When we entered the Starlight International penthouse, a dinner for two and a chilled bottle of wine were waiting for us. Atlas pulled me into his arms and said, “Happy birthday! This was the best I could do because I’ve been swamped. But I’m glad I didn’t miss it.” I leaned into him and said, “I prefer simple celebrations. Just being with you makes me happy.”With a magician’s flair, he produced a gift box seemingly out of nowhere. I looked at him, and he gestured at me to open it.I lifted the lid, revealing a stunning pen. It was adorned with diamonds and featured my initials inlaid with rubies.“It’s gorgeous!” How did he know that I had a thing for pens?Back then, I used to collect various pens and had a sizable collection at my parents’ house. However, when life grew busier, I set my collection aside.The pen was not just a luxury item. It was a genuine work of art—an Aurora Diamante fountain pen. It was a pen I had once mentioned to Matthew that I would buy when I beca

His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter?” “It’s nothing. Design Division asked for the drawings,” I said. “I met Nick the other day and told him about it, so he’s aware.”“Design Division?” Then he said, “They could always get them from Nick’s project department. You don’t have to resend them.” I almost criticized that mean woman, but I refrained. After all, she was his employee. I said nothing, and he didn’t ask further questions about it. Time went by fast, and we were only together for four hours. It was late at night when he sent me home. I felt terrible when I saw how tired he looked. He had hurried back just for my birthday and would have to leave for Quillbrooke early tomorrow.At the door, he pulled me into his arms and held me for a moment. “Good night.” I looked at him. “Try to get some sleep, okay?”“I will.” He watched me go in. I didn’t want to close the door, but he’d never leave if I didn’t. He needed to rest. I shut the door with a heavy heart, and then ran

ATL Empire still seemed in trouble, and I wondered what was happening. The traffic light turned green, and I continued driving. "I'm almost home.”Stella's voice sounded a bit moody as she said, "Come on. I have no friends here, and I need someone to talk to.""Then wait for me at the coffeehouse across the office building." I glanced at the kindergarten, turned the car around, and headed back.At the coffeehouse, Stella was nowhere to be found. I was about to call her when she entered with a smile, looking pretty as ever. She set a small paper bag in front of me. "It's for you."I gave her and the bag a puzzled look. "What is it?" "It’s from the latest YSL collection. I just got it," she said. I knew the lipstick was quite expensive. "I rarely wear makeup. You should keep it for yourself.""I ordered it just for you." She glanced at me. "And you gave me a treat, didn't you? Consider it my way of saying thanks. Just take it.""Well, thank you then," I replied, not wanting to

Despite feeling completely helpless, I tried to appear unconcerned. It was clear what Stella was trying to tell me. However, I couldn't let on how I felt. I realized she had been probing me ever since we first met.She seemed surprised by my indifference. "You don't seriously think this is normal, do you?"I sipped my coffee, but it tasted bitter. "I wasn’t born rich, so I don’t understand your world. Though I’m a businesswoman, I’d never force anyone against their will, especially not my family."Stella was somewhat taken aback."Does your mom need to force you into it? You can just marry if you love each other. After all, you’re not related." I stared at her, my words tauntingShe wanted to tell me that Atlas was hers and find out if there was anything between us. I wanted to know why they weren’t married if he loved her. I doubted she could answer me!"Let's change the subject. We're getting off track," Stella chuckled. “Do you know why I've been so interested in you from th

It seemed I had underestimated Stella, and she wasn't as innocent as I thought. Those from ATL Empire were never what they seemed. I once again realized the inexplicable force that had sucked me in.I pinched my thigh to wake myself up. My mom had picked up Ava from kindergarten, who ran over to me. "You're so early today, Mommy! Uncle Ryan bought me a new doll.""Uncle Ryan?" I was puzzled. Ryan came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "I was at the bank earlier and bumped into your mom. So, I accompanied her to the kindergarten."My mom joined him from the kitchen and said, "He also took us to Parkside Plaza, and we went shopping at the supermarket."I could tell she liked Ryan from how happy she looked."I saw you leaving the office early. Why are you only back now?" Ryan asked. "Well, I was almost at the kindergarten, but Stella wanted to meet me," I said, tired. Ava showed me a new Barbie doll from the latest release. I had a soft spot for Barbies, too. When I was a

