I saw them standing up out of the corner of my eye. The woman spoke to Atlas while she casually put her arm around his. When they turned, she looked arrogantly at the diners. Although not striking, her delicate face was charming.Atlas met my eyes with a blank face. She followed his line of sight and turned to face me. Her entire body froze, and there was a peculiar expression on her face.Atlas calmly led the woman away. Just before they disappeared from view, she shot me another glance.Ivanna noticed how Atlas's presence affected me and said, “Let’s grab some drinks. Loosen up a bit!”I raised both hands in agreement, hoping a few drinks would help me clear my head.However, Ivanna drove us to the Newturn Bar, which I was apprehensive about. She ordered two cocktails for us, and I gulped one down without knowing what it was. Then I signaled the bartender for another.“Hey, take it easy. Do you want to get wasted?” Ivanna raised her voice as she leaned on the bar. “Savor the taste.

The words were tantalizing, but who did he spend time with today? The thought made me chuckle bitterly.What right did I have to interfere with his choice of company? How often had I been oblivious to that? How could I possibly know?“Why are you laughing?” His patience was wearing thin.“Enough, Mr. Atlas. I wouldn’t dare ask you to keep me company.” I pouted. “A mere commoner like myself wouldn’t dare!”Truly, I wouldn’t dare. He wasn’t mine to claim, and I had to give myself a reality check. I was recently divorced and involved in legal disputes.What right did I have to compete with anyone? Thinking about our relationship left me even more perplexed. Who was I to him? Still, seeing him with another woman caused me unexpected pain.Did my feelings grow too fast? Had I rushed from one chapter of my life into the next? I felt heartless.Atlas asked, “Why the sudden silence?” “What would be appropriate for us to talk about?” I asked softly, looking at him.“Ask whatever you

I immediately shook my head. Forget it. I shouldn’t be too ruthless. Matthew’s cruelty didn’t mean I had to retaliate in kind.We had once been a married couple, and even though we had divorced, bitterness was unnecessary. Let the bridges burn. There was no need for a fight to the death.I found myself deep in contemplation. My mindset became more balanced with Ryan’s help at the company, and the previous resentment gradually faded away. Instead of fighting with Matthew, developing my business seemed more worthwhile. He might have bitten me, but I didn’t need to bite back. After all, he was still Ava’s dad.He hadn’t gained much from me, so stepping back would be better. However, I didn’t expect Matthew to back me into a corner.Over the next few days, one problem after another came up. Just as we were about to start our project, he left me with no option. What was the point of the project without these supplies? He was pushing me to the edge.Since Ryan took over Tanum Corporat

I glared at Melanie through the mirror and said, “You’re like a ghost that haunts me. What are you trying to pull now?”“Hahaha! You’re so shameless, Chloe. He already has someone special in his heart, and you’re tagging along to their dinner? Did you forget you’re a divorced woman? Do you think you’re worthy of a wealthy man?”“That’s not for you to decide. I advise you to be kind for your unborn child’s sake,” I retorted while taking a paper towel to wipe my hands.As I turned to leave, Melanie realized I wouldn’t entertain her. She stood in my way, saying, “I’ll see how long you can keep this up, bitch. Sooner or later, you’ll be crying your eyes out.”When she said those words, Stella entered the restroom. She saw my and Melanie’s confrontation and stood beside me. Stella grabbed my arm and asked, “Ms. Chloe, what’s happening?”Her eyes darted between me and Melanie.Melanie gave Stella a once-over and then smirked. “Hey, gorgeous. You should be wary of the women around you.

I could only hear Atlas’s breath on the other end. Finally, he said, “You’ve been causing trouble for me for a long time now. What should we do about it?”I tensed up and tightened my grip on the phone. Atlas’s words caught me off guard, and I asked, “W-What do you mean?”"You should give yourself to me," he said playfully.I found him ridiculous. We were discussing something serious, yet he started joking with me.“Y-You’re…” I wanted to refute but switched to a more severe matter instead, “Did my contract affect your career? If that’s the case, I’d rather not take it.”"It's too late," he said, "So, you only have one option, and that is not to disappoint everyone's expectations."My body trembled as I gulped. After a while, Atlas whispered, "Are you asleep? Do you want to see me?"My mind went blank, and a longing surged within me. However, I restrained my impulses and changed the subject, “You’re going on a business trip tomorrow, and it’s too late now…”I couldn’t continue.