I saw something flash in Stella’s eyes, which confirmed they were related to what happened to Kennedy.Just then, I noticed Nick giving me a signal. I excused myself to greet him and approached with a smile. After a few pleasantries, Nick quietly informed me, "The car is waiting outside. I can only stall them for forty minutes. You must leave Pleca Park within that time."I nodded and observed Stella before turning to head outside. However, Atticus and another man walked toward me with clear intentions to greet me.I cursed my luck while he waved to me from a distance. I smiled and approached before saying, “Mr. Atticus, did you just arrive?”“Ms. Chloe, let me introduce you to my friend. This is Bryan Cohen, the CEO of Alliance Corporation,” Atticus then smiled at his friend, “Bryan, this is Ms. Chloe Hartz, the owner of Tanum Corporation.Bryan extended his hand to me, and I politely shook it. He looked like a dashing young man, about the same age as Atticus. However, the former
I froze and clenched my teeth, inwardly cursing. I turned to see Stella, who had just come out with me. I could just tear her apart with my gaze."Why are you leaving so soon?" She seemed to have seen through my intentions. She strolled toward me and scrutinized me with an intentional air of confrontation. I realized how much she loved trouble.She asked, "What's the rush? Why are you so frantic and disoriented?""You seem quite attentive to notice such a thing." I feigned shock. Still, I steadied myself and said half truthfully, "Yeah, I’m in a rush. What's wrong? Do you need something?"The more anxious I became, the more she squinted at me. The sinister glint in her gaze made me uneasy, but I couldn't afford to lose my composure. I had to maintain my dominance, even just for appearances."Quick, speak up. I can’t stay long.” I didn't hide my impatience. After all, five minutes had already passed since I saw Atticus.I never realized how short forty minutes could be. Every wast
I entered the other car, where a refined gentleman awaited. He nodded at me but said nothing. Then, he started the car and drove toward Pleca Park.My nervousness intensified as the moment of truth neared. I even intertwined my hands tightly."Don't be nervous. Just relax." The doctor seemed to notice my anxiety and tried to calm me. "Just follow my lead, don't speak, and cooperate with me."When we arrived at Pleca Park, the familiar ornate gate remained closed, just like when I visited two days ago.However, the gate slowly opened as our car approached. We entered smoothly, and the gate closed behind us. There was no sign of guards or heightened security at the entrance. Still, I knew the security measures were more rigorous than they appeared.When we reached the house, the doctor instructed, "Stay close and don't speak. Just relax."I nodded, my hands sweaty. When I realized I was getting closer to Atlas, my heart pounded. Soon, the doctor gestured for me to get out of the ca
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the room as I lifted the blanket. I instinctively turned to see what was happening while gripping the blanket. To my surprise, Kenzie appeared before me with several attendants.I realized that I had been exposed. Kenzie and I locked eyes, and then I turned back to Atlas. Since I had already come this far, I was determined to see things through.I saw Atlas’s leg in a cast and several bandages indicating unhealed wounds. One of his arms was also in a cast, and just seeing his condition was heart-wrenching. Soon after, I pulled the blanket further.My tears welled as I glanced at Atlas, saying, “Please wake up soon.”"Ms. Chloe, you’re bold," Kenzie commented coldly. She remained rooter as she watched me.I couldn't help but chuckle as I retracted my gaze from Atlas. I stood upright and wiped my tears before turning to Kenzie. I copied her detachment, saying, “That’s enough. I can do whatever I want. I don’t think I’m bold. I wanted to see my f
I locked eyes with Stella. "If you don't want people to know what you've done, it's best not to provoke me."I walked out and addressed the doctor who had escorted me in. "Sir, could you please take me back?"He calmly nodded. "Certainly."I was worried that leaving the doctor there might put him in danger.Back in the car, a wave of nervousness washed over me, causing my hands to tremble. I turned to the doctor and said, "I'm sorry for involving you. They won't harm you, will they?""No, it won't be that serious," he replied. Then he started driving."How is his condition?" I asked the doctor, still feeling concerned."You saw it yourself." He glanced at me. "The injuries to his limbs aren’t too serious, but the head injury is severe.""So when do you think he'll wake up?"His response was ambiguous. "That depends on how he responds. It could be anytime." We reached the spot where we had switched cars earlier. The other car was still waiting. I thanked the doctor and return
Lauren was aware of the situation and offered to accompany me, but I declined. I didn't want her to get involved. I suspected she had ulterior motives for wanting to be there, but I told her to let it go. There was no need for her to get mixed up in this mess. Lauren relented, so I brought Carol, who used to work at Tanum Corporation. I had my reasons for bringing her, and I didn't have to explain them. Carol was perfectly capable of handling the situation on her own.The party for the baby took place at La Dolce Vita. The venue was packed, and Matthew stood at the entrance, welcoming guests from all directions. When Johnson brought my car to the entrance, Matthew rushed down the steps and opened the car door.He seemed a little unhappy when asked, "Chlo... where's my little girl?"I calmly said, "Everyone already knows you have a son and a daughter.”He forced a smile and said, "Well, you better come in!"Carol quickly stood by my side and handed two cash envelopes to Matth
She approached gracefully, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Those serpentine eyes were fixed on my face, and I could see the tension in her jaw. Such restraint must’ve been painful.Maintaining a calm smile, I watched them eagerly begin the performance. Myra was so nervous that she hardly dared to breathe. She nudged me several times, and Carol was gearing up for a fight. I grabbed her and gently pushed her back down."Oh! I was wondering who it was. It’s my sister-in-law!" I smiled at her. "Melanie, what game are you playing? We had never called each other that before. Where's the 'sister-in-law' coming from?"Carol wasn't going to let it slide. She immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Matthew is already yours, so where's the 'sister-in-law' coming from? You have a son now, so maybe start acting like a mom. Chloe has already taken a step back for you."Suddenly, Melanie adopted a pitiful look. Her eyes reddened, and her lips quivered as if she had been wronged. The whole
I gently held Carol’s wrist with a strained smile. "Melanie, are you sure about this?"Seeing that Carol was already upset, Stella added fuel to the fire. "Melanie, why bring this up at a time like this?"Melanie knew her words were having an impact and continued to play the victim."I'm happy. Otherwise, none of you would get to see my son today, and Matthew wouldn't be as happy as he is now! Let’s not hold grudges, Chloe. I won’t blame you for causing me to give birth prematurely. Can’t we all get along? After all, we're all part of the Murphy family!”"I'm not part of it," I couldn't help but retort.The onlookers immediately turned their stern gazes toward me. I could tell that if I said "no," they might tear me apart. I smirked, realizing how cunningly they had orchestrated this.It was a blatant attempt to turn everyone against me. One wrong step and my reputation in the city would be irreparable. I would be labeled a scheming woman.This was precisely what the three women