After listening to Atlas, I realized that his concerns were not unfounded. Atlas was worried that Celine might harm me, so he carefully orchestrated the ruse with Harmony.Stella used Harmony to create a commotion, intending to force me out, but Atlas would never let her lead him astray. Her actions also clashed with my plans when she pretended to be me during the shopping spree at the mall. That incident disrupted their scheme, and I managed to reclaim the items they had seized.Subsequently, the imposter Stella resorted to a more sinister plan, attacking Harmony and ruining her face, hoping to frame me again. However, Atlas intervened before she could execute her plan.It seemed that Stella had been relatively quiet recently, but it was likely she was preparing a major move. She wouldn't sit idly by while I enjoyed a smooth ride.When I saw Atlas's worried expression, I asked, "On the surface, it looks Celine has stopped, but she's secretly using other people to do her dirty work
"According to reports from my people in the Pierce family, Celine has incurred significant losses in recent years. That's why she doesn't want to give up ATL Empire."I looked at Atlas, understanding the situation. "Because she colluded with external forces?""Yes." Atlas looked at me, smiling approvingly. "But she also understands that since the Cross family sanctioned her, ATL Empire is just an empty shell in her hands.""Oh?" My thoughts raced. "Is it because the Cross family is familiar with your father, especially since he grew up with them?”Atlas shook his head, "Not entirely. My father had already prepared for everything. This was all part of his strategic plan. After his death, the Cross family activated my father's emergency plan."We have many projects and large businesses that are not part of ATL Empire's structure. The original ones are gradually shrinking and becoming mere shell companies. The real ATL Empire has been in my hands since I was 15. She can't do anything
I pursed my lips and muttered, "You're so cunning.”He grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth."It’s necessary to confirm everything. I was planning to reclaim the operational rights of ATL Empire. Even if it's just a shell, it's my parent's legacy. I had to bring it back and make it flourish right under her nose. That would be the most powerful blow against her."I went to boil a pot of tea and poured a cup for Atlas.After taking a sip of tea, he pulled me back into his embrace, showing no intention of letting me go. He continued, "After that, I investigated your background and arranged for people to monitor you closely. Our airport encounter wasn't a coincidence. That's how I found out about the hardships you've been enduring."My jaw almost dropped. "The airport wasn't a chance meeting?"He chuckled. "Of course not. I intentionally got close to you. When you were injured, I took you to the hospital and conducted a thorough examination. The DNA from your blood sample
My mom seemed to sense something off and anxiously asked, "Chlo, where are you? Why aren’t you home yet?"Her tone was filled with worry. I quickly looked out the window and realized it was already dusk, and the sky had dimmed.I was amazed at how quickly time had flown by. Atlas and I had spent the entire afternoon together. Yet, it seemed like there were still many unanswered questions.I composed myself and smiled into the phone, trying to sound relaxed. "Mom, I just finished a meeting at the office. Atlas happened to come and pick me up, and we'll be heading back soon.""Oh, you're still at the office? I thought something happened to you." Her tone was skeptical."Oh, come on! What could happen at the office? Don't worry, I'm fine.""That's good. Hurry back then," she said. "Sure! I'll be home soon. Bye."I ended the call hastily because I could no longer control my emotions.Atlas had been watching me the whole time. Seeing my emotions getting stirred up, he gently lif
The term "parents" not only signified his respect for them but also served as a comforting gesture to the innocent Kylie, who lost her life. It embodies Atlas's broad love.This man was publicly considered aloof, authoritative, and untouchable. Yet, when it came to me, he shed all his coldness and transformed into a warm presence.Even those around me treat him with utmost reverence.I washed my face, wanting to appear vibrant and lively. Then, I approached Atlas and playfully smiled. "Let's go home!"He reached out, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Chlo, I've waited for this day for so many years. Every day, I've wanted to bring you home, to end your wandering. Regardless of the challenges, I can handle everything."Comfortably nestled in his arms, the handsome and dazzling young man was mine.At that moment, I really wanted to remember all the time we spent together.He looked at me indulgently, a hint of dominance in his words, "Only you deserve to stand by my side and witne
"I'll strike, and she'll be caught. I've got to give her that chance," I said coldly.Johnson spoke resentfully, "She's just a damn opportunist. Human relationships are really fickle."Hearing Johnson's words, I knew that there was unrest within Ardora. "Is the company already unstable?"Johnson snorted, "Chlo, it's not just unstable. Those who once came to Ardora with great confidence are now all acting high and mighty, eagerly stepping on Matthew. None of them are doing real work. They're all following Liora, helping her plot against Matthew."When Johnson said this, his tone was filled with anger. It was evident that he was also deeply pained by Ardora's situation.Remaining nonchalant, I told Johnson, "Gather the details and slowly settle the scores with them. No rush."A satisfied smile appeared on Atlas's face as I spoke, and he gently squeezed my hand.Johnson continued, "Now that woman is flaunting her power everywhere, recruiting people, and raising money. She has taken
As we entered the living room, Ava and Jenny’s laughter echoed through the building. The once-silent courtyard now buzzed with life.Since coming here, my mother had been completely liberated, no longer burdened by kitchen duties.She quickly stood up and looked at us. "You're finally done with your work."My mom's eyes were carefully scrutinizing my face."Next time, please eat dinner without waiting for us. Things get busy, and we'll only keep everyone hungry," I said. "We'll call ahead the next time we’re late."My dad emerged from the bathroom, looking like he had just finished working.The kitchen staff respectfully approached Atlas. "Sir, can we start serving dinner now?"Atlas quickly nodded. "Yes.”Then he turned to my dad, asking, "Dad, did you just finish work too?"My dad smiled contentedly. "Yes! This place is amazing. There's so much to do. Oh right, can you do me a favor?"While accompanying him to the dining room, Atlas nodded and said, "Tell me."My dad awkwa
I faintly heard someone inside reporting to Atlas that someone had been caught."Good. She can reflect on her actions," Atlas said on the phone, then hung up.I looked at him excitedly. "They caught Abby?""I can't hide anything from you!" Atlas exclaimed. "She’s been caught in a small town near Luxem. The stolen goods are all there. She hasn't had time to deal with it. She’s probably trying to escape the heat.""Who is she trying to scam? I wonder what Melanie thinks, knowing her mother's character," I scoffed. "Like mother, like daughter."After pondering for a moment, I looked at Atlas, wanting to speak, but I hesitated. He seemed to understand my thoughts. He walked to the bookshelf and took out a folder, placing it in front of me and gesturing for me to take a look.I felt a bit dazed as I looked at what was on the table. He said gently, "Take a look. I think this is what you want to know."I reached out for the folder and opened it gently. Rory’s personal information was 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