I knew several of the Murphy family's properties had been sealed, and Matthew was homeless.John understood what I was asking and immediately responded, "He’s been renting a small house for now. He says he doesn't care about any other property. He just wants to reclaim the small house you two used to live in."A wry smile twitched at the corner of my mouth. I silently sighed at his realization that had come too late."I’m hanging up." I told John.Laurie realized it was John on the phone, so she turned to me and asked, "What's going on?""Let's go back to the company. We'll talk in the car," I said. In truth, I felt uneasy.Matthew had regained his freedom, but seeing him in a predicament like this worried me.I was concerned that Matthew would have a hard time in the future. He was like a giant baby who refused to grow up. Once he calmed down, he would regret this if he still had a conscience.I explained John’s intentions to Laurie. She glanced at me, and I could tell what sh
Atticus walked to my office and sat across from me."Have you been in Foswood all this time?" I asked. I knew he hadn’t attended the court session today, but I was sure he had some representatives there."Yeah," he responded lightly, "You changed the strategy?"I knew he was asking about the court trial."Melvern Sunny stepped in for her, so we could only resolve the issue with Matthew, though it may not benefit her," I said. "You were right. Melvern is coming for you!""He's afraid I'll break free," Atticus pointed out."But Liora has already been cast aside. I just received accurate information this morning that Melvern's source of funds is unclean, so it looks like he’s adopting a two-pronged approach. Atlas has promised to support you wholeheartedly, too,” I didn't hide Atlas’s meaning.Atticus's eyes brightened."Please thank him for me," Atticus said politely."Melvern hasn't found the best way to deal with you yet. Otherwise, he wouldn't hesitate to let go of Liora. But
It seemed like a great show was about to begin.But I had already decided to stay out of it and watch this time.After work, John came in, which I had expected because I knew he had something to tell me. But I had not expected that he would come over right after our phone call. I sensed he had some doubts.I knew John was on my side, but it was unlikely he didn’t have any affection for Matthew after all those years they spent together. John was an intelligent guy. Melanie might have influenced him, but he was still well aware of whom he owed favors.John had a plan in mind. Our conversation was straightforward, and there was no need to beat around the bush.He looked at me and said, "I haven't told him all the facts, Ms. Chloe. I was worried he wouldn’t be able to accept so much all at once!"I pondered momentarily and told John, "This is something he needs to face sooner or later. It would be better if he found out sooner."John continued, "I'm ready. I'll spend time with him t
When I saw Michelle Manson, I was impressed with her persistence despite myself.I moaned quietly, “Oh, she looks like she works here!"She noticed me as soon as I walked out and quickly approached me.Coincidentally, my phone rang with a call from Laurie, who wanted to tell me that Michelle was still downstairs.I could only helplessly reply, "You're a little late with that information."She joked, "Well, good luck to you then! Or should I come back and rescue you?"I smiled faintly. "There’s no need for that. I need to face her at some point."Michelle was standing next to me as I said that.I ended the call and looked at her unfriendly, asking, "Just get straight to the point. Don't beat around the bush. You’re putting pressure on me. Speak! What is it?"Michelle grinned shamelessly and said, "Actually, it’s nothing urgent. I just wanted to invite you for a meal and a chat.""If it’s nothing urgent, let's skip the meal. I'm busy every day and barely spend time at home. On
Michelle held onto my arm and wouldn't let go, pressing herself against me."Let go of me! If you have something to say, just say it" I impatiently pulled my arm away.Her clinging annoyed me, and I had to compromise. "Alright, I'll tell you when I’m free!"When Michelle saw me relenting, she quickly grabbed me again, cautiously asking, "How about today?"I pulled my arm away again. "I have plans today.""No? What about tomorrow? Tomorrow, it is!" She seized the opportunity and refused to let go.I glanced at her, wanting to break free as soon as possible. I had had enough of her antics."Fine!" I said reluctantly.But as soon as the word left my mouth, I almost bit off my tongue.I just wanted to get her away from me. When Michelle heard me agree, she happily exclaimed, "You're the best! I’m glad we were classmates!"I cursed her in my heart. ‘How shameless!’"I'm leaving now!" I finished speaking and walked toward the exit, not wanting to stay a moment longer.Behind me,
While talking, I heard a sweet voice saying, "Grandma, I'm hungry!"I saw her joyfully running in, tumbling her little legs as she ran.She was happily surprised when she found me in the living room. She turned to face me quickly and said, "Mom, why did you return so early today? No social event today?"She threw herself into my arms, kissing me.I reached out and rubbed her head. "Why did my baby come back late today?"She raised her little face and said, "There was traffic on the way. The driver said the road was blocked due to an accident, so we waited on the road, and that's why we came back late."She enunciated every syllable.Then she climbed into my arms, hugged my neck, and didn't even mention hunger. I hadn’t spent much time with her lately.Jenny walked in carrying Ava’s backpack. Holding two things alone seemed quite strenuous for her. After all, she was just a bit older than Ava.I quickly told Ava, "You have to carry your backpack from now on. Don't make your sis
"Does Wesley still have value?" Grayson asked."Perhaps Wesley could be useful in a critical situation! It seems that Adelaide Mcclain must have come with a mission!" I was led to this conclusion after she eavesdropped.Grayson warned, "Keep an eye on that outsider.""I'll ask Carol to watch her more closely. Let's keep her for now. She might be useful." I also said, "Since she went through all this trouble to come, we can't let her go away empty-handed."After hanging up the phone, I wondered if she dared to arrange a spy around me.It seemed that Liora was still afraid of me! Unfortunately, she might not be able to enjoy her freedom for much longer.Afraid Ava would overeat, I briefly rested and played with the kids in the yard while thinking about today's events.It was very late when Atlas returned, and Ava had already slept.I had just finished showering and was about to see what my mom was doing when he walked into the room with a faint scent of alcohol on him.He came
I was confident this was true, even though it was simply conjecture.There was not much left in Bibury. It's just that my dad was most reluctant to leave behind his books."We'll set out in the next few days and return as soon as possible! We'll see how things go," my mom said."You must settle it when you return, or I'll take charge. Whatever needs to be given away, give it away. Your home is in Foswood, and Bibury was never your home. Why hold onto it?" I said this intentionally.My mom's face stiffened momentarily, and she sneakily glanced at my dad.Afraid they might overthink, I quickly added, "Am I wrong? I am your home, right? I've stayed in Foswood, so why do you want to return to Bibury?"My mom looked relaxed after I said those words, so I knew my theory was correct. Bibury was not their hometown."When we're not here, come back early to care for Ava," My mom said, looking quite worried."Got it! I'll book your flight tickets, and if you want to send things back, yo
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