"Let you go? Do you think you can go back?" Atlas looked down at him with an imposing stance, making Loak uneasy. Soon, he became agitated."What do you want? There's no use holding me captive. I don't know anything!" Loak was very defensive, completely retreating into his prickly shell.Atlas glanced at him with disdain. "Do you think you're valuable? You're just an ant there! The boss can take your life at any time. You'd better answer my questions honestly."Loak examined his pale toenails as he touched his dark feet."How is the man you're keeping?" Atlas asked, his eyes fixed on Loak."He's okay," he grumbled. "It's not my doing, yet you captured me."His tone indicated dissatisfaction, showing he remained stubborn even in this situation.The translator did an excellent job translating the conversation."How many meals does he get every day?" Atlas continued, and I was a bit puzzled. Why was Atlas asking seemingly irrelevant questions?"Two meals! What else does he need
"I'm saving her life! Loak, do you think your sister is safe in the hands of your boss? Can you protect her?" Atlas looked at Loak. "If you think she's safe there, I can send her back."Loak stared at Atlas, his eyes full of conflict and fear, as he gulped."Your parents died at the hands of your boss. Now, both your lives are in his hands. Do you think you can endure his abuse and constant threat to you both? Or do you want to push your sister into the fire pit?" Atlas's gaze on Loak was intense.His sister clutched his arm tightly behind him, revealing only a beautiful face.My heart softened, and I couldn't help but reach out to the girl. "Don't be afraid! We won't harm you."She looked at my gesture, and the translator conveyed my words. She blinked her big eyes, glanced at her brother, and then fixed her gaze on my face. Perhaps my friendly demeanor helped her relax. She tentatively sought her brother's opinion, "Loak!"Loak looked at Atlas, gulped again, and stammered, "C
His idea shocked me. "Are you saying we need to re-enter Bermuda?""Of course, that's why my approach to him is different," Atlas said.I looked at Atlas, suddenly understanding why he had started by gradually easing into questions, wanting to alleviate the pressure on him."Is he reliable?" I asked with some concern."That depends on how we handle him. His parents died at the hands of Navi. With only the two of them relying on each other, this kid is quite unfortunate. At that time, he was only nine, and his sister was six. Strictly speaking, he's still a kid now," Atlas explained.As Atlas spoke, I looked at his expression and suddenly understood his thoughts."I can empathize with his helplessness and unwillingness during that period, so I want to test him a bit. If he passes the test, I'll train him well."Atlas's words were poignant, and I knew he wanted to say that he and Loak shared similar painful experiences. That was why he understood what Loak needed.I involuntarily
To my surprise, it was Melvern.He noticed me and walked toward me with a smile on his face."Ms. Chloe, what a coincidence. We meet again," he said, looking at me like an old friend."Mr. Melvern, hello." I nodded politely, wondering why he was there. However, I didn't ask."Are you heading out?" he asked casually, glancing at me."Yes, just stepping out for a bit." I smiled faintly. "Are you here for business?""Yes, I'm here to meet an old friend," he replied, seemingly carefree. "Which floor is your company on?""The 10th floor," I answered, but I didn't extend any courteous invitation for him to visit. I was sure that if I did, he would show up at my door tomorrow."Ms. Chloe, could I invite you for a chat sometime when you're free? I have some questions I'd like to consult you about," he asked politely.I knew that this was just an excuse."Mr. Melvern, you're too courteous. I wonder which aspect of knowledge you are seeking,” I replied distantly. This guy was like gu
Atticus hadn't expected me to mention Denton's name immediately. He seemed a bit surprised but nodded. "You're truly sharp-minded."I smiled lightly, feeling a special admiration for Rose.Atticus continued, "Denton is someone to keep an eye on. Over the past few years abroad, he has accumulated many resources and connections. He's the true mastermind behind the Terrells."It seemed that Atticus and Rose were on the same page. I couldn't help but think that I needed Grayson to investigate Denton thoroughly."But you don't have to worry too much. After all, Bourdamun's new development is a project from higher-ups. Even if he has ideas, he needs to weigh his strength. He will unlikely get his way, even if it's evenly matched. “Trying to contend with the higher-ups is not as simple as it used to be," Atticus consoled when he saw I hadn't spoken."Back then, were you also afraid of running into a tough nut like Nelson?" I asked Atticus with a mischievous smile."Not entirely." Atti
Atticus smiled, saying, “Indeed, I won’t engage in a battle without preparing for it. Of course, I can’t be shameless either because it would be too greedy. I wouldn’t have a favorable outcome if I made a move on Bourdamun without assurance.”“It looks like you’re the crafty one,” I said straightforwardly, “So, you traded a stagnant pond for a vast ocean? You’re winning with a clear conscience.”I had to admit I felt a little uncomfortable. Atticus was extremely cunning.He chuckled somewhat embarrassedly, “It’s like that for me, but Atlas also obtained a boundless opportunity. Do you think he’s easy to shake? Perhaps he wouldn’t have let go if he hadn’t had you back then. I admit it was an unsportsmanlike victory.”It was apparent Atticus was sincere and seemed to hold Atlas in high regard. “Muborough is reaching saturation while Bourdamun has excellent potential. You’ve also acquired a piece of valuable land. How could Atlas lose?“That way, we can dominate our specific territor
I couldn’t help but frown at Johnson’s words. I asked, “She’s at it again?”“Yeah,” Johnson affirmed.I cautioned, “I don’t have much to say to Matthew. I’ll let Adrian handle everything since he knows my stance. My only concern is Charlie. If possible, ask Matthew how he feels about it. You can tell him that we found Charlie’s family, but don’t tell him I found them.”I didn’t want Matthew to think about me because his thoughts were quite unpredictable. If he knew I found Charlie’s family, he might misinterpret it.“Got it,” Johnson replied.“If Matthew doesn’t want to be responsible, we’ll return Charlie to his family as soon as possible. We shouldn’t burden Myra any longer,” I clarified my thoughts. After all, we couldn’t let Myra be responsible for Charlie indefinitely.Johnson sounded helpless as he reported, “Chlo, the developers are suing all the halted projects. The situation isn’t looking good. Liora orchestrated all of it.”Indeed, it seemed graver than before.Johnso
Although my question seemed casual, it was an attempt to probe Atticus. Sure enough, he wasn’t surprised. He nodded indifferently and said, “I know.”I asked with a hidden agenda, “What do you think about him? He seems pretty active lately.”Since Atticus knew about Melvern’s return to Foswood, it meant the former kept an eye on the latter. Atticus looked at me but didn’t answer my question. Instead, he asked, “I noticed a driver drop you off just now. Should we have a drink?”I readily agreed.Atticus looked excited as he fetched a bottle of low-proof white liquor. He then poured me a small glass and another for himself. He raised his glass and solemnly said, “Firstly, I appreciate you traveling all the way to Rivendell to share this meal with me.“Secondly, it’s our first solo meal together. Lastly, let’s toast to our cooperation beyond business matters. I’m grateful to you.”Atticus downed his drink. I could tell he had something to share with me, so I took a big sip. After se
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