To be honest, I would have contacted Archie on my own even if Atlas hadn’t told me that.I could tell he was thrilled while we were on the phone. He insisted that Ardie would come pick me up and we should have dinner together.After hanging up, Grayson said, "I knew it would be like this, so I didn't bother making any dinner plans for you. Ryan and I have a meeting, so we won't be taking you out. ""Suit yourselves," I playfully retorted. "I'm at the mercy of everyone else. People with families are different."Ryan immediately snorted and said, "Easy on the boasting, and be mindful of your influence on everyone else. We're working hard for you, but you’re enjoying your life out there.”I quickly retorted, "Hold on, I'm not stopping you from having your own life or family time. I'm just setting an example, you know? Good work comes from a good family. Balancing work and family is the key to success. And you, it's time to think about marrying Joyce. Both your parents have met each o
I smiled awkwardly, saying, "How could that be, Dad? I’m here to see you now, aren’t I?”Ardie, who was holding the basket of fruit, chimed in. "These are some fruit she bought for you from Foswood.""We picked those from the orchard in Pleca Park last night." I quickly added, "Ava personally picked them for you.""Oh?" Archie looked delighted. "Get them to wash this for me, I'll try them. Is that mischievous little girl doing alright?""She's doing great. I'll bring her to see you next time." I said to Archie. They really liked Ava, especially because of her mischievous charm."You should come sooner. The winter weather in Solaris is terrible. This season is just right."He then asked me, "How's the company doing over here?""Everything’s going well. Atlas has entrusted it to some reliable people, so I don't need to come over so often. The operations here have been well-organized, and Atlas always tells me to keep a low profile,” I said that to reassure him.He nodded. "Hmm, t
After having dinner, Ardie drove me to Dominic’s place.When I knocked on their door, the one who opened it was the caretaker, Shirley. I had recommended her to them.I felt relieved. Shirley was surprised to see me and quickly ushered me inside.As I stepped into the house, both Dominic and Sally were visibly taken aback. Sally finally slapped her thigh and said, "Oh my. It's Ms. Chloe. Why are you here?"I quickly placed the fruits I brought in front of them, and said, "I actually wanted to come earlier, but there had been some incidents, so it got postponed to today."Then I looked her up and down, asking, "Are you okay now? You're looking good.""Oh. Thanks to you, Ms. Chloe, otherwise, I'm afraid I..." She choked up.Dominic lowered his gaze.I hurriedly sat beside Sally, held her hand, and said with a smile, "It’s your own good fortune. I'm so happy to see you recovering."She looked at me with gratitude, then turned to Ardie, who had come in with me, "And who is this.
Atlas never mentioned this matter to me. I was sure he knew about this.I took the opportunity to ask Dominic many questions, and he promised to visit Bourdamun soon. I even invited Sally to join us.After all, winter was approaching in Solaris, and it would be a test for Sally's health.Our conversation went on late into the night, and as we parted ways, we agreed to meet in Foswood.On the way back, Ardie said to me, "I didn't expect your business to become this big. It really impresses me."I smiled wryly and said, "Didn't you hear what Dominic said about the crisis involved?"Ardie dismissively said, "Ah, what are you afraid of? With someone behind you who can strategize things, you can rest easy, right?"His words did ease my mind, and I said, "If it weren't for Atlas, I really wouldn't have the confidence to do this. Ardie, do you think I might hold him back?"Honestly, this concern had always been on my mind.Ardie chuckled as he drove. "That just means you don't know h
I thought that this question seemed a bit tricky to answer.In my understanding, my membership in the Beringer family was the result of Atlas's mediation, which was not explicitly stated.Seeing that I didn't answer, Ardie smiled gently. "Are you thinking this is a result of Atlas's intervention?"I felt a bit awkward and asked, "Isn't it?"Unexpectedly, Ardie nodded confidently. "Yes, indeed, it is because of Atlas's influence. However, it was something agreed upon a long time ago.""A long time ago?" I was even more surprised.He drove slowly, and the night scene in Solaris was spectacular, with bustling streets and dazzling neon lights.The passing neon lights reflected on Ardie's face, making him look more handsome.In a warm tone, he continued, "We all advised him to move on and believed that even if he found you, the chances of you having changed were too high. After all, you must’ve gotten married and had children. It was impossible for you to be the Stella from before."
While we were talking, Atlas's call came in. He said a few words to me and then started talking to Archie.Archie just listened, and it seemed Atlas was discussing business with him. I didn't disturb him and quietly moved aside.After hanging up the phone, Archie didn't tell me what he discussed with Atlas. I didn't want to inquire either.Worried that I might be tired, he took me to a room on the second floor, which had been prepared in advance. The room was stocked with items for a girl, instantly warming my heart."This was prepared for you since the last time you said you would come. Finally, its master has arrived,” Archie said with a smile, not at all like someone in such a high position but more like a kind father.How did I become a part of the Beringer family? This was something I could never have dreamed of, but it happened to me.And I knew all this was because Atlas loved me, and he alone brought me all of this."Chloe, get some rest. After a day of running around, y
I turned around and saw a fully disguised woman standing not far from our car, looking at me. I was unsure if she was calling me, so I glanced around, but there was no one else.Ardie also turned around to look. The woman immediately took off her mask and sunglasses. It was Poppy.Mask, hat, big sunglasses. That was the standard attire for a celebrity. I had completely forgotten about it.I didn't expect to meet her here. I chuckled lightly and said, "Poppy?"She immediately walked over enthusiastically, "Oh, what a coincidence to bump into you here. You’re in Solaris, too?"She asked me while glancing at Ardie.I looked at her indifferently and said, "Yes, I'm here for some business.""I really didn't expect this. I thought I was seeing things." Poppy was enthusiastic, occasionally glancing at Ardie.Seeing my indifferent attitude, Ardie didn't introduce himself, knowing that I didn't have a favorable impression of her. He whispered, "I'll wait for you in the car."Then he we
My heart tightened abruptly. I thought to myself that fate really had a twisted sense of humor. Hugo and I had managed to cross paths so unexpectedly in the vast city of Solaris, of all places.Four or five years had passed, but he was still the same. He wore a sinister expression that masked itself with a smiling facade, like a tiger with a deceptive grin.But suddenly, he dropped the mask, revealing his true colors.I maintained my composure and looked at him coolly.Ardie sensed that something was amiss and glanced at me. "What's wrong?""Nothing," I replied indifferently.Hugo suddenly smirked maliciously, "What do you mean, 'nothing’? Looks like you’re still very composed after repeatedly meddling in my affairs. ‘Nothing’? You're very confident, Ms. Chloe. What gave you the audacity to do all this?"I looked at him with a cold smile on my face. "You’re involved in all sorts of shady dealings. Of course I’m confident in what I do."I had never been one to mince words, espec