I pursed my lips and muttered, "You're so cunning.”He grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth."It’s necessary to confirm everything. I was planning to reclaim the operational rights of ATL Empire. Even if it's just a shell, it's my parent's legacy. I had to bring it back and make it flourish right under her nose. That would be the most powerful blow against her."I went to boil a pot of tea and poured a cup for Atlas.After taking a sip of tea, he pulled me back into his embrace, showing no intention of letting me go. He continued, "After that, I investigated your background and arranged for people to monitor you closely. Our airport encounter wasn't a coincidence. That's how I found out about the hardships you've been enduring."My jaw almost dropped. "The airport wasn't a chance meeting?"He chuckled. "Of course not. I intentionally got close to you. When you were injured, I took you to the hospital and conducted a thorough examination. The DNA from your blood sample

My mom seemed to sense something off and anxiously asked, "Chlo, where are you? Why aren’t you home yet?"Her tone was filled with worry. I quickly looked out the window and realized it was already dusk, and the sky had dimmed.I was amazed at how quickly time had flown by. Atlas and I had spent the entire afternoon together. Yet, it seemed like there were still many unanswered questions.I composed myself and smiled into the phone, trying to sound relaxed. "Mom, I just finished a meeting at the office. Atlas happened to come and pick me up, and we'll be heading back soon.""Oh, you're still at the office? I thought something happened to you." Her tone was skeptical."Oh, come on! What could happen at the office? Don't worry, I'm fine.""That's good. Hurry back then," she said. "Sure! I'll be home soon. Bye."I ended the call hastily because I could no longer control my emotions.Atlas had been watching me the whole time. Seeing my emotions getting stirred up, he gently lif

The term "parents" not only signified his respect for them but also served as a comforting gesture to the innocent Kylie, who lost her life. It embodies Atlas's broad love.This man was publicly considered aloof, authoritative, and untouchable. Yet, when it came to me, he shed all his coldness and transformed into a warm presence.Even those around me treat him with utmost reverence.I washed my face, wanting to appear vibrant and lively. Then, I approached Atlas and playfully smiled. "Let's go home!"He reached out, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Chlo, I've waited for this day for so many years. Every day, I've wanted to bring you home, to end your wandering. Regardless of the challenges, I can handle everything."Comfortably nestled in his arms, the handsome and dazzling young man was mine.At that moment, I really wanted to remember all the time we spent together.He looked at me indulgently, a hint of dominance in his words, "Only you deserve to stand by my side and witne

"I'll strike, and she'll be caught. I've got to give her that chance," I said coldly.Johnson spoke resentfully, "She's just a damn opportunist. Human relationships are really fickle."Hearing Johnson's words, I knew that there was unrest within Ardora. "Is the company already unstable?"Johnson snorted, "Chlo, it's not just unstable. Those who once came to Ardora with great confidence are now all acting high and mighty, eagerly stepping on Matthew. None of them are doing real work. They're all following Liora, helping her plot against Matthew."When Johnson said this, his tone was filled with anger. It was evident that he was also deeply pained by Ardora's situation.Remaining nonchalant, I told Johnson, "Gather the details and slowly settle the scores with them. No rush."A satisfied smile appeared on Atlas's face as I spoke, and he gently squeezed my hand.Johnson continued, "Now that woman is flaunting her power everywhere, recruiting people, and raising money. She has taken

As we entered the living room, Ava and Jenny’s laughter echoed through the building. The once-silent courtyard now buzzed with life.Since coming here, my mother had been completely liberated, no longer burdened by kitchen duties.She quickly stood up and looked at us. "You're finally done with your work."My mom's eyes were carefully scrutinizing my face."Next time, please eat dinner without waiting for us. Things get busy, and we'll only keep everyone hungry," I said. "We'll call ahead the next time we’re late."My dad emerged from the bathroom, looking like he had just finished working.The kitchen staff respectfully approached Atlas. "Sir, can we start serving dinner now?"Atlas quickly nodded. "Yes.”Then he turned to my dad, asking, "Dad, did you just finish work too?"My dad smiled contentedly. "Yes! This place is amazing. There's so much to do. Oh right, can you do me a favor?"While accompanying him to the dining room, Atlas nodded and said, "Tell me."My dad awkwa

