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
I saw Jared striding in and looking at Ivanna, "Found something you like?"Ivanna hastily waved. "No, nothing at all."Jared glanced at Atlas and said coolly, "It seems like your design team needs some improvement, Mr. Atlas."Atlas gave Megan a cold look and said, "Ms. Megan..."Megan immediately presented the Ocean Star to Jared, "Sir, this young lady is interested in this designed piece, the Ocean Star."Ivanna quickly stepped forward, "Hey. Little girl, your boss just fired a manager. Do you want to follow in their footsteps?""Sorry. I am recommending our best jewelry to promote sales, not giving them away like the previous manager. Sautoir Fine Jewelry belongs to all the employees here. I have a responsibility and obligation to share them with every customer worthy of having them.""Oh my. You’re really good with your words" Ivanna looked at Megan and then said to Atlas, "Mr. Atlas, your woman is truly discerning. She just pulled out such a gem for you, but I’m getting att
I smirked and lounged on the couch. "They probably didn't expect us to uncover it so quickly."Ivanna looked at me. "Both sides won’t have it easy in this confrontation. But luckily, your foundation is getting stronger. That's why they're showing signs of powerlessness and are starting to act crazy.""I was thinking of using Harmony to undermine Liora and Stella, but it seems that Harmony is a useless chess piece. But now, it seems she's equally useless to Stella and the others. If we hadn't uncovered this today, things could have turned bad. We have to thank Megan for this." I told Ivanna.Ivanna nodded in agreement. "It's a pity. How did Harmony get the plastic surgery done? We didn't see her, but she must have been quite similar to you. Otherwise, she wouldn't have fooled so many people.""Nothing fake can beat the authentic. It all depends on whether some people have a conscience. Megan is truly talented. She was able to articulate substantial differences. And she was right. Th
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