The unknown caller asked to meet me in person, claiming he had information about Atlas. I asked who he was, but he hung up and sent me an address instead.I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. I set up my navigation system and rushed to the location, my heart pounding. It was the first time someone had mentioned having information about Atlas, and I couldn't afford to miss this chance.I didn't even question who the caller was. I wanted to hear what he had to say, even if his information was false. It was better than remaining in the dark.News of Atlas’s accident vanished from public attention. There weren’t traces of Atlas or even updates on his condition. I was about to go insane, wondering how they swept such a significant accident under the rug.After all, the accident involved six people, with one reported dead.The person’s call resembled a light at the end of a tunnel. The location was remote and unfamiliar. Although it was still in the city, it wasn’t a part of town I f
Two cops entered my office. I didn’t know what could have happened to attract the cops’ attention. I offered them a sweat, feeling puzzled. One of the officers asked sternly, “Do you know someone named Kennedy Brawford?”“Who?” I said, “I don’t know that person.”The officer wasn’t satisfied with my response. He glanced at his colleague and said, “Show her the photo.”I accepted the photo from the other officer. I saw a man who appeared to be in his twenties in the photo. He was good-looking, almost like a student. I shook my head and said firmly, “I don’t know this person.”Suddenly, I thought about the cafe.“Are you sure you don’t recognize him?” the officer who handed me the photo asked. He seemed accustomed to interrogating suspects.Displeased, I looked at him, saying, “I honestly don’t know him. I’ve never seen that man before.”“The last call he made was to you. How can you claim not to know him?” The officer’s tone became even more severe. Then, he passed me a piece of
I felt a chill run down my spine. The person on his way to meet me had died tragically in a car accident. I suspected it couldn’t just be a coincidence. Moreover, he only wanted to share information with me about Atlas, yet it cost Kennedy his life.It was disturbing that a refined and polite-looking person could die so suddenly. I realized this incident was far from simple.I grew increasingly uneasy as I watched Grayson rush off to investigate. I also wondered why the officers didn’t ask me about the information regarding Atlas.Since Kennedy had died due to a drunk driving accident, why would the cops still conduct an investigation? It was contradictory.However, if it wasn’t a simple coincidence, who killed that young man? Was it Celine or someone else?I couldn’t imagine Atlas's involvement in this conspiracy or what secrets the Pierce family held to drag innocent people into their web. These things haunted me all afternoon.I left the building after clocking out and saw the
I slowly returned to the main road after finally collecting myself. The traffic had eased up by then, and I headed straight home.My mom was relieved to see me and began cooking. I seldom had time to eat with them since I was always so busy, especially these days. My parents had eagerly awaited my return. My mom even said freshly cooked food was best.After dinner, I called Ivanna to see if she was home. She said she had just arrived, so I took Ava for a walk and headed to Ivanna's place. Since I hadn’t seen her for several days, her first question was about Atlas.However, I could only shake my head in response.Ivanna reassured me, “Harmony has been quiet recently, too. She’s been restless, probably due to the lack of news on Atlas. Don’t worry. I told her assistant to inform me if anything unusual happens.”I was grateful to have friends who looked out for me. “Ivanna, I can’t help feeling something’s amiss here,” I confided to her and looked at my daughter, who was playing gam
Ivanna looked at me in confusion and nervousness. “Why? Is someone forcing you?”“N-No, it’s not that!” I shook my head and explained, “For some reason, I feel there’s an inexplicable force pushing me. It’s not just about Atlas’s love.”Ivanna stared at me, still not wholly understanding my words.“I wanted to escape many times. I know I don’t deserve Atlas. Anyone would think I’m delusional for even considering being with him. Still, I always feel like there’s a prevailing connection between us, and it keeps getting stronger.”I spoke solemnly to Ivanna, “I’ve had that thought for a while but always doubted myself. That inexplicable force pushes and pulls me whenever something related to Atlas arises.Ivanna chuckled, “Did you fall too deeply into this? Is that it?”I looked at her with severity and asked, “Do you think I’m trying to justify being with him?”Ivanna hesitated before nodding. “A little.”“No, I even feel like he has appeared in my life before,” I surprised mysel
Why would a single piece of information be worth a life? I carried Ava through the tranquil neighborhood late at night amid the dim streetlights. The shadows shifted around us.I picked up the pace as the weight of Ava in my arms grew heavier. As I approached my front door, a shadow darted out from the corner.It startled me, and I gasped."Chloe, it's me... Do you really not know anything about what happened to Atlas?" The figure approached, and I recognized Harmony."What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" I snapped, my annoyance thinly veiled. Ava stirred and whimpered.I quickly patted her back to sleep and said to Harmony, "You scared me to death!"Harmony seemed to realize her impulsiveness. "I knocked on your door, and they said you weren't home, so I waited for you!" I gave her a sideways glance. "He's your boyfriend. Why are you asking me? How would I know?""Chloe, you know your relationship with Atlas, don't you?" She came closer, her gaze dark and pene
A wave of relief washed over me with Celine's departure from Foswood. Maybe things would become more manageable for us to investigate. From a particular perspective, this was good news.I asked Grayson to monitor the situation at ATL Empire. Celine leaving would have set things in motion. Even though Atlas was injured, the company had to keep going.Then it struck me—Atlas's home, the grand estate on the hills. It had been his private haven. I wondered if he might be there. After finishing my work at the company, I hopped in my car and headed for the estate.The season was just right, with lush scenery to the south. This area was still considered on hold, and I noticed construction activity over at the scenic area. It indicated ATL Empire was developing it.I turned onto the private road leading to the estate, and my heart began to race. I had a strong feeling that my hunch was correct. In my eagerness, I hit the gas. I could drive right into the estate on previous visits, but th
As I was about to exit the private road, I saw a bright red dot in the distance. It struck me—could that be Stella's red sports car? My heart skipped a beat at the thought. Stella? Was she here at Fremont Bay?I hesitated and followed my instincts. I spotted a small path leading into the woods and maneuvered my car into the junction. Thankfully, my midnight blue Panamera was discreet and wouldn't be easy to spot.Before long, a red sports car whooshed by, confirming my suspicions. Was it Stella? I couldn't be sure, but it seemed plausible since they were relatives. Just as I hesitated, a black sedan swiftly entered.I parked and waited for some time, but no other cars entered or left. Only then did I leave my concealed spot and return to the private road, exiting Fremont Bay premises.Back in the city, I called Nick to set up a meeting, using a project-related excuse as cover. He didn't refuse and instructed me to come to his office. Upon arriving, I got straight to the point."