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
I instinctively brought the photos closer for a careful examination. Then I looked at Trinity with amazement and asked, “How’d you get these?!”Trinity smirked. “I have my ways.”I grew excited. “My entire situation hinges on these. I never thought you’d obtain such crucial evidence so effortlessly. Things will be much easier for me now.”Trinity looked at me and dampened my enthusiasm. “Don’t get too excited. These photos can only nail Keegan, but you still can’t touch Liora. She’s the one pulling the strings, after all. She’ll escalate things if you can’t deal with her this time. She’s your real threat.”I didn’t expect Trinity to understand me so thoroughly. It seemed I had underestimated her. After some thought, I tapped the photos to the back of my hand, muttering, “I’ll stay put for now and let Liora get anxious.”Trinity spoke cunningly, “Then you must play the part well.”I knew she was more cunning than I thought. I had to learn from her tactics, so I asked for her advic
Trinity's actions startled me. Indeed, she could instantly turn words into actions. As soon as her words fell, the tall and robust young man from earlier walked back in.Trinity asked, "Has Grandpa arrived?""Yes, Ms. Trinity," Erik replied respectfully.I was surprised, wondering who Grandpa was. It escalated the situation a bit, and I thought I should express my gratitude to the older man."Erik, please bring Grandpa in," Trinity commanded, and Erik turned to leave.I stood up, feeling nervous. After all, I should show respect to the head of the Huffmans. Moreover, his daughter risked her life for me.Seeing my nervousness, Trinity stood up with a smile. "Why are you so nervous?""I've always wanted to thank your grandpa but never had the chance," I said.She smirked. "I'll give you that chance."When the door opened, a spirited old man entered with a crowd. The liveliness made me uneasy, and it seemed the Huffmans’ meals might not be as enjoyable as I had hoped. The old man
Anson smiled at me, saying, “It’s good that you like the idea. Let’s get to it then.”I didn’t know how to respond, but he kept looking at me. He seemed displeased and asked, “What’s wrong, Chloe? Do you disagree?”My mind raced as the situation astounded me. Still, I knew disagreeing would contradict what I had just told Trinity. On the other hand, I didn’t expect this with the Huffmans. I never wanted to have dealings with a family of the Huffmans’ status. After all, they differed from the Beringers.I became a goddaughter to the Beringers because I understood Atlas’s connection to them. It was also because of Atlas’s subtle intervention.However, the Huffmans belonged to an entirely different category. I knew the term sworn sisters carried significant weight, especially to Anson. Most would keep their distance from such families, but I had little time to think.Anson awaited my response, and the Huffmans’ loyal guards were watching me. It would humiliate Trinity if I refused. U
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