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
I entered the police station and explained the situation to the officer. He then led me to a room where I saw a few people.Ivanna sat with a striking young man with a gloomy expression. He was probably their company’s newbie. Ivanna, being protective, didn’t involve the company to avoid implicating the new guy. After all, she always went all out for those she believed in.Meanwhile, an arrogant-looking man sat opposite them.A girl stared at the young man and threatened, “Do you think this is over? You can’t leave before giving me a clear answer. Imagine what will happen to you if I upload the video.”She then turned to me maliciously. “Get out! I’m still talking.”I was shocked as I examined the girl. Judging by her expensive attire and the bag on the table, she was from a wealthy family. I knew her bag was extravagant, even if I wasn’t familiar with brand names.The girl’s behavior suggested she wasn’t established but someone who had recently struck gold.I casually glanced a
Everything happened so fast that we could barely react. Austin was surprisingly agile. Still, there wasn’t much room to begin with. By the time we realized what had happened, Austin had already seized the girl’s neck.He roared, “I’d rather die! I’ll take you with me!”Ivanna exclaimed, “Austin, stop!”I ran over with Ivanna, desperately trying to pry Austin’s hands off the girl’s neck.“Let go of her!”The girl had turned blue, and her eyes widened as she frantically grabbed Austin’s hands. At that moment, two more officers entered to pull Austin away. When they restrained him, the girl slumped to the floor and gasped for air.She glared at the enraged Austin fearfully.“You’re obsessed!” Austin scolded, wanting to kick her as she struggled to breathe. However, the officers intervened.Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside. A middle-aged man rushed in with a few burly bodyguards. The man gasped as he took in the scene, “Callie, what’s going on here?!”Callie showed her
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