I sighed heavily as we left ATL Empire. Carol sensed my mood and offered to drive. I handed her the car keys without a second thought and got into the car.

As I looked at the building through the car window, I smiled bitterly. Its existence felt almost like a mirage to me, something that might vanish at any moment. It was possible that I was just a silly presence from the start, or maybe even just a shield.

Back at the office, I was in low spirits. Carol kept the staff away from me and left me alone in my office. I sat in my chair and stared out the window, trying to piece together the entire process of knowing Atlas. Despite remembering every detail, I couldn't make sense of our relationship.

I lost track of time.

Eventually, Carol knocked on the door, holding an invitation card. She asked softly, "Ms. Chloe, ATL Empire is hosting an appreciation party for old clients tonight at Starlight International. Are you...going?"

Since we were also clients of ATL Empire, I had no reason