Carina seemed a bit agitated, scanning the room. "What exactly are you trying to do? I haven't done anything! I've been locked in my room the whole time.""Can anyone vouch for you?" Dylan inquired.Her face twisted angrily. "No one. They've got me cornered, and who would vouch for me? A bunch of backstabbers! They were the ones who told me to do it, and now that things have gone south, they're all hiding. They don't even stay in my room anymore. No one will testify."She was genuinely stubborn, displaying a fearless, almost reckless demeanor. She reminded me of Harmony in that regard—headstrong and fierce.I kept my gaze fixed on Carina. Her expression, her attitude, everything felt off. Her personality wouldn't allow her to remain so composed if she were indeed behind this.Before long, the attendant returned, shaking his head at Dylan.Dylan handed her the surveillance footage. "Is this you?"Carina's eyes were fixed on the screen, staring for a long time. She seemed unable t
I fell silent for a moment. "I can't help but notice that whenever Stella comes up, you evade it. Are you reluctant to deal with her, or do you have other plans?"I knew saying this might irritate him, but I couldn't help it. I just didn't understand why. Amidst the kidnapping, the incident with Harmony's fans, and the orchestrated chaos, all signs pointed to Stella. Yet Atlas always seemed to brush it off.He seemed to downplay the severity of the situation. His explanations left me dissatisfied.She returned to Nocturnia immediately after her last scheme failed. This time, although Atlas's attitude towards her had grown colder, there seemed to be a hint of protection.He struggled to provide an explanation, creating a palpable tension between us.Atlas gently patted me and chuckled softly, which only fueled my frustration. However, I held back from letting it escalate too far.I looked at Atlas and said, "I feel she wanted to tell me something. When we boarded the ship, her wor
This was the first time I've heard Atlas tell me about this matter so explicitly."At that time, she was only thirteen or fourteen years old, and she was so ruthless?" I found it hard to believe that Stella, who looked delicate and beautiful, could be so frightening.I couldn't help but think of the decisiveness, calmness, and speed when she pushed me tonight.And the firmness, accuracy, and ruthlessness when she took action.She was truly terrifying."So, we have to use a stratagem against her to make her relax. I need to find concrete evidence of her collusion with Jitador’s organization. This is the one point where we have not obtained strong evidence and are confused.“That's why we've been tolerating her." Atlas looked at me, "Are you satisfied with this answer?""Very satisfied." I sat up, smiling. The more I looked at Atlas, the more I loved him."So, as I said, I have to gradually let you understand." Atlas said cunningly, "Although we know that Celine is connected to t
The outcome was getting closer to my assumptions.Atlas looked at my face and pinched it, "Because you are somewhat between Annalise and Stella."I was a bit confused, pondered for a moment, and asked him, "Are you talking about the real Stella? What exactly is my connection with her?"Atlas glanced at me suddenly. After some contemplation, he nodded, "That's right, my clever girl.""Well..." I wanted to ask more, but Atlas interrupted."Alright, let's not ask too many questions. I've said that you need to gradually understand the reasons. Too much at once, and you’ll get confused.”He seemed like a controller, and whether to stop or go was all up to him."I've said that the most important thing between us is trust. As long as you trust me, all the questions will be solved. Remember... trust."Seeing him speak seriously and earnestly, I giggled. I snuggled into his arms, and then looked at him, asking, "Are you not going out tonight?"He looked at me, bit my lips, and shameles
When we arrived at the restaurant, there weren't many people there, as the festivities from last night lasted until very late. I assumed those people were catching up on sleep.For most businessmen, the essential negotiations were already concluded. Today's tasks were minimal; it was just a matter of waking up and getting off the ship. Everything was coming to an end.Looking around, the few people up early in the restaurant were relatively older. There weren't many young people, indicating that those young folks must have partied until late last night.As Atlas and I entered the restaurant, some people immediately started whispering. After all, many people were aware of the incident.A few particularly familiar faces came over to greet us and offered some comforting words.Everyone seemed relaxed and laid-back, not as eager as when they first boarded the ship. They had a leisurely mindset, just waiting for the time to return.While we enjoyed our meal and chatted comfortably, I
Just as I stepped out of the restroom, I saw Stella entering the dining room, walking toward Atlas.It wasn't surprising; after all, on the surface, Stella was Atlas's cousin.I hesitated for a moment, then confidently returned to my seat, not avoiding her in the slightest."Ms. Stella, you’re up early." This time, I initiated the conversation, smiling contentedly.She glanced at me and returned the smile, "Yes, getting off the ship is quite exciting. It's been a long time and I’m feeling a bit fed up."Hearing her words, my heart suddenly skipped a beat. I looked at her and asked, "You had enough fun?"She seemed to sense the hidden meaning in my words. Then she cast a glance at Atlas, who was engrossed in his meal and paid her no attention.On the other side, Jared remained indifferent.Stella didn't respond to my implication and just smiled.After finishing his meal, Atlas looked at me, "Do you want anything else to eat?""No, I'm full." I looked at him, "Let's go back to
I saw Stella standing behind Liora. Instinctively, I took a step back and controlled my expression as I looked at her. "Okay, thanks for the reminder."Anyone who didn't know the inside story would have thought that they had interrupted something in time.Liora was a little confused and didn't know what my words meant. Then she looked at me coldly. "Don't blame me for not reminding you. You're on your own."I looked at Liora with gratitude. "Okay, don't say anything else. I know. Thank you, Liora. I will be careful."Then I said to Stella, "Ms. Stella.”Liora was startled and turned her head sharply to look at Stella, a little surprised. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me in the restaurant? Have you finished eating?"I saw that Stella's eyes were fixed on Liora, full of suspicion. She asked coldly, "What were you talking about?"Liora was a little flustered and looked at me. "No... ...what can I say to her?"After that, she turned around and took Stella's arm. "Let's go."I smi
Just as the words left my lips, a sudden cry was heard. "Chloe, be careful!"I jolted, barely turning around before Atlas yanked me to the other side. Simultaneously, I noticed a shadow lunging toward him, a short blade gleaming in their hand. I cried out in shock, "Atlas! Knife..."Atlas dodged the attack, engaging in a fierce struggle with the assailant. I screamed, unable to believe the sudden turn of events. The guards from the restaurant were now rushing over.However, at that moment, the assailant seemed to lose control. He ruthlessly lunged at Atlas once more. Atlas evaded. But to my horror, the assailant swiftly turned toward me, the speed leaving me defenseless. All that remained were my cries of alarm.In an instant, a figure yanked me away, the momentum causing her body to lurch forward.Then, in the next heartbeat, her form seemed to freeze. In the brief moment before the guards reached him, he vaulted, disappearing into the ocean's depths.Gunshots echoed in my e
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