Matthew’s voice was hoarse and bitter, “Chloe, I had no choice but to call you. Liora is driving me crazy. She’s taking advantage of the situation. She’s trying to bury me. They’ve shifted all the blame to Mel and even want my company.”I couldn’t fathom his emotions at that moment.He continued, “What should I do? Please help me.”Hearing Matthew’s anxious voice made me uncomfortable, especially when I thought about Grace. He was her most significant concern when she passed, including Ava.I sarcastically reminded him, “What’s the point of telling me all this now? Find her weak spot. You’ve been working together for so long. Can’t you find any leverage?”“I see her real colors now. Liora is determined to make my life hell. Mel is innocent and willing to sign any document since we didn’t hire that materials officer,” Matthew’s tone resembled an ignorant child.I didn’t know what I saw in him in the past. I thought he should’ve been charming and spirited. I wondered if he had alwa
My dad nodded, saying, "Alright, I'll go along with your decision."Atlas smiled reassuringly, sensing that something was bothering me. "You look tired. Why don't you go upstairs, take a shower, and rest for a bit? We can have dinner together."I gave him an admiring look, then stood up and asked, "Aren’t you coming with me?"Atlas quickly said, "Dad, I'll go upstairs with Chlo."Hearing him casually call my father "Dad" always left me feeling strange.This guy had mastered the art of humility.He followed me, and as we returned to the room, he asked, "Why do you look so unhappy?"I briefly explained the current situation to him. With a bitter expression, I said, "I can't get any leverage on Liora, and that's bothering me."Atlas pressed me onto the bed and kissed me. "Is that what's troubling you? The more challenging the situation, the better."I looked at him, perplexed. "Why?"He nibbled on my lip and then looked at me, saying, "People tend to reveal their flaws when th
Dylan called right after dinner. Atlas answered with a few "yeahs" before hanging up.Then he returned to the table, calmly finishing the meal with the family before saying, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back a little later."I could tell by his demeanor that something important had come up.I suggested, "Let's go together. I'll visit Lauren."Ava wasn't too pleased and ran over to us, standing before us like a teacher. "You guys are always so busy. Can't you spend some time with me at home? You make me feel lonely!"Aware of her loneliness, Atlas had already arranged for Jenny to keep her company. Yet, here she was, using loneliness to manipulate us.We exchanged smiles, and Atlas bent down, picking up the little troublemaker. In a gentle tone, he said, "I'm sorry. I know I'm wrong. I'll make sure to pay more attention to you next time.""What about you, Mommy? Why aren't you sorry?" Ava looked at me solemnly, waiting for my response.I quickly adopted a serious
We stayed until late, and Ava's eyelids were already fighting to stay open. I quickly bid farewell to everyone, intending to take the two little ones home to rest. However, Ava refused to leave, no matter what."I don't want to go. Uncle Atlas said we should wait for him to come back." Ava stubbornly looked at me, pouting."Uncle Atlas may have urgent matters to attend to and could be back very late. He may not be able to come to pick us up. You and Jenny have school tomorrow." "No! Uncle Atlas keeps his promises. I believe he'll come to pick us up!" She avoided my hand and ran away, saying, "I want Uncle Atlas to pick me up!"It was clear that she was starting to get sleepy and uncooperative.I felt somewhat helpless. This child had been spoiled. When I took care of her alone, she was obedient. But now she seemed too reliant on the pampering.Just as I was about to take a firmer stance, the doorbell rang. Ava immediately exclaimed and ran to the door, "Uncle Atlas? Uncle Atlas
I felt a twinge of jealousy when he mentioned growing up with the real Stella. Not to mention the affectionate photo of them together.Growing up together fostered a strong bond."So, what's her relationship with Annalise? Why does everyone say you love Annalise?" I looked at Atlas's handsome features, always wanting to unravel the mystery.The more worried I became, the more I felt that many things were hazy and just out of reach.I didn't know if it was my dullness or Atlas was genuinely trying to protect me. I'm sure he had his reasons.Could it be that, as this impostor Stella claimed, there was a secret he couldn’t reveal?Atlas hugged me tightly, making me feel at home. Perhaps he treated me this way because I closely resembled the real Stella."Don't listen to what others are saying. They’re just trying to confuse you. Just trust in what I say," he reminded me once again."Looking back, after my parents passed away, I didn't even know what happiness meant. Everyone in my
I knew this question was cruel, but I couldn't control myself. I needed to know."That afternoon, she made our favorite crab rangoons and grilled sea bass for Stella and me. Crab rangoons were Stella's favorite, and I love grilled sea bass."Crab rangoons? That was also my favorite."While eating, she insisted that we finish everything and told me I should protect Stella."At that time, I didn't think much of it. But when Stella and I came home after school, there were many strangers in the house, and even a funeral car... " I felt a chill down my spine.He paused for a long time before continuing, "Someone told me that Aunt Hailey had died. Stella was crying inconsolably, and I held her. Just then, a body was carried out toward the funeral car. "I ran over and pulled the white cloth covering the person. What I saw was a terrifying face, with black blood around the mouth and eyes..."I stiffened in his arms, feeling my hair stand on end. Atlas's warm hand gently stroked me.
Atlas and I didn’t hurry to work the following day because we needed to move to Pleca Park. Molly and my mom had already packed the daily necessities. However, we didn’t need to bring much since Atlas had prepared everything there.Ava and Jenny curiously followed us. Ava asked where we were going and why they didn’t have to attend school that day. When I told her and Ava we were going to a new home, Ava stared at me in surprise. She asked, “Do we have a new home?”I nodded. “Yes, we do. It’s Uncle Atlas’s home.”Atlas quickly corrected, “It's our new home.”Ava asked, “Is it where you and Mommy will stay after getting married?”“Is it?” Atlas asked as if that was indeed the reason. I felt embarrassed as I stole a glance at my seemingly indifferent dad. It lightened my heart to see that.I knew my parents’ impression of Atlas changed after he brought Ava back from the kidnappers. My mom and dad were no longer as hesitant about my and Atlas’s relationship, especially after seeing
I had accompanied Trinity when the doctor discharged her from the hospital. We didn’t meet again after that since she had been busy with recovery and handling various matters upon returning to her family.I was also busy with the aftermath of Grace’s passing.When I answered the call, she said, “Let’s meet if you’re not busy. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”She seemed to have reverted to her cold and dismissive demeanor. I glanced at Atlas and then pondered for a moment before agreeing, “All right, where do you want to meet?”“Wherever you are right now.”“I’m at Pleca Park,” I truthfully replied.“Then let’s meet at Sugar. See you there.” Trinity hung up immediately after.I raised an eyebrow, wondering why she sounded so urgent. I also didn’t know what Sugar was. It sounded like the name of a bar. After putting away my phone, I hurried over to Atlas and said, “Trinity has something to discuss with me, so I need to head out for a bit.”He asked, “Where are you g