In the garden, bathed in golden sunlight, my mother's white dress took on a golden hue. She looked ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful against the backdrop of the rose-purple water lilies.As she stood up and looked at me reluctantly, she told me she had to leave and asked me not to forget the tallest tree.Feeling sad, I rushed toward her, but she had already turned decisively and left, disappearing into the golden sunlight.I wanted to call out but couldn't. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t move to catch up with her.I reached out to grab her, but a black mist enveloped everything. The figure suddenly turned back, looking at me with a grimace and uttering in a low growl, "You will regret this!"It was Celine. I was startled and shouted, "No! No! No!"I sat up abruptly, but a pair of large hands lifted me up. In my scattered gaze, I saw Atlas's mesmerizing face.He lovingly pulled me into his arms, soothing me gently. I closed my eyes, recalling the dream I just had."
Atlas had once mentioned to me that he was the most outstanding man among the younger generation of the Avila family and wielded considerable military and political power in Yare. That, coupled with his relationship with Trinity, only fueled my curiosity further.Before long, the doorbell chimed, and when I glanced outside, I saw that Tristan had already escorted them to the door.Atlas approached with confident strides and swung open the door, welcoming Trinity inside first.My gaze remained fixed on the towering figure beside her.He was tall and robust, seemingly even stronger than Atlas. His tanned skin exuded a masculine allure.His features were strikingly handsome, with a square face typical of Yare's men. Thick eyebrows framed his intense, deep-set eyes, and his straight nose and broad mouth gave off a rugged charm.Trinity, who usually had a cold and fierce demeanor, appeared delicate and charming standing beside him, completely devoid of her usual sharpness.No wonder
The waiter brought us drinks, fruits, and some grilled meats.I guided Mia to the small living room where the rest of us ladies gathered, while the gentlemen indulged in drinks.Since their arrival, Ross and Atlas had been talking nonstop.Ivanna glanced at Trinity and remarked, "No wonder you've softened and become more feminine. Looks like your boyfriend is quite the charmer."Trinity shot Ivanna a look. "Are you interested again?"We all turned to look as Ivanna replied nonchalantly, "Don't flatter yourself. He doesn’t suit me, and I know what I want. Jared is enough for me, and I’m unwavering to the end.""That's quite the personality. No wonder Jared is so committed,” Trinity commented."I love hearing that I've got charm too. But..." Ivanna deliberately trailed off, looking at Ross. "Your man, though...""What about him?" Trinity asked Ivanna."He's better for you than Jared," Ivanna exclaimed breathlessly. "Jared suits me perfectly."As soon as she said that, we all bu
Mia looked disdainful and scoffed, "Hmph. There was a life-and-death situation between the two of you, wasn't there? Yet you're pretending like nothing happened?"Both Lauren and I were left speechless. These two were a team now, going against all of us. But everyone seemed happy about the outcome."You know about that?" Ivanna asked in surprise. "She apologized to me yesterday."That smug expression of hers was asking for trouble.Sure enough, Trinity looked at Ivanna with a cold glare. "Do you have any class left or what? Do you want me to make a formal statement in the media? Would that balance things out for you?""No need for that. Your apology yesterday was enough." Ivanna puffed out her chest proudly.Mia couldn't help but laugh. "You're really something. It's the first time I've heard of Trinity apologizing to anyone""I did apologize. She's right." Trinity immediately confirmed, "I'm absolutely sincere about my apology, both of them can testify."She pointed toward me
Lauren's words stirred a sense of unease within me. Could Mia also have an interest in the old Bourdamun?As this thought emerged, I swiftly turned back and glanced at Mia. I couldn't help but wonder if her potential interest in the old Bourdamun could pose a problem for me.After all, I had meticulously planned out the entire project for the old Bourdamun, and construction for the two cities adjacent to it was about to commence. If Mia harbored any intentions regarding the old Bourdamun, it could jeopardize my entire plan.On top of that, the concept for the new resort, which had been my labor of love for months, would go down the drain.With Ernest's status in mind, I couldn't shake off a sense of pressure."Lauren, could you try to find out the purpose behind their meeting?" I looked at Lauren, my tone tinged with anxiety."Do you also sense that something's off?" Lauren shot me a glance, questioning, "There are factors here that are hard to gauge. Mia possesses advantages tha
I checked the time before heading over to Atlas. He quickly caught on to my intention and pulled me closer, allowing me to whisper a few words to him. Nodding in understanding, he agreed.I stepped out and instructed Tristan to wait for Atticus at the entrance. With a brief explanation about having some urgent matters to attend to, I left the villa.Inside the main building, a spread of food and drinks awaited us. Taking a seat on the sofa, I awaited Atticus's arrival. Soon enough, Tristan hurried in with Atticus.As Atticus approached, I noticed he seemed troubled."Chloe." He appeared somewhat weary as he sat down in front of me. It was the first time he addressed me by name, rather than as "Mrs. Chloe.""When did you return?" I asked him, pouring a cup of tea and pushing it toward him.Without hesitation, he took a sip of tea and leaned back on the sofa. "I just landed."I couldn't help but wonder about the urgency of his visit."Chloe, I've come to ask for your help with so
"I'll discuss it with him," I said reluctantly, aware that taking over Echelon Group was no small task."Chloe, if anything happens to me, it must be the work of the Sunny family. Remember, you must take over Echelon Group. Please do that for me." Atticus's eyes held a hint of despair as he looked at me.I have to admit, I felt a bit panicked. I had never seen Atticus look like this before. He was always such a confident and resolute man."Atticus, you..." I was at a loss for words, unsure how to comfort him. "Please don't say that. And thank you for trusting me.""I have to go now. Please arrange a meeting with Atlas for me," Atticus said before giving me one last glance and leaving.Even after Atticus disappeared down the corridor, I remained rooted to the spot, unable to shake off his words.His words echoed in my ears. What on earth was going on? What had Atticus encountered? Who stirred up this mess?After calming myself down, I finally stood up and made my way outside.Ba
"Hey, cousin. Finally, I get to see you."His words left me stunned. Cousin?Seeing my expression freeze, he gently added, "Let's talk alone after dinner."I quickly glanced at Ernest sitting opposite me and regained my composure.His eager invitation left me feeling disoriented throughout the entire meal.After finishing our meal, I pulled Atlas aside and told him about Atticus's situation, mentioning that Atticus was eager to see him while everyone was engrossed in conversation.After pondering for a moment, he said to me, "I'll find an excuse to leave in a while. You can inform him to come to Pleca Park, and I'll have Jim pick him up.""Pleca Park?" I was surprised."Yes, I can leave through the secret passage and return to Pleca Park. It's the most convenient way. Don’t worry, I'll be back soon.""Okay, I'll inform Atticus," I said. I took out my phone to call Atticus, but I found that his phone was switched off.I shrugged at Atlas, feeling a bit helpless. "His phone is