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
I remained composed as my loving husband stayed by my side every step of the way.He had been a little harsh sometimes, but right now he was even more composed than I was.An additional lawyer appeared at the prosecution bench. That must be the result of Melvern's efforts.The trial officially began.After presenting the details of the case, both sides submitted their evidence. Adrian played a crucial role, maintaining a steady momentum, articulating logical arguments, and seizing every opportunity with compelling evidence.The opposing side also had strong evidence. Several project managers from Ardora testified.Johnson, who was standing beside me, clenched his fists in frustration. He whispered, "Those guys changed their stance. They promised not to testify, and now they're here. How could they be so hypocritical?"There was no need to guess. It must be because of Liora.I scanned the courtroom and saw a fully armed Liora in a corner. Her arm was still not healed. It was wra
We spent an excruciatingly long time waiting for the verdict. Atlas kept holding my hand, radiating endless warmth.We exchanged knowing smiles, his composure infecting me.The others in the courtroom whispered as we waited for the verdict, but the consensus leaned towards acquittal.Finally, the judge and his team returned to the bench, silencing the room below.The final verdict was announced. Matthew was acquitted on the spot.Once the judge made the announcement, Matthew slumped into the chair behind him, hands covering his face.Johnson rushed over, and they spontaneously embraced.Matthew turned to look back at me. His face was pallid and his eyes still showed traces of confusion. I smiled effortlessly, and he grinned back. Then, he thanked Adrian and others.Atlas, my entourage, and I rose together and headed out.Glancing back, I saw that Liora and Melvern’s seats were empty.Everything was settled.We passed through the thick crowd outside the courthouse, heading ba
Carol looked at Grayson and asked, "Where did you go? Why are you acting all high and mighty? And why didn’t you show up for such a big trial?"She looked at Grayson with a teasing smile.I knew that Carol always had a soft spot for Grayson, but he played dumb and pretended not to know.Grayson walked in with a smile on his face, looking at us. "I know the outcome of the trial. Why bother going there with all the commotion? I have more important things to take care of."He placed a few sheets of paper in front of me. "Ms. Chloe, take a look at this."I quickly reached out and took the papers, glancing at them. After just a few moments, I started feeling uneasy.The information in my hands was shocking, and I raised the papers, asking, "Is he really connected to Bermuda?"Grayson raised an eyebrow. "That's why his money can't be traced!""I didn't expect this!" I muttered. "It's no wonder he's been so generous!"A mischievous smile appeared on Grayson's handsome face. "How ab
I chuckled and said to Grayson, "Looks like you've settled in well. Your attitude and the way you handle people make it seem like they're your family. Did you forget you're just an outsider here?"Grayson and Carol both blushed at my comment, displaying an unexpected level of understanding between them.But Grayson quickly covered it up. "I wouldn't dare treat your people as my own. Haha, please forgive me, Ms. Carol. I just found out this coffee is freshly ground, and it’s exquisite.""Carol doesn't show this courtesy to just anyone, you know," I remarked, making up an excuse.Carol immediately shot me a glance, reacting quickly. "It's because you're one of Ms. Chloe's most trusted men. How could I dare be disrespectful?"Grayson quickly begged for mercy. "I won't dare boss your people around next time.""I won't make coffee for you," I said disdainfully. I returned to the main topic, asking, "Do you think he can hold his ground?"After taking a big sip of coffee and rubbing hi
Carol returned quickly, and the coffee was still piping hot.She glanced at me and asked, "Do you want a cup, Chlo?"I chuckled. "It’s alright, let him have it. He deserves it."Carol cast a sneaky glance at Grayson.Turning back to him, I continued, "With this information, his move to Foswood is nothing but trouble. As soon as he takes action, he'll be caught. It's just a matter of time."Grayson handed me a few more papers. "This is the information you wanted about—"Before Grayson could finish, Lauren's voice came from the door. "Why are you just standing here? Come inside! What's with the sneaky behavior?"All three of us in the office turned our heads to the door, and we saw Lauren pushing the door open, looking displeased.Standing next to her was none other than Adelaide.My gaze fixated on Adelaide's face, silent but coldly observing. Adelaide looked embarrassed with an awkward smile. She glanced at me, explaining hesitantly, "I-I wanted to ask Ms. Chloe if she neede
I responded, "Someone brought her in. By the way, can you look into Nicholas's case? Why did it end up unresolved? What exactly happened?""Nicholas Mcclain?" Grayson asked back.Before I could answer, Lauren chimed in, "Yes, that Nicholas. He used to be Arthur's secretary's driver. Later, he got into trouble and even got into a massive car accident."This guy went to prison for a while, and later it all fizzled out. We don't even know when he was released from prison. Check how he got out and what he's up to now."Lauren said exactly what I had in mind."Sure thing, no problem," Grayson replied.After discussing this, I lowered my head to look at the documents in my hands, only to discover that this was the real information about Beatrice.Surprised, I asked Grayson, "Did you really manage to find information on Beatrice so quickly? Your speed is impressive."I have to admit that I truly admire my subordinate. Atlas sent me an efficient assistant.Grayson cryptically said, "L
Grayson nodded at Lauren."When we investigated, their classmates revealed that Byron's family had some issues. Helen, without any hesitation, helped Byron out of the predicament. That's how Byron and Helen began their romance."Lauren shook her head in resignation. "If this were a soap opera, Helen would be the target.""You're right. Their relationship planted the evil seed within Jocelyn. Just as they started dating, Jocelyn started to alienate Helen."Later, unable to resist the allure of Helen's fashionable lifestyle, Jocelyn reconciled with her. Helen isn't stingy and would give Jocelyn everything. I mean, look at her. Her family runs Keller's Dairy. Everyone grew up with their milk.""Byron knew how to play his cards right," Lauren said."But he set a trap for the next generation," I commented.Grayson nodded. "Byron, who also liked Jocelyn, chose Helen. However, things didn't go as smoothly as Byron hoped. Their relationship faced strong opposition from Helen's family. A
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