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
The next morning, Lauren's call woke me from my dreams.After a night of exhaustion with Atlas, I had hoped to sleep a little more, but she had called early.I groggily reached for the phone, answering without even looking, and heard Lauren's voice on the other end. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"Yawning, I replied, half-asleep, "I slept late last night.""I see you're getting very comfortable. Enjoying life a little too much, huh?" Lauren teased."You're so disrespectful. How can you say that?" I didn't hold back and ribbed her. "Looks like you're the one with too much free time."Lauren laughed heartily on the other end, and this banter completely dispelled any lingering sleepiness."Hurry and get up. Ivanna's company is going to visit Bourdamun today. They're planning to shoot a special documentary there. Ivanna says it's a great opportunity for our project, since Bourdamun isn't a typical area of focus. They're doing a follow-up, and you know..."My spirits lifted
I received a call from Lauren and got into her car. As we set off, the gloomy weather intensified. There was only a small patch of white in the sky, creating a stifling and eerie atmosphere."Damn this weather. It looks like heavy rain is coming. We really picked the wrong day for this," Lauren said as she drove, glancing at the ominously dark sky. "It's been so long since it rained."As I looked at the rolling dark clouds, I remarked, "When I was a kid, I used to be terrified of this kind of weather. I always dreamed of a black sky with only a crack of light on the horizon. I would be so scared that I’d wake up, and my mom would give me a hug."Lauren looked at me strangely. Puzzled, I asked, "What's wrong?"She scrutinized me and asked, "When you were a kid?"I absentmindedly nodded. "Yeah."Even I was surprised by my own answer. When I was a kid?Did I have no childhood memories?But these were distant memories from my childhood. I closed my eyes, focused, and felt a sud
The storm hit suddenly and forcefully. Just as we crossed the outskirts of the city, the rain poured down torrentially. I had expected rain, but I didn’t think it would be this intense."Damn, this is too much!" Lauren cautiously maneuvered the car, craning her neck to see the road ahead. But visibility was severely limited, and the windshield wipers swished back and forth futilely, rendered useless by the relentless rain."Maybe we should find a safe spot to pull over and wait. This kind of rain usually doesn’t last too long," I suggested to Lauren while peering outside. I couldn't figure out why my eyelids kept twitching incessantly, adding to my already agitated state.“There’s a risk of landslides. Besides, who knows how long this rain will last? Look at how overcast the sky is. It's getting worse. I'm afraid the rain will get heavier the longer we wait. If there's a landslide, things will get even more dangerous," Lauren said, involuntarily glancing at the slope on our right. "
When I grabbed Lauren, she used all her strength to shield me. My body uncontrollably plummeted to the left and I experienced a dizzying spin. Lauren held me tightly in her embrace as the car violently tumbled. A horrible crashing sound drowned out our screams.It seemed like everything had finally come to a halt. I felt dazed as if my consciousness had slipped away.Suddenly, I sensed icy water splashing over me, and my senses sharpened. My arm throbbed with piercing pain."Lauren…" My voice was weak. I felt Lauren under me, and she didn't let go."Lauren..." I called again, receiving no response. The air carried a faint smell of blood mixed with the scent of rain and the bitter aroma of the plants."Lauren, are you okay? Lauren..." I adjusted my body, attempting to check on Lauren.Suddenly, a sense of terror overwhelmed me. The silence was eerie. Raindrops drummed against the cracked car window, creating a constant tapping sound. But Lauren still did not say a word.I shift
A terrifying scream jolted me awake. I sat up, and a comforting arm wrapped around me. "Chlo, don't be afraid..."I gasped for air and stared at the refined features before me. Still shaken, I looked at him and murmured, "Atlas, a car hit us, and I flew out of the car window..."His eyes were fixed on me. "Chlo, did you remember something?"I was unsure how to respond, considering it was just a dream."Don't be scared. It's all over now. Look!" Atlas reassured me tenderly.I scanned the surroundings and suddenly remembered Lauren. I looked down at the bed, and a sudden realization hit me. "Lauren… Where is she?"Atlas patted my back and softly whispered, "They're still resuscitating her."My whole body stiffened. "Resuscitation?"I quickly pushed Atlas away. "I need to see her. Why do they need to resuscitate her? Is she seriously injured? She saved me..."My voice choked as tears welled up. "Take me there. I need to wait for her. Nothing can happen to her!"Seeing my distr
“Mr. Atlas, the patient is stable for now. She suffered multiple fractured ribs and a ruptured spleen. She's currently unconscious and needs further observation."This news shocked us all. Her injuries sounded severe, like she had been on the brink of death."Doctor, is she still in danger?" Oliver muttered."The patient will be transferred to the ICU shortly for continued observation. If her vital signs remain stable within the next 24 hours and she regains consciousness, she can be moved back to a regular ward."The doctor turned back to the emergency room.I involuntarily swayed, muttering, "This is all my fault. She wouldn't have suffered such severe injuries if it weren't for me!"Ivanna comforted me, "Chlo, it's not your fault. Let's go to the ICU and check on her."Two days later, Lauren was finally transferred to a regular ward.My arm had a fracture, restricting my movement. Atlas had arranged for the best care.Oliver silently stayed by Lauren's side when she was unc
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