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
Quite a few people were gathered in front of the office building. Many surrounded Nelson, patting his back and chest while shouting. I had no idea what was going on.As our group rushed out of the office building, one of the demonstrators immediately stood up and pointed toward us. He seemed to be the leader."You guys are unbelievable! How dare you push an old man like this to the edge? He's a living monument of Bourdamun, and you treat him like this?" The man looked fierce and spoke as if trying to assert dominance.I looked at Nelson, who lay motionless, allowing people to pound on him without responding. Something seemed suspicious. If there was a real problem, would they stay so calm?"Noah, you've only been here briefly and want to establish dominance in Bourdamun. Dream on!" The man's words seemed excessive and didn't sit well with me.I took a look at the arrogant man who was shouting. He was tall and resembled Nelson. If I guessed correctly, he might be Nelson's son.T
The man's words surprised me. This wasn't just arrogance—he was threatening Noah. Noah had left the chaotic scene to the cops and was on the phone with Arthur, reporting the events.Nelson was still unconscious when he was lifted into the ambulance. He had no intention of waking up here, and no one could rouse him.Before leaving, Jeremiah gave me a meaningful look. Schemer!It was getting late, and Noah had to apologize. We had no choice but to stay in Bourdamun for the night and sign the contract the next day.Since we were already here, I had to follow Noah's arrangements. We checked into the Bourdamun Hotel, the city's pride and joy.According to the initial plan, I would’ve been able to return to Foswood today. But fate had other plans.After taking care of our accommodation, Noah returned to his office. I could not help but sigh as I watched him hurry away. Doing a good job was unexpectedly tricky, even for someone in his position. It took grit and a strong sense of com
Aidan, the assistant, told me that Martin had two sons and a daughter. The latter had sent his younger son, Corey, abroad for education while Kimberly, his daughter, was also overseas.However, she was reckless and unruly. Among Martin’s three children, his second son was a medical doctor, whom Nelson was proud of.Aidan was hesitant when discussing things concerning Nelson. However, the former let down his guard and began gossiping with me when he noticed my curious and friendly attitude.“Although Mr. Nelson has contributed to Bourdamun, his son caused quite a stir. Martin’s actions angered everyone, but they dared not speak up. Despite Bourdamun not being as prosperous, the Terrells were not short on money.”Aidan seemed resentful as he continued, “We thought we could have a fresh start with Mr. Nelson’s retirement. However, he has constantly meddled and suppressed Noah since passing the torch.”I asked, “Didn’t anyone complain about Nelson?”“No one dared to. Mr. Nelson would
When Aidan left, I considered discussing this with Ryan. However, I decided otherwise because Ryan had been abroad for many years and might not understand the intricate relationships involved.I wanted to tackle this project regardless of Bourdamun’s situation. I wouldn’t allow a minor issue to influence my decision because I owed it to Atlas, who had paved the way for me. I refused to believe Nelson could overpower the big shots.Suddenly, my phone rang. I was surprised to see Atlas’s name on my phone. I smiled and answered, “It seems we do have a telepathic connection. You called as soon as I thought of you.”I knew my words had pleased him as he asked, “Did you really think about me?”I playfully replied, “What do you think? I wanted to talk to you more yesterday but couldn’t. You passed out, and I thought it was because of your injury. Thank goodness the doctor said you were just exhausted.”Atlas chuckled, “Hmm, it pained you to see me like that, huh? How did the negotiations
Atlas and I chatted a little longer before finally hanging up. Although he was influential, we were in Martin’s territory. Still, I knew my chances of failure were nearly zero with Atlas’s support.With Atlas’s assurance, I felt relaxed and visited Ryan’s room. Indeed, Ryan was busy discussing contract matters with Adrian and the legal team. As expected, Ryan was cautious and meticulous regarding business.After a short while, Arthur called, and I hurried back to my room to give him a detailed report. Of course, he gave me a few instructions afterward. I realized he knew everything about Nelson’s misdeeds.When I ended the call with Arthur, someone knocked on my door. I thought it was Ryan and the others, but I was surprised to see Jeremiah instead. It seemed he was well-informed since he knew which room I was in.I asked arrogantly, “What brings you here?”He noticed my hand was still on the door, not intending to let him in. He felt uneasy and looked at my hand several times. I
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