I heard Atlas leaving the room. Then I heard voices outside the door, the door closing, and someone walking back in."Don't you feel suffocated?" Atlas's voice sounded again. I slowly lifted the corner of the blanket to find him looking down at me from above, his smile radiant. He looked handsome in a different way.Was this still the calm and reserved Atlas I knew?He pulled me and the blanket toward him, holding me in his arms. I felt my heart racing. "Hey… what are you doing?"I struggled to breathe with him so close and his handsome face coming closer.Suddenly, I remembered the wild and passionate kiss we shared on the riverbank last night. It was utterly embarrassing. People could be reckless when drunk.His stare was intense. "You’re overthinking. Relax! I’d never take advantage of an unconscious person. I helped you out of your clothes and showered you. You were too stinky after vomiting."My head spun from embarrassment. What did I do last night? Was I the one who had b
I was surprised to see him. Wasn't he supposed to be in Operose for business? Why was he here now rather than in the arms of his mistress?I remained silent, observing him. He smiled softly and asked, "Honey, what should we have for lunch?""I haven't decided yet!" I replied casually, showing no hint of surprise.He walked closer. "We talked until really late last night. I rushed back this morning because I didn’t want you to worry. I didn't even have time for breakfast. Let's go for an early lunch, and we’ll have whatever you want. It's on me!"I watched him act charmingly. Oddly enough, I couldn't get angry. It was as if I were having a different pleasure, a sensation.Out of nowhere, I thought about Atlas."Did you drink?" He asked, probably noticing the scent around me. But he did not smell like alcohol himself, despite attending a late-night social gathering."Yeah." I said, "How about the Italian restaurant opposite Glenmarie Plaza?”His eyes narrowed briefly, then he nod
I hesitated before telling him I'd rather not attend. I also had Ava with me, so I couldn't go.He mentioned that he had already arranged for my mother-in-law to watch Ava and that she would be arriving at my house soon.His attitude struck me as odd. He had never been eager to take me to social events, but it turned out that ATL Empire organized it. During the afternoon’s meeting, Nick asked about the manager who had represented Tanum Corporation before. Then he questioned my absence. Matthew quickly arranged for me to attend the dinner and even gave me pointers on what to say.We would also be joined by three other major Foswood companies. Each company had strengths, but Tanum Corporation was outmatched and did not belong on the same level.Tanum Corporation had stumbled upon a stroke of luck. Among the representatives from ATL Empire was Atlas.Seeing him again after only a few hours made me a bit nervous. Although I had just seen him this morning, it felt like decades ago.
The next day, I boarded the flight back to my hometown with Ava. I called Ivanna on the plane to let her know about my trip. I also emphasized the importance of completing the tasks I had assigned her. Every step of my plan had to be executed flawlessly. I told Ivanna that I had tracked Matthew's whereabouts and asked her to keep an eye on him.After ending the call, I held my phone tightly, battling the urge to make another call. Ultimately, I took a deep breath and turned off my phone.I couldn't get too close to that man.Ava was excited the entire trip, but I reviewed my plan meticulously.Atlas had told me to stay alert and that he would help me. Could this be his way of helping me? I didn't want to ask him.The early autumn in my hometown was chilly. I had not told my mother when I left so she would not be worried.After landing, I took a taxi to the hospital, and my parents were overjoyed to see us. My father's condition was good, but he had some facial paralysis, which
I entered the factory gates only to be stopped by a stern security guard. I told him I wanted to meet with Fred.The security guard scrutinized me and said, "Mr. Fred isn't here. He's currently on a business trip.""Could you tell me where he went?" I asked anxiously because my time in the city was limited.“I wouldn’t know,” he said with a sour attitude."Could you at least give me his phone number? I’ve come from out of town and just need to call him.” After what happened four years ago, I didn’t keep Fred’s contact information."I don't have it," he replied curtly. "What do you want with him?""I'm here to discuss a business partnership!""You can talk to the marketing department for that. Do you really need to meet the boss? We get many people like you who just waste our time. Just get out of here!"It was unbelievable that such a large factory would hire someone so rude. The rain was getting heavier, and I started shivering.Suddenly, I noticed phone numbers for differe
When I entered the guesthouse, I shed my wet clothes and cranked up the heater. Then I hopped into the shower. Hot water poured over me, thawing my frozen body with steam. Since I didn’t have spare clothes, I wrapped myself in a blanket. Then I boiled some water and sipped it. I didn’t care how clean the cups were, but I wished there was tea to warm me up.That made me laugh wryly, but my mind was racing to figure out how to meet Fred. I reached for the pamphlet and looked through the contact information. I dialed a few numbers, but no one answered. It seemed this business wasn't customer-friendly.The middle-aged man I met earlier was my only hope. However, my hope faded as the night wore on and no calls came. I eventually dozed off.In the middle of the night, I woke up with a fever. Wrapped tightly in my blanket, I couldn't stop shivering. My teeth chattered uncontrollably.In my delirium, I desperately longed for a sip of warm water. However, I couldn't even summon the streng
The person who entered the room was Fred Meyers, whom I had been trying to meet. Accompanying him was Mr. Meyers, who had given me a ride.Fred and I locked eyes for a moment. It had been four years, and he looked older. His once jet-black hair was now salt-and-pepper, and he appeared slightly leaner.He gazed at me for a while. "Is it really you, Ms. Chloe?""Fred, it's me! Chloe Hartz. Long time no see!" I felt somewhat self-conscious about my current state."You need to lie down! Lie down!" Fred walked over to the bed, and Atlas quickly got up to make room."Ms. Chloe, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I'm truly sorry," Fred said, sitting beside the bed.Atlas signaled to the other Mr. Meyers. The two of them exited the room, leaving Fred and me alone.I was excited and exclaimed, "Fred, you're being too polite! Seeing you makes this entire trip worthwhile. It's my fault for dropping in like this. I had no other way to contact you and couldn’t meet you at your company!""
I was nervous as I waited in bed. Closing my eyes, I tried to calm myself and whispered, "Everything happens for a reason. Don't force what's not meant to be."Lost in my thoughts, the two men finally reentered the room. My heart leaped to my throat, but I forced a smile.Fred spoke first. "Ms. Chloe, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I must head back. I’d like you to come to our company if you feel better tomorrow. I won't disturb you further today. Please take care of your health."My heart sank. I nodded while releasing my clenched hands. "Alright. See you tomorrow." "I'll be waiting for you at my office," he said before rushing off as if racing against time.His detachedness made me realize how harsh the business world was. The room fell silent, and my emotions hit rock bottom. It seemed I had utterly forgotten about Atlas's presence.After a while, I heard Atlas ask, "Aren't you curious about what we discussed?"I shook my head faintly, not wanting to reveal my feel
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