My heart pounded because I knew my dad wanted to discuss last night’s events. Sure enough, he looked at me and asked about Atlas, “I don’t want to meddle in your relationships, but you just got out of a failed marriage.“I don’t want to see you get hurt again. I’ve researched Atlas—his family background doesn’t quite match ours. I’m worried about how your relationship will turn out.”I choked on my food, knowing my dad wasn’t entirely convinced about Atlas. “Dad, I’m sorry for making you worry,” I swallowed my food and continued, “You don’t need to be overly concerned. I know what I’m doing and what I want.“Atlas and I are just friends. Even though he’s been good to me, I haven’t considered anything else. I want to work on my company first and worry about other things later. I’m just going with the flow.”I pushed around the food on my plate, unsure how to reassure my dad.“Mr. Atlas has been a great help to me. I can fully break free from Matthew and suppress that asshole when I

I raised an eyebrow and strolled over. Melanie stood there, arms akimbo.It had only been a few days since we last met, but her baby bump had grown noticeably. It protruded confidently, just like her. I thought it was an impressive sight, chuckling to myself. It seemed she come to deliver information to me on a silver platter.“Oh, Mrs. Melanie, you’re here! Don’t get so worked up. Be mindful of the little prince in your belly.”I said “prince” because the Murphys believed Melanie would have a boy.She turned to glare at me. When she saw me approaching, she fired back, “Hah! Don’t act all high and mighty with your sarcasm!”“That’s so rude of you, Melanie. You should consider prenatal care. Your words and actions aren’t good for the baby,” I taunted, pretending to be unconcerned, “You’re someone’s ‘wife’ now, so you should consider how you act in public. Your brother would be distressed if anything terrible happened to you.”The initially angry receptionists chuckled and looked a

I figured someone like Melanie wouldn’t understand the situation’s deeper layers. It would be pointless, even if I asked her.“All right, who told me doesn’t matter, Mrs. Melanie. That’s not something you would know anyway. If you want to keep something a secret, you shouldn’t tell anyone else about it. Leave and tell your brother I appreciate his efforts. He should focus on securing his alliances better.”I didn’t want to waste any more time and turned to leave. After some much-needed sleep, my mind felt sharper."Stop right there, Chloe! If you dare seduce Matthew again, you’ll get it from me!" she shouted at my back, unwilling to let it go."Don't worry! I have no interest in your crap!" I replied loudly, waving without looking back while walking into the elevator.Melanie was still cursing at me from a distance as the elevator doors closed.Meanwhile, I felt foolish and ashamed for even liking someone like Matthew. He was just a rat in the gutter who had some good days but no

Suddenly, the door swung open. Damian smiled widely and greeted the newcomers, “Mr. Matthew, Mr. Keegan! You’re finally here!”I couldn’t help but clench my fists. I didn’t expect Matthew to show up, too. I must’ve jinxed it when I said I hoped to never see him again after our divorce. On the contrary, his presence had haunted me since then.The two approached, and everyone exchanged greetings. Carol and I exchanged disdainful looks, and I kept my composure.“Ms. Chloe, let me introduce you to Mr. Keegan Thompson. He’s our CEO’s brother-in-law,” Damian tactfully introduced me to Keegan. He did it with such flattery as if that guy were some kind of VIP.I looked at the so-called VIP and noticed he was tall and skinny. Although he was in his thirties, his hairstyle was the most eye-catching thing about him. He had a pompadour gelled to keep its shape.He wore a royal blue suit with a white pocket square at the front. The suit might have looked good on someone else, but it was far fr

I ignored Matthew and looked at Keegan, saying, "Mr. Keegan, I appreciate your kindness. However, Tanum Corporation must be cautious when taking on projects, especially since we’re a small company. We can't just take on any projects out of our capabilities.”My words made Keegan laugh as he placed his arm on my shoulder. He lightly patted me and said, "Hahaha! This lady is simply adorable!"The others at the table joined in the laughter. Matthew wore an embarrassed expression and said, "My sweetheart has never been one to keep a low profile. Please don’t mind her.”His tone suggested I was being stubborn.Keegan's hand remained on my shoulder, and he continued, "A woman with character! Most women would be ecstatic in this situation. Instead, Ms. Chloe remains dignified! I love experienced people like her, especially women! Ms. Chloe, I feel I've made a friend today!"Carol looked uncomfortable as she patted my leg quietly, trying to comfort me. I faintly smiled at her and raised m