Suddenly, she burst into laughter, an unrestrained laugh that it sent shivers down my spine.I was utterly bewildered. "Ivanna, don't do this!"She laughed even more sinisterly, making me feel uneasy. I grabbed her and said, "Ivanna, stop laughing. Wake up, don't be like this, listen to me..."She abruptly shook off my hand and looked at me. "What's wrong? What should I listen to? I... I'm fine, I didn't do anything..."I stared at her in confusion, not understanding what she was saying.After a while, I finally processed her last few words.She didn’t do anything?I got angry and yelled, "Stop laughing and talk to me properly!"Seeing my expression, she realized I was genuinely upset. She suppressed her laughter and looked at me."I... I didn't do it. The baby is still here. I couldn't bear to do it. Chloe... I couldn't bear it." Her voice grew quieter as she spoke.Listening to her words, I stared at her dumbfounded before questioning, "Explain. What happened? Did you reall
She looked at me, utterly helpless. I knew she genuinely loved this man."But if you decide to give up without even talking to him, that’s a big problem, Ivanna. Do you understand?""But... This is too embarrassing!""You’re just two people in love who’ll have a child of your own. How is that embarrassing?" I asked.When I saw that she wasn’t arguing, I continued, "Jared can also judge your character based on this incident and your actions. He might choose not to be with you because you’re too self-centered or irrational. Do you understand? You’re torturing us."When she heard me say that, she suddenly became nervous and started glancing at me.She shook my shoulder and said, "Alright, don't be mad. I was wrong. Can't you forgive me? I’m just so frustrated! I feel like he doesn't care about me, and I'm afraid to ask for his opinion."She lowered her gaze and continued, "But when I was on the operating table, I couldn't bear to go through with the procedure. I want to keep this c
I couldn't help but glance at Oliver. I thought he was the kind of man who only realized what he was missing after he lost his partner. He probably wanted Lauren right now."What are we supposed to do now that you’re weak and sick? Why do you do this to yourself?" Lauren walked in briskly, pulled Ivanna along with her and said, "Hurry upstairs and lie down."I sniffed disapprovingly and said to Lauren, "There’s no need to blame me for this. Ask her about it yourself."Then, I turned to Oliver and said, "Please come in, Oliver. Why are you…”Before I could finish my sentence, Lauren said, "You should go now, Mr. Oliver. There's nothing here for you, and I'm safe. Don't worry. Thank you for escorting me back today. This is about us women, and there’s no need for you to stay. Please leave."Oliver awkwardly nodded and said to me, "Take care of her. I'm leaving."He turned and left. He seemed compliant.Lauren closed the door before the elevator even arrived.I bent down to pick
When Ivanna saw Lauren's dark expression, she nudged her shoulder and said, "Alright, don't be mad anymore. I didn't do anything, and I still have the baby.”With that sentence, Ivanna silenced Lauren completely.Lauren looked at us, her mouth agape in shock. Then she asked me, "Is that true?"I nodded solemnly. "She didn't go through with it. When she got on the operating table, she regretted it and called it off."Lauren was puzzled and asked me, "Didn't you go to the hospital to ask about this?"“I asked the medical assistant, but she didn't explain things clearly. She just said a patient named Ivanna had come in for an abortion and was done with it. I thought she had done it and had gone back, but the reality is... well, you can see what happened," I explained and chuckled.Lauren collapsed onto the sofa, looking utterly dejected. She lay there staring at the ceiling, seemingly without hope. After a while, she said, "Let's make some food. I haven't eaten all day. Every time I
At the supermarket, we bought a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.I quietly told Lauren, "I asked Atlas to find Jared."Relieved, Lauren nodded and said, "He’s the only one who can give her the answers she wants. It doesn’t matter how hard we try. It will all be in vain if Jared doesn’t come back. We won't be able to overcome this otherwise. Who knows? If she has another mood swing, she might create more trouble."I nodded in agreement and whispered, "Don't tell her about this. Don't give her any hope. It would be best if we could find Jared, but we shouldn’t disappoint her if we can’t. If Jared finds out about this and rushes back, it'll be a pleasant surprise for her."Lauren solemnly agreed.As we talked, we saw Ivanna waving at us. She pointed at a large durian and said, "Let's buy one of these to take home. I really want it."Lauren frowned and asked, "Are you sure you want to buy that? Aren't you afraid it’ll make the room smell?""Let's buy it. It tastes great, and
After our banter, I told Lauren about Liora, leaving her astonished. "Looks like Liora really is pushing her luck. She's reckless; do you think she might have hidden Melanie somewhere, or has she silenced her for good?""It’s not that extreme. Atlas says it's not time to deal with Melanie yet. Anyway, I’m sure she feels like she’s in prison, no matter where she is. Even if she is outside, she wouldn't dare show up anywhere.”Lauren sighed. "She’s made her own bed, and now she has to lie in it. Melanie’s definitely not a good person. She's just as bad as Liora."Talking about Liora reminded me of Stella. I told Lauren about Stella's situation, whispering, "I think Jared isn't with Trinity. But I can't figure out how Trinity got involved with Stella."I was willing to confide in Lauren about certain things, especially since she had considerable influence in Foswood. Knowing some insiders would help me greatly.Lauren looked at me and speculated, "I suspect there must be a business d
Lauren took a deep breath when we stepped out of the door. With a mischievous grin, she remarked, "My mission is finally accomplished! I can finally go home and get a good night's sleep. If I endure this any longer, I might get high blood pressure.""Oh my goodness, a volcano just erupted." I stuck out my tongue in response.Atlas reached for Ava, who widened her eyes in disbelief. She asked Atlas, "Daddy, what happened to Aunt Ivanna? Why is she yelling so loudly? I'm afraid. Is she going crazy?"Her question left us adults trying hard not to burst into laughter. Fortunately, the elevator arrived, and we quickly stepped inside.Ava, still studying Atlas's face, curiously inquired, "Daddy, why is she so angry? Did that man make a mistake?"Atlas smiled at Ava and explained, "Our little sweetheart is brilliant. Yes, that man made a mistake, and Aunt Ivanna doesn't want to forgive him, so she got mad."Ava looked astonished and said, "Will they fight if we leave? What if they keep
Atlas hugged me from behind. "My wife is really busy, huh?"I gave him a sidelong glance. "Tell me, how did you find Jared so quickly? Come clean! Don't try to deceive me."Atlas smirked. He said with pride, "I just used my brain a bit."I rolled my eyes at him disdainfully. "Are you always trying to brush me off? Huh?"His handsome face immediately turned serious. He quickly raised his hand as if taking an oath. "Darling, on my honor, how could I ever brush you off? Finding Jared did involve some thinking, or I wouldn't have had any information about him," he said earnestly. "If you hadn't given me the push, it might not have been so easy to locate him."The more he spoke, the more my curiosity was piqued. I turned around to face him. "Explain."Atlas took my hand, led me to the bed, and carried me onto it. He then crawled in, wrapping his arms around me. "First, I had Dylan check Jared's contacts for the cooperative base with us. Then, I traced his recent whereabouts, and he
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