Perhaps there was already a familial bond between him and Trinity. Or maybe I was overly concerned with the gains and losses between Trinity and Ivanna. I couldn't think of a reason for them to coexist. In my mind, it seemed like a situation of either black or white, with no room for coexistence."Do you want the ultimate result to be coexistence?" I still didn't look at Jared, keeping my gaze on Trinity inside. I directly asked the question that had been lingering in my mind, and then I looked at him, posing a serious question, "Can you achieve that?"He stood firmly, still not looking at me but staring at Trinity inside. "I will strive for it.""But have you considered their feelings?" My guess was spot on."I will do my best to balance their relationship and make sure they both accept it," he said without hesitation.I chuckled. He was quite confident to try to control two strong-willed opposites, and I had to commend his courage for that.I remained silent because at this mom
Jared had just left when an unexpected visitor arrived—Stella.She found her way to the intensive care unit and was surprised to see me standing outside. After a brief moment of hesitation, she approached. Her eyes were fixed on the situation inside the ward. "I didn't expect to find you here, Chloe.""Who did you think it would be?" I intentionally countered, "Surprised? Didn't see that coming, did you? You wanted to hurt me, but Trinity was the one who ended up here. I always manage to turn danger into safety."Stella chuckled casually, "Chloe, you are indeed fortunate in this regard. But how did you manage to offend so many people? You’re always being chased and hunted."Her words sounded light and detached, as if she were an uninvolved bystander. Yet, every time I recalled her ruthless actions, a shiver ran down my spine. I vividly remembered the eerie smile she flashed when she turned around outside my house.Her calm demeanor now made her even more formidable."Well. I wond
Her words held a wealth of information. It seems my hunch was indeed correct—I had known Atlas for a long time.I steadied my thoughts and warned myself not to act rashly. What if this is a timed bomb that Stella set for me?I must stay vigilant. This woman is capable of anything, and she can say anything.At least for now, her words remain unverified, whether they're true or false.I told myself to trust Atlas. I have to wait for him to return and tell me the truth.However, I couldn't deny that Stella's words echoed in my mind like a timed bomb, leaving me uneasy. If I wasn’t Chloe Hartz, then who was I?While I have speculated that I might have known Atlas in the past, he was overseas, and I was in a small town up north. There was simply no way for our paths to cross. What on earth is going on?I couldn't help but think of my parents. They've always been by my side in my memories. From the day they first saw Atlas, they didn't seem to have known him for a long time. So, whe
Ivanna let out a smirk that made me uneasy, especially given the current situation.So, I changed the subject. "Just now, Stella went to the hospital.""Oh? What was she doing there?" Ivanna asked."She was probably there to gather information. I feel that when Jared returned just now, it was because there was news. They've been searching for that person all along! “This time, it's not just Atlas looking, but also the Huffmans and Jared. They're managing well, but facing three powerful forces is no simple task.""Yes!" Ivanna exclaimed cheerfully.Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at it. Ivanna immediately reached over to my bag on the backseat, pulled out my phone, and gasped."Oh my goodness, Chlo, it's Lauren!""Ah? Answer it quickly!" I called out, checked the surroundings, and returned to a safe spot.Ivanna had already swiped to answer and put it on speaker."Lauren, where are you? When are you coming back?" Ivanna shouted. "You've been gone for so long, and the hous
"This is a crucial project, the biggest one in Bourdamun so far. I hope to work on it together with Ms. Chloe." He looked at me, his excitement hard to contain.I could tell he was the enthusiastic type. They might have fallen for his pitch, but not me."Well, Ms. Chloe, if I secure the project, I can give you full control and let Tanum Corporation handle the construction. After all, I have great confidence in Tanum Corporation's credentials!"I smiled. "Jeremiah, why are you so confident you'll get the project? And by partnership, are you referring to the construction team? After our upgrade, Tanum Corporation won't be taking on projects like this anymore!""Oh, Ms. Chloe, do you have to be so absolute? The size of the project in Bourdamun speaks for itself. After all, it's our project. We don't let others have a share in the profits." He grinned slyly, looking like he was up to something."Besides, I'm certain I can secure the project. We can discuss the details first. Once it's
I knew well that, after affiliating with ATL Empire, Tanum has indeed become quite impressive. In Foswood, we can consider it a top player, and I still have the upper hand.I knew Noah valued me more for my background because of his career ambitions. It was something I least wanted to exploit. Having it was better than not having it."Well... make sure the arrangements for the Bourdamun matter are meticulous. I might focus more on the hospital, waiting for Trinity to be truly out of danger before I can leave. Otherwise, I won't be able to explain myself.""Don't worry about the company. Eleanor has already returned, bringing back a lot of documents. Whenever you have time, just look at them. I've marked a few that I think are promising. You can review them."I nodded. With Ryan around, I feel confident about letting go of the company's affairs.Just as we were talking, Grayson briskly walked in.After sitting down, he looked pretty exhausted. Carol brought him a glass of water, a
I was startled and glanced at Grayson, pointing to the phone in my hand. "Speak!""Keegan suddenly wants to withdraw the investment!" Johnson's voice came through, and this news shook me. "Withdraw?!"This was a big deal. Why would he suddenly want to withdraw? Could my entire plan be ruined?I quickly put the call on speaker. "What's going on exactly?""I heard it was Liora's decision out of the blue. She's already discussed it with Matthew, and he's furious right now," Johnson whispered."Do Matthew's damage control immediately. I'll dig deeper into this! Call me later," I instructed Johnson. Then I hung up and turned to Grayson. "Go find out why Liora suddenly withdrew the investment from Matthew."Grayson immediately left the conference room. I felt uneasy. Why would Liora suddenly think of withdrawing? Did she hear some news on the ship?No, it couldn't be! She had practically secured Avalon Hills. Could she also be plotting against Matthew?No, that wouldn't work. If sh
Upon walking into the room, I whispered to Bella, "Thanks to you. How did you know they were making a move?""Mr. Atticus called me, and I went out to handle it," Bella replied calmly. "This Liora is a troublemaker, always causing problems for herself."It was the first time I heard Bella comment on someone in such a way, indicating that Liora had indeed gone too far."Go quickly." Bella motioned for me to go, and I nodded, quickly heading to Atticus's room.Atticus got straight to the point, "Did you also receive the news?""Yes, why did she suddenly want to withdraw the investment?" I looked at Atticus. "Is it because she got Avalon Hills, and she thinks she can stand on her own now?"Atticus pondered, "No, even if she got it, she still needs someone to handle things. Based on what I know about her, she hasn't found a more suitable partner than Matthew."Atticus seemed confident in his assessment."Their collaboration is mutually beneficial. Matthew is smart; he wants project
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