Lauren's thoughts mirrored mine. Under normal circumstances, things wouldn't be so clear-cut. Besides, we've already probed deep into this and found that Melvern's finances were robust.Behind this financial backing, there was a lot at play. On top of that, Lance wanted to return to Foswood."Arthur is truly a bridge." I sighed softly. "I don't believe everything is crystal clear."Lauren remarked, "The Morgan family's threshold isn't one that just anyone can cross. Seeing him here today indicates that he already has a direction in mind.Then Lauren asked, “Didn't we see Atticus today? Thankfully, the project for the second phase in Rivendell has already been settled.""Atticus should be on Celestis Island. He has a stalled project there, and it’s quite sizable from what I've heard." I informed Lauren. "Since the beginning of the project in Rivendell, Atticus has been determined to secure it. It's his trap for Melvern.""Let's not forget that it all passes through Melvern regardl
Mia's response was well-founded.Even the shrewdest individuals would have considered that the Tomlinson family might want to leverage Arthur's influence, which was understandable since they would soon be family.Moreover, the Tomlinson family was already in business, and no one could say much about their true intentions.So, I was convinced that the focus of this shift was Mia, as she clearly stated that she was more interested in business.Just then, Arthur signaled something to the waiters, and the banquet began immediately with everyone taking their seats.Atlas came over to escort me, and Mia immediately stood up, "I'll excuse myself now. I need to attend to the guests."I stood up just as Oliver came over with a smile too."Oliver, are you feeling better?" I asked quickly. After all, Oliver was injured because of me."I'm much better now. Thank you for your concern." He took Lauren's hand, then asked Atlas, "Shall we go together?"The four of us turned, and Arthur waved
I wasn't sure if he referred to Arthur or Ernest.His large hand rubbed my head gently. "Take a break, sweetheart, and think about what midnight snack you'd like to have. That's the real deal.""I just ate. Do you think I'm a pig?" I scoffed. "I can't move after eating."He chuckled at my comment. "Do pigs look as beautiful as you?""I consulted the doctor. At this stage, your body consumes a lot of energy, which is crucial for the baby's development. You need to make sure you're getting all the nutrients. You won't gain weight because our baby is absorbing all the nutrients," he explained."You're too knowledgeable, Dr. Atlas." I rolled my eyes at him."Nutrition is essential for the baby's development. This is the time when the brain grows. You wouldn't want our baby to be a little dumb, would you?" he teased me."Our baby must be smarter than me. He needs to win in life from the start.”"Just because you know so much, you talk like you've given birth yourself. How could my c
I instantly became much more awake as the voice came through, clear and devoid of warmth. "Atlas. Come back as soon as possible. Your grandfather is critically ill. This might be your last chance to see him.""Okay." I heard Atlas reply in a simple yet firm tone without any hesitation.All my drowsiness vanished immediately. I guessed that the caller was probably Celine.Atlas didn't say much and hung up the phone promptly."Was it Celine?" I asked Atlas, feeling a bit nervous. "What did she say?""Yes. She said my grandfather is critically ill," Atlas's expression turned cold, and his eyes narrowed in thought."Could it be true?" I asked in doubt, then checked the time on my phone. It was early morning in Nocturnia."Hard to say, but regardless, I'm going back. Normally, she wouldn't dare not to inform me about such matters, considering the public opinion," Atlas's tone was calm but decisive."What should we do? Should we take the early morning flight back?" I looked at him. "
I quickly packed a few changes of underwear and two formal dresses, leaving everything else behind. I'd grown accustomed to Atlas’s lifestyle while living with him, which made travel arrangements very straightforward. His wardrobe was always available wherever we went, eliminating the need for luggage.At this moment, I couldn't help but think about how grateful I was for Ryan. The ability to slip away whenever I needed made life so much easier. I also appreciated my parents' devoted care for Ava, ensuring my peace of mind when I was away.Suddenly, I remembered my conversation with Ryan yesterday about urging his family to come to Foswood soon. Ryan’s wedding was around the corner, but yesterday's rush had made me forget that crucial task.With my luggage packed, I pushed it out and sat on the sofa, contemplating my recent distractions. Whenever this happened, I felt sorry for Ava. I resolved to spend quality time with her once everything had settled down, perhaps after the b
Faced with my daughter's inquiries, I could only try to reassure her. "Mommy will be back as soon as possible.""You always say that, but you keep coming back later and later!" Ava's emotions instantly surfaced as she pouted. Her gaze lowered and she looked extremely upset."I’d never lie to you. It's just that some things don’t go as smoothly as we imagined, which delays my return home," I patiently explained.She suddenly looked up, and I noticed that her eyes were glistening with tears. "But I don't want you to keep going on business trips, Mommy. I'll be lonely.""How could you be lonely?" I was sympathetic, but amused by her statement. "Don't you have Jenny, Grandma, and Grandpa to keep you company? How could you be lonely?""But they're not you, Mommy. I want you, Mommy." Ava's tears finally fell, rolling down her cheeks.I quickly reached out to embrace her, feeling a pang of guilt. I understood her loneliness."Alright, I understand. We'll try not to go on so many busine
At the dining table, Atlas briefed my adoptive dad too, saying, "I'll discuss the lab with you when I return. But I've already arranged for people to start building the lab, so there's no need to worry.""I’ll wait for you to return. There’s no rush." He seemed a bit emotional.I noticed my mom's expression freeze for a moment. My adoptive dad might not have told her about that yet. But since Atlas was here, my mom didn't ask about it.My adoptive dad probably hadn't expected Atlas to start building the lab for him.After breakfast, we still had time to spare before our flight. Atlas told me he wanted to visit my father in the annex and discuss something with him.I nodded. "I'll go with you. I'll check on Loak and Anya too, and let them know where we’re going."Atlas nodded, and we headed to the annex together. He went to visit my father while I went to see Loak and Anya.I knew Atlas must have had something important to discuss with my father, since my father would have some t
After saying what needed to be said, Atlas held my hand and we left my father's room as he watched us leave.After we changed our clothes, my mom stood at the door to see us off. She seemed hesitant, which made me feel a pang of sadness.I knew she must have been reluctant for me to leave for Nocturnia. I went to hug her. "I'm leaving the house and Ava to you, Mom. I'll be back as soon as possible."Her head rested against my chest as she nodded. "Be safe and don't worry about us. I’ll be here to take care of everything.”Her words touched me deeply and resonated with me."Alright. Take care, Mom. I'm leaving now." After saying that, I let go of her. "I'll be back soon."We got into the car and left the villa for the airport.On the way there, I called Ryan’s parents to ask them to come to Foswood as soon as possible to help Ryan prepare for the wedding. The news made his parents ecstatic, and even I was infected by their excitement.When we arrived at the airport, we went st