I cried uncontrollably again because I wasn't as strong as I thought. I don’t know where I got the courage to remain composed enough to take a photo before running out of the house.Atlas hesitated momentarily before patting my back. His gesture was gentlemanly. Although he was a stranger, his comfort relieved me. The walls I had put up crumbled as I clung to him. Unexpectedly, I encountered him a few times today, and he saw how pitiful I was.I didn’t know how much time passed, but I eventually stopped crying. Perhaps my tears had run dry.Atlas patted me again and looked at me profoundly. Soon after, I saw the sky brightening and realized dawn was approaching."Thank you, Mr. Pierce. I want to go to my friend's place at Amethyst Apartments," I said.He embraced me and nodded.When I appeared before Ivanna in such a miserable state, she could hardly believe her eyes. She rubbed her half-opened eyes, thinking she was hallucinating. "Chlo, you... What's happening? Weren't you supp

This would be my promise to live on and embrace a new version of myself.Ivanna saw my determination and shook her head. She advised, “Have something to eat.”I nodded, and she strode out to prepare some food. Meanwhile, I gathered my emotions and fixed my appearance before leaving the room. After the meal, I told Ivanna, "I'm going to pick up my daughter.""Are you sure? Why don't you stay with me for a few days and calm down before doing that?"I knew she was worried, so I looked at her and said firmly, "I won't give up so easily. I'll take back everything that belongs to me!""Then how will you explain not leaving to see your parents?" Ivanna was still worried.I remained calm and replied, "I have an explanation."Immediately after, I changed into my own clothes, picked up my bag, and checked my phone. Before leaving, I instructed Ivanna, "Please get that coat cleaned for me.""I'll send you there." Ivanna grabbed her bag, put on her shoes, and took the coat. On the way, she

I overcame my trauma that night and lay on the tainted bed. To stay motivated, I repeatedly told myself that overcoming all this was the first step to my revenge.Matthew leaned over and wanted to hug me, but I pushed him away. "I'm on my period. Don't bother me, please." He moved away and sighed, “I know it’s my fault you’re upset. Please don’t be mad.”“Go to sleep. My mind’s back home, and I have no idea how my dad’s doing. I have nothing to be mad about. Please spare me the drama,” I said, concealing my genuine emotions.He smiled and leaned closer to give me a peck. "Don't worry. Things will work out."I clenched my hand under the covers, feeling disgusted. I silently cursed, annoyed beyond measure because Matthew messed around with his sister. It made my skin crawl. I would've shattered his family's reputation if I didn’t need to reclaim what was mine.However, I couldn’t rush in recklessly. The money was gone, and the house wasn’t even under my name. I had promised Ava a

I intentionally recounted my trip to Matthew without withholding a single detail when I returned home. He beamed and praised me, “You’re a wise partner. You’re understanding and skilled at winning people’s hearts.”However, I corrected him, “It’s not about winning people’s hearts, but about being kind. Speaking of Johnson, he’s done a lot for our family. It’s natural for a man like you not to notice these things, but women appreciate small gestures.”Truthfully, I aimed my actions at dispelling Matthew’s suspicions. I knew this sly fox would become vigilant if I hid things from him, and he found out later. I had to break him down without revealing my intentions.With this excuse, I frequented the wives of those clients, laying the groundwork for my future. To Matthew, I employed womanly tricks, which were nothing more than having meals and doing our nails together.Although I bustled, he thought it would amount to nothing. Still, he praised me a few times, “This is good because eve

With that thought in mind, I called Ivanna and asked about the coat. She exclaimed, “Oh, I forgot it’s still at the dry cleaners!”“Don’t worry about it. I’ll pick it up myself,” I hung up and was about to get up when I remembered not having Atlas’s number.I sat back down and searched for it on my laptop but failed. I couldn’t find a trace of Atlas. It seemed he wasn’t a significant figure at ATL Empire. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be this elusive.As I recall, his presence and charisma were extraordinary. However, for a company as big as ATL Empire, anyone they hired wouldn't be lacking.Before I could figure out how to get Atlas's number, I received a call from Matthew, asking me to come to his office.When I arrived, I realized he wanted me to cross-reference the information from my last visit to ATL Empire. I explained things to him, ensuring we left no stone unturned. After all, this was a significant deal, and Tanum Corporation was my brainchild.I couldn't allow any actions th

