I felt utterly drained, just wanting to sleep.I could not figure out how he could be so lively while showing no signs of exhaustion.The next day, I felt like my body was falling apart, but I had to get up and go to the company on time. Especially with Ryan not around lately.As soon as I reached the office, I received a call from the kindergarten principal. She expressed a desire to visit my home and check on the children.This was Atlas's idea. Before leaving, he instructed my mother to keep the children at home for a few days until the bruises on their faces healed.So, the principal probably hadn't seen the children and was getting anxious.I declined the principal's request because I didn't want more people to know about Pleca Park. I politely explained to him, "The girls were somewhat scared yesterday, and I'd like them to take a break for a couple of days before resuming classes."The principal became even more nervous. With a cautious tone, he said, "Considering the sit
This was genuinely ironic. Matthew's indulgence toward Melanie would leave him homeless. He wouldn't have ended up in this situation if he had a trace of reason.Adrian leaned back in his chair indifferently. "This is the best outcome under the circumstances, assuming we can obtain the evidence I mentioned and turn the tide. Otherwise, these major projects can make him rot in jail.""I'll do my best to find a way, and I hope you will do everything in your power to maintain your undefeated record. As for the rest, we can only leave it to fate. There's little more I can do," I sighed."Ms. Chloe, you're the most charming woman I've ever met. What you've achieved in this matter truly impresses me. It's one of the reasons I'm willing to cooperate with you." Adrian praised me."I'm doing this for Grace. Since I've promised her, I can't go back on my word. Besides, he didn’t know what Melanie was doing and was framed. I couldn’t just do nothing about it."Oh, by the way, let me share so
Hearing Lauren's words, I knew something must have happened."I'm driving. What's going on?" I asked."The Andrews family is in trouble. Their restaurant got sealed today." Lauren informed me with evident delight.I was taken aback, "Sealed?"I genuinely had no idea about this and started to understand what was happening. Atlas had said he would not accept an apology and instructed Dylan to copy the surveillance footage.It seemed Atlas took matters into his own hands.“Everyone’s talking about this on the internet today! I was wondering why it happened at first. As you know, The Andrews’ Diner has a few franchises, and they’re renowned in Foswood. “How could they get sealed just like that? It turns out that they offended Atlas! Haha! Serves them right."Oh, by the way, the Andrews family seems to be a relative of the Thompson family.”"Yeah, the one who wanted to fight me yesterday was Courtney, Mario’s daughter. She's Liora's cousin, and the one who attacked Ava was Courtne
These astonishing reports left the masses infuriated, sparking widespread outrage among the people of Foswood. In a collective effort, the public exposed numerous pieces of evidence against the two families.The investigations also revealed who was working behind the scenes and who was protecting them. Substantial evidence of bribery and corruption on their part was uncovered.The methods used by these two families to harm ordinary citizens were innumerable. Some lesser-known inside information came to light, further inciting public fury.The citizens were shocked to learn that the daily consumables they dealt with every day, particularly the sausages, were involved in such shocking scenes.Unable to bear it any longer, the people collectively condemned these two families, resulting in their swift closure. The owners of the two businesses were arrested, and every charge was proven. They soon declared bankruptcy, disappearing from Foswood forever. Those who had harmed Ava and Jenn
The date for Matthew’s trial had finally been set. During this time, Liora was in a frenzy, harboring even more intense resentment toward me. She created a public spectacle online, exposing Matthew's wrongdoings.Public opinion was overwhelmingly against Matthew, and it seemed like his situation was getting worse.I felt impatient and wanted to counterattack, but Atlas stopped me. Adrian was also present that day.Atlas said to me, "Don't make any moves right now. Let her do whatever she wants. We won’t suppress her. We’ll just let her confidence grow.”"But she's becoming more audacious. She’s saying all those things that even I’m starting to believe is true. Many people online have noticed too. If it goes on like this, won't Matthew be at a disadvantage? The public outcry is strong. If we get to the trial, can he still turn things around?" I said agitatedly."That's even better." Atlas said casually, "She'll be too confident."I was puzzled. "Are we trying to make her feel like
The two people in front of me were a handsome man and a beautiful girl.They were dressed differently. Loak wore a set of black sportswear, looking more upright. Perhaps the food here was good, as he seemed to have filled out slightly, and he wore a pair of nice matching sports shoes. He looked entirely different now.As for Anya, she had changed out of her tight-fitting dress into sportswear, which was a shade of girly pink. She also wore matching sports shoes, and her bronze skin looked a little brighter. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, which made her look youthful. The girl was beautiful, and I liked her even more.Before I could speak, Loak suddenly pulled Anya down with him and knelt in front of us with a thud.That startled me, and I quickly grabbed Anya, trying to make her stand up.But Loak said something to Atlas. He was expressing something in a torrent of words. Atlas's expression remained calm but serious. He looked at Loak and said something to him in an unwavering
I quickly pulled her up and had her sit beside me. "I’m his daughter," I said. I don’t even know why I told her that.She was stunned and looked at me in disbelief. She wiped away my tears instinctively.Then, she solemnly assured me, "I’ll tell my brother to save him so he can see you."I embraced the girl. She was truly my lucky star, and I would surely be able to find my father with the siblings’s help.From Anya's words, I could deduce that my father's mind was still clear.We chatted for a while before Atlas finished talking to Loak and returned to our side. Then, he had Cane escort them back.I saw Anya casting reluctant glances at me. Her smile was beautiful and had an exotic charm.I kept watching them until they disappeared from my sight. Atlas said to me indulgently, "I've arranged for them to learn our language. When she can communicate with you, you can take her back to Pleca Park.""Really?" I exclaimed, feeling like I had obtained a precious treasure. "How did you
Back at Pleca Park, I was almost asleep when a call from Adrian woke me up. I looked at the time. It was one past midnight, so this had to be urgent.I quickly answered the phone, and Adrian, sounding uneasy, informed me, "Ms. Chloe, Matthew has attempted suicide in the detention center.""What?" I exclaimed. "What's going on?""He’s been taken to the hospital for treatment. I'm on my way there now. You..." his tone was probing."Alright, I'm coming over immediately. Which hospital?" I asked while getting out of bed. I felt a slight tremor. Atlas was still in the study.Adrian told me the name of the hospital over the phone, and I quickly hung up, rushing to the dressing room to grab a dress. After putting it on and tidying my hair hastily, I walked out of the room, knocking lightly on the study door. I pushed it open without waiting for a response.Atlas was still on an international video call. He sensed that something was wrong when he saw me all dressed and ready to go. He en
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