In an instant, the scattered crowd by the poolside sensed that something unusual was happening. They quickly gathered, and even Liora, who stood at a distance, seemed a bit unsettled. However, her unease appeared more like a mischievous prelude to incitement."What's going on? Aren’t you being too arrogant? You just got wet, that’s all! Does it really warrant such a commotion? It's unnecessary to make such a big fuss." She walked over, looking at me from a distance."Chloe, even in moments of triumph, one should exercise restraint. You're underestimating these kids. None of their backgrounds is something you can easily handle. Don't blame me for not warning you.”She was clearly addressing me and provoking the onlookers.Sure enough, the scions gathered and approached us, ready for action.I fearlessly glanced at them, and Mia smirked in my direction."Ms. Liora, when did you see me acting arrogant?" I looked at her calmly."You’re not being arrogant? What's this situation, then
Just as everyone turned around in surprise, they noticed the newcomers weren't strangers; it was none other than Arthur and his entourage, including Atlas. It seemed these people had been together all along, probably discussing business.Mia and I exchanged glances but didn't make a move.The tall and thin middle-aged man immediately concealed his anger, striding toward Arthur. From a distance, he greeted Athurt with a fawning tone, extending his hand, "Mr. Arthur, you're here. Sorry for startling you with such a commotion."He then nodded and bowed to Atlas, "Mr. Atlas."Atlas's face remained gloomy, his gaze fixed on me. My dress was still wet, and the disheveled look persisted. I could see the anger churning in his eyes.Arthur glanced at Mia, then at me beside her without interacting with us. Instead, he sternly asked, "What's going on?"The tall and thin man gave us a disdainful glance, sneering, "These two ill-mannered women somehow sneaked in and are causing trouble here.
Arthur took a glance at the tablet handed to him by the young man, silently watching for a while, then passed the tablet to the tall and thin man. "Is this what you claimed, that the two of them sneaked in and caused trouble?"The tall and thin man hurriedly took the tablet, nervously watched the footage, and, with trembling lips, turned back to slap the red-haired guy. "I warned you to stay away from this troublesome Carina! Why can't you remember my advice? You bastard!"Andre, furious upon hearing the skinny guy's words, exclaimed, "Robert Strickland, what the hell do you mean?""I meant exactly what I said! Look at the well-behaved daughter you've raised, causing trouble everywhere. What kind of person is she?" Robert pointed at the disheveled Carina on the ground. "Look at her, what does she look like now? This is disgraceful, utterly disgraceful!"Atlas seemed to have reached his limit. He took off his jacket, walked over, and wrapped it around me, holding me in his arms. "Se
After finishing her statement, Mia turned to leave with a high and cold stride. Suddenly, she stopped and looked at me, saying, "Ms. Chloe, shall we have a chat?"I smiled, "Sure."Looking up at Atlas, I whispered, "I'll chat with Ms. Mia for a while. You focus on your tasks."Atlas nodded with an indulgent expression, "Alright. Don't forget to eat something."I smiled, gave Ivanna a slight tug, and followed Mia as we walked toward the VIP area.From the corner of my eye, I saw Liora still hiding behind the crowd, staring at us as we walked by in astonishment.Mia's words should be enough to make her heart race.People in the crowd continued to comment, "They’re really ignorant to dare to offend these two women. One is Mr. Arthur's daughter, and the other is Mr. Atlas’s woman.”As we left the chaotic crowd, Ivanna disdainfully remarked, "Liora must be really panicking now.""I really dislike that woman. Too bad for that Atticus. He's a very astute man," Mia said casually, show
After coming out of the private room, we all went to the restaurant together, feeling very happy.I was happy because I finally got what I wanted, and if all went as planned, I could also acquire the Phase Two of Avalon Hills, which was already within Liora's grasp.During dinner, I had Dylan notify Ryan to join us in our private room.I formally introduced Noah to Ryan, making this cruise party a true success for me.We had a joyful dinner.After dinner, we went back to the main hall. I strolled on the deck with Joyce. The sea was calm and vast, the deep expanse of the sea and the sky merging into one. It was the first time I had seen such a seascape. It was like the entire firmament was within arm's reach.Joyce asked me, "Chloe, how do you manage to make Ryan always love you?"Her question was too direct, making me a bit awkward. This was likely due to our different upbringing environments, shaping different outlooks on life."Well, there's no need to deliberately do anythin
I was nervous and glanced at Ivanna for support. Surprisingly, she met Trinity's gaze with calm composure. "Ms. Trinity, there's no need to be so aggressive. This isn't like you. I thought your demeanor would be more refined, but I overestimated you. Your behavior can only be described in one word—inferior."Ivanna's boldness took me aback. I was worried things might get out of hand.I glanced at Jared, who remained as composed as ever."So?" Trinity's tone turned icy."So, it doesn't matter who speaks. Mr. Jared seems to be in high spirits!" Ivanna addressed Jared directly for the first time, repeating herself deliberately. Then she casually added, "We won't disturb you any longer."With that, she reached out to take my arm and turned to leave.As we walked away, she tossed a parting remark to Trinity, "Ms. Trinity, broaden your horizons a bit. Don't resort to common tricks!"Suddenly, I reassessed Ivanna. She was proving to be more formidable than I had thought. I couldn't h
I instinctively screamed as I fell. It felt like a scene from a recurring nightmare, where darkness consumed me.With a loud splash, I instantly felt suffocated. I was swallowed whole by icy seawater, with no way out.I didn't know how to swim. I thrashed desperately, but my body continued its descent.Then, a powerful arm wrapped tightly around me, pushing me upward.Amid the prolonged darkness and silence, I thought someone was calling my name. "Chloe...""Chlo!"When I woke up, I was in Atlas's arms, and his face was filled with worry. Seeing me move, he asked urgently, "Chlo, how do you feel? Is anything hurting?""Cold..."My lips trembled. I clung tightly to him, shivering from the seawater's coldness.Atlas tightened the coat around me, lifting me gently. He then instructed someone nearby, "Get a doctor to the room!"He carried me past the crowd up to our room.Once inside, he quickly undressed me and rinsed me with warm water. He settled me on the bed, wrapping me
Atlas's handsome face was as cold as ice, and his lips pressed tightly together. His sharp eyes gleamed with intensity. He stared icily at the steward. Every word he uttered seemed laced with frost, sending a shiver through the room.Seeing me come out, he settled me on the sofa. I turned to the steward. "Who told you to deliver the message?""It was a woman, Ms. Chloe. I didn't get a clear look at her. She told me to inform you to go to the fourth-floor lounge. She also said that you should go alone." The steward's face was deathly pale, trembling as if he had seen a ghost. It was clear he was terrified.One of Atlas's aides entered, holding an evidence bag. "Sir, these are the clothes salvaged from the sea!"I quickly looked over. It was a dark gray tracksuit. I was confident. "Yes, this is the right color. A dark figure in a hooded tracksuit attacked me. That's why I couldn't see the face."I closed my eyes, trying to recall the moment. A dark figure rushed toward me, causing
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