Harmony saw me laughing and asked, "What are you laughing at?""I'm laughing because you're too self-absorbed. I suggest you pay attention to others for a change. As for the rooftop incident, I wouldn’t dwell on it."The press conference made things pretty clear. You should read those reports if you don’t understand. As for my feelings for Atlas, I just have one question for you. How does Atlas treat you?”I intentionally asked this question, knowing Harmony would think I was prying into her life.Sure enough, her eyes narrowed. "That is between me and him. I'm asking about your thoughts, so don't deflect the conversation."I studied her, feeling some regret. How could such a lovely face be paired with such a closed-off mind?"You’re always seeking my opinion and information. It shows a lack of confidence on your part."I used provocative language because this dimwit couldn't resist a challenge."What confidence do I lack? I mean, let's be real. The online haters have a point.

The idea briefly crossed my mind, but I quickly pushed it away. I couldn't shake the image of him pulling Harmony away right in front of me.I reminded myself to forget all the passionate moments we'd shared. None of it compared to his complete indifference that night.It was ridiculous. Atlas claimed to love me, yet he didn't even ask if I was hurt. He just calmly left, holding another woman. I refused to be as heartless as he was."Do you still fail to see the big picture here? Using your fans to target me, then blaming you once the truth came out. Did the people you mentioned suffer any real consequences?" I continued, "Imagine if I hadn't rescued you when the stage collapsed. It could have been you in that hospital bed, not me."Harmony paled, and her gaze grew more complex.“You even chastised me. I regret saving you up that day! This mess might not have happened if I had stepped back and just watched. At the very least, I wouldn't have hurt myself. I could have stayed out

I shut my eyes, not wanting to face him right now.Then, I heard a low voice addressing Harmony. "You go ahead. I need to talk to Ms. Chloe.""Okay!" Harmony obediently replied, and the rhythmic tap of high heels receded as she left.The next moment, I felt that gaze drawing closer, as if I could almost sense his presence.“Is your foot okay?”I didn't open my eyes and said nonchalantly, "I'm not sure what okay means.""Is it still hurting?" His voice was gentle and slightly hoarse. As he spoke, he reached for my foot."Don't touch me. Get your hands off me!" I sat up abruptly and glared at his sinfully handsome face. "Keep her away from me and tell her not to be so foolish! Honestly, the pain in my foot is more bearable than seeing you two together!"His hand hung in mid-air, and his eyes had a strange look. However, his gaze never wavered from me, making me feel restless."Mr. Atlas, do you have anything else to say?" I met his gaze head-on and asked, "Thank you for providin

As I was leaving the hospital lobby, I spotted Melanie entering, cradling a child. Walking beside her was a woman, heavily made-up and dressed provocatively. She must be Melanie’s recently reconnected mother, Abby.My gaze swept over her, thinking that Abby had successfully re-entered Melanie's life. I could not help but sigh. After all, nothing beats a mother's love. This time, Grace is in for a rough ride. I wanted to ignore them, but Melanie had already spotted me."Chloe!" She immediately called out in anger then swiftly walked toward me.It's been over a month since the party, and this was my first time seeing her. I had heard from Johnson that Abby had been hospitalized after a brutal beating from Melanie. It seemed like she had recovered.I stopped in my tracks but was too tired to muster any attitude toward her. I calmly asked, "What do you want?""You live life to the fullest, huh?" Her small eyes looked at Ryan as she spoke sarcastically, “Every day is like a soap oper

Abby's aggressiveness shocked the onlookers, especially considering she was holding a child. Her irresponsibility made everyone break out in cold sweat.The child, destined for a fiery spirit, didn't cry. He wore an annoyed expression instead.Meanwhile, Melanie made no effort to stop her mother. She watched with smug satisfaction.Ryan quickly pulled me behind him, roaring angrily, "I dare you to continue!"His booming shout startled the mother-daughter pair. Abby froze, cradling the child in one arm while the other formed into a menacing claw.Onlookers sighed in disbelief. "She's nuts! Going berserk with a child in her arms!""Are all mistresses this brazen these days?""These two aren't decent people. Shameless! Not setting a good example for the child!"Hearing this, Melanie lost her temper. "Do you all even know what's going on? She's the mistress here. After she had a kid and got divorced, she’s now trying to seduce a big shot to marry into wealth. She got pelted with ro

