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