Atlas lowered his gaze and didn't respond.I asked him a string of questions, "Was it really you? Why didn't you come in? Did you spend your holiday abroad or here in Foswood? Were you alone?" "Don’t you think it’s a little late to be asking all this?" He sounded annoyed.I got teary and said, "There had been rumors everywhere. First, it was Annalise, and then it was Harmony. Will there be more of them? I don't care about your wealth, but how could I love an unfaithful man?"My words came out in a rush. "I've been humiliated enough by Matthew. And now, I’ve found another man who can't keep his heart in check. Am I a person anyone can use and deceive at their whim?""Am I just anyone to you?""You're not!" I looked at him, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I've told you I'm not worthy of you. But if you try to pursue me, you must take responsibility! All I want is a simple, love-filled life. Am I unworthy of that?" "You are worthy," he gently said, holding me tightly. "Don't cry."

I hung up and quickly got ready before heading downstairs. Ava had already left.Just as I was about to have lunch, I got a call from Carol informing me that Eleanor was waiting for me in the office. I promptly let her know that I would be on my way.Grabbing my bag, I hurried towards the door. My mom had just returned from the grocery store after seeing Ava off.Seeing me heading out, she asked, "Have you had lunch?""Not yet. I'll grab something at the office. A client is coming, and we'll have lunch together." I explained hurriedly and left.When I entered my office, I saw that Carol was keeping Eleanor company.Eleanor quickly stood up and greeted me awkwardly as I came in, "Ms. Chloe."I smiled. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. It was my daughter's birthday yesterday, and we stayed up late, so I overslept!" I explained. I glanced at the time. It was still too early for lunch."Ms. Chloe, I took a look around your office earlier. It's quite impressive!" Carol complime

My statement surprised everyone, including Liora. I knew she didn’t expect me to be confrontational. She paused and stared at me but remained silent.The receptionist who attended to me first said smilingly, “Don’t worry, Miss. Let me check how much longer it’ll take for your room to be ready.”“Oh, I’m not in a hurry. Since I’m here, I’ll wait patiently like everyone else. Discussing special treatment for members is unfair, right?” I deliberately provoked the crowd to draw their resentment. After all, Eleanor and I weren’t the only ones waiting.The others also voiced their frustrations. Those who didn’t respond to Liora’s earlier words were equally unhappy with the situation but chose not to express it.One displeased lady added, “That’s right, I want to know the difference between all members here, too.”The receptionist awkwardly replied, “Of course, they’re different, Miss. You’re a regular here, and I wasn’t talking about you.”“Oh, so you directed your words at me?” I smil

Kate smilingly motioned to take my card but froze as she was about to touch it. I looked at her in puzzlement while still holding the card. I didn’t know why she froze.She widened her eyes and observed my face. “Y-You—”Eleanor was as puzzled as me, saying, “Just cancel our membership, Ms. Kate.”However, Kate looked embarrassed as her lips twitched. “P-Please wait a moment. I-I need to make a call.”Eleanor protested, “Why must we wait for you to cancel our membership? You already made us wait for someone to serve us. Do you think we have that much free time?”“I-It’s not that, Miss. I just need you to wait a moment.” Kate’s expression showed something was amiss.Liora was just as confused but appeared dissatisfied. “Ms. Kate, my friends and I will cancel if you have trouble handling the situation!”She slapped her card on the coffee table before turning to her friends, saying, “Girls, let’s go!”Her friends followed suit and placed their cards on the table, declaring, “We’re

Soon, the remaining patrons got their turns while I went inside with Elanor.Kate came in to tell me that they had prepared the best masseur for us. During the massage, Eleanor and I discussed what had just happened. She smiled, and we grew closer.Afterward, I took her to a nearby Crispy Crust. Most knew the restaurant for its pizzas, and we ate while continuing our conversation. Eleanor told me about how she had met her boss. I knew she was capable, and I felt tempted to be on her side.I tried probing, “What will you do if the boss’s wife gives you a hard time?”“I haven’t thought that far, but I’ve been involved with him for a long time. I don’t want to make things awkward for my boss, but I don’t want to continue life like this. Perhaps I must decide soon. Maybe I’ll leave him.”"Have you thought it through?" I asked."There’s nothing much to consider. My boss can’t give me what I want, and I can’t stay by his side forever. I don't want to work hard for him only to get nothi