I entered the factory gates only to be stopped by a stern security guard. I told him I wanted to meet with Fred.The security guard scrutinized me and said, "Mr. Fred isn't here. He's currently on a business trip.""Could you tell me where he went?" I asked anxiously because my time in the city was limited.“I wouldn’t know,” he said with a sour attitude."Could you at least give me his phone number? I’ve come from out of town and just need to call him.” After what happened four years ago, I didn’t keep Fred’s contact information."I don't have it," he replied curtly. "What do you want with him?""I'm here to discuss a business partnership!""You can talk to the marketing department for that. Do you really need to meet the boss? We get many people like you who just waste our time. Just get out of here!"It was unbelievable that such a large factory would hire someone so rude. The rain was getting heavier, and I started shivering.Suddenly, I noticed phone numbers for differe

When I entered the guesthouse, I shed my wet clothes and cranked up the heater. Then I hopped into the shower. Hot water poured over me, thawing my frozen body with steam. Since I didn’t have spare clothes, I wrapped myself in a blanket. Then I boiled some water and sipped it. I didn’t care how clean the cups were, but I wished there was tea to warm me up.That made me laugh wryly, but my mind was racing to figure out how to meet Fred. I reached for the pamphlet and looked through the contact information. I dialed a few numbers, but no one answered. It seemed this business wasn't customer-friendly.The middle-aged man I met earlier was my only hope. However, my hope faded as the night wore on and no calls came. I eventually dozed off.In the middle of the night, I woke up with a fever. Wrapped tightly in my blanket, I couldn't stop shivering. My teeth chattered uncontrollably.In my delirium, I desperately longed for a sip of warm water. However, I couldn't even summon the streng

The person who entered the room was Fred Meyers, whom I had been trying to meet. Accompanying him was Mr. Meyers, who had given me a ride.Fred and I locked eyes for a moment. It had been four years, and he looked older. His once jet-black hair was now salt-and-pepper, and he appeared slightly leaner.He gazed at me for a while. "Is it really you, Ms. Chloe?""Fred, it's me! Chloe Hartz. Long time no see!" I felt somewhat self-conscious about my current state."You need to lie down! Lie down!" Fred walked over to the bed, and Atlas quickly got up to make room."Ms. Chloe, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I'm truly sorry," Fred said, sitting beside the bed.Atlas signaled to the other Mr. Meyers. The two of them exited the room, leaving Fred and me alone.I was excited and exclaimed, "Fred, you're being too polite! Seeing you makes this entire trip worthwhile. It's my fault for dropping in like this. I had no other way to contact you and couldn’t meet you at your company!""

I was nervous as I waited in bed. Closing my eyes, I tried to calm myself and whispered, "Everything happens for a reason. Don't force what's not meant to be."Lost in my thoughts, the two men finally reentered the room. My heart leaped to my throat, but I forced a smile.Fred spoke first. "Ms. Chloe, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I must head back. I’d like you to come to our company if you feel better tomorrow. I won't disturb you further today. Please take care of your health."My heart sank. I nodded while releasing my clenched hands. "Alright. See you tomorrow." "I'll be waiting for you at my office," he said before rushing off as if racing against time.His detachedness made me realize how harsh the business world was. The room fell silent, and my emotions hit rock bottom. It seemed I had utterly forgotten about Atlas's presence.After a while, I heard Atlas ask, "Aren't you curious about what we discussed?"I shook my head faintly, not wanting to reveal my feel

My life drastically changed when I entered the Urban Builders office. The surprise that Fred had in store for me left me utterly speechless.He signed an exclusive agency contract with me. Not only that, a construction company worth 150 million dollars was registered in my nameFred also dispatched a professional team for structural design and construction for me. I struggled to find the right words to express my gratitude.He shook my hand and said, "We mutually benefit from this, so you don’t have to say anything. You’ve saved me from a critical situation yet again, and being able to help you is an honor. "After we both overcome these challenges, visit me in the city. Please stay in touch and let us know if you need anything.”He handed me a comprehensive set of documents about steel windows and the paperwork.I sincerely thanked him and said, "Okay. Then there’s no need for me to say anything else. Until we meet again!"As I left the Urban Builders office, I said to myself,

