Lauren's reaction was lightning-fast, pressing her ear against my phone.I was at a loss for words.Liora's voice rang out from the phone, seemingly carefree. She continued in a cryptic tone, "Surprised, huh? Well, it's not every day I call someone like you.""Indeed! Considering I don't have much rapport with you, Ms. Liora, your call must have ulterior motives. So, spill it. What's the game plan?" I scoffed, dripping with sarcasm."Haha... How about we meet?" She suggested, taking me off guard once again. This was truly bewildering. What kind of scheme was she cooking up?"Meet? There's got to be a reason for that," I casually remarked, and Lauren gave me a thumbs up."Some things are better to be discussed face-to-face," Liora confidently asserted."I don't think it's necessary to talk with you. Is your bag of tricks running dry? It can't be, right?" I responded disdainfully."Chloe, what about Ardora? Don't you have anything to say?" "I'm not interested." I declared firml
It had been a while since I visited the Vanderberg Palace, and its serene atmosphere still captivated me.Of course, beneath the facade of tranquility and elegance, I was well aware that each room held its fair share of hidden intrigues.As we entered, the receptionist greeted us with a smile. "Ms. Chloe, Ms. Lauren, long time no see!"I smiled back, asking, "Is Bella around?""She is. However, Mrs. Liora is waiting for you in the Diamond Hall on the second floor." The receptionist smiled and said, "She said that once you arrive, you can head upstairs."Lauren and I exchanged glances. She gestured for me to proceed, saying, "You go upstairs. I'll see Bella. We'll have lunch together later.""Alright." I nodded and headed upstairs.Having been here countless times, I navigated the familiar paths easily. When I reached the door of the Diamond Hall, I was about to knock when I heard a voice from inside say, "Come in. There's no need to knock."I raised an eyebrow and pushed the do
My question seemed to enrage her. She glared at me, her face flushed."Chloe, I invited you here today with sincerity. Never mind where my confidence comes from. I want to discuss Ardora with you because there's some connection between Ardora and you."I took a sip of water, signaling her to continue.Seeing my silent approval, she relaxed."After all, it was your ex-husband's. I understand the bond between husband and wife. He’s also your child's father! Moreover, isn't it a convenient way to settle the score if you take over Ardora?" As she spoke, a trace of disdain involuntarily appeared on her face."It’s not easy being a woman from out of town struggling in a city like this, especially if you have a child. Opportunities like this aren't always readily available. Expand your influence while you can. After this opportunity passes, you may not get another one."Her words sounded a bit like tough love, all for my sake. But, at the same time, it hinted that I climbed up the lad
She stared at me, her gaze unwavering.Then, she let out a disdainful snort. "Looks like things are really tough for you, Chloe. You were dumped, but you’re still very devoted to your cheating ex-husband. It’s clear that you worry about him. Unfortunately, it didn’t matter how clever you were. He still walked away with the assets. Do you really think you're so smart? You're just a wife he cast aside. It's a pity Ardora has nothing to do with you."Liora used the opportunity to belittle me smugly.I wasn't bothered at all. I played with the cup on the table and casually responded, "You got one thing right. Ardora has nothing to do with me. But it has even less to do with you. If Ardora’s going on the market, I’d discuss it with Melanie or Matthew, not you."I glanced at Liora with a sly smile and added, "What? Did you really think you could do whatever you wanted after infiltrating them? There’s no way that would happen.""So what? Even if you want to help Matthew turn things aro
I couldn't help but chuckle. I looked at her as I asked, "So you're saying Stella did that all by herself? Didn't you recruit plenty of accomplices? If you’re trying to say that it was Stella, you're an accomplice too!"Her mouth twitched. "You—""And that dump truck? Do you really think it won't be traced? Don't forget, the heavens are always watching. Also..."I locked eyes with her, making it impossible for her to look away."Do you want me to keep going? You came to talk, didn't you, Liora?" I cooled down my expression, leaving her no room for thought.I narrowed my eyes and probed, "Oh, maybe you don't know this, but Melvern has already placed Ardora's shares on my desk. Didn't you discuss this with him?""What?" Liora looked at me in shock, a sinister hostility in her eyes.She clearly had no idea what Melvern had done. It seemed like it was all a coincidence.I backed off from the topic of Melvern and tried to pressure her instead. "You've squandered so much of his money
Lauren looked surprised when she saw me come in and asked, "Why are you back so soon?""There was nothing worth discussing with her," I replied disdainfully.I quickly greeted Bella. "Long time no see, Bella. What are we having for lunch?"I walked over to her and watched her busy herself gracefully. Every move she made exuded a captivating beauty.Bella smiled elegantly, glancing at me. "It’s been a while. Have you been busy lately? I hear construction has already started in Bourdamun.""I’m busy as always. While they're working over there, Avalon Hills will be up next," I reported.My impression of Bella was improving, and I had become increasingly captivated by her."Matthew's trial is coming up soon, isn’t it?" She put down what she was holding and wiped her hands. "Are you feeling confident?"“Since Ardora’s legal representative is Melanie, all I can do is ensure Matthew’s freedom and prevent him from going to jail. But Melanie will have to pay for her mistakes," I explain
Bella stopped talking and smiled faintly without delving any further.I didn't press her. After all, Bella was someone with impeccable discretion. I understood her, even if she chose not to say certain things out loud. It seemed that Trinity's ruthless move this time had a purpose.After chatting for a while, we said goodbye and left to head back to the office.As we reached the entrance, we bumped into Oliver, who was on his way in.He immediately froze, his gaze fixated on Lauren's face.I quickly greeted him, but he only responded with a nonchalant hum. His attention was fully on Lauren."Lauren..." he murmured, his eyes filled with longing.I glanced at Lauren discreetly. Unfazed, she nodded slightly at Oliver. "Sorry, Mr. Oliver. We're in a bit of a hurry."With that, she calmly led the way outside, showing no hint of hesitation.I admired Lauren for that. She remained indifferent as if they had never met. As an outsider, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward.O
Michelle's remark immediately attracted curious glances, and everyone turned toward me.I could read all kinds of meanings into those glances. I was certain that was what Michelle intended.Ivanna was visibly displeased. She opened her mouth, wanting to retaliate against Michelle, but I quickly pulled her back, signaling her not to speak. I smiled calmly and nodded at everyone."Yes, Matthew is my ex-husband. We all know about my past marriage. Looks like Michelle provided quite a detailed introduction! We haven't met in years, so it'll be good for everyone to catch up with each other."As I made my little speech, people understood my implications, and all eyes now turned to Michelle. Of course, the meaning in their eyes varied.Michelle blushed, attempting to defend herself, "Hey! Why are you all looking at me? I just have a loose tongue, haha... We’ve all finally gotten together after so long. Was it so wrong of me to share some updates? Besides, it’s the truth, and I didn't say
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