Ivanna, quickly slid on the couch, using my lap as a makeshift pillow. She seemed utterly exhausted, not caring about the unfamiliar surroundings.With a sigh, she began, "I have a servant's fate. I was born to endure hardship. Recently, everything became a mess. I’m always dealing with people, it's truly exhausting. I've had enough."She looked at me with a pitiful expression."This time, I finally had a chance to do a program properly. I’m thinking of making a notable achievement and laying the foundation for a promotion. Unexpectedly, troubles kept arising from the moment I took charge. It's not just tiring, it's downright scary. Can you believe it?"I chuckled and teased her, "Why are you scared? Let's switch places, and you can dangle from the rooftop for an interview. How about that?" Recalling the situation from before, I still felt a lingering fear. I could almost sense Atlas’s hands gripping my ankle with a hint of helplessness."By the way, I haven't had a chance to ask
I rinsed my face quickly and followed her back to the office.She had already picked up her spoon and was enjoying her meal. Watching her eat so heartily, my lingering doubts disappeared.I couldn't help but comment, "Take it easy, no one is competing with you. Look at the way you're eating. It's not attractive at all. Do you devour your food like this in front of Jared?"She glanced at me, "What's the fuss? You don't know how hungry I've been. Besides, whether he's here or not, I eat like this.”She continued to stuff her mouth while talking.Seeing her wolf down her food, I felt genuinely sorry for her. I changed my tone to a gentler one, "You really need someone to take good care of you."I remembered Jared and Trinity, recalling what Anson had said to me. I felt he was trying to convey something to me.And from the way he valued Jared, it seemed the Huffman family wouldn't easily let go of him. After all, Jared had long been the preferred candidate for the Huffman family's s
Ivanna spoke while setting down her spoon. She had eaten a lot, and her face seemed to have gained a healthy flush."She's in Foswood now?" I said casually, not paying much attention to Kimberly.After finishing her meal, Ivanna comfortably laid down on the sofa. "Oh. When can I have lots of money, do nothing, and wait for good food and drink to fall from the sky? That would be so nice."I looked at her lazy posture and chuckled sarcastically, "Haha... living off others and waiting to die, isn't that against your character?"She chuckled as well, "People are fickle.""If you want this kind of life, it's simple. Forget about your so-called ideals and aspirations, marry Jared, and be a full-time housewife. Then you can lie down and wait for things to fall from the sky.”My words were meant to be a playful joke, but I noticed she fell silent as soon as I said them. I stared at her face and asked, "What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"She sighed bitterly and softly said, "
She glanced at me. "I don't feel like I'm above her. But every time it involves Trinity, I become secondary."Like this time, he promised to accompany me to Bourdamun... but Trinity had something come up, and she disappeared entirely. I get it. The matter is crucial, involving life and death. But is it too much to call and inform me?” She suddenly sat up, looking at me as if seeking an explanation.I felt that Jared did indeed go too far this time. Regardless of the urgency, he should have informed Ivanna before leaving."Even if it's a waste of time, can't he spare this bit of time for me?" Ivanna then suddenly sighed in despair. "But no, he hasn't given me any notice, and he even started playing the disappearing act.“Does he really care about me? What if something happened to me? If I'm in danger now, who do I contact?”Ivanna's words left me feeling a sense of helplessness. I completely understood Ivanna's point. As a lover, Jared's actions were indeed a bit too much.At th
I softly comforted her, "Wait for him to finish his tasks, and then let him give you a proper explanation. There's no way for you to contact him right now, so being angry only affects you."You're not a child. Be calm, since you're prepared not to rely entirely on him. Don't make yourself look lost. Even in deep love, learning to be independent is a wise approach. That's what you advised me back then.”"Heh... I underestimated you. I forgot how you felt when you first discovered Matthew’s affair," she teased me, "Feeling ignored is terrible. Chlo, I'm a bit tired. I can't understand him. It's exhausting."Her words were undoubtedly her true feelings. Jared was indeed a person not easily understood.With her head drooping, she sighed, "I'm going. I want to go home and sleep. This damn job is truly inhumane."After saying that, she stood up and fixed her hair, still tired."Well, you go back and rest. What do you want to eat tonight?" I observed her, knowing she was in a bad mood
My words were sharp, and I knew it. But I intentionally chose to speak this way."I really want to transfer those shares to you, Ms. Chloe. After all, moving forward, I hope to have a long-term partnership with Tanum. I've carefully weighed the pros and cons, and Tanum is more than capable of meeting my requirements. So, I find that my previous blind investment was quite naive.""There's no need for me to correct your mistake," I said bluntly."I don't want you to do that. But I think you’ll have some ideas for Ardora." Melvern was trying to convince me.Who did he think he was? Did he think I was a fool he could manipulate at will? Even if I were interested in Ardora, this wouldn't be how I acquired it.Ridiculous! What was he thinking?"I don't know what you’re thinking, but I know myself! I believe you also know I've never been interested in anything that belongs to someone else, especially Ardora. I don’t intend to work with Liora.”I spoke candidly, "It seems as though ther
He walked in and said, “Chlo…”He paused, noticing the guest in my office, but then continued walking in.Melvern, who was seated on the sofa, glanced at him, smiling as he spoke, "So it's you, Mr. Arnold. Long time no see."Arnold looked at him and smiled back. "Mr. Melvern! It's been a while. You're still alive?"It was clear that they were very familiar with each other.Arnold, with his usual lack of formality, asked Melvern, "What are you doing here?""I came to talk to Ms. Chloe about something," Melvern replied, maintaining a polite demeanor and shifting in his seat.Arnold walked over confidently and took a seat on the sofa. He looked at Melvern and asked, "What business do you have with my sister? She's engaged in legitimate business, and you’re a person of questionable integrity. What legitimate business could you discuss? Stop messing around."I almost laughed when I heard what Arnold said. It looked like my younger brother was the true expert in straight talking."D
Melvern looked at me delightedly. "Yes, Ms. Chloe?”I stood up, picked up the document bag he had brought, and handed it to him. "You forgot this, Mr. Melvern.""I don’t need that. Those are copies. You can keep them. If you need anything, please let me know." Melvern smiled at me."It’s fine. I'll just contact you if I need something.”"Alright then." Melvern took the document bag helplessly. "I'll take my leave now."He then walked decisively toward the exit, and I saw him to the door, instructing Carol to escort him out.Carol nodded and followed Melvern while I returned to my office.Arnold looked at me and asked, "What did he come here to discuss?""Ardora’s equity. He wanted to transfer the shares to me, but I declined," I said casually. "I really don't like him. He left thanks to you."As I finished speaking, Carol knocked on the door and walked in holding a familiar document bag.“Mr. Melvern just gave this to me again, Chloe. He said you should keep it. He thinks you
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