After finishing the call with Atlas, I glanced at the precious stone and carefully placed it in the safe in my office.I didn’t care much for money, but I couldn't just leave a priceless gem that was worth billions lying on my desk, could I? To those who didn’t know, it was just an ugly rock that clashed with my office decor. To those who did know, it might seem like I was showing off.Honestly, I wished I could return it. Accepting such a valuable gift without reason didn't sit well with me.I looked at the small glass bottle, remembering Atlas's words. I hesitated for a moment, then placed it back in my bag. One thing was certain—it wasn't an ordinary item.At noon, we all went to the second floor of the building for our working lunch.In the evening, while at work, I happened to encounter Adelaide Mcclain.It wasn't a deliberate encounter, but a 'coincidental' one.Before that, Carol had come to my office and mentioned that the girl didn’t look as good as her resume. And I
When she heard my question, Hana casually mentioned a city's name. Before I could clearly hear which city it was, she smoothly changed the topic."I'll review the drawings again before my vacation and get everything ready in advance, Chloe. That's just how design work is. You can't let your mind idle even when you're away," Hana told me. "I might be on vacation, but my brain won’t be able to stop working.”I chuckled. "I know you're dedicated. You can take a longer break this time. I'll give you a month off.""Really?" Hana seemed genuinely surprised."Yes, really. Things will get busy afterward. Take this time to rest well and prepare for what's to come," I said, packing up my things.Just then, Ivanna called. Hana quickly gestured toward the door, picked up her belongings, and left my office.I answered. "You’re awake?""Yeah. I’m thinking about what to eat." Ivanna sounded relaxed, as if nothing had happened."You’ve reconciled with Jared, and you don’t even have a thank you
I understood Lauren was worried about embarrassing Jared."No worries. After all, you're the eldest. Some things are hard for Ivanna to say. You're the big sister of the family, and it's only natural to speak to him about it," I told Lauren."Alright, I'll see how it goes."We walked out together, and at the elevator, we saw Adelaide. She noticed me coming out and quickly put on her standard smile. "Ms. Chloe, are you also done for the day?"I nodded, and Lauren's eyes shifted to Adelaide. She asked casually, "Is she new here?"“Mhmm,” I responded without introducing them.We reached the underground garage and got into our respective cars. I headed straight to the club Theo chose.The location of this club made it convenient for me to return to Pleca Park. I didn't rush to get out of the car. Instead, I called Atlas, and he answered promptly. "Honey!""Are you going with Jared later?" I asked directly. "I noticed that the place I'm going to is closer to Pleca Park, so let's j
I was puzzled and asked, "So what happened next?""I had no choice but to make do with what I could. I rang their neighbor's doorbell to ask them. However, the neighbors wouldn't give a straight answer either. They just asked who I was. “Even though I explained that I knew Beatrice, they still claimed to be unaware of their family and asked me to check with someone else."But seeing them being evasive, I knew something was amiss. Finally, I asked an older security guard in the neighborhood and got this information. But I got kicked out of the neighborhood eventually." Theo laughed awkwardly."Kicked out? Why?" I asked Theo."Why? The Chandler family reported me!" He sighed helplessly."I couldn't find out more and didn't dare approach that security guard again. I was afraid it might harm him, and it's not easy for someone his age to find a job.""How did you think of asking the guard?" Edith asked."Oh, about that. Since the neighbors couldn't help, I wandered around the yar
We had a great time chatting, but Beatrice's situation weighed heavily on me.It was always a joyful time when we were together. She always had my back and followed me everywhere. Besides Ryan, who cared for me like a big brother, Beatrice was my closest friend.Ivanna only became closer to me after we graduated and I started my business.I never thought Beatrice would end up in a mental institution. We all sighed with a sense of regret.They also brought up Matthew, since his case was about to go to trial and had received much attention recently.However, I kept silent about helping him with the lawsuit. Sometimes, it was better to keep certain things to myself.When I was about to leave with a few classmates, Atlas called me. Since they hadn't finished yet, I went straight to their place.Upon entering, I saw Ivanna cuddling with Jared.Lauren was happy to see me and said to Atlas, "Mr. Atlas, keep me in mind before you go back and cuddle with your wife."Ivanna scoffed, lau
Lauren frowned, then suddenly clapped her hands. "I remember now! If I'm not mistaken, when he was driving for Wesley, he had some issues and seemed to have been in trouble."I immediately questioned Lauren, "Trouble?""Yes, and he even scrapped cars in the city. The case was quite sensational then, but it eventually faded away. If you hadn't mentioned him, I would’ve forgotten. But I remember his name very clearly. It's Nicholas Mcclain," Lauren affirmed.Then she looked at me and said, "So, what's the matter? Are you saying that girl is his niece? Can you believe people still pull strings to get into a company? Trying to use connections to walk in through the back door."Lauren wore a disdainful expression. "No wonder when I saw her, you didn't even respond when I asked.""I don't like this kind of thing. When Nicholas came, he kept mentioning Arthur, so I had to show him some respect. Besides, it's not a big deal for someone to join the company," I explained.Not many people
Atlas noticed my unusual expression and turned to look at me, extending his hand to grasp mine. He asked with concern, "What's wrong?"I glanced at him and turned my head again, realizing Melvern had disappeared.Turning back, I wrapped my arm around Atlas's, saying, "It's nothing, let's go."Atlas took a quick look in the direction I had been staring, then pulled me closer to him as we walked toward the elevator, where the three of them were waiting.We quickly entered the elevator, heading downstairs. Before getting into the car, he quietly instructed Dylan about something, and Dylan drove my car away.After getting into Atlas's car, he asked me again, "What happened just now?"I looked at Atlas and said, "I've had a lingering question, but I figured out what it was."Atlas immediately asked, "What question?"I told him, "When Melvern first came to my company, he used the Rivendell project to test me.""And then?" Atlas looked at me, curious."That's where it gets fishy. Th
I quickly said to him, "Don't look at me like that. I'm being serious."Atlas smirked. "Well, that depends on your performance!"I immediately straightened up, looking at him. "Have you gone bad now?"As I spoke, the car arrived at the entrance of our home. Atlas exited the car, picked me up, and carried me into the house.But to our surprise, as soon as we entered the living room, we heard the excited screams of the kids. He quickly put me down.I couldn't help but find it amusing that he looked a little embarrassed. He gestured to me to be quiet.Then, he took my hand and walked into the living room.To our astonishment, everyone was there. Ava rushed over enthusiastically when she saw us. "Didn't you say you wouldn't be back? Why are you here? Did you miss us?"Atlas raised an eyebrow and said, "It was too quiet over there.""Of course! That’s why you should come home every day," She pouted.Ava held Atlas's hand. "Daddy, I messed up some crafts, can you help me?""Sure