I faintly heard someone inside reporting to Atlas that someone had been caught."Good. She can reflect on her actions," Atlas said on the phone, then hung up.I looked at him excitedly. "They caught Abby?""I can't hide anything from you!" Atlas exclaimed. "She’s been caught in a small town near Luxem. The stolen goods are all there. She hasn't had time to deal with it. She’s probably trying to escape the heat.""Who is she trying to scam? I wonder what Melanie thinks, knowing her mother's character," I scoffed. "Like mother, like daughter."After pondering for a moment, I looked at Atlas, wanting to speak, but I hesitated. He seemed to understand my thoughts. He walked to the bookshelf and took out a folder, placing it in front of me and gesturing for me to take a look.I felt a bit dazed as I looked at what was on the table. He said gently, "Take a look. I think this is what you want to know."I reached out for the folder and opened it gently. Rory’s personal information was i

The next morning, Lauren's call woke me from my dreams.After a night of exhaustion with Atlas, I had hoped to sleep a little more, but she had called early.I groggily reached for the phone, answering without even looking, and heard Lauren's voice on the other end. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"Yawning, I replied, half-asleep, "I slept late last night.""I see you're getting very comfortable. Enjoying life a little too much, huh?" Lauren teased."You're so disrespectful. How can you say that?" I didn't hold back and ribbed her. "Looks like you're the one with too much free time."Lauren laughed heartily on the other end, and this banter completely dispelled any lingering sleepiness."Hurry and get up. Ivanna's company is going to visit Bourdamun today. They're planning to shoot a special documentary there. Ivanna says it's a great opportunity for our project, since Bourdamun isn't a typical area of focus. They're doing a follow-up, and you know..."My spirits lifted

I received a call from Lauren and got into her car. As we set off, the gloomy weather intensified. There was only a small patch of white in the sky, creating a stifling and eerie atmosphere."Damn this weather. It looks like heavy rain is coming. We really picked the wrong day for this," Lauren said as she drove, glancing at the ominously dark sky. "It's been so long since it rained."As I looked at the rolling dark clouds, I remarked, "When I was a kid, I used to be terrified of this kind of weather. I always dreamed of a black sky with only a crack of light on the horizon. I would be so scared that I’d wake up, and my mom would give me a hug."Lauren looked at me strangely. Puzzled, I asked, "What's wrong?"She scrutinized me and asked, "When you were a kid?"I absentmindedly nodded. "Yeah."Even I was surprised by my own answer. When I was a kid?Did I have no childhood memories?But these were distant memories from my childhood. I closed my eyes, focused, and felt a sud

The storm hit suddenly and forcefully. Just as we crossed the outskirts of the city, the rain poured down torrentially. I had expected rain, but I didn’t think it would be this intense."Damn, this is too much!" Lauren cautiously maneuvered the car, craning her neck to see the road ahead. But visibility was severely limited, and the windshield wipers swished back and forth futilely, rendered useless by the relentless rain."Maybe we should find a safe spot to pull over and wait. This kind of rain usually doesn’t last too long," I suggested to Lauren while peering outside. I couldn't figure out why my eyelids kept twitching incessantly, adding to my already agitated state.“There’s a risk of landslides. Besides, who knows how long this rain will last? Look at how overcast the sky is. It's getting worse. I'm afraid the rain will get heavier the longer we wait. If there's a landslide, things will get even more dangerous," Lauren said, involuntarily glancing at the slope on our right. "

When I grabbed Lauren, she used all her strength to shield me. My body uncontrollably plummeted to the left and I experienced a dizzying spin. Lauren held me tightly in her embrace as the car violently tumbled. A horrible crashing sound drowned out our screams.It seemed like everything had finally come to a halt. I felt dazed as if my consciousness had slipped away.Suddenly, I sensed icy water splashing over me, and my senses sharpened. My arm throbbed with piercing pain."Lauren…" My voice was weak. I felt Lauren under me, and she didn't let go."Lauren..." I called again, receiving no response. The air carried a faint smell of blood mixed with the scent of rain and the bitter aroma of the plants."Lauren, are you okay? Lauren..." I adjusted my body, attempting to check on Lauren.Suddenly, a sense of terror overwhelmed me. The silence was eerie. Raindrops drummed against the cracked car window, creating a constant tapping sound. But Lauren still did not say a word.I shift