I looked at him baffled.“Wasn't the divorce trial scheduled for today? Why wasn't there a hearing today? Why’d you cancel it?” He stared at me impassively, but his tone showed displeasure. Had he gone to the courthouse? No one knew we had postponed the trial. The only logical explanation was that he had been there.“Something came up, so I had to reschedule it at the last minute,” I explained. “Are you having second thoughts again?” His face grew stern. "How could you even consider it after what he’s done?"I was much calmer than he was. I took a few sips of my glass of lemonade and said, "I might not be able to get a divorce anytime soon." He fixed his eyes on my face. “Why not?” “There’s nothing I can do. Matthew is using my parents to blackmail me,” I said helplessly. “I didn’t expect him to stoop so low.”"Do you plan to let him manipulate you forever?" “My hands are tied, okay? My father just had a stroke. I'd rather be humiliated than risk upsetting him." We fell

I raised an eyebrow at Melanie, then led my family into Snow World. I even acted lovey-dovey with Matthew. Melanie was furious, but she dared not react.After visiting the Underwater World, I let Ava take part in the lucky draw. “Surprisingly," she won a prize—a free trip to Celestis Island for three.I had always wanted to visit a tropical island, and my parents shared my enthusiasm. Then I went to the organizer to learn more about the itinerary. We discussed the trip plans at home, and Matthew encouraged me to go with my parents.He said, “Have fun, okay? I’ll pay for all the additional expenses. Stay there for a few more days if you want."I eagerly planned the trip and got an extra ticket for Ava. Then, based on Atlas’s plan, I got Adrian to set a date for the divorce trial. Once we were on the island, I would make an excuse to return for the hearing. The night before our departure, I had packed everything and was talking to my parents in the guest room. Ava ran over to me

"Dad?" I cried out in panic, with tears streaming down my face. "Dad!"My desperate cry made everyone present feel suffocated, including Matthew, who quickly called an ambulance.The apartment echoed with mine, my mom’s, and Ava’s worried cries. Ivanna arrived simultaneously with the ambulance. She knew what had happened at a glance.I entrusted my mom and daughter to her while I followed the ambulance to the hospital. Inside, the medical staff worked to provide emergency treatment for my dad. Though trembling, I found my phone and called Atlas.I pleaded, "Please, find a doctor for my dad.""Which hospital are you in?" Atlas asked directly."Foswood General Hospital!”"Got it!" He hung up, and I hoped my dad would pull through.After arriving at the hospital, the nurses rushed my dad to the emergency room. I leaned against the wall and slowly slid down to the floor. My heart ached as I clutched my chest. My parents had raised me, yet I didn’t repay their kindness.I prayed my

It got harder for me to breathe, and my eyes widened. My will to survive made me claw at his hands, gripping my throat. Our love for each other had vanished, and the man before wanted to kill me.My vision blurred as I suffocated. Matthew threw me aside like a ragdoll as I was about to lose consciousness. Soon, I crashed into the corridor wall and almost blacked out.I clutched my throat and coughed as I struggled to breathe. Meanwhile, Melanie and Grace stared at me indifferently.Melanie smirked and said, “Do you know what karma is, Chloe? Hahaha! Matt, you should’ve done that long ago. She’s asking for a beating.”Matthew basked in her praise, seemingly forgetting his pitiful appearance at the hospital the night before.“Will you give it to us now?!” he roared, “I thought you’d be useful and secure the project through Atlas, but you’re a worthless schemer. Do you think Atlas would have feelings for you?”"You're finally speaking your mind, you bastard!" I glared at him.“Did

For some reason, I felt warm when he scolded me.When he started the car, I asked him where we were going, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he pinched my chin and examined my face. I blushed and pushed his hand away before glaring at him and the driver. "What are you doing?"Atlas raised the car’s partition to give us some privacy. I thought ATL Empire provided excellent employee benefits. It didn’t surprise me since Atlas was an assistant to someone important. He said, “Show the bruises.”“Uh, that’s okay. You’ve seen everything already!” I avoided his gaze and tried to hide my discomfort.However, his tone turned harsh again, “So, are those pictures fake? Will you show me your injuries, or should I force you?”My breath quickened as the situation became too intimate. After all, I had bruises in private areas that I dared not show him."I—" Before I could finish, Atlas held me and pressed his hand against my back. I couldn’t help but moan softly.He lifted my shirt without warn