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
I continued to watch Anson and Bella not far away.Bella gently placed her hand on Anson’s. I couldn't hear what she said, but after a moment, Anson let out a helpless wail. It was a cry filled with all the frustration of a man."Am I supposed to watch her die just like this? I've worked hard through my entire life, and now, my one treasure..." His expression was crestfallen, resembling that of a child. He spoke while incessantly tapping the ground with his cane.My heart ached. No matter how strong a person was, facing the separation of a loved one in life was unbearable, especially when it was one's dearest family.Bella's actions were tender, like soothing an unruly child. Though I was too far away to hear, her demeanor was gentle and serene, like a gentle breeze passing by.I saw Anson’s emotions gradually transition from anger to calmness, ending with a long sigh.Soon after, Bella helped him stand up, and they walked away together. Bella calmly said to Jared, "Arrange for s
I saw Jared already by Trinity's side, touching her head gently.Panicking, I quickly put on the suit and rushed in."Trinity, don't give up. You must hold on... listen, just endure a bit more. I'm telling you, if you leave like this, I won't care about the Huffman family. I've said it; I have no responsibility or obligation to take care of your family for you!"As I entered, I heard Jared roaring, but there was a hint of pleading in his voice."Trinity..." I also rushed over, grabbing her other hand. "I really want to be friends with you. Can you be my friend? You can consider me your only friend. I like it that way. Give me a chance. I'll make you experience what friendship is."At this point, Trinity was already emaciated and barely breathing. Her face displayed a bluish-black hue, which was quite terrifying. Clearly, the toxins had invaded every cell in her body."Trinity, I know you can hear me. If you want to stay by my side, get the hell up!" Jared shouted, pressing his ha
His instinctive movement caught my attention. I looked at him in astonishment, "Atlas... you…""I'm fine..."But as soon as he uttered those words, something was clearly wrong. His tall and straight figure leaned toward me, and I seemed to catch a whiff of a bloody smell.Panicking, I shouted loudly, "Doctor!"By the time the doctor arrived, he had already passed out.The doctor cautiously conducted an examination and found an injury on his arm. It seemed to be a gunshot wound which had been hastily treated, and the blood on the bandage had partially coagulated.The doctor cut off the bandage, treated the wound again, and administered an anti-inflammatory IV. Despite all this, he remained unconscious, completely unaware of everything that was happening around him.After completing the examination, the doctor reassured me, "Don't worry. Mr. Atlas isn't in a coma; he's just in a deep sleep. Fortunately, the wound isn't infected, and the bullet seems to have grazed him. The wound i
The car hit the road, and our group formed a small convoy, speeding toward Bourdamun. Along the way, we managed to save a considerable amount of time, and we arrived at the Bourdamun’s office just on time.Noah had already arranged for relevant personnel to wait for us and ushered us into the main conference room.We were well-prepared for the detailed discussions on the project. People from various aspects of the project were brought together, showing that Ryan's arrangements were meticulous and significantly improved the efficiency of our negotiations.Everything was proceeding smoothly, and after signing the contract, we could head back. However, everything only went smoothly on the surface.In reality, my main concern was still Trinity. Even though I knew she had recovered from the danger, I left too hastily and hadn't had a chance to see her after the crisis.Moreover, I was very worried about Atlas's injury, especially wanting to know why he had been shot. This was a big dea
Ryan sprang to his feet, shielding me as tea splashed onto his back. He let out a muffled groan.There were gasps in the conference room. I quickly checked on Ryan, relieved that the water wasn't too hot.I pushed Ryan away, slamming the table and startling everyone. Even Nelson trembled, his eyes flickering as he looked at me."This is outrageous! I did not expect such uncivilized behavior from Bourdamun managers. It’s no surprise that Bourdamun has been stuck in the past. It is stifling Orlinda's entire economy. It’s all because of people with narrow minds like you!"My words left everyone in the room stunned, especially Nelson's people, who turned pale.Nelson had acted like a tyrant and became the unquestioned ruler."How dare you speak to me like that, you little brat? You've gone too far!” He yelled it while pointing at me.“Security! Restrain her. She's out of control,” he barked. “Unbelievable! Tell me, where did she come from? She couldn’t have had a good upbringing if
Noah felt more confident after seeing how I dealt with Nelson's stubbornness. It was as if I had set an example for him.He gazed sternly at Nelson and declared, "Mr. Nelson, you’re disrupting my work. I was sent here to work, not to be commanded by one person. Since you have retired, you no longer have decision-making authority."Noah finally found his rhythm. He stopped smiling and looked calm and serious."If you have reasonable suggestions, I welcome them. But it's unacceptable for you to interfere with the work this way."I realized that everyone could shine once they found their stride. Noah's eloquence was impressive."As a senior, you should know how to help those below you. Mr. Nelson, the way you’re acting is against the law and hurting the economy.Under my influence, Noah rebuked Nelson's actions."I need to contact the higher-ups since I bear this responsibility. If you want to get in the way, I will ask my bosses what they think. Should decisions about everyday wor
Arthur's tone was sharp as he continued, "Bourdamun has been dragging the progress in Orlinda. Do we really need to make another wrong decision in this matter?"Emphasizing Bourdamun's backwardness was like slapping Nelson in the face, especially since Bourdamun had always been under his management."Noah, you were chosen from a pool of talents and sent to Bourdamun. I hope you don’t fall short of everyone's expectations. Build Bourdamun up and turn its fortune around.”Arthur’s encouragement gave Noah enormous support."Nelson is retired and has no right to interfere in any operational decisions. How dare he barge into an important work meeting to obstruct the project? "To determine whether this is being manipulated behind the scenes, I authorize Noah to report to the public security agency, conduct an investigation, and gather evidence. I don't care who it is. They’ll be dealt with according to the law."I was left speechless. Arthur immediately foresaw the chain reaction and
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