My heart skipped a beat when I saw Atlas’ cold eyes again. Our last encounter was still fresh in my mind.My hysterical behavior that night probably left a big impression on him. Now, I was pretending to be affectionate with Matthew, and it felt embarrassing.I instinctively removed my hand from Matthew’s arm and smiled at Atlas. Nick approached, and a crowd gathered around him to chat and get his attention. Matthew was among them.I observed them coldly. Indeed, they were "sincere." Atlas briefly glanced at Matthew. I was sure there was a hint of disdain in his gaze.Nick didn’t introduce Atlas, and Atlas didn’t seem interested in meeting anyone. Instead, he stood beside me and said, "Ms. Hartz. Oh, maybe I should address you as Mrs. Murphy?""'Ms. Hartz, please," I replied noncommittally. "I didn't expect to see you here today.""Hmm." He sipped his drink and asked, "Seems like you're in a good mood?""Life must go on. As you said, everything depends on the individual." My res

I was startled. My grip tightened on the note as I watched him walk away. My heart raced, and I stashed the note in my small clutch.When it was time to leave, I sat in the car while Matthew talked with several other executives from development firms. I retrieved the note, but my hands were trembling.His name and phone number were handwritten on it. He had given me his contact information.I smiled and tucked the note into a compartment within my clutch. I was wary that Matthew would snoop through my belongings without my knowledge.Matthew discussed and criticized the people at the event all the way home. I silently cursed the despicable man beside me.His words did not interest me. Instead, I thought about meeting Atlas again and learning more about ATL Empire.Since Matthew diverted the assets, why shouldn't I redirect my business?Tanum Corporation was my creation, but I was gone too long. Matthew had left his mark on the company and its culture. Like its leader, the compan

I remained still. His behavior puzzled me, but I knew they were crocodile tears.Eventually, he stood and said, "Wait here, I’ll make you something to eat." He would not show me his face.I didn’t care about his thoughts. Even if he showed such emotions occasionally, my image of him would not change. I couldn't lower myself to the level of a brute.I knew quick action was my best defense. I couldn't let him succeed.He returned to normal at breakfast, warm and smiling. "Honey, come here. Eat while it's hot! Start with the milk!"He was attentive to me during breakfast, and everything seemed to have returned to normal. His actions left me feeling a little dazed.“How about a day off today? You've lost a lot of weight recently. I could tell when I held you last night," he said tenderly.A vision of him and Melanie brought me back to reality. To calm my nausea, I patted my chest. "I don't know why I keep feeling nauseous. Maybe I'm too worried about my parents.""I know. Don't wor

The call went through. I introduced myself, and Atlas responded, "I know."His reply surprised me. "Um... I was wondering if you could join me for lunch. I'd like to return your coat.""No," he replied, leaving me feeling quite embarrassed. He sure didn’t beat around the bush.As I struggled to respond, he continued, "2 p.m. at the cafe in the Glenmarie Plaza lobby.” Atlas wasn't refusing me, but there was a scheduling conflict."Okay! See you then!" After ending the call, I silently repeated the name ATL Empire.I noticed that neither Matthew nor Johnson were around during my lunch break. They must have gone out to lunch with clients.I turned and headed to the bathroom.As soon as I entered a stall, I could hear two people coming in while murmuring. "Can you believe how unlucky Erica was? She got yelled at!""Wasn't it Mr. Murphy who approved the payment? Why would he be angry?""With his signature and his wife requesting the money, Erica wouldn't dare reject the applica

There was an Italian restaurant across the street. Two people were stepping out, the woman leaning on the man's arm. They probably just finished lunch, but it seemed like it took a while.They stood in front of the restaurant. After some exchange of words, the woman kissed the man on the cheek. He ruffled her hair affectionately, giving her a tender smile.After hailing a cab for her, he turned and hurried across the square. They were none other than Matthew and Melanie.My cheeks became flushed. I forced an awkward smile, and I could sense the twitching at the corners of my mouth. I looked at Atlas and said, "I’m sorry you had to see that.”He stared at me before speaking. "Don’t be.”I struggled to manage the awkwardness I felt. I thought Matthew and Johnson had gone out to dine with clients, but I was wrong. Only Johnson was doing that.The atmosphere turned heavy. Fortunately, the server arrived with our drinks. Atlas pushed my drink toward me as he stared.After a while, he