There was a cacophony of noises around me. I felt pain coursing through my entire body, and the intense vibrations of the impact were unbearable. The screeching of brakes, the pungent smell of disinfectant, and the ringing phone all assaulted my senses.I let out a startled cry, "Ah!""She's awake! She's awake!"I gasped heavily, feeling as though the surroundings were suffocating me."Chlo, are you okay? Chlo..."I turned to the voices and saw my mother's tearful and anxious eyes. Lauren was by her side, supporting her arm. My father stood nearby with red-rimmed eyes."Mom...""How do you feel, Chlo? Can you hear me?" Ivanna's voice filled with concern.I slowly turned my head to look at her, finding an expression of sheer terror on her face. Grayson and other relatives were gathered behind her, equally concerned."I didn't die?" I asked, opening my mouth. "I didn't die?" I asked, the words more like an attempt at humor, but they left a bitter taste in my mouth as soon as I

Lauren's words left me feeling somewhat dazed."The car was completely wrecked. You were only saved because the airbags deployed and protected you. Plus, the truck hit the back of your car. You narrowly escaped a catastrophe!" Lauren continued, her voice filled with concern. "If the timing had been just a bit off... It's horrifying even to think about!"As I listened to Lauren's account, I recalled that desperate press of the pedal. If the doctor's assessment had been accurate, a slightly delayed reaction could have left me paralyzed, or worse, I might never have seen my family again.It was shocking to see the accident report photos later. Stella visited my ward two days later, and I admired her composure.Stella entered, accompanied by a bodyguard, holding a big bouquet and carrying a basket of fruits. She walked in with the confidence of someone who owned the place.I stared at her in disbelief, but she looked genuinely concerned as she quickly approached my bedside."Chlo,

As my mother and Lauren exited the room, Atlas sat beside me. He seemed to be carefully choosing his words.Inside, I felt conflicted, a sense of injustice simmering in a corner of my heart. Seeing Stella, still radiant and carefree didn't sit right with me.From the moment this woman entered my view, I could sense her subtle schemes against me. Even that first dinner together felt calculated. How could I possibly stay calm?Besides that, I had a persistent feeling of being trapped, which was probably connected to her. Otherwise, Atlas wouldn't have let the matter rest without investigating.As soon as Atlas sat down, he held my hand."Don't let Stella bother you. I know what's going on.""How exactly did you know?" I spoke candidly. We had reached a point where there was no need to pretend nothing had happened.Atlas's intense gaze remained fixed on my face, his attractive features distracting me for a moment. I didn't want to press him further. I understood that his perspectiv

I glanced at her and nearly laughed. After composing myself, I asked, “Oh, I see. Anything else?”She did not expect my reaction and looked surprised. She looked me up and down before asking, “Aren’t you going to ask who I’m going with?”“Who you go with doesn’t concern me, so why would I ask that? I’m uninterested in your affairs. Besides, I don’t understand your work. Maybe you should talk to Ivanna? She might be interested,” I remained indifferent, making her think I was bored."I'm going with Atlas. What do you think?" Harmony looked at me provocatively."Oh, wow! Is he your so-called boyfriend?" I continued to play along. "I don't think it matters to me, but you should probably tell his cousin. She might be interested. Don't be fooled. As your neighbor, I'll remind you to be more careful."Harmony was puzzled by my words. She froze, trying to digest my words.I left her and approached my house’s entrance, wondering how she entered the show business. With a brain like hers, s

“Does that mean you’re tricking her?” I was shocked as I looked at Atlas.He looked at me and pinched my nose, saying, “You’re clever.”“Aren’t you afraid you can no longer do anything about the situation if she works with Atticus?” I probed.He shook his head. “Do you think Atticus will work with just anyone?”I knew Atlas was right. Atticus was a sly fox, no matter who he dealt with. Atlas patted my face and said, “If you can’t reach my phone, email me. I can check that anytime. I’m making things look like my personal affairs so Celine can’t control me.”I knew I’d miss Atlas as soon as he left. I couldn’t imagine how I would manage without him beside me.“Remember, secure maximum benefit if there are developments on Atticus’s side. Don’t be so loyal to him because he won’t do the same for you. Ultimately, it’s all about interests.”I felt somewhat anxious after hearing his words. I didn’t know how long he would be away. However, based on his instructions, I suspected he would