Abby spun out of control momentarily after I blocked her arm. As a result, the baby slipped from her grasp.The crowd exclaimed in shock, "Oh no, the baby!"I instinctively lunged forward to catch the baby. My only thought was to ensure the baby's safety. As I caught the baby, I twisted my body to protect him from the impact. I didn’t want to fall on him either. However, I exerted too much force and fell backward with a dull thud. A searing pain shot up my arm, and my head collided with the ground.I clutched the baby to my chest, feeling pain throughout my body. Everything had transpired so quickly that I barely had time to react. Soon, I heard Melanie scream, "My son!""Chlo!" Ryan was the first to kneel before me. "Chlo..."The baby in my arms began to cry, prompting Melanie to snatch him from me. The onlookers gathered around me, expressing their relief and concern."Thank God the baby’s fine! That was too close!""It would’ve been dangerous if the baby fell. Those two owe
Everyone was too focused on me to realize Noel’s assistant had recorded everything. Noel told Melanie, "I'll show you what a lack of conscience looks like. I'm a journalist, and I've recorded everything you just did. I'll ensure everyone sees your true colors."The crowd roared in agreement. "Expose them! They're ugly on the outside and even uglier on the inside!"Noel organized the onlookers, saying, "Let's question them now to prevent them from twisting the truth!"Melanie dared not utter another word and quickly left with Abby. The two were humiliated by the crowd's condemnation. Those who had gathered continued to chastise them.Ryan looked pained as he said, "Let me take you to a doctor. Try moving to see if you feel discomfort anywhere."Indeed, my arm hurt. With Ryan's support, I moved my legs and felt fine. Soon after, I held my arm and went to a doctor under everyone’s care. When the test results came out, I felt like the most unlucky person in the world.I had a minor f
I looked at Ryan and knew he had waited for me for too long. I found it hard to answer his question because I didn’t want to hurt him.I considered how we were during college and remembered him caring for me when I returned home during my freshman year. Ryan was always attentive, yet he kept a distance and never crossed boundaries.So, I only saw him as an elder brother from the neighborhood."Perhaps I would have," I answered honestly, "You never gave me the chance to consider things in that direction.”Ryan tightened his grip on my hand. He looked conflicted with pain, regret, and longing. He was brave this time, asking, “What about now? I’ll do my best to care for you and Ava.”His words made it hard for me to remain serious. I knew he was earnest, but I couldn't help but chuckle. "Ryan, you’re too funny. You..."When I saw his anxious gaze, I quickly adjusted my tone. I realized I was too light-hearted and even disrespectful. I composed myself and said thoughtfully, “I know y
I was unsure of my role in Atlas’s plans. Given his strategic thinking, my worries were unnecessary. Maybe it was time to find my place in this new situation. Why drag myself into a game of deception? I've had enough.By conserving my energy, I could make my parents happy and keep my daughter safe. That was what I wanted. Perhaps Ryan was the most suitable choice in such a life. He was well-mannered, calm, and focused on Tanum Corporation.He didn't aim for great wealth but a life of peace and contentment. Moreover, I had taken up much of Ryan's time and couldn’t ignore his kindness. I couldn't keep taking from him.Suddenly, my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and saw Ivanna’s name. When I answered, she ranted, "Chloe, did that lunatic provoke you again?"I smiled helplessly. "How did you know?"“It's all over the internet! Melanie’s a madwoman! You shouldn't have saved her son. The boy won't turn out any better with a mother like that. You're just adding to society's burden
Eleanor’s information sparked a bold idea. I knew Matthew liked cutting costs because he constantly sought to reduce expenses and increase profits. It was a perfect vulnerability to use against him.I recalled advising him not to focus solely on profits. After all, being consumed by greed would only lead to failure. I remember Matthew scoffing at me, calling women timid and having no foresight.He even pointed to his head, telling me to use my brain. It seemed he would fall to his doom because of it.I couldn't help but feel delighted with a plan in place.At that moment, my mom entered with Ava. Upon seeing my arm, my mom’s eyes welled with tears. "You were just about to leave, but you’re in here again. Nothing good ever comes from those two.”Ava approached my bedside and touched my arm. "Mommy, does it hurt here? Let me blow on it, and it won't hurt anymore!""The Murphys just make me mad!" My mom couldn't restrain her anger."It doesn’t hurt much. It's just a tiny fracture.
Upon seeing the two in the room, I felt slightly awkward. I wondered if I had interrupted a private moment.Atticus immediately smiled and said, "Ms. Chloe, please come in. We've been expecting you!"I nodded graciously and stepped inside. The woman in the room looked at my face, then my bandaged arm, smiling faintly.Atticus turned to the woman and said, "Let me introduce you. This is Chloe Hartz from Tanum Corporation."He then turned to me and said, "Ms. Chloe, this is the boss of the Vanderberg Palace, Ms. Bella Vanderberg." I extended my hand to her. "Hello, Ms. Bella. It's a pleasure to meet you!"Her smile deepened as we shook hands. She was very amiable.As we settled into our seats, Atticus looked at my arm and asked, "Still not healed?""Well, it's almost time to take the cast off. Once that's done, I'll be good as new!" I chuckled awkwardly. "A new injury added to the old one. Oh, speaking of my injury, I must thank you for sending your bodyguards to assist me in a
I settled back into my seat and asked, "Mr. Atticus, did you have something to discuss?""Nothing too urgent. The design for the downtown project is complete, and construction will begin soon." He sipped his tea and said, "I had some free time, so I thought I’d invite you for a chat."I quickly said, "If you're looking for staff, the project with ATL Empire is about to wrap up. Your team will be back in no time! I have been meaning to thank you, but it seemed insufficient."Atticus chuckled. Since I met him, I always thought he had a captivating smile that was also mysterious."Do you think I invited you here just to reclaim the team?" He lounged on the couch and asked, "So, any interest in continuing our collaboration?"“Yes, I’d love that. But that depends on how fruitful you think our partnership has been.""The downtown project's architecture and interior design may be synchronized. I considered doing it myself, but my energy is limited. So I'm thinking of outsourcing it."A
Atticus smiled faintly. "Unless Celine is willing to go all out."My heart raced. He was right that if Celine went all in, ATL Empire wouldn't be the only one affected.Was Atticus trying to imply something to me? However, since it involved Liora, I couldn't openly ask.I had always consciously avoided discussing Liora with Atticus.Atticus asked, "Is your inclination towards high-end designs inspired by Pinnacle Group?"I nodded. "Yes."After all, it was Atticus who introduced me to Dominic."A word of caution. Don't rush things. Pinnacle Group has an exceptional planning team, considered among the global elite. But that means no one has replicated their success yet. Be careful!" Atticus warned."Are you trying to set me back?" I asked with a light laugh."Not at all. I'm merely offering a reminder. Some things require the perfect alignment of timing, location, and personnel," he advised."Got it. Thanks for the advice. I'll proceed cautiously," I replied, feeling a heighten