The next day, I received a message from her, asking me not to look for her and that she would come back when she was done having fun.When Oliver found me, it had already been half a month later. He looked utterly desolate, completely worn out. He appeared even more aged than his age.When he saw me, he asked eagerly, "Where did Lauren go?"I looked at him for a long while before asking, "When did you realize she wasn't around?"He looked at me. "I've been looking for her for a week.”"So, you mean you didn't even notice she was gone for the previous weeks?" I stared at Oliver intently.Initially, I had respected him. After all, he held the power of life and death over many businesses, including mine.In Foswood, no businessman didn't consider him the God of Wealth. Yet, he was so miserly toward a vulnerable woman, especially one who had accompanied him for so many years.It was the first time I had seen him up close like this. His sharp eyes met mine, and his pale face twitche
I was breathing heavily, glancing at him sideways. "Don't think it's all over just like that. Those images are etched in my mind, and they've hurt me deeply. I can't ever forget them."He held me, his tone indulgent. "Then punish me. Make me hold you forever and not let go."I chuckled at his persistence. This man was truly something else; he'd switch between being firm and soft, making it difficult to argue with him."If you dare do that again, I won't forgive you. I wouldn’t care about punishing you too." I deliberately teased him. "You have someone to hold, and I do too.”We playfully bantered back and forth.His handsome face tensed up, "Someone’s acting up, huh?”I was taken aback and looked at him suddenly, trying to discern the truth in his words from his expression.He immediately sensed my reaction, bit my lips, and said, "My girl, you're even harder to coax than Ava."I chuckled to myself; I knew he was just playing around. I stopped the teasing because saying too muc
She saw me coming out and rushed toward me as if she had been injected with some sort of drugs. "Chloe, you slut! Even after divorcing, you dare to get involved with Matthew. How do you have the guts to take in this dying woman? You slut, how dare you give advice to Matthew and make him take my house away?”"Your house? What are you? You're not even worthy of that," I said coldly, pulling my dad inside. "You all go in. Mom, get inside.”With that, I took out my phone from my pocket and called the property security directly, asking them to come. I didn't know how Abby got in.The yard wasn't a place where just anyone could enter. I had specially arranged an access card for Grace, so she could come and go freely. But how this woman got in, I had no idea. I also wanted to hold the property security accountable.I pushed the older ones inside and retreated to my own door. I did this on purpose. As long as she dared to step into my house, I wouldn't be polite.Sure enough, this woman,
I stared at the security guards. “Now you show up? This person doesn’t belong to our community. How did she get in? Call the police!”The security guard in charge was terrified as he looked at Abby, who was lying motionless on the ground. He glanced at me, looking somewhat helpless.“She trespassed into a private residence and even attempted assault. Everyone witnessed it! Call the cops!” I directed the head of security again.I was confident. A few neighbors who had been enjoying the drama had already recorded it all on their phones. Besides, security cameras were all around my house, and Abby was still holding that shovel.I suspected that the security guard was afraid to report it because they were the ones who let her in.“Well... Miss, we...”I made the call myself. I wanted peace, and that meant uprooting the likes of Melanie, ensuring she wouldn’t set foot here again.Melanie came rushing in just as I hung up the phone.Melanie threw herself on Abby, wailing, “Mom... She
Her face was pale, and she trembled all over. I comforted her, “Take it easy. I’m fine. It’s just a routine police inquiry. Don’t worry. She trespassed and attacked you. The police will understand.”“I’m going too... I have to be there with you!” Grace grabbed onto me as if she were afraid I wouldn’t return.Her eyes were full of despair and helplessness. I understood. After living this long and facing the twilight years, I was the first person to stand up for her like this, especially after the Murphy family abandoned her. Maybe I was the only support she had left in her remaining years.It pained me to realize the truth about people at this stage in my life.I gave her a reassuring pat. “Alright, don’t be afraid. Just relax. We’re both okay.”After explaining the situation to my parents, I helped Grace into the car. I assumed she didn’t want me to get in trouble. Plus, she could explain the situation if she went along with me.Sitting in the car, I noticed I was still in my
As I was about to turn and leave, Grace called out to me, “Chlo, c-can I come with you?”I glanced at Atlas, and a glimmer of tenderness flickered in his eyes. I looked at Grace and asked, “Are you sure?”She nodded, determined. “Yes! I want to go with you!”“Mom!” Matthew’s own mother choosing to go with someone else felt like a slap in the face.All the cops were left dumbfounded. Some of them understood our dynamics, which was nothing short of astonishing.I turned back, supporting her as she gripped my hand. Her trembling was so intense that it was almost unnatural. I wanted to ask her again if she wanted to come with me, but the words got stuck in my throat.In the lobby, Melanie stood there, watching Grace follow me. She stormed toward us in frustration, demanding, “Have you lost your mind? You’re going with her? Grace, if you go with her today, never come back to the Murphy family!”I scoffed at Matthew.Matthew, of course, understood my look. He yelled at Melanie, “Shut
Ivanna had already been discharged from the hospital, but Jared was keeping a close eye on her movements for her safety.I picked her up, intending to head to Arkadia Plaza. Just as we arrived at the plaza, I spotted Harmony emerging with bags galore.Ivanna glanced at me with a teasing smile. “Retail therapy?”I noticed Harmony struggling with a bunch of paper bags. It seemed like she had done more shopping, but something felt off. Her outfit had a peculiar touch that wasn’t in line with her usual style.“Ha! Looks like she’s found a new person. Despite the ban, she’s still living it up. Back when she was riding high, she wasn’t this extravagant! Now, it’s all about luxury brands!” Ivanna watched Harmony struggle to the parking lot.“Shall we go?” I said after parking the car.“Just look at her. She is a walking fashion disaster!”“You’ve noticed, too?” I looked at Ivanna. “This dress looks quite like...”Before I could say “mine,” Ivanna uttered, “yours.”We exchanged a pu
Ivanna glared at the young girl. “What’s with your attitude? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?”“Why can’t I speak like this? Don’t come here if you don’t want to hear it. Remember to keep your dignity intact. Do you think this place is your personal jewelry box?” The saleslady spat.Baffled, I asked, “Calm down. Explain what you mean. I just wanted to look at this bracelet. Is there a problem?”The store manager hurried over. She pulled the salesperson behind her and said. “Ms. Chloe, I’m sorry. She didn’t mean it!”“Who says I didn’t mean it? I meant it! I might as well quit if it bothers you so much! You treat this place like your own without shame. I’ve never seen someone as greedy as you. You treat this place like a pawn shop. Don’t you know any better?”The girl was relentless. Even my composure wavered in the face of such blistering criticism.I frowned. “Have I offended you? Are you talking about me?”“Yes, I’m talking about you!” The girl was fearless.The store ma