After hearing Anson's words, I was startled and looked at Atlas, but refrained from questioning him in front of Anson.Atlas nonchalantly said, "There's no rush. I'm waiting for the right opportunity. I'm thinking of making a trip to Yare first."Anson's eyes narrowed noticeably. He quickly scanned me, then calmly looked at Atlas. "Are you suggesting that you need to check out the Avila family first?""The Avila family has involved someone they shouldn't have. I need to pay them a visit," Atlas spoke with depth and meaning.I understood the implication behind Atlas's words, especially since the Avila family was directly related to me.And the person they shouldn't have involved was my doppelganger."Sounds good." Anson nodded and put down his spoon.Atlas wiped his mouth with a napkin and said, "Besides, I have some business to discuss with the Avila family."Anson didn't seem too interested and didn't ask Atlas anything more about it.I had finished eating a while ago, and an
I pondered momentarily before speaking. "I don't advocate for a merger, at least not at the moment.""Why not?" Atlas asked seriously.I shared my thoughts and reasons.He looked at me, nodding approvingly. He pulled me closer and kissed my forehead, exuding a sense of satisfaction."Great minds think alike. You're right. This isn’t the right time for a merger. While Tanum has opened up opportunities, it lacks successful cases to support Hartz Group. And the foundation behind Hartz Group won’t suit an alignment with Tanum. It needs to operate in a low-key way, so merging isn't the right move for now."His words made it clear that Hartz Group did have a foundation backed by Atlas. He must have injected many resources into it and used his connections discreetly."And the future doesn't necessarily require a merger. They can each flourish and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses and connect in a different way, for instance, through cooperation. Hartz Group can maintain i
Atlas looked at my stubborn expression and finally replaced it with a smile, affectionately saying, "You get to decide. I’ll respect your decisions.""Well, it depends on the nature of the matter. If I make a mistake, you should still make things clear to me. I'm not unreasonable, and I don't want you to just indulge me. What if my decision turns out to be wrong?"He teased, "You realize I do indulge you, right?"I gave him a stern look, "I’m being serious, Atlas. Stop fooling around. I'm not blind to your kindness."He immediately dropped the playful expression, adopting a serious tone, but there was still a hint of indulgence in his eyes. "Your opinion is always right. Even if it's wrong, we'll go along with it. We can always start over.""But some things can't be started over," I stubbornly insisted.He smiled and hugged me, saying tenderly, "You're so smart. You’re always thinking about the bigger picture and striving for good. What harm can come from a little mistake?"I ro
Eleanor continued, "Tobshampton Group is no longer what it used to be, and Tanum is certainly not the same Tanum anymore. The current state of Tobshampton Group could tarnish Tanum's high-quality corporate image."I chuckled and said, "They clearly lost someone exceptional after you left. I’m not surprised they declined. It just proves my knack for recognizing talent. Their troubles today were caused by the pits they dug for themselves."Eleanor shook her head. "It's not just about me. The key is their management flaws. The company's situation is rapidly deteriorating and even the boss's wife is getting involved. From what I've gathered, there have been several quality issues recently, and their industry reputation is very poor."I knew Eleanor was downplaying it. Even a pig could figure out what issues the Tobshampton Group had faced after Eleanor left. I had confirmed this when I poached Eleanor. Eleanor had been in the market for many years. Her vision had matured, and when Tob
A solemn expression replaced the smile on his face, and he shook his head gently. "Chloe, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I came because I was afraid you'd be anxious, and I wanted to update you on this matter. During my recent trip to Gerby, time was tight, and I found no trace of her. I had to start from scratch.""I'm sorry for the trouble," I replied with a hint of disappointment."Don't say that. We were all classmates," Theo responded."I went to the four high schools in their city and finally found some information about her. I only learned the basics of her situation. After all, she's been away from school for too long. They also mentioned that there's been no news of Beatrice in recent years." He shook his head and added, "But I can't shake the feeling that the situation is not optimistic."Surprised, I asked, "Why do you say that?"Theo straightened up. "I asked a hotel attendant about their address. The attendant said that those living in that area are mostly wealthy p
I did find it quite unusual."Well, I appreciate your efforts," I said apologetically."This time, it was a matter of time constraints. I was afraid you'd be anxious, thinking I was not getting things done. So, I had to come and see you first." Theo chuckled.I smiled and quickly replied, "That's true. After all, we're old classmates, both here in Foswood. It's strange how we've grown so distant. How would I have found you guys if I hadn't run into Michelle?""Hey, we've actually been keeping an eye on you recently! But..." Theo hesitated."That's normal. The situation between me and Matthew has caused quite a stir in the city," I awkwardly laughed.Not wanting to dwell on the topic of Matthew, I changed the subject. "Beatrice's situation does seem a bit suspicious.""At least we found her address. It's just a matter of time before we get some information. You can rest assured. I'll continue investigating the next time I go," Theo assured me.Perhaps he sensed that I was deeply
"Chloe, I can tell you're sincere. Otherwise, why would we promise to treat you to a meal? You won't look down on us no matter what we eat, even if it's just pickles. That's the Chloe we know."Theo spoke with a hint of excitement."Of course not! Haven't you seen me during the early days of my startup? In today's market, it's all about networking. That's how you get things done. What's there to look down on?" I replied in a relaxed tone. Theo's sincerity had won me over."You're someone who speaks the truth and gets things done. That's precisely what we appreciate about you. In the hearts of our classmates, you've always been like a goddess."I smiled contentedly. "Really?""Yes! It's a pity things turned out this way between you and Matthew. If only it had worked out differently," he said with a touch of regret. "Among our classmates, you two getting together, and this being the result... well!"Theo seemed hesitant, as if afraid to touch on a sensitive topic."In fact, I us
"As long as it's not someone like Michelle," I said, laughing with a hint of distress. "You have no idea! She's been blocking me downstairs daily, and I have no clue what she's up to.""Michelle does give off a vibe to avoid. You better keep your distance. Having her fixate on you can't lead to anything good." With that, Theo stood up. "Chloe, I'll take my leave. Call me when you're back, and I'll arrange everything. Don't worry, they're all proper people.""Are you really leaving?" I reluctantly stood up, feeling a bit unfulfilled.Theo replied, "We'll have a proper chat when you're back. I won't waste your work time."I escorted him to the elevator, and we agreed to meet again when he returned to the capital. It seemed that Theo was indeed a person who got things done, was straightforward, and had depth.After seeing Theo off, I called in Carol to ask about Michelle's visit in the morning.Carol confirmed that she did come to visit the company. She stayed until everyone went
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