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
We arrived at the warehouse and met Anya. She had become less reserved and could now say a few sentences in our language. This surprised me, but it just proved her intelligence and eagerness to learn.I was sure we would be able to speak without a translator soon if she kept progressing at this pace.The person Atlas wanted to meet was from Bermuda, and unfortunately, there was still no good news from there. Meanwhile, Loak had been insisting that he wanted to go back.His reasoning was simple. He was familiar with that place and might be able to find someone quickly.However, Atlas had consistently refused his request.On our way back, I asked Atlas why he didn't want to let Loak return. He said it wasn't the right time, and Loak had been away for too long. He needed an opportune moment to return; otherwise, those people could be ruthless, and he feared for Loak's safety.We returned to Pleca Park at a very late hour, and I received some shocking news.Melanie had escaped from
I waited until it was late, but Adrian didn’t call me back. Exhausted, I lay down on the sofa and drifted off to sleep.When I woke up, it was already the next morning.One arm was tightly wrapped around me. I had no idea when Atlas had come back, but he must have carried me to bed.I didn't dare move when I saw him sleeping so peacefully. I just snuggled into his arms, thinking about Melanie.I wondered if she had gone to look for her son. It looked like I couldn't wait for Matthew to make up his mind. I had to take the child back to the Reese family.I was worried about Charlie’s safety. After all, Johnson wasn't his legal guardian. If Melanie tried to take the child, Myra wouldn’t be able to stop her. If that happened, Melanie might become extremely ruthless.I had to take him home sooner or later. Sending him back earlier would save Johnson and his wife from trouble.After all, if the child went back to the Reese family, Melanie wouldn't dare provoke them. She wouldn't dare
Michelle's sudden appearance startled me. Why was she here so early in the morning?After calling me, she nodded and bowed toward Atlas's car obsequiously.I closed the car door, looked at her, and asked, "What's the matter?""Oh… It’s nothing important. I was just thinking, and I might have gone too far. Nana instigated it all, and I said the wrong things. You’re the bigger person here, Chloe, so don’t…” She trailed off, trying to apologize.I glanced at her coldly, not wanting to engage, and said indifferently, "If you're sincere about your apology, then go back. I have things to do."After saying that, I walked toward the building.She followed me closely. "Won't you invite me into your office to chat, Chloe? I haven't been to your company yet.""I'm busy today. Sorry, I have no time to show you around." I refused decisively. Since she had come to apologize so early in the morning, she must have ulterior motives. I didn't have time to deal with her."Oh, come on, why are you