My dad was the first to break the awkwardness with his warm words, “Mr. Atlas, it’s been a while.”Atlas smiled and replied, "It has, Mr. George. I've been quite busy lately and haven't had a chance to visit. How are you?""Grandpa, Uncle Atlas gave me an amazing gift. He’s also celebrating my birthday with me!" Ava seemed happy, while I felt awkward. After all, my daughter had put me in an uncomfortable situation."Really?" My dad laughed heartily. I was genuinely surprised at how he had become such a good actor."Yes!" Ava giggled, looking incredibly cute. "Right, Uncle Atlas?""Yes! I promise to do whatever you want!" Atlas was unusually talkative today.I quickly tugged at Ava. "Come down now and change with Mommy!"Still, Ava clung to Atlas as if afraid he would leave. "I want Uncle Atlas to help me change!"I was shocked, wondering when they became so close."You're a little girl, so you should let your mommy change you. Don't worry, I won't leave. I'll stay and chat wit
I wanted to kick myself as the words left my mouth. I didn’t regret saying it, but a peculiar feeling had washed over me. Sure enough, Atlas smiled at me, but I noticed an unmistakable hostility.My dad spoke up, “What are you saying? Mr. Atlas had a drink, so he shouldn’t be driving!”“Oh,” I replied, getting up. “Alright.”When we got to the car, Atlas said, “Head to Cresswind Valley.”My heart sank a bit. Although Cresswind Valley was closer than Fremont Bay, I wondered why he didn’t want to go back there.As if reading my thoughts, he explained, “Fremont Bay is too far. I don’t feel comfortable with you driving back alone.”His words left me conflicted. Was it because he cared about me?Neither of us spoke during the drive, and the silence hung heavily in the air. When we reached Cresswind Tower, he said, “Come up with me.”Atlas opened the car door and walked towards the building without acknowledging my hesitation. After a pause, I parked the car and followed him into the
Atlas lowered his gaze and didn't respond.I asked him a string of questions, "Was it really you? Why didn't you come in? Did you spend your holiday abroad or here in Foswood? Were you alone?" "Don’t you think it’s a little late to be asking all this?" He sounded annoyed.I got teary and said, "There had been rumors everywhere. First, it was Annalise, and then it was Harmony. Will there be more of them? I don't care about your wealth, but how could I love an unfaithful man?"My words came out in a rush. "I've been humiliated enough by Matthew. And now, I’ve found another man who can't keep his heart in check. Am I a person anyone can use and deceive at their whim?""Am I just anyone to you?""You're not!" I looked at him, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I've told you I'm not worthy of you. But if you try to pursue me, you must take responsibility! All I want is a simple, love-filled life. Am I unworthy of that?" "You are worthy," he gently said, holding me tightly. "Don't cry."
I looked around from my car, trying to spot anything unusual, but everything appeared normal. However, that strange feeling persisted.With that nagging thought, I pressed on the gas pedal and drove home.My parents were still in the living room, watching TV. I knew they had been waiting for me."Did you drop him off?" my mother asked."Yeah," I replied casually, changing my shoes before heading in. "Why aren't you two asleep yet?"My dad finally got up, stretching with a yawn. "We were waiting for you to get home.""Mr. Atlas seems quite special. And he treats Ava so well!" My mother seized the opportunity to tease me. "Who would've thought our little girl would be so clingy?""He's been quite lonely. Since his parents are gone, maybe he liked the warmth of our family."Atlas must have spent New Year's alone amidst the celebrations of other households. My father seemed interested. "He has a big company, right?" "The bigger the company, the more he might be constrained. Whe
I hung up and quickly got ready before heading downstairs. Ava had already left.Just as I was about to have lunch, I got a call from Carol informing me that Eleanor was waiting for me in the office. I promptly let her know that I would be on my way.Grabbing my bag, I hurried towards the door. My mom had just returned from the grocery store after seeing Ava off.Seeing me heading out, she asked, "Have you had lunch?""Not yet. I'll grab something at the office. A client is coming, and we'll have lunch together." I explained hurriedly and left.When I entered my office, I saw that Carol was keeping Eleanor company.Eleanor quickly stood up and greeted me awkwardly as I came in, "Ms. Chloe."I smiled. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. It was my daughter's birthday yesterday, and we stayed up late, so I overslept!" I explained. I glanced at the time. It was still too early for lunch."Ms. Chloe, I took a look around your office earlier. It's quite impressive!" Carol complime
Eleanor could sense the tension in the air and whispered, "Who is she?"I chuckled softly. Eleanor didn't recognize Liora, which confirmed my suspicion that Liora had been the mastermind behind the sabotage of our contract, working from the shadows without revealing her face.So, I quietly informed Eleanor, "You might not be aware, but that’s the troublemaker who ruined our deal."Eleanor frowned at me, unsure of what I meant.I continued, "She's the one who extended a helping hand to your boss and caused us to miss a great opportunity for cooperation."Understanding dawned on Eleanor, and she pointed towards Liora, asking, "Her? What's her reason for acting so arrogantly?""She's the wife of the owner of a real estate development company in Foswood. Their company has quite a reputation," I stated calmly."Which company?" Eleanor inquired."Echelon Group," I replied in a low voice.Eleanor was even more astonished. "H-How can someone like her behave that way?"I raised an eye
My statement surprised everyone, including Liora. I knew she didn’t expect me to be confrontational. She paused and stared at me but remained silent.The receptionist who attended to me first said smilingly, “Don’t worry, Miss. Let me check how much longer it’ll take for your room to be ready.”“Oh, I’m not in a hurry. Since I’m here, I’ll wait patiently like everyone else. Discussing special treatment for members is unfair, right?” I deliberately provoked the crowd to draw their resentment. After all, Eleanor and I weren’t the only ones waiting.The others also voiced their frustrations. Those who didn’t respond to Liora’s earlier words were equally unhappy with the situation but chose not to express it.One displeased lady added, “That’s right, I want to know the difference between all members here, too.”The receptionist awkwardly replied, “Of course, they’re different, Miss. You’re a regular here, and I wasn’t talking about you.”“Oh, so you directed your words at me?” I smil
I calmly sipped my tea while observing Liora. I even smiled at her to show I didn’t care. Her expression grew colder as she glared daggers at me. I found it amusing but couldn’t understand how Atticus could be attracted to such a troublesome woman.No wonder he told me someone needed to humble her.Suddenly, I realized Atticus was trying to protect his assets. Perhaps he had realized Liora wouldn’t be a long-term partner who would share his hardships. Since he had started hiding his interests, he must be preparing for something.Soon after, a woman in a black pantsuit emerged. She looked authoritative, with sharp features and cold eyes. She glanced around and said, “Please calm down, everyone.”Everyone turned to her as her gaze landed on Liora momentarily. I noticed Liora’s smirk, and then she sat down calmly.Liora knew she had the upper hand, saying, “Ms. Kate, you arrived just in time. If you can’t resolve this, me and my friends will cancel our memberships.“Quick, cancel yo