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
I held my breath and looked at him. His eyes remained fixed on the tablet screen, where the agonizing screams continued.Clark sat dejectedly on the floor, looking at Atlas in shock, finally revealing an address.Atlas glanced at Dylan, who promptly left the room.Clark, seemingly resigned, lacked any spirit. He muttered, "I deserve this. I'm sorry, Mr. Atlas. I'm sorry for betraying Rory's trust."In a moment of desperation, his gaze focused on Atlas. "None of this is under my control. It was one wrong step after another. She only asked me to switch that bag, but I didn't expect her to force me..." His eyes looked helplessly at Atlas. "She coerced me...""If you hadn't been greedy, reaching out for things you shouldn't have, how could the Pierce and White families end up like this? How dare you pretend to be innocent?" Atlas's tone was intimidating."Sir, I was wrong! She caught my mother and threatened me. I dared not refuse... But I didn't expect her to later..." He trailed of