I was taken aback and instinctively looked at the owner of this hand. It was Vicky, the person I encountered at the clothing store earlier.She confidently handed the receipt to Annika, saying, "Take mine, I'm in a hurry."Annika glanced at her, wearing a gentle smile. "Miss, please wait a moment. She only has one bill, and she's been waiting for a while. I'll finish her payment immediately and deal with yours. Hers will take a shorter time.”"Why should I wait? So what if she only has one bill? That’s because she can’t afford the things here!" Vicky’s face turned cold, her eyes looking even more disdainful. "I said I'm in a hurry. I'm a major customer of your store, so why can't I be prioritized? “She’s just buying a few cheap scarves, and I have to wait here for her to be done. Doesn’t she feel embarrassed?”I had been silently observing her, not getting angry, even though she deliberately belittled me. I wanted to see how Annika would handle the situation."Miss, please be pa
I smiled and nodded at Annika, saying gently, "Thank you for the excellent work.”She looked up at me gratefully and nodded politely. "Take care, Miss."I smiled warmly and walked away. I didn't bother looking back at the pair of them.Someone suddenly called out to me as I headed downstairs to leave Arkadia Plaza. "Miss, please wait."I turned around to see the man who had been with Vicky. He was walking toward me with a bag in his hand. I raised an eyebrow as I asked, "You called me?""Yes, Miss. I apologize for what happened today." He smiled, but there was a mysterious glint in his eyes. He handed me the bag, saying, "This dress was originally something you liked. A gentleman does not take away what someone loves. Take this as my apology to you.”I was a bit surprised. A gentleman?That was unlikely."Thank you, but I'm sorry. I've lost interest in this dress. Besides, I don't have a habit of accepting things from strangers," I said straightforwardly. "I don't know you."H
I smirked and locked my phone while the car smoothly left the mall's underground parking lot and headed straight back to the company.When I returned to the office, I eagerly unlocked my phone again and carefully read the detailed information about Melvern.The records were thorough, detailing the Sunny family's history, status, and influence in Foswood. But there was no information about what trouble Melvern had caused here.It seemed like that incident was something they wanted to keep hidden, or they wouldn't have covered it up so thoroughly. That made me very curious.I picked up the phone again and called Grayson. He answered promptly. "What’s up, Chloe?""Can you investigate Melvern's past?" I asked. I believed his return to Foswood must be related to some past incident."That might require a special plan," Grayson replied. "I'll think of a way."His mention of a "special plan" implied he had something in mind."Okay. This is related to Liora. Melvern has invested a lot i
Lauren furrowed her brow. "Melvern, the second son of the Sunny family? Didn’t the Sunny family move overseas? Why are you suddenly asking about them?"I realized that Lauren did know him. I quickly explained, "Yes, they moved, but Melvern’s been active in Foswood recently. Do you know about his past relationship with Liora?"I looked at Lauren, holding onto a glimmer of hope that she might have some insider information.Lauren frowned. "I don't really know much about Melvern. When I came to Foswood, the Sunny family was already showing signs of decline. I hadn't met Oliver at the time, so I didn't have any contact with the Sunny family. But everyone knew that they had to move. The Sunny family were still important in Foswood."Her words left me somewhat disappointed. It seemed that this matter with the Sunny family was a well-guarded secret."As far as I know, Melvern was Liora's first love, and she married Atticus later. I think something must have happened there.”"Oh, is that
Lauren burst into laughter but immediately clutched her chest, wincing.I looked at her nervously, "What's wrong? Does it hurt? You shouldn't laugh too hard."She waved it off. “Anyway, since he's shared his thoughts about divorcing Liora with you and you two have a mutually beneficial agreement, it means he trusts you completely."I acknowledged that. Atticus was a formidable figure in Foswood's construction and development industry. He occupied the top position, at least for now.Someone like that wouldn’t talk about their private business easily, especially when it was about family and marriage. When he first discussed his marital issues with me, I had some doubts as well.Lauren continued, "Because he trusts you, he chooses to work with you. It might just be a mutually beneficial cooperation, but you two should still communicate about the information on the shares and resources.”I nodded. "You make a valid point.""You can already guess that Atticus's desire for a divorce f
The atmosphere at the party was lively. Glasses were clinking and people were mingling in the splendid hall.When Ivanna and I entered, it was already pretty late, and many guests had arrived.I recognized some faces at the gala, but I had to admit that I was not acquainted with most of the people here.As we walked into the venue, I overheard people whispering, "What beautiful women.""Who are those two? I don't think I've seen them before.""They’re gorgeous. They might be from a prestigious family, and they might have just returned to the country recently."I realized the whispers were talking about us. Of course they hadn't seen us before since I had never attended events like this. But I wasn't interested in their discussions and had no intention of drawing attention to myself. I simply smiled and ignored them.I glanced around and looked for Trinity. It seemed she hadn't arrived.I asked Ivanna, "Will Jared be here today?"Ivanna shook her head. "He usually avoids things
I turned to the source of the voice, only to find that the person greeting me was Melvern.I greeted him with a slight smile and said, "Hello."At this moment, he looked at me endearingly, as if we were old friends. "Before coming here, I was wondering if I’d see you. It seems my wish has come true."His charming gaze remained fixed on my face as he spoke.While I didn't mind Melvern's presence, I disliked how he looked at me intensely. His gaze gave me goosebumps.Ivanna glanced at the person who approached me and gave me a questioning look.However, I could not introduce him to Ivanna as I didn't officially know him. Nevertheless, during our brief conversation, I noticed he addressed me as "Ms. Chloe," indicating that he had investigated me.I nodded slightly at Melvern and said, "It’s nothing strange, it's just a social gathering and anyone can be here.”Upon sensing my tone, Ivanna understood this person was not someone I favored.To steer the conversation away, Ivanna pol
Liora's voice echoed behind me, laughter accompanying her words, "Hi. You're too kind. It's just something that had to be done. With all that money invested, what else could I have done?”I silently cursed her shamelessness. She had taken over someone else's property and pretended to be innocent now."Indeed, it's still because of your capability, right? I heard that the couple had done quite a few shady things. Maybe Tanum should be investigated, too. Who knows if they’re doing the same thing?" Someone remarked sharply."Oh, please don't say that! The CEO of Tanum is present, so be careful with your words." Liora played the role of a good person.Her provocations were directed toward me, who had my back turned to her.But some people just didn't know their limits. Upon hearing Liora's words, someone immediately said, "So what? Everyone knows about the Murphy family’s dirty deeds. Tanum’s ex-CEO has been running the company for so many years. I bet the foundation has long been cor
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