I studied his expression after telling him I would set a higher price.He pondered before saying, “That’s not a problem, Ms. Chloe. I’m sure you’re aware of Echelon Group’s reputation. We’re well known for quality work and always pay on time.”I was frank and said, “One more thing. As everyone knows, Tanum Corporation is undergoing restructuring because of the divorce.” I let my words sink in. “So... I’m careful in choosing our projects. I may require my clients to pay a 30 percent deposit.”All right, I knew I was pushing it when his face stiffened. Still, he asked for my help, and those were my terms.He hesitated and said, “Well, how about we compromise a little?”“Why don’t you provide us with the blueprints, and we can quote a price based on them? We can discuss more details later. What do you think, Mr. Damian?”“Sure, I’ll send you the blueprints later, and then we’ll talk.”“I’ll wait for the drawings, then.” I walked around my desk to see him off, and he shook my hand w

After we made our decision, I talked to Ryan about the suppliers Benjamin had been working hard to keep.I invited Benjamin to join us in the discussion to lay out a more flexible strategy. Of course, we could only make arrangements after confirming the project with Echelon Group.That evening, Benjamin and Carol led all our employees to Gourmet Utopia, where they had reserved the largest private room available. It was fancier than my previous employee dinners, and all the staff were excited.Gourmet Utopia was known for hosting parties and banquets, so most of its customers came in groups. On my way there, I received a phone call from Atlas. He asked me where the dinner was, and I told him.“Hmm…” He reminded me, “No drinking, okay?”“Why do you care? I’m having a good time with my employees tonight.”I was happy that he sounded jealous.He asked, “Well, you’re mine, right?” I giggled and could picture him smiling on the other end. “Alright, I have to go. Don’t stay up too

Everyone burst into laughter. I knew Carol was trying to cover for me so people wouldn’t guess I was with Atlas. However, Ryan smiled at me, and I felt bad. Why did Ivanna tell me he liked me? Now, I felt like I had done him wrong. Ryan was thoughtful, so he only talked about work matters with me and asked nothing about Atlas’s extravagant treat.Carol went to settle the bill, but Atlas had already paid it. I wasn’t used to such special treatment. As we went to our cars, my phone rang again. I knew who it must be and answered, “You’re not spying on me again, are you?”“Mm-hmm.” A beam lit the path before me, and I squinted but couldn’t see who it was. Even though it was dark, I knew it was Atlas.Had he waited for me again? Somehow, I was touched.I walked over to his car, and he opened the door. “Get in.”Knowing I should not spend another night away from home, I paused. However, he held out his hand, and I entered the car. “I can’t stay with you tonight, okay?”“That’s

Atlas became busy with work, and his calls and messages became less frequent. I felt lonely and wondered if he had forgotten about me. However, just when I’d feel doubt, he’d reach out as if ensuring I didn’t forget him, either. His sweet gestures reminded me he was still present in my life.Before I could set up a meeting with Lauren, she called and asked to meet me. We seemed to know each other’s thoughts. I had to admit that she was capable and had thrived in the “strange circles” in Foswood. She could dig up dirty little secrets about any VIPs in town. Lauren had discovered that Echelon Group was currying favors with local bureaucrats to secure the prized plot of land. Matthew appeared to be their obedient lackey, and Melanie now led Ardora Construction. She used their association with Echelon Group to win as many contracts as possible.The duplex project appeared to be a real deal. Lauren said, “Integra was the original contractor for the development, and the duplexes

I was stunned. Why was Lauren crying? I handed her some tissues. “What’s the matter? Was it something I said?”Lauren quickly waved off my concern. It saddened me to see her carefully applied makeup start to run. She had always appeared graceful and friendly, much like a flight attendant. What could cause someone who cared about her looks to cry in front of me?She took the tissue paper and blotted her face. Her red fingernails were eye-catching, but that didn’t stop me from noticing her shoulders were shaking as she sobbed. I promised to be a genuine friend to Lauren. Before this, I had resentment toward her and doubted her friendship. Instead of saying anything, I let her vent her frustrations.When she pulled herself together, she dried off her remaining tears. “I’m sorry you had to see that.” “Hey, we all have our pain. Some solve them privately, while others must do so publicly—for instance, me. Everyone knows about my goddamn divorce,” I said. “They labeled me an abused

