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
No one answered my question, and nobody seemed to know. This left me somewhat disappointed.Yvette from our dormitory was the one who broke the silence, saying, "Since we left, she went back to her hometown. If you don't have her contact information, the rest of us won't have it either. We also lost contact with Judy from our dormitory. They probably aren't in Foswood."A guy named Theo added, "I heard Beatrice has her own business, so she might have gone back to manage her own company."Just then, the dishes started arriving. The waitstaff entered, beginning to serve dish after dish. The aroma of the food wafted through the private room.To my surprise, Ivanna suddenly rushed out with her mouth covered.I was puzzled and quickly followed her. In the restroom, she started vomiting again. There was something odd about this. It didn't seem like a stomach issue."Ivanna, let me take you to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow," I said while patting her back. "Are you sure it's just a
Everyone was looking at me, waiting for my response. A few genuinely concerned ones said, "Michelle, we finally met Chlo. How can you let her foot the bill? Let's stick to the old rule and go Dutch."I was about to speak, but Michelle interrupted, "Forget it! Going Dutch? Chlo is no ordinary person now. She's the renowned Chloe Hartz in the Foswood construction industry. You're going to make her laugh. Go Dutch? What's on this table is nothing to her."Ivanna looked at the smug Michelle and said, "This one needs a reality check."I gestured for her to stay quiet. Michelle continued, "I understand Chlo very well. Even when she buys things for her child, it's all from luxury brands. Do you think she cares about the dishes for a bunch of old classmates? It would just be a joke."She was trying to manipulate me, using moral pressure."Don't be petty! She’d be laughing at us if we went Dutch," she added, looking at me and asking, "Right, Chlo?"Before I could answer, the door to the p
I could tell who they were immediately from their voices.One was from our dormitory, always trailing behind Michelle—Nana Howell. The other was Michelle herself.Ivanna grabbed my arm and gestured for me to be quiet. Nana asked Michelle, "So, what does Chloe do? How did she become so wealthy in just a few years?""Nonsense! Just because she can afford these doesn't mean the money is hers." Michelle's tone was dismissive. "As for what she does? I'd say she's a homewrecker."Michelle continued with a scornful tone. "I did some discreet inquiries. Rumor has it that she attached herself to some wealthy guy right after her divorce—a real tycoon.""Really? That fast?" Nana's voice carried a gossipy excitement."Hmph! So what? It stirred up quite a fuss, and public opinion is not favorable. After all, she has a child and still trapped a young guy. She's just relying on her looks. "She's like a cougar. There's nothing she can't do. Don't be fooled by her pretentious act. She's quite
Her words created an awkward atmosphere. I just smiled faintly, watching Michelle's bewildered and nervous expression.The total bill frightened her. If they were to split it equally, it would undoubtedly hurt her wallet, forcing her to speak up."Miss, here's the bill. You can check it." The waiter understood Michelle's hint and handed the bill to her.As if afraid to touch it, Michelle muttered, "Don't give it to me. Let Ms. Chloe check it."The waiter immediately turned and handed the bill to me. I calmly said, "It's fine. Has it been paid?""Yes, Ms. Chloe." the waiter said respectfully.Michelle quickly caught on, visibly relieved. She looked at the waiter and asked, "It's settled? W-Who paid?""Mr. Atlas settled the bill," the waiter calmly repeated.Ivanna looked at Michelle. "You're embarrassing. Do you think Chloe is like you? Would her face turn purple just because of a bill? You got one thing right. With Chloe here, you all don't have to go Dutch."The waiter bowed
Ivanna's revelations about Michelle's recent "job" truly surprised me."Really?" I asked in astonishment. "Back in our school days, she was always obsessed with vanity, constantly getting guys to buy her food. That part still rings true.""And now," Ivanna continued, "she's hooked up with a rural entrepreneur that owns a fish farm."Hearing Ivanna's words made me laugh hard. "So, was the fish pond you mentioned earlier true?"Ivanna looked disdainful and rolled her eyes. "Of course! Would I lie? Whenever they're together, she organizes these class reunions. But people have complaints. And Michelle isn't the only one. I've heard there are several others."I shook my head with a wry smile, somewhat nostalgic, and said, "She's a real warrior."Ivanna exclaimed in frustration. "Exactly! Fearless even of diseases. It seems she targeted you today by arranging this gathering. She probably noticed you're doing well. So, she wanted to freeload off your generosity. Ugh... what a piece of w
I could imagine the state the people behind us were in.In the car, Atlas glanced at the time and said to me, "Shall I take you to see Anya?""Really?" I instantly got excited and looked at him joyfully.Atlas indulgently said, "I actually need to meet someone there too.”I playfully slapped his leg. "I thought you were taking me to see Anya. So you had business there too,” I said, teasing him.He reached for my chin, his handsome face approaching mine. "What? Any objections? I can choose not to go," he said indulgently.I giggled happily, leaning into his embrace playfully. "No, I want to go! It's been so long since I've seen Anya. I want to check on that girl and see how she's doing."Atlas lowered his head and kissed my lips greedily, then asked, "So, am I still doing this for myself?”I dodged and giggled. "Well, technically, yes. There's clearly some business you need to attend to, but you insist on saying you're accompanying me to see her.“"Then I'll just accompany 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