When I arrived at the hospital, I noticed the increased security in the VIP ward. Guards stood every few steps along the corridor leading to Ivanna’s ward. I felt uneasy and wondered if something had happened.I quickly approached the ward and saw Lauren inside, but Jared wasn’t around. Ivanna was awake and turned to me when I entered. Her voice was weak, asking, “Why are you so late?”“Ugh, don't even ask,” I complained as I recounted what happened with Grace.Ivanna and Lauren were surprised, and the latter clicked her tongue disapprovingly. “Tsk tsk. Grace’s past misfortune probably led to this, and Melanie wants to collect her debts.”Ivanna sneered, “None of the Murphys deserve pity. Chlo, don’t go soft-hearted again. You should know how pointless it is.”I understood her reasoning for saying that. After all, she had witnessed the Murphys’ cruelty toward me and Ava.I put down my bag and approached Ivanna’s bedside, asking, “What’s with the increased security outside?”Laur
Lauren comforted Ivanna, “You shouldn’t worry about such things because it’s his family’s business. You’re better off ensuring your safety. You must learn to put yourself first, which is the best way to support Jared. It’s evident he cares about you.”I added, “Ivanna, you’re my constant concern because Trinity is formidable.”Suddenly, Ryan called. I quickly realized I never told him what had happened since returning because I was worried about Ivanna. I answered his call softly, “Hey, Ryan.”“You’re back?” Ryan sounded calm.“Yeah, Ivanna had a little accident, so I rushed back,” I explained, “Have you returned from Solaris?”“What happened to Ivanna?” Ryan became alarmed.Ivanna gestured for me to keep our conversation discreet, so I said, “She had a minor issue, but we helped her solve it. I’ll return to the office tomorrow.”“Perfect. Things went smoothly in Solaris, and I’ve been back for a few days. I’m considering taking Elanor to the construction materials exhibition ne
Since I had some time, I went to the nearest supermarket to my house. I was low on vegetables, so I planned to buy some.The fresh vegetables on the shelves looked perfect, so I grabbed a bunch of leafy greens and fruits. I also selected a piece of high-quality beef before wandering the supermarket, wondering what Atlas liked to eat.However, something felt off. It seemed people were following me and whispering to each other. Still, I was puzzled whenever I turned back because everything seemed normal.At the checkout, a perky girl holding a notebook blushed and mustered her courage to approach me, saying, “Ms. Harmony, can I have your autograph?”I looked at the girl in shock, realizing she had mistook me for Harmony. The girl looked at me expectantly while occasionally glancing behind me. When I turned, I noticed a boy of similar age standing there.I returned my attention to the girl and gently said, “Sweetie, you might’ve mistaken me for someone else. I’m not Ms. Harmony.”“H
Atlas noticed my hesitation and looked at me skeptically, asking, “What’s wrong? You don’t want to?”Since I had to devise an excuse, I said, “Ava should spend more time with Grace. We can discuss moving to your place later, but Molly can stay here for now since I have many rooms downstairs. I welcome them here so Ava and my mom have company.”Atlas smiled and said, “Sure, we should let Ava spend time with her grandmother. We can always decide on moving later.”After dinner, we snuggled on the couch and enjoyed our rare peaceful time together. We discussed our time in Celestis Island and were about to call my mom and the others when the doorbell rang.We smiled at each other, wondering who it could be this time. I quickly got up and checked the peephole, feeling frustrated when I saw Matthew through it. It seemed I could never get rid of this thorn in my side.However, I felt at ease with Atlas around. I pressed the button to open the apartment door, and Matthew appeared shortly a
"You know that Melanie is immature. Don’t stoop to her level. So why do you insist on arguing with her?" Matthew looked weary and exasperated.“Sorry! It’s your choice to tolerate her behavior. I have no obligation to do the same. I’m not stooping to her level, so don’t get it twisted.” I said, “Don’t get any ideas. I took your mother to the hospital because I don’t want her discomfort to affect my child.”“Oh, right! What about Ava?” It was only now that he remembered to ask about her.Matthew had me baffled. What’s going on in his head?“She went to Celestis Island,” I replied.“Celestis Island?” Matthew’s face fell. “Why Celestis Island? You didn’t send them so far just so you could be alone with other men, did you? It’s so hot there, and for a little kid...”“Do you have anything else to say? If not, go home!” I cut off his words, not wanting to see that expression on his face.His eyes were filled with rage, but he kept his emotions in check."Chloe, you should respect m
Matthew could only hang his head, unable to argue.“You’re a man, and you can’t even protect your mother? She raised Melanie, and this is how she’s repaid? Melanie, Melanie... Is the whole Murphy family indebted to her?” My words were bitter, but I just couldn’t keep quiet at a time like this. How did I ever fall for such an idiot?"Do you know how humiliated she has been her entire life? Her husband cheated on her right in front of her, keeping his mistress under the same roof. In the end, she had to raise that woman's bastard child.”I was enraged, even yelling words I never thought I would say. My outburst surprised me.“Now, this despicable Melanie, along with that woman who brought her a lifetime of shame, are ganging up on her. How could Grace not fall ill?”Matthew looked at me without saying anything back."Ask Melanie why she insists on taking Grace to the hospital. Does it come from a sudden sense of duty to treat her right and save her life?" I glared at Matthew.He
I frowned and went to check. Melanie's fiery presence greeted me as I swung open the office door.Two junior employees were holding her back. Eleanor and Carol were both there, witnessing the scene. Melanie looked as if she had come here ready for a fight.I glanced at Carol and nodded. “Let her go!”Melanie shook her shoulders and adjusted her sleeves once she was free. “Chloe, you shameless woman. Did you seduce Matthew again? What did you say to him?”Turning to Benjamin, I said, “Call Matthew and have him come pick up his dear wife. She may not be ashamed of her behavior, but I certainly am!”I could see that people from other floors were already sneaking glances at us.“Stop fucking pretending! Do you think you’re a saint?!” Melanie was fuming as she yelled, “You two are divorced. Why are you still meddling in our family affairs? What did you say to Matthew that he came home berserk?" I understood what she meant. It seemed like Matthew had taken action after returning from
"Do you think Grace had an easy time raising you?" I continued, “Your mother only gave birth to you and caused havoc to the Murphy family. But you’ve teamed up with your mother to bully Grace? Do you think you would be here today if Grace weren’t so kind?"“Chloe, spare us your nonsense! Our family matters are none of your business!”I pressed on. “When you can’t sleep at night, reflect on your past. How many times have you been on the brink of life and death? Has Grace ever given up on you? "She took you to the hospital tirelessly, though she couldn’t even buy clothes for herself. Even I have spent time and money caring for you countless times. And I was an outsider who only joined the Murphy family later. Do you have an ounce of conscience regarding Grace?”Others in the office joined in, criticizing her. After all, most of the people in this building were familiar with her. Melanie had lost all moral integrity.“Chloe, don’t pretend to be righteous. You’re no saint, either. Yo