The unexpected female voice startled me, and I quickly looked at the caller ID. I was puzzled when I noticed it was an unfamiliar number.“I-I’m sorry! I-I was just…” I blushed as I started to explain myself, realizing my previous words were harsh. “I don’t recognize your voice. May I ask who this is?”The person on the other end didn't answer my question. Instead, she asked in a distant but authoritative tone, "Is this Chloe?”"Yes, it's me.""Prepare some steel window designs and bring them to ATL Empire’s Design Division," the woman’s voice was cold and commanding, leaving no room for doubt. "Come in person.""All right." Although I agreed, I couldn’t shake off my unease. I wondered who the woman was and why she was so cold.I rushed to the technical department and got them to print my designs. Then, I brought the quality inspection certificate and other validation documents before driving to ATL Empire’s Design Division.Design Division was in the main building but was an in

I didn't rush back to the company after leaving ATL Empire. Instead, I visited Ivanna. Since our schedules had been hectic, we had no time to meet. Ivanna looked surprised to see me. "What brings you here?"I glanced at her and replied, "I don't just drop by for no reason.""It's hard to tell," she replied mischievously, "I thought you forgot about me and only cared for your new lover.”"Stop with the sarcasm. If you have something to say, say it," I retorted. I knew Ivanna's expression meant she had something on me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so bold.Sure enough, she smirked and leaned in closer to me. She locked eyes with me and said, "You guys did it already, right?”I blushed and tried to avoid her probing gaze. "Mind your business! Don't make things up!""Am I? I saw how he escorted you back the other day. Am I still your best friend if I can’t tell you have something going on with him?" Ivanna teased, "If I didn't have some evidence, would I interrogate you like this?""I

I smirked, knowing dealing with Melanie was a piece of cake. However, I decided to keep a low profile after signing the contract as it would make anyone envious. It wouldn't be wise to stir the pot at this sensitive time.As for using Melanie, I would have to wait for the right moment.Although Tuesday was my birthday, I might have forgotten it if my mother hadn’t prepared a special breakfast. Ava woke up early and sang a birthday song with her childlike voice. Her voice was so heartwarming that I felt an indescribable mix of emotions.Matthew was supposed to be away on a business trip on this day last year. However, he returned in the evening with a necklace, a complete set of makeup items, and his wishes. We even went to Al Dente, a well-known restaurant, for dinner with the whole family.Looking back now, I wondered if he had been on a business trip or if he had been spending time with Melanie.I chuckled bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat. I lowered my head and bit into a w

"Are you busy?" I asked."What is it? Go ahead," Atlas sounded somewhat unhappy, making my heart race slightly."Where are you?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy."Quillbrooke," he hushedly spoke, sounding like he was in a meeting.I felt even more awkward. "I was just...wondering what you're up to right now. I'm fine, so you can call me back when you're not busy."I quickly hung up but couldn't hide my disappointment. I wanted to tell Atlas I missed him but knew the situation prevented it. Since he was a business tycoon, being with him daily was impossible.Perhaps choosing him meant not living an everyday life. I chuckled, wondering why I was so sentimental since it was only my birthday. Soon, I composed myself because I had many important things to handle. I couldn’t afford to dwell on my emotions and had to face reality.That afternoon, I called Lauren and Ivanna to invite them for dinner. Ivanna knew it was my birthday and always remembered it each year.Before leaving work,

He stood by the car as I got out with Ava, and he approached us, saying, “You’re back!”My dad had a strong impression of Atlas, mainly since the latter had visited my dad at the hospital twice. My mom said, “Hello, Mr. Atlas, please come in! I’m sorry if we kept you waiting.”“That’s okay, Mrs. Laura. I just arrived,” he said with a smile. When he saw me carrying Ava, he asked, “Can I help?”I was surprised as I stood rooted, not knowing what to say. However, Atlas had already approached me, saying, “Let me hold her.”His gesture made me feel like crying for some reason. He reached out for Ava, but it seemed he didn’t know how to take her from my arms.“I can manage,” I said.“You can give her to me. You look like you’re struggling,” Atlas insisted, and I could only pass Ava to him.From his stiff and awkward posture, I knew he had never held a child. Still, he was earnest, like he was handling a delicate item. I almost laughed at his awkwardness and went to help adjust his pos