I was about to refute him when he interrupted me again."A project as large as the Bourdamun development landing in your hands, Chloe... Do you really believe it’s not because of the Beringer family's influence? You're just lucky, that's all!""Why do I have to ask you to help smooth things over? Isn't that a bit too much?" He gave me the impression that I was obligated to charge into battle for him.I angrily cut him off. "Put away your petty mindset! I was able to be in charge of Bourdamun because of my capabilities. “I worked hard to build my qualifications. It’s also because of my sincerity and perseverance in collaborating with ATL Empire to further Tanum's reputation. It's based on my hands-on approach, good quality, and reputation. No shortcuts… I despise those vile methods.”That was when I realized that Matthew hated this standing the most. It was unlike him, who cut corners and had an extremely poor reputation."That is enough!" He said, “Don’t act all righteous. Could
I was seething, and our exchange was nothing short of a verbal sparring match."You should know better than anyone that it's never too late to mend fences. Don't dwell on irrelevant things," I countered sharply."I conduct myself with transparency. Please don’t judge my integrity based on your small-mindedness. It was my work, not some personal connection, that got the project in Bourdamun. Don’t try your tricks on me!"The only way to defeat Liora is through your own actions. Use your brain. Why do you think she is withdrawing funds now? She clearly believes she has secured Avalon Hills, and she’s trying to capitalize on this opportunity to take over Ardora.”Both of us were aware of the unspoken truth, but we were avoiding the issue. If I were to gloss over it, he wouldn't realize his mistakes."Matthew, your current situation is entirely your fault. How could the wolf have entered the house if you had pursued development without colluding with the Thompson family?"Matthew cou
It was understandable for two rival companies, especially fierce competitors like us, to be cautious. So, I approached the topic differently. "You don't have to give me the details. I'm just using it as an example. You shouldn’t be concerned if you’re in charge of these projects, have signed contracts, and have the power to negotiate and oversee construction. Stand tall, use it as leverage, and negotiate with her."As I continued eating, I offered Matthew advice and suggestions.Matthew finally disclosed a few unfavorable aspects, and I pondered, providing him with guidance and a well-thought-out plan.Matthew's face lit up, smiling and feeling somewhat triumphant. I glanced disdainfully at him, set down my utensils, and reached for a few napkins to dab at the corners of my mouth."Now, it's up to you on how to proceed. You must establish a solid foundation with the subcontractors. That's crucial. If the partners don't turn against you, you've won," I explained clearly. This wa
Melanie's behavior felt all too familiar to me.She wasn't having it when she saw I was about to leave. Stubborn was her middle name.She grabbed my arm and swung me back, causing me to collide with Matthew. Instinctively, he reached out and steadied me.Melanie was even more relentless. "Chloe, what's your deal? You think you can just run when I show up? Have you no shame?""Yeah, I lost my shame a long time ago. Is it a problem if I walk away? Isn't it convenient for you? Since you showed up, I must leave. If you have an issue, take it up with him. You can take my place."I tried to leave, exhausted and with a pounding headache. My thoughts were blurry. I just wanted to find a comfortable place to lie down.However, Melanie grabbed onto me even tighter upon seeing my state.Even Matthew thought Melanie was going too far. He sternly reprimanded her, "Melanie, have some sense. I'm discussing serious matters with Chloe.""What serious matters require a trip to a club alone? Tryi
I slept through the night until early the next morning. If my growling stomach hadn't woken me up, I might have kept sleeping.I searched for my phone everywhere but couldn't find it. I gave up, figuring they must have taken it away after I fell asleep to avoid disturbing me.Hunger finally drove me to get up after lazing around, staring at the ceiling with heavy eyes. I quickly washed up and went downstairs for breakfast.Grace discreetly approached me, asking in a hushed tone, "Why did she hit you?""Don't worry about it. She just loses it every time she sees me talking to your son," I said casually. I didn't want her to be concerned."Then just ignore her. That cursed woman will get her comeuppance eventually. Her heart is wicked, and God will deal with her! My son is unfortunate to have her!" I shook my head repeatedly and staggered into the kitchen. While eating, I thought about yesterday's events. There was a limit to what one could endure.Melanie's slap gave me a new pe
Coincidentally, Ryan had also arrived. I briefly explained my thoughts to him, and after some contemplation, he responded, "No problem. But we need to provide a reasonable justification since we voluntarily withdrew from the competition before."Ryan always adhered to his principles. Every action required a valid reason.After some thinking, I told him, "If necessary, I'll find a way to change the dynamics, reshuffle the project team, and ask Atticus to withdraw his connections through legitimate channels so we can compete fairly."I presented my well-founded reasons and plans to Ryan. To me, this was the safest strategy.After communicating with Joyce, Ryan adopted my approach.I immediately arranged a secret meeting with Atticus, and after some negotiation, we reached an agreement. He would find a way to overturn the current contract for Phase Two of Avalon Hills, reshuffle the team, and create a new arrangement.Meanwhile, Grayson prepared for Muborough. We would expose it onc
The incident happened because of an unusual disturbance.When our engagement ceremony ended, Archie started to negotiate with Atlas over me, which made all my family members chuckle. But in the midst of this celebratory atmosphere, a group of individuals in a corner began discreetly discussing my somewhat controversial past.These discussions reached the ears of Lauren, and due to the offensive nature of the remarks, it quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, which resulted in Lauren getting slapped.The woman who had initiated the confrontation pointed at Lauren arrogantly and verbally attacked her. "Who do you think you are? How dare you interfere in my affairs? Take a good look at yourself. You're nothing more than an accessory. But here you are, speaking up in an upscale setting. Do you still think you're a socialite? How funny! Birds of a feather really do flock together. You’re both equally disgusting.”Her extremely harsh words made Lauren cover her face. She tried to
As we tried to leave, the tall woman boldly stepped forward, obstructing our path."Why are you leaving? Did we strike a nerve? Did you really sink so low and plot to get someone else's position? Looks like that didn't work out, huh?" She looked at us disdainfully and continued unabashedly, "You’re clinging to someone else’s man and waiting to be his wife. How's that working out for you? Take a look in the mirror. You're not fit for that. You were just a tool to him all along.”Her words hit home, and I sensed Lauren's body visibly swaying. She clutched my hand tightly, trembling.I stepped forward and prepared to confront them.Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the crowd. "Nonsense! As long as I’m here, you won't get away with insulting her."All eyes turned toward the source of the roar, revealing a furious Oliver. He resembled a raging lion, glaring fiercely at the gossiping women."Who the hell are you? Show yourselves right now!”Oliver's expression was menacing, 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