I playfully slapped Lauren's thigh, saying, "You're really something, girl. I must say, you've cleared up my thoughts. Who would've thought there was a mastermind right next to me?""I'm no mastermind, just an onlooker with a clear view. Tanum isn't strong enough yet, and some people don't acknowledge us. Why? Because they think we're winning unfairly with the support of the ATL Empire. They believe it isn’t a fair fight.""I have to admit that there's some truth to that.""So, we need to continue to strengthen ourselves and make them submit. Bourdamun is our top priority, and making money is crucial for our growth. Didn't Atticus also say that Melvern isn't short of money? So, let him bleed."Whether his funds are dirty or clean, we'll make him pay through our strength. If he's twisted, that's his problem. We won't get involved. We're all in the business of making money, so this is only natural. Is there a problem with that?" Lauren looked at me triumphantly, wearing a mischievous
"Look at you, getting more radiant every day. I heard you just got a divorce. People were talking about it recently. Did you or did you not? "You know, when you hooked up with Matthew, everyone said it was because he's handsome. What good is that? Looks don't pay bills. And lo and behold, you couldn't hold onto him in the end."Michelle’s words made me embarrassed. I did not dare analyze whether what she said was praise or criticism. She had not changed one bit, and her true colors were showing.Old habits truly died hard.I could only force out a smile and ask, "By the way, have you been in touch with Beatrice?"She shook her head. "I can't reach her. Did she go back to her hometown? You two were so close. Why haven't you been in touch? You have to stop thinking about making money all the time. You should think of your friends as well.""Right. The kids were small then, and I was busy caring for them. I lost touch with everyone." I chuckled."How about I arrange a little reuni
I picked up the little one and kissed him on his cheek. This kid, raised by Myra, had fair skin, and there was a soft baby smell about him that I just loved. Whenever I teased him, he giggled, lifting everyone's spirits.Honestly, I felt a special connection with this child. He seemed to remember me, his eyes following me and touching my face as he babbled away.Lauren looked at the little one and commented, "You're so kind, Chlo. You like every child you meet.""You don't like his charming little antics?" I quipped back, and Lauren rolled her eyes.I turned to Myra. "Did Johnson ask Matthew about the child's future?"Myra nodded. "Yes, he did, but Matthew hasn't made a decision. It seems like he's having a hard time letting go. After all, he called him his son for several months. It's not easy to be so heartless."Lauren immediately retorted, "Does he have a heart at all? He's only that way because this little one has a dangly bit between his legs!”Myra and I stared at Lauren.
After hanging up the phone, I glanced at Lauren. "We need to go back to the office."Myra immediately reached out to take Charlie, holding him as they walked together to see us off. As if on cue, Charlie started crying when he saw us leaving.I had to comfort him for quite a while before he finally looked at us with teary eyes, smiling. Lauren and I returned to the office after he fell asleep in Myra's arms.I went straight to Ryan's office, and he explained the situation. I asked, "So, do you think we should take this collaboration?"Ryan pondered for a moment. "There's no rush. Let's wait for his information. We can't afford to pass up business opportunities."I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "It looks like we share the same opinion.""When you say 'we,' who exactly are you referring to?" Ryan asked.I quickly briefed him on what Atticus had mentioned during the phone call. He contemplated and said, "It seems that Atticus has a plan. If he's deliberately hinting at us t
I could hardly believe my eyes. Pleca Park had transformed into a vast sea of roses.The entrance was adorned with flowers, creating a romantic gateway. Inside the courtyard, two heart-shaped designs caught my eye. A champagne-colored rose arrow, and an arrangement of blue roses forming today's date adorned the lawn.The fragrance of roses filled the entire yard, and at the entrance, all the staff and family members were eagerly awaiting our return.What surprised me even more was that the family members, led by Archie, were all present, leaving me pleasantly shocked.Atlas helped me out of the car, and I quickly approached Archie. "Archie, when did you come back?"He smiled kindly and opened his arms, giving me a warm hug. "How can I not come back on such a wonderful day? You're getting married!" He patted my back gently. "You'll definitely be happy.""I will, Archie," I replied, deeply moved.In reality, in some mysterious way, Archie's invisible but boundless support for me
Honestly, I was sweating bullets for Ivanna. If the Huffman family wanted to crush her, all they had to do was lift a finger.Anson was undoubtedly shrewd. He asked me, "Is she the girl that caught Jared's attention?"I didn't know how to answer the old man for a moment. However, Rose chimed in, "Anson, this girl is quite suitable for Jared. Even more so than Trinity."Anson's face darkened, his eyes fixed on Ivanna, the emotions within them murky and unclear.I pondered momentarily, thinking I needed to do something for Ivanna."Anson, the matters of the heart can't be forced. Trinity might need someone more suitable for her." I followed his gaze and looked at Ivanna.Ivanna was chatting with Lauren, occasionally laughing and smiling, seemingly oblivious to the glances from our direction.Not far away, Jared and Dylan were conversing, but I felt he was perceptive. When I looked over, he had already noticed my gaze.Anson repeated my words with displeasure, "Suitable? Trinity li
The next day, the city of Foswood was buzzing with excitement, everyone speculating on who got married yesterday.The fireworks that lit up the entire night ignited everyone's curiosity.What I had been worried about, the scene when Atlas picked me up after work, seemed inevitable now.However, the trending topics online were filled with dazzling neon lights, blessings, and pictures of the fireworks that painted half the sky. The rest was just various speculations and rumors.However, no one could guess it. Some even went to the city county's office to investigate the information, but all efforts were in vain.This became an unsolvable puzzle, a mystery that no one could unravel.It was said that on this day, everywhere in Foswood, people were asking one question, "Hey! Do you know who got married yesterday?"I couldn't help but laugh and praise Atlas, "Well done!"He grinned, pressing against me, "Thanks for the compliment, my wife!"The next moment, he looked sad, "Sorry, it
The news hit me hard, and Atlas immediately called Jared to confirm the information.Jared decisively affirmed the news, stating that Trinity was supposed to have returned to the country. However, when it was time for her to go to the airport as planned, she was discovered missing from her room. After a casual search yielded no results, they sensed something was wrong and officially declared her missing.It had been over 10 hours.My heart skipped a beat, and I looked at Atlas in a panic. "What should we do?"Atlas didn't immediately answer my question. After contemplating, he made a call, issuing tasks to the other side.Then he said, "I've contacted our headquarters in the Jitador to investigate the situation. Concluding the current uncertain circumstances wouldn't be wise."I had never encountered such a situation before and couldn't help feeling nervous, especially since Trinity was in Jitador.After all, due to my past, there had been friction between the Huffman family a
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