Celine wouldn’t have kept her for so many years without a reason. She must have wanted to use her as a weapon against Atlas."She even appeared at the Huffman family’s business negotiations, which caught their attention. My relationship with them is undisclosed, but she has already participated in activities with them. Doesn't that say a lot?"Atlas pondered, looking profound."So, Trinity feels something is off. Recently, Stella reached out to Trinity, so Trinity plans to get close to her and find out more." Then I wondered, "Do you think Celine would’ve known about my relationship with the Huffmans if they were unreliable? Why is Stella still trying to get Trinity involved?""Perhaps they're giving us a false impression. We can be sure this person is working for Celine. She's not sure about the Huffman family’s real motives!" Atlas analyzed."So, do you think Trinity reaching out to them is the right move?" I was concerned about this. "I'm afraid we won't be able to control the
I suddenly understood one thing. It seemed like the wisest person was Grace. She had learned to be savvy after being deceived throughout her life."How can we let Charlie end up in his hands?" I shook my head, feeling somewhat distressed. "We'll be ruining that child's life!"I couldn't help but think of Charlie’s innocent face."Don't worry. Listen to me," Atlas said.He got up, poured a glass of water for me, and had a sip himself before continuing. "The man's parents are alive and well. The family is in decent shape, and he has a sister who’s seven years older. There was a middle brother between them, but unfortunately, he died at the age of three."I listened attentively to Atlas."Later, that man was born. So, being the only son in the family for three generations, his parents spoiled him. Over time, he developed a fearlessness because his parents would stand up for him whenever something happened.“Stirring up trouble became a common occurrence. He dropped out of school ea
My confidence grew because Charlie and Arton looked alike. Everything from their dark skin, eyes, and so on matched almost perfectly. I had also seen Arton before, but I couldn’t recall where. I carefully examined his photo, covered his face, and shook my head.Atlas noticed my intense gaze at the photo and asked, “What’s wrong?”I shook my head again and said, “I think I’ve seen him before but can’t remember where.”After a while, I gave up and turned to Atlas, saying, “Never mind. You haven’t seen Charlie, but he’s a spitting image of Arton. It seems Arton can’t escape his responsibility.”Atlas swiped the phone screen and revealed the following picture. Indeed, it was a photo of Charlie smiling with two tiny teeth. He looked like an updated version of Arton.“Yeah, Charlie is indeed Big A’s son.” I looked at Atlas and teased him.I was delighted to have found Charlie’s father. After all, he was the child’s biological father. Though Charlie’s parents were troubled people, he wa
I didn’t disturb Rose for too long since older folks typically went to bed early. I left her room and returned to my own. I then called Lauren since I hadn’t had the chance to visit her tonight. She told me Oliver had been to the hospital again and stayed for a long while before leaving.I asked, “What did he say?”She wasn’t enthusiastic when she replied, “I didn’t talk to him. I pretended to be asleep the whole time.”I sighed. “Maybe you should have a good talk. It’s clear Oliver still cares about you.”I cautiously advised Lauren, believing she could see the changes in Oliver. He had become more silent and reserved after his wife’s death. There were also various public opinions about their relationship.Lauren stubbornly told me, “I’ve said whatever I needed to when I returned. I don’t want to get entangled in meaningless things because I don’t have the time or energy for it. I can’t dwell on things that weigh me down.”I could tell Lauren had grown cold and distant from her
I was amazed and felt like I was in an action movie. I turned to the composed Atlas and asked, “Is this the…way out?”Atlas smiled mysteriously, saying, “Yes, it is. I’ve been cautious about this since I witnessed them taking you away right before my eyes. It’s like an obsession for me. I vowed to protect you and never let something like that happen again.”He held my hand tightly and continued, “All the places I live in have secret passages leading outside. Still, I don’t use them unless necessary. Only Dylan and Nigel know about these, too. It’s a precautionary measure.”I realized the truth and asked, “So, you used this secret passage when I visited you after the car accident?”It was no wonder the security at Pleca Park was so tight. I could still see him at Quail Creeks even then. At that time, Celine’s people controlled Pleca Park. I even thought I was hallucinating.“That means even those in the compound won’t know we left?” I looked at Atlas, feeling incredulous.Atlas ex
Soon, Atlas and I arrived at the warehouse area he mentioned. It was more of a concealed complex situated ten miles from Foswood’s southern mountains. The place was more extensive and organized than I had imagined. No wonder Atlas referred to it as the storage area.Although it was late at night, the place was as bright as day and resembled a tiny city. Even a Foswood native wouldn’t know about such a massive warehouse. Atlas wasn’t exaggerating when he described the place as heavily guarded.As he got out of the car, he explained, “This is the central hub for all ATL Empire goods. We distribute our products from here to various regions in Torado, making this place of utmost importance.”I understood this place’s significance. I looked around and then exclaimed, “It subverts my understanding of warehouses!”Then, I noticed small private planes and helicopters in the distance under the soft glow of streetlights. I finally realized why there were helicopters during our mission to res
I could see the man trembling and gulping. Deep down, I had a hunch that this person had something to do with me. Otherwise, Atlas wouldn’t have brought me to meet him in the middle of the night.Atlas didn’t answer me but looked at the man and asked, “Clark, do you know who she is?”The man gulped and kneeled before us. He looked pitiful as he pleaded, “Please spare me, sir. I deserve all the punishments you give me.”“I’m asking you a question. Do you know who this is?” Atlas asked sternly.Clark moved backward and looked at me again, stammering, “Y-You’re Ms. Stella.”I tensed when he spoke my name. I stared at him and wondered about his frightened and helpless gaze. I then turned to Atlas, wanting to confirm who Clark was.“Clark is the man who poisoned Hailey. He’s also the one behind the car accident that led to our separation,” every word Atlas spoke shocked me.“What?!” I exclaimed in disbelief.“We later discovered that he switched Rory’s briefcase. It led to the biddi
I suddenly froze in place, my heart pounding. I urgently looked up at Atlas and asked, "Is he alive?"Atlas tightened his grip around my waist, subtly signaling me to remain calm. He turned his gaze toward Clark, silently urging him to continue.Clark, noticing our pause, spoke, "Sir, before I tell you, you must promise to release my son. As long as he's safe, I assure you, I will reveal Rory's current hiding place. I-If it's too late, I can't guarantee...""You have no right to bargain with me," Atlas said, ready to turn away.I was nervous, unable to breathe. What would happen if we were too late? He's alive, but what if…Atlas's hand signaled me again, his expression conveying an air of invincibility."Sir… Let Jarvis go. Sir, please…" Clark became anxious, crawling forward.He stretched out his skinny hands, tugging at Atlas's pants. Atlas glared at him, and Clark froze. "Back then, did you ever think our families would end like this?" Atlas's voice dripped with menace, as
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