I became cold and arrogant. While I was nervous during their first visit, I also felt resentful this time. The cops’ attitudes, expressions, and tone annoyed me.“I’m curious, officers. What exactly are you investigating? Although I’m not a professional, I know you’ve missed some crucial questions. I don’t know if you intentionally avoided asking them or if you already have the answers,” I spoke with skepticism.After a pause, I asked, “Why didn’t you ask me what Kennedy wanted to tell me?”Immediately after asking that question, I stared at the officer to observe his reaction. As expected, he was speechless.The other officer awkwardly said, “That’s what we wanted to ask you next.”“Then let me ask you two something. Did you overlook this question on your previous visit? Or did you avoid asking it? Maybe you already know what he wanted to tell me?” My follow-up questions were assertive.I continued questioning, “Since this case involves me, can I know why you’re investigating th
I remained silent momentarily before saying, “I was eager to know how severe his injuries were and why there’s no news about it.”One of the officers said, “Mr. Atlas suffered severe injuries in his accident, and ATL Empire requested to remove the news.”I couldn’t help but frown at the words “severe injuries.”“We could only cooperate with ATL Empire. However, it doesn’t affect how we usually handle his case. The news blackout only concerns Mr. Atlas’s condition, not the case’s outcome. The public should receive a satisfactory explanation once we’ve concluded the case.”I knew the officer was tight-lipped and that trying to extract the information I wanted from them was unlikely. However, I deduced that Celine had ordered to block the news because Atlas was in a coma.Although it was a reasonable precaution on her part, I needed to know what she planned to do afterward. I figured only she and her people knew.I helplessly looked at the two officers and softened my tone, “That’s
Yesterday, Ivanna told me that Stella had visited Harmony. Today, I was surprised to see Harmony at my office.I leaned into my office chair as I watched Harmony saunter in. I smirked and said, “Hey, Ms. Harmony, did you wander into the wrong office? Although we’re neighbors, we have no business together.”Harmony responded playfully, “What’s wrong with that? You should be honored that I came here. Not to brag, but many companies want to hire me.”I stood up with a bright smile, walked out from behind my desk, and sat on the couch. After gesturing for Harmony to join me, I said, “You’re right. Since you’re a guest, please have a seat.”Harmony appeared playful and elegant as she sauntered to the couch. She put down her bag and put it aside. She looked at me and said, “I didn’t expect your company to be so well-organized. I underestimated you.”Her words made me see her in a different light. I was surprised that she dared to speak the truth. I agreed that she had underestimated me.
Harmony smirked and said coyly, “Guess.”“I’m not curious, so why should I guess?” I refused to cooperate.My response caught Harmony off guard, and she turned cold, “Don’t you want to know about Atlas?”I scoffed and looked at her with disdain. “Why would I want to know? He's your boyfriend, not mine. At best, Atlas and I are just business partners. Did you fall for someone's tricks again?”I chuckled and looked at her triumphantly. I might’ve been anxious to know and fall for her tricks if it were yesterday. However, I could keep my poker face now, even if I was anxious. Indeed, my attitude confused Harmony.She stared at me in disbelief and asked, “You genuinely don’t want to know?”"Do I look like I'm lying?" I pretended to be casual, lounging on the couch. "I guess whoever sent you here has ill intentions. They’re probably trying to sow discord between us. Harmony, we’re not even friends, so is there a need to make us fight?”I smirked and taunted her, “Since you came all t
Harmony asked, “Chloe, what exactly is your relationship with Atlas?”Her sudden question didn’t surprise me. It was clear she wanted to uncover my connection with Atlas.Stella had stirred Harmony’s anxiety, but this impulsive move was entirely hers. Harmony was not stupid, but she was a klutz. Her question showed she doubted Stella’s manipulation.Teasingly, I asked, “What do you think our relationship is?”I avoided her question, knowing that provoking her was the only way to get her to stand up to Stella. I had promised Lauren that she could witness this drama unfold.Then, I timidly said, “I never said he’s my boyfriend. I don’t have the guts for that!” Maybe my words reassured Harmony, or perhaps it was because I didn’t confirm my relationship with Atlas. Either way, her expression relaxed.“I only wanted to tell you about Atlas’s condition,” Harmony stammered, her confidence waning. “I heard that he’s been discharged and is back home.”I wasn’t surprised. After all, I
I calmed myself down. “Was I too blunt? I just hate seeing you used this way.”She studied me, trying to determine if I was telling the truth.I added, “Well, did she ever let you see Atlas yourself? Has she ever treated you like Atlas’s girlfriend?”Harmony’s face grew paler as she clenched her delicate hands. “If she thought you were his girlfriend, she would’ve let you see Atlas instead of getting you to come here. Think about it! Her intentions weren’t pure!”There was another knock on the office door. I glanced at Harmony and said, “Come in!”Carol entered, holding an invitation. “Ms. Chloe, this is an invite from the Builders Association for a party tomorrow night. Also, could you please sign this report? It’s urgent!”I examined the report and asked Carol, “Have you double-checked this data?”“Yes!”I signed it and handed it back to Carol. Before Carol could leave, Eleanor entered. When she saw Harmony in the office, she hesitated.“I’ll come back later!”“Is it urge
The great mood I had vanished, and I couldn’t escape this strange feeling all afternoon. It felt like I got sucked into a black hole. Everything seemed calm on the surface, but I had no idea how many things were linked to me.In the afternoon, I received another invitation, this time from Matthew. He was throwing a big celebration for his new baby, almost as if he wanted the entire city to know he had a son now.He called me as soon as I got the invitation, his voice filled with pride.“Chlo, you’ve seen the invitation, haven’t you? You’ve got to be there. After all, this is a big event for the Murphy family. I finally have a son, haha! And bring your daughter along!”“Yeah, this could be a chance to combine it with your wedding for a double celebration,” I said.“Haha! Chlo, thank you for the suggestion. Everything’s in the works. We’re having a grand wedding!” He was trying to provoke me.I knew he was doing it on purpose. He felt invincible now, and taking a dig at me was easy
I spun around, but the figure hurrying away was now a fading silhouette. The figure vanished quickly. Still, the build, the height...Feeling something was off, I followed the figure to the roadside, but there was no trace of anyone. That captivating glimpse seemed more like an illusion. I scolded myself for paying attention to the scenery, not the person passing by.But I knew who I saw, even if he was dressed in all black and wearing a low-brimmed cap. Though I couldn’t see his face, his presence was…I stared around blankly until Carol returned to find me. Then I reluctantly followed her, still staring at either side of the path.Throughout the entire meal, that figure remained on my mind.The next day, I went to see Nick. I said nothing about what happened, but I insisted on seeing Atlas. It didn’t matter if he was still unconscious. I needed to see him.My firm stance made Nick uneasy. Even though his face darkened, I stood my ground.“Otherwise, I’ll head straight to Ple