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
I dialed the number, and Fred answered immediately. "Ms. Chloe. Are you in Solaris?""Yeah.""Let's meet up. How long are you staying here?" Fred asked eagerly."I have to go back tomorrow morning. We need to meet, and we have... two hours." I checked the time and added, "You can come to my location. We can meet at a coffee shop.""Send me your location, I'll be right there. I’m heading down now," Fred said before ending the call.I sent him my location.Grayson entered my office and asked, "Are you leaving, Chloe?""I have some other business to attend to tonight, so I'll leave tomorrow morning. Can you book a flight for me around 10 am tomorrow?" Grayson served as my assistant here.I nodded, "Noon will be fine too. I have to do something with Ava in the afternoon, and I can't be late, or she'll give me a hard time."Grayson promptly went to make the arrangements.Ryan stayed to join the project's follow-up work planning meeting.Half an hour later, Fred appeared in the co
I looked at Fred and had to interrupt him.I continued apologetically, "To be honest with you, Hartz has established a foothold in Solaris. My projects in Foswood with Tanum are going smoothly, and the several projects I have on hand are very substantial. I had initially planned to work alongside you, but..."I glanced at him, feeling a little reluctant, but there were certain things that needed to be addressed."As you know, I don't want to be constantly surrounded by invisible crises. If my projects are affected by your issues with Hugo, I won't be able to explain myself. Do you understand?" I stared directly at Fred.His pale face was filled with pain, and his forehead was covered in fine sweat.He was only in his forties, but he looked older than his peers.In fact, he was an outstanding man who was fully dedicated to his career. The development and research of steel windows had placed him at the forefront of the industry. But his home was in turmoil because of his half-broth
He contemplated for a moment, but before he could respond, a call from Ardie came in, informing me that he was on his way to pick me up.With that, Fred and I had to conclude our conversation. We walked out of the coffee shop together, and he extended his hand toward me, his tone now more affirmative. "I'll make the arrangements and visit Foswood soon. We can talk more then.""Great, I'll be waiting for you in Foswood. We were kind of in a rush today," I responded.As we came downstairs, Ardie arrived.I asked Grayson to bring down my bag and told him to investigate Fred's situation thoroughly. After all, this issue with the windows was significant. I couldn't afford to overlook any hidden dangers with Urban Builders; otherwise, everything could be compromised, posing a danger to the project.I secretly felt fortunate that I met Fred today, which had allowed me to discover the ongoing internal struggle within his company that had not yet subsided.In the car, Ardie said, "Arnold
I was thoroughly amused by their quirky reasoning and almost breathless from laughter.Arnold was so excited that he seemed ready to fly back immediately."So, when are you coming back?" I asked, as I managed to regain control of myself.I knew he was coming back to take over the business this time, as he had talked about ending things on that end. Arnold had declared that he wouldn’t leave again after he came back, since Grandma Rose was getting old and needed to retire."You can call me anytime. You just need to say, 'Little bro, I need you back now.' and I'll rush straight to the airport." He imitated a girl's voice mischievously, like a big kid.I chuckled and corrected him, "I'm your sister.""Okay, sis." After addressing me sweetly, he complained, "What's the point of being a sister? That’s such a silly title."I bit my lip, and suddenly, Arnold said, "By the way, I heard Denton’s coming back to the country too."That caught me off guard, and I immediately suppressed my l
Ardie nodded, speaking gently, "Yeah. He was always taken care of by our grandmother. At the time, she had to run the business while taking care of him, which was quite tough.""She is really capable. Ardie, Grandma Rose is my idol. The first time I saw her, I wanted to get close to her," I said without hiding my admiration."Yeah. Grandma is great. Because Arnold was small, we always pampered him. He still does whatever he wants now.""Arnold is very clever. He's very wise when judging people and situations. In the future, he should be a good successor." I praised."Our family business is already well-established, and there haven't been any major setbacks. Even if he continues like this, it's enough for him to enjoy." Ardie explained."But actually, he has good business acumen. Although he's not as steady as Atlas, who plans and executes meticulously, he has a discerning eye. Do you know what he likes?" Ardie looked at me and asked.I was curious, "What does he like?""He likes
When we entered the courtyard, I discovered it was surprisingly large and elegantly designed. Despite its appearance from the outside, the courtyard inside resembled a palace. It was complete with pavilions, towers, and gardens.I whispered to Ardie, "This place is so beautiful, like a palace."His eyes lit up as he looked at me. "You're smart. This was originally a palace that was purchased by someone who treated it as a cultural relic. He spent a considerable amount each year to preserve its beauty."I sighed, "No wonder it's so beautiful. The preservation efforts are impressive."Ardie chuckled. "Exactly. This place is not open to the public. Very few people can enter."This made me even more careful, following him closely and observing every detail. After all, who knew if I would have the chance to come here again?Ardie led me to a small courtyard within the larger compound, and the interior decoration perfectly matched the overall style of the courtyard.As we entered a ro
Mr. Gordon waved at me and didn't say much, indicating that I should sit beside him."May I check your pulse?" Mr. Gordon asked.Perplexed, I looked at the old man. He nodded persistently and pointed to the chair, insisting on examining my pulse.Jason quickly said to me, "Mr. Gordon is a divine doctor. You better let him check you out. He rarely comes out of seclusion. We need to wait until someone declares giving up treatment before we can ask for his examination. Girl, you're blessed. Even Mr. Gordon favors you."Upon Jason's introduction, I learned that Gordon was a doctor. If he was called a divine doctor, his medical skills must be exceptional.I didn’t want to be rude, so I sat in front of him, placing my hands on the table in front of him.Without a word, he extended his hand, lightly placing his fingers on my pulse and silently observing my face.The others quickly sat down while keeping their voices down, afraid of disturbing Gordon.Feeling nervous, I wondered why Go
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