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
Then, I leaned back and smiled at her, scrutinizing her expression. She paled for a moment but quickly returned to normal. Still smiling, she reminded me, "Be careful on the road."That was audacious of her! However, just this subtle change was enough for me to understand. I calmly replied, "Thanks. I'll take your words to heart. I'm just like a cat, after all."Then, I got into the car and told the driver, "Take me back to the office."Since I got injured, Atlas didn't allow me to drive independently and assigned a driver for me.I dialed Grayson, "Check why Liora came to the hospital."Before I could hang up, another call came in from Trinity. "Where are you?""On my way back to the office.""Is it urgent?""Yeah, I have some things to do." I didn't hide anything, and she knew about my injury. "Do you need anything?"“Call me back when you’re done," she said, then hung up.Back at the office, I called Adrian and explained Ardora's situation in detail. After pondering for
"Like mother, like daughter! How could Melanie turn out good with a mother like Abby?" I said lightly. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of person this little one would grow into. He could be a good kid if he had a good influence. Without proper guidance, he might turn out crooked. While I was pondering, his little hand grabbed my hair and brought it toward his mouth."Chlo, what if Matthew doesn't want him? What will we do then? This kid's pitiful and I've grown attached to him after caring for him. He's a small life, after all." Myra looked at me with concern. "But... I..."I understood what Myra meant. She couldn't keep Charlie with her even if she liked him. After all, his origins were unclear."Don't overthink it. We just have to pull through. I'll find a way to have the police investigate and look for his biological father. Having him recognized by his own family is the best outcome." I looked at the little one in my arms. He didn't feel unfamiliar.I couldn't carry
Trinity’s response left me bewildered. I looked at her suspiciously. "About... me?""Yes." Her deep gaze scrutinized me."What's going on?" From her expression, I could tell that this news about me carried some weight.She withdrew her gaze, not answering my question, but seemed lost in thought."What's happening? Why is it so difficult to say?" I looked at Trinity with confusion. Her expression grew somewhat heavy."It's not that it's difficult to explain. It's just that this… is a bit peculiar." She seemed conflicted, and it was the first time I had seen Trinity hesitate so much."Have you not considered whether you want to tell me or not before calling me here?" "That's not the case." Trinity gave me a sidelong glance. "We were discussing a business deal when we stumbled upon this. Take a look." Trinity finished speaking and hesitantly handed me her phone. "Look closely!"I quickly took the phone, eager to see the screen.It was a high-definition photo capturing a luxuri
Trinity sensed my concern and refocused her attention. She said, “I’ve already gotten someone to monitor her. They’ll notify me immediately if anything unusual happens.”I asked, “Are they reliable?”“Of course,” Trinity assured me, “I’m investigating her background now. That’s our priority.”I glanced at Trinity’s phone, asking, “Can you send me that photo?”“Sure thing,” she agreed, “I have a lead, Chlo.”“Are you referring to this person?” I raised my gaze and looked at Trinity.She sought my opinion. “I received a call from Stella yesterday inviting me to meet. I’m stringing her along. I think there’s something fishy going on. She’s trying to manipulate me, so I want to get close to her. What do you think?”I understood that Trinity did not want me to be suspicious. After saving the photo, I returned her phone and said, “Do you still doubt our trust?”“Not at all. I just wanted to hear your thoughts. Stella isn’t smart but seems mysterious. I want to dig into her background