Abby spun out of control momentarily after I blocked her arm. As a result, the baby slipped from her grasp.The crowd exclaimed in shock, "Oh no, the baby!"I instinctively lunged forward to catch the baby. My only thought was to ensure the baby's safety. As I caught the baby, I twisted my body to protect him from the impact. I didn’t want to fall on him either. However, I exerted too much force and fell backward with a dull thud. A searing pain shot up my arm, and my head collided with the ground.I clutched the baby to my chest, feeling pain throughout my body. Everything had transpired so quickly that I barely had time to react. Soon, I heard Melanie scream, "My son!""Chlo!" Ryan was the first to kneel before me. "Chlo..."The baby in my arms began to cry, prompting Melanie to snatch him from me. The onlookers gathered around me, expressing their relief and concern."Thank God the baby’s fine! That was too close!""It would’ve been dangerous if the baby fell. Those two owe

Everyone was too focused on me to realize Noel’s assistant had recorded everything. Noel told Melanie, "I'll show you what a lack of conscience looks like. I'm a journalist, and I've recorded everything you just did. I'll ensure everyone sees your true colors."The crowd roared in agreement. "Expose them! They're ugly on the outside and even uglier on the inside!"Noel organized the onlookers, saying, "Let's question them now to prevent them from twisting the truth!"Melanie dared not utter another word and quickly left with Abby. The two were humiliated by the crowd's condemnation. Those who had gathered continued to chastise them.Ryan looked pained as he said, "Let me take you to a doctor. Try moving to see if you feel discomfort anywhere."Indeed, my arm hurt. With Ryan's support, I moved my legs and felt fine. Soon after, I held my arm and went to a doctor under everyone’s care. When the test results came out, I felt like the most unlucky person in the world.I had a minor f

I looked at Ryan and knew he had waited for me for too long. I found it hard to answer his question because I didn’t want to hurt him.I considered how we were during college and remembered him caring for me when I returned home during my freshman year. Ryan was always attentive, yet he kept a distance and never crossed boundaries.So, I only saw him as an elder brother from the neighborhood."Perhaps I would have," I answered honestly, "You never gave me the chance to consider things in that direction.”Ryan tightened his grip on my hand. He looked conflicted with pain, regret, and longing. He was brave this time, asking, “What about now? I’ll do my best to care for you and Ava.”His words made it hard for me to remain serious. I knew he was earnest, but I couldn't help but chuckle. "Ryan, you’re too funny. You..."When I saw his anxious gaze, I quickly adjusted my tone. I realized I was too light-hearted and even disrespectful. I composed myself and said thoughtfully, “I know y

I was unsure of my role in Atlas’s plans. Given his strategic thinking, my worries were unnecessary. Maybe it was time to find my place in this new situation. Why drag myself into a game of deception? I've had enough.By conserving my energy, I could make my parents happy and keep my daughter safe. That was what I wanted. Perhaps Ryan was the most suitable choice in such a life. He was well-mannered, calm, and focused on Tanum Corporation.He didn't aim for great wealth but a life of peace and contentment. Moreover, I had taken up much of Ryan's time and couldn’t ignore his kindness. I couldn't keep taking from him.Suddenly, my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and saw Ivanna’s name. When I answered, she ranted, "Chloe, did that lunatic provoke you again?"I smiled helplessly. "How did you know?"“It's all over the internet! Melanie’s a madwoman! You shouldn't have saved her son. The boy won't turn out any better with a mother like that. You're just adding to society's burden

Eleanor’s information sparked a bold idea. I knew Matthew liked cutting costs because he constantly sought to reduce expenses and increase profits. It was a perfect vulnerability to use against him.I recalled advising him not to focus solely on profits. After all, being consumed by greed would only lead to failure. I remember Matthew scoffing at me, calling women timid and having no foresight.He even pointed to his head, telling me to use my brain. It seemed he would fall to his doom because of it.I couldn't help but feel delighted with a plan in place.At that moment, my mom entered with Ava. Upon seeing my arm, my mom’s eyes welled with tears. "You were just about to leave, but you’re in here again. Nothing good ever comes from those two.”Ava approached my bedside and touched my arm. "Mommy, does it hurt here? Let me blow on it, and it won't hurt anymore!""The Murphys just make me mad!" My mom couldn't restrain her anger."It doesn’t hurt much. It's just a tiny fracture.