Lauren immediately replied, "ATL Empire."She had been at ATL Empire, learning from the master Atlas had arranged for her and handling some public relations cases. She was diligent, working from early morning to late at night, and it was said that she made significant progress.The key was her solid foundation. In the upper circles of Foswood, especially in interpersonal relationships, she was practically a master."What is it?" She seemed to be busy while speaking."Go to the restaurant across the street and order some food. Ivanna hasn't eaten anything for most of the day. Oh, try to make it light... well, make it nutritious." I felt like I was speaking incoherently."Isn't she in Bourdamun? She's back?”"Yeah, we'll talk when we meet. Hurry up!" I emphasized and hung up.Ivanna adjusted her body, leaning into the sofa in a state of relaxation. "Aren't you busy? If you're busy, do your thing. I'm fine. At worst, I'll start over."She said this and looked at me with a wry smil
When we saw the expression on Ivanna’s face, both Lauren and I sensed that she had something on her mind.In truth, the two of us knew exactly what she was going to say."I don't want this baby!" Ivanna said through gritted teeth, her words sharp. "I spent the whole night thinking about it.""You're being unreasonable," I retorted, a tinge of irritation in my voice. "Don't act impulsively. We're not kids anymore, so you need to face the situation head-on. You can't be reckless."Lauren fixed her gaze on Ivanna as well. "I agree. You need to discuss this with Jared.""I can't even find him! How can I discuss anything with him?" Ivanna was getting caught up in her frustration."Ivanna, please be rational. Given the current circumstances, he can't be with you all the time, even when he's in Foswood." I said harshly.Lauren pulled me aside, offering me a comforting look before gently trying to persuade Ivanna to see reason. "You really need to think carefully about this, Ivanna. Don
My stubbornness surged. This was the first time Ivanna and I had disagreed."Do you know why I’m saying this?" I asked Ivanna, looking straight at her. "I'm not trying to please you. I think Jared and Trinity don’t suit each other because they’re too similar. There’s no real love between them. It’s more of a sense of understanding, a familial bond, or a sense of duty."So, I genuinely hope you and Jared make it to the end. I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart. I would say that even in front of Trinity."Ivanna looked at my face and lowered her gaze.I softened my tone. I knew she was at her most vulnerable now."I talked about this with Atlas once. He told me not to dwell on it because everyone in this world has a love that belongs only to them. You only get a chance to encounter the right love if you part with the wrong one. That's why I advised you to wait."Lauren quickly interjected, "You should tone it down a bit, Chloe."Then she turned to Ivanna and continued to co
I remained in low spirits even after I saw Atlas.He noticed immediately and pulled me into his arms. He looked down at my face in concern and asked, "What's wrong? Why do you look so down?”I glanced at him and said, "Can you reach Jared?""I still can't reach him. What's going on?"I explained Ivanna's situation to him. "Find a way to contact Jared. Tell him about this situation. It wasn’t right for him to just leave without a word, especially with Ivanna in this state. I can totally understand why she reacted that way," I complained to Atlas in a displeased tone.He nodded. "I’ll let you know the minute I get any news from him. But it looks like you can’t stop letting someone else’s business affect your mood, huh?"I didn't like the way he said that. I reproached him coldly, "Is this just someone else’ business? Is Ivanna just a random person to me? She’s worried about me for many years. I can’t just stand by and do nothing about her situation!"I was upset as I thought about
The private room regained its tranquility, and as I looked at Atlas, I suddenly burst into laughter.I leaned in toward his face curiously with a mischievous expression. "Seems like your looks are getting you into trouble everywhere. Fangirls are chasing after you all over the place."He looked at me seriously. "Don't you feel threatened? How are you still so relaxed? Have you lost your mind, Chlo?"I squinted my eyes, carefully scrutinizing him, then said a little irritably, "I've gotten used to being at odds with women all over the world. Why should I feel threatened? I’m sure I’ll be besieged by your fangirls sooner or later."He suddenly pulled me into his embrace. "I’ll see who dares make an enemy of my woman. They must have a death wish."I laughed, falling into his embrace as all my gloominess disappeared. Atlas kissed me passionately and eagerly.After a long time, he said, "Stop being so down. It's better to solve problems with a smile. I'll try to contact Jared as soon
When she heard my question, Myra fell silent for a moment. I could tell that she must be feeling a little sad.After a brief pause, she sighed. "Well... you're right. But still, he has family. He's a treasure, and no matter how good he is with me, it's not the same as living with his own family. Blood is thicker than water, after all." I could hear the helplessness in her voice. "That's right. Talk about it with Johnson and consider having a second child soon maybe," I said softly, "Don't worry; your burden will only get lighter, and you’ll do well with Johnson in the future."I intentionally hinted at something with my words. Since Johnson had turned over a new leaf and passed the test of time, I believed he was someone worth trusting. It was clear that he could handle things on his own, especially after Matthew's incident. He had been Matthew's right hand, but he was no longer as important after Melanie joined the company.I had plans for his future.I was confident that Myra c
I boldly voiced my speculation. "Don't tell me you guys orchestrated Melanie's escape?"Atlas immediately shook his head. "No, but we did leverage the relationship between Liora and Felix, that's for sure."I stared at Atlas, dumbfounded. He was overly modest if this was not their deal."How did you pull it off?" I asked, incredulous, while munching on food.A hint of tenderness glinted in Atlas's eyes as he smiled."I had Liora and Felix's relationship thoroughly investigated by Grayson long ago. It wasn't part of our arrangement, but we used their connection."Suddenly, I remembered Grayson mentioning it to me. "Grayson told me that he had checked in on Felix and Liora. Was it because of Melanie's confession? I said I'd have a good chat with Grayson tonight.""I had investigated Melanie's confession because Liora always acted like she had insider information. I looked into it, and sure enough, information came from inside.""You noticed Liora's behavior back then?" I was tr
I gazed at Atlas's handsome profile, feeling like I was falling in love all over again."I finally understand why Liora has been keeping a low profile lately." I smiled contentedly."Yeah, because she's lost her confidence. After Melvern cut off the funding, Liora's plans took a major hit. She feels the crisis and wants to liquidate her remaining assets as quickly as possible. What else does she have left?" Atlas chuckled, his smile charming."She only has Ardora left.""Exactly! She intended to hand Ardora over to Melvern, but he refused. However, Melvern did release his shares, all because Liora threatened him. If he didn't comply, she would attract more funds and dilute his ownership.""Liora completely manipulated Matthew and Melanie. They walked right into this mess themselves," I said."Once Matthew got caught in Liora's trap, he lost all autonomy. That's why he handed over Muborough to Melanie to manage. Melanie was the one acting out and disrupting their peaceful lives. S
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