I splashed water on my face and took deep breaths. Lauren called for a drink and handed me a glass. I felt calmer after downing it. Then I covered my face with a towel and said, "Go ahead and chat. I'll rest for a bit.""Why are you napping all day? You just slept in your car, and now you're sleeping again?" Ivanna teased me, giving me a playful nudge. "What's going on with you?""There's too much going on lately. I'm working myself to death! Cut me some slack, will you?" I replied from behind the towel. Tears had already mixed with the water droplets on my face. Ivanna didn't press me and chatted with Lauren instead. I regained my composure before removing the towel from my face."Weren't you napping?" Ivanna asked. "You know, you do look like that actress I mentioned earlier. Chloe, I'll be your manager if you ever want to step into showbiz. Although you're much prettier than her.""Step into showbiz? I’m about to step into another world." Lauren handed me a glass of wine

"Doesn't she look a bit like you?" Ivanna looked at me and asked, "I used to have a good impression of her. There's something about her that resembles you. But now... damn! She's trying to climb the ladder..."Ivanna's words made my heart race. Did I look like Annalise? Or rather, was it Harmony who resembled Annalise?Atlas held a deep affection for Annalise. He wouldn't let any woman resembling her slip through his fingers. He was looking for Annalise's shadow. Harmony and I fit the bill.It appeared that his quest for an Annalise doppelganger had never ceased. Perhaps he had found me lacking.I chuckled and sipped my drink. "How long has Harmony been in the limelight?""Not even two months! Strange, isn't it? Suddenly shooting to fame!" Ivanna dismissed it with a wave of her hand.Two months… I was already divorced by then, and Atlas had taken over the ATL Empire.He knew how to make the most of his time. An unexpected rising star must have caught his attention. This meant

I spotted Matthew, who had disappeared for quite some time.I had just parked at the company’s underground garage when he appeared at my car, dressed sharply. I didn't know how he found me, almost as if he'd been keeping tabs on me. He smiled warmly and even opened the car door. "Chlo!"It seemed I had forgotten about this person's existence. Seeing him again felt like waking up from a dream and returning to reality.I sighed. How was this man still alive? As soon as he appeared, I felt sick again."Move aside!" I spoke icily."Chlo, I was wrong! Don't hold it against me. I came to apologize to you today." Suddenly, Matthew seemed to revert to his former self. "Chlo, I've missed our daughter!"He blocked me, acting like he was really sad. Even his eyes looked watery. I didn't know if he really cared about our daughter."Listen, it's been tough for both of us since our split. We're not happy," he said. "I miss our daughter a lot. Can I see her? And also, my mom is sick, and she

This idea made me feel helpless because I knew I had to face this alone. It had always been that way—I had to save myself.The lobby was crowded, but none of them were familiar to me. I felt even more lonely.Back in the office, Carol brewed a cup of coffee for me. She watched me quietly, and I knew she was worried. I maintained an air of nonchalance while keeping busy. Thankfully, I had resolved the two previous issues and set everything in motion.During lunch, I spotted Johnson. He seemed genuinely surprised to see me since we hadn’t seen each other in a long time.He beckoned me over, and I joined him for lunch."Chlo! Long time no see! I heard things are going well on your end." Johnson wore a big smile."It's alright, I suppose. How’s Myra and your kid? Is he being a handful?”"They're doing great! No trouble at all!" Johnson ordered more food and said, "Mr. Matthew just closed a big deal with a company in the neighboring city. It's a major contract, but he's keeping it qu

I had an idea and casually remarked, "It seems that Matthew's luck knows no bounds!" "Absolutely! Otherwise, he'd be in a tough spot. He mentioned during the meeting that he's focusing on projects outside the city to avoid competition. Now he's busy preparing for it.""I heard his mom isn't doing well," I said casually."Yeah, not too good." Johnson nodded.After some small talk, I left the restaurant. My mind was filled with thoughts about Grace. Maybe I had been too stern and shouldn’t harbor ill feelings. However, there wasn’t a single Murphy worthy of pity.Back at the office, I summoned Grayson. "Look into who Matthew contacted after he was attacked. Also, find out which companies are handling projects in Muborough."Grayson nodded. "Is there anything wrong?"I replied, "Matthew secured a contract in Muborough while in the hospital. Find out how he got it, especially who he interacted with during his hospitalization. He went on a business trip right after being discharged

