Sure enough, Grace was overjoyed when we got home. She learned we visited the Beringer home. Her first words to my mom were, "Chlo is good! It's the Murphy family who are unfortunate."Even if my mom were upset about the past, she would not hate a dying person. She just smiled.Atlas stayed to chat with my dad for a while before he left.After putting Ava to bed, Grace knocked on my door. I quickly let her in.She still seemed awkward in front of me. I reached out and pulled her to sit on the couch. "Is there something on your mind?""Well...not really. I just wanted to spend some time with you," she said cautiously, and it tugged at my heart. I couldn't stand seeing someone so vulnerable. I sat beside her just like old times.Grace took care of me wholeheartedly during my postpartum period. She cared for me even more than her son.Matthew was already involved with Melanie then. Grace was the only one who genuinely took care of me."Mom..." I awkwardly called her. After all
She kept her head down, avoiding my gaze. I understood she would side with her son in any situation. I get it."I've been living in a small house for eight years. I know spacious and bright houses are nice, but I didn't have many thoughts about it. All I wanted was to feel at home. I didn't need a big place. As long as I had him, it was enough."My words were filled with melancholy."But he went behind my back, disregarding Ava's future. He bought a house for Melanie in Amethyst Apartments, the place I had my eyes on. I wouldn’t let you all repeatedly humiliate me. That's why I must take back what's rightfully mine. What’s wrong with that?"I looked at Grace, who hung her head and remained silent."Don't overthink while you're living here," I said."I just want to spend more time with Ava. I'll go back eventually!" Grace looked at me."Don't worry too much. Your home is where you want it to be. How have you been feeling lately? If you're not feeling well, you must tell me. It's
I was restless the entire night.Every time I thought about my past with Matthew, I couldn't find peace. I pitied Grace, who had no one to rely on at such an old age, unlike others who had their families.Her whole life had been pitiful, and now, at the end, she still pleaded for her son.After Grace settled in with me, Matthew came once to see her with a lot of supplements, treating her like a neighbor. He didn't mention taking her back with him, perhaps feeling that she would be better cared for here.However, he did inform Grace that Abby had been detained for 15 days due to causing trouble here. This brought Grace some joy; she thought it was her son taking revenge for her, but it was actually Atlas's doing. I didn't tell her, though.I wanted to let her leave thinking that her son did care for her.The house I found for Lauren was in the duplex building next to Ivanna's, with about 120 square meters of space. Atlas helped find it, and I made the decision to buy it because I
Atlas exchanged a handshake with Arthur before walking into the VIP hall. Inside, it became apparent that all the prominent upper management figures of Foswood were present, and they all politely greeted Atlas upon seeing him.His significant contribution to this networking event couldn't be overlooked, as he had invited numerous personnels from foreign financial institutions with ongoing projects to offer.The timing of this event coincided with the implementation phase of the plans for the latter half of the year, so they were scheduled to hold a meeting here.Atlas had someone escort me to the luxurious suite reserved for us, which was no different from a high-end suite on land. The area was quiet, likely occupied by other VIPs, without the commotion of random people moving about.After hanging up my coat, I stepped out of the room to get some fresh air on the deck. From a distance, I could still see many people boarding, all dressed in their finest attire.Initially, Ivanna wa
Stella hadn't had the chance to utter her ill-intended words when a voice from behind interrupted us."What are you doing here?" I turned to see it was Atlas.His clear gaze swept over Stella, and he asked, "What were you talking about?"Stella immediately swallowed the words she was about to say, her expression somewhat flustered. However, she quickly changed her demeanor and tried to grasp Atlas's arm. "Atlas, Chloe and I were just chatting about random things.”I maintained my calm smile, appearing nonchalant, observing Stella's rapid change of expression.Yet, I couldn't help feeling regretful. I had missed another opportunity. I suspected that whatever Stella wanted to tell me just now would have been another version of the story.These things felt like fragments of memories, slowly piecing themselves together in my mind.Without hesitation, Atlas took my hand in front of Stella. "Let's go inside to rest a bit and have something to eat first. We'll set sail a bit later."I
Our spot at the ship's deck was nearly empty, and he held me close as he said, "This is like the Titanic. Come on, feel it.”His whispered words in my ear were tender and full of love. In his embrace, I felt incredibly happy, losing myself in the breathtaking view before us. I even forgot where I was for a moment.I let out a joyful shout into the sea breeze, feeling a sense of lightness. It truly felt like we were flying on the sea at the front of the ship.However, moments of bliss are often fleeting, and the golden hues of the setting sun gradually disappeared over the horizon, leaving the sea in deep shades.Checking the time, Atlas said, "It's time to go. The opening ceremony is about to start."The main hall was packed with people, all smiling, eager, and excited. I couldn't help but feel a bit dazed. This didn't feel like a business gathering but more like a grand New Year's celebration.Nevertheless, I recognized many familiar faces. What surprised me most was the presenc
I looked up and found that the person in front of me was none other than Trinity.To be honest, it was the first time I was facing her directly. I calmly glanced at her, not quite sure why she was seeking me out. Logically, we had no connections or any reason to communicate.But she spoke first, "Ms. Chloe, can we talk somewhere privately?"I couldn't help but pause for a moment, looking at her for a few seconds, then nodded, "Okay."Seeing my agreement, she cast a glance in Atlas's direction and then at me before turning and walking toward a quieter area in the hall.On either side of the main hall were small private seats, where several people were engrossed in conversations.I glanced back at Atlas, worried that he might get anxious if he couldn't find me. As I looked back, I saw him looking in my direction. I gestured toward Trinity, indicating that I was going with her.He gave Trinity a cold glance and nodded subtly, indicating that he understood.I followed Trinity to a
I knew very little about the Harmony incident. I’ve been busy with the company's upgrade these past few days and haven't inquired about the aftermath.However, I overheard Atlas say to Jared that day, "Your people were involved."I believe Jared's people are those associated with Trinity.After I asked, she fell silent, playing with the cup in her hand. She looked at me as if debating whether to tell me what happened.I wasn't in a rush. I kept my gaze fixed on her, waiting for her to explain."They're not my people," she said, then hesitated before continuing, "They're Jared's people."I was taken aback for a moment. Jared's people?Her expression was inscrutable. I couldn't figure out why Jared's people would go after Harmony. From the look on Trinity's face, it didn't seem like she was making excuses for herself.However, the information was important. It meant that she and Jared's people wanted to keep their distance from each other. They were operating independently.
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