound and chilly, emanating an air of sinister severity.Taking the account book handed over by Megan, he coolly glanced at it and then turned to the manager. His voice was icy as he demanded, "Explain!"Nolan immediately panicked, "I... I, it was Matilda..."At this point, Matilda was beside herself, taking a step forward, trying to ap