“That’s nonsense. You’ve become pretty sensitive, you little devil,” Matthew teased while playfully patting my butt. “I’ll pamper my lovely wife tonight.”I smiled and nestled into his arms, saying, “I’m hungry and feeling under the weather. How could you do that to me?”He scrutinized me. "Are you genuinely not feeling well? Why didn't you bring Ava back with you?""You wouldn't believe it. Ava's having a blast with my parents and doesn’t want to leave. She didn’t even glance at me when I left. Our neighbors have several kids, and she's obsessed with hanging out with them, so I let her stay there for a while.”I had another reason for leaving Ava at my mom’s place—it freed me from distractions."We’ll do as you say. Take a break while I prepare dinner," Matthew comforted and hugged me before heading to the kitchen.Shortly after, I went to the bedroom, changed the sheets, and tossed them into the washing machine. The thought of tainted sheets made me queasy. Matthew came to call

As expected, Matthew didn’t return that night. Meanwhile, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.The following morning, Ivanna called with some news. She told me that Melanie had caught Matthew and Lauren in the act. I felt conflicted, unable to decide whether to feel delighted or sad. Despite my plans going smoothly, I couldn’t find joy.After washing up and getting dressed, I headed to the office. I only returned to my senses when I realized Matthew was not at the company building. Soon after, I realized a painful truth. Matthew had already slipped away, even if I hadn’t set him up.However, I reminded myself not to give up on my revenge. I instructed Johnson to call and inform Matthew to come to work, saying there was a rumor about ATL Empire only choosing two companies for the project.I also wanted Matthew to think Tanum Corporation and another company were out of the picture. Since I knew Matthew’s ambitions, I was confident he wanted to secure the collaboration with ATL Empir

I realized my question was a mistake. However, Matthew’s lips twitched before he regained his composure and said, “It was Lauren’s lover!”His answer shocked me.“Honey, please believe me and give me another chance. We must secure ATL Empire instead of letting this small issue distract us. You founded Tanum Corporation, so I’m sure you want to expand. I made a mistake, but you can’t give up on our goal because of it.”After a pause, he held me tightly and said, “Chlo, I was wrong.”I didn’t know how to respond since Matthew knew my weak spots. Soon after, I pushed him away and left his office, reminding myself to stay clear-headed. I couldn’t afford any mistakes, especially since Matthew still protected his sister.When I returned to my office, I revisited all the online trending topics and realized we had missed something—the person who had caught Matthew and Lauren in the hotel.I asked Ivanna to push for more information. Soon, a post asking about the identity of the person wh

Matthew started but seemed to lose his confidence and trailed off. I continued with my task and refrained from speaking. After all, I was the victim, so it would be illogical for me to offer advice or help.Suddenly, we heard knocks at the door, and Matthew hurried to open it. We were surprised to see Ivanna at the house.She entered, slammed the door, and shouted at Matthew, “You’re a heartless bastard! I don’t even know what to say right now!”Matthew knew she was always fiery and straightforward. Moreover, her outburst didn’t surprise him because he knew she and I were best friends. Instead of retorting, he lowered his head and looked remorseful.“Didn’t I tell you not to fool around behind Chlo’s back?! Do you remember what you promised me?” Ivanna continued to defend me, “How could you do that to her?! She moved to Foswood and struggled with you all these years.“You’re everything to her, yet you’ve never considered how hurt she would be when you slept with that woman last ni

Ivanna urged us to eat when the food arrived, “No matter how big the problem is, you two must fill your stomachs before solving it. Chlo, I haven’t seen you in a few days, and you’re already as thin as a toothpick.”I realized she was trying to make Matthew feel even more guilty.He stole a glance at me and served me food while Ivanna spoke, targeting Matthew’s weak spot, “Matthew, you must find a way to stop things from escalating. This problem will affect Chlo and the company’s reputation.“Nonetheless, the business must go on, right? I know how hard you two have worked to build Tanum Corporation.”“I considered that, but…” Matthew stole a glance at me. “But I’m afraid Chlo won’t be happy.”“I don’t give a damn! You knew cheating would crush her, but you did it anyway. Why didn’t you think about her feelings then?” Ivanna continued to criticize him.Matthew turned flushed as he gritted his teeth."I don't know much about your company, and Chlo hasn't told me anything. Chlo, yo