Ryan beamed when he heard my words. Even his usually composed expression reddened. However, I felt an overwhelming guilt. Perhaps I had been too cruel to him. Even a simple suggestion like this could move him so much.He seemed slightly nervous, saying, “Well… I hadn’t thought about that.”“Then, let’s do it! First, they get to experience the Southern climate. Secondly, it’ll save you the hassle of traveling. Finally, our families can celebrate together. Oh, I can invite Lauren, too. Her parents aren’t around, and her younger sister doesn’t move much.“I’ll invite her to my house, and you can all stay at my place. No need for hotels. It’ll be super lively.” I spoke genuinely.I had met Ryan’s parents before. His dad ran a small business, and his mom had a fixed job. They were wonderful people. It was a spontaneous idea, and I hadn’t discussed it with my parents. Still, I believed they wouldn’t oppose it.“Wouldn’t it trouble you if everyone stayed at your place?” Ryan seemed hesit

My heart raced, but I stayed tough. I replied with the same emotionless tone, “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”"Do you have any questions for me?" Atlas continued to scrutinize me."None," I stubbornly responded."Are you sure?" His gaze turned cold."Mr. Atlas, if you called me here to make things difficult, I apologize, but I'll take my leave." I didn't have the time to confront him here. It would be meaningless. I’d rather be with my family.His eyes narrowed. "Do you want to avoid me without clarifying your doubts?”Atlas’s words struck a chord with me. It was as if he could see through me. I guiltily lowered my gaze, not allowing myself to have further delusions for this man. I couldn’t let him trample on my pride like this.While Atlas had fun with Harmony, I was alone. It was horrible, and I wondered how he differed from Matthew. I might have lost value in Atlas’s eyes, but I would never disrespect myself that way.He could see through my emotions and

I clicked my tongue in frustration and clenched my bag strap, fingernails digging into my palm. The pain gave me an odd sense of comfort.Suddenly, Atlas’s phone rang. He looked at me and answered, "Yeah?"A woman's voice said, "Atlas, where are you?""I'm busy," he replied coldly."Do you want to come out? Maybe you can come to my place?" The woman's voice turned tender."Another time. I'm busy right now," Atlas responded and hung up.I felt awkward and said, "Mr. Atlas, you seem busy. I'll take my leave."Without waiting for his response, I headed toward the exit. However, he quickly held me. I yelped in surprise as he turned me to face him. He was about to kiss me when he saw something on my neck.He asked angrily, "What happened here?! Who did this?!"I was puzzled. I looked at Atlas with panic, saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."He grabbed my wrist tightly and led me to an exquisite bathroom with mirrors on the entire wall. Atlas pushed me toward one of th

I lifted my head and noticed his bleeding hand. I looked at him, feeling flustered. “I have so many things to say, but not like this. I don’t want to beg for love or live in the shadows. I hate playing games and manipulation. I just want a peaceful life.”I looked at the ceiling and continued, "I hate the constant deceit and schemes. If I must choose, I want the one who has always been by my side. I don't want to miss that anymore."I knew these words would cut deep into Atlas’s heart. However, they were insignificant to me. Since I couldn’t have him, I would let him go. I had no reason to hold onto something that wasn't mine.Atlas looked into my eyes and asked, "Are you sure about your choice?"I hesitated, then lowered my head. "Yes."Suddenly, he smiled. "Good, Chloe, you've finally made your choice."I looked at him in confusion. I wondered why he said it was my choice when it was his. His thoughts confused me. Why’d he be affectionate with another woman and then blame me?

I realized I was in the hospital when I awoke."Are you awake? Do you feel any discomfort?" An attractive voice sounded, and I turned to see Atlas."How did I end up here?" I asked weakly. My memory of recent events was hazy.He pressed the call button, and the doctor entered to reexamine me. He asked, "Do you feel any discomfort?""No, I’m just exhausted and want to sleep," I replied.Dylan entered with a large paper bag and said, "Doctor, here are her X-rays. Please take a look."The doctor examined several X-ray films and asked me, "Miss, how long ago did you break your collarbone?"I stared at the doctor in disbelief and asked, "Are you talking about me?""Yes, from the X-rays, you have an old collarbone fracture. You should be careful with that area as it’s prone to issues. Besides that, you're fine. Thankfully, the car wasn't going too fast, so there was no major harm. You can just go home and rest."The doctor's words shocked me. I tried to explain, “I’ve never had a bo