Lauren insisted on driving me back home as I left the Vanderberg Palace. I grabbed a couple of fresh outfits and asked her to take me to the airport.During the ride, I made calls to both Ryan and Grayson. Grayson offered, "I can accompany you, you know. Are you sure you want to go alone?""Your mission is more crucial. Finding evidence is the key to victory. I'll be fine on my own. Trust me," I earnestly advised Grayson.The remorse in Ryan’s voice was clear.I was not worried about the company with Ryan in charge, but he was not good at complicated relationships. His time abroad had dulled his understanding of complex interpersonal dynamics.Teasingly, I said to Lauren, "Your ideas are truly classic. Why do I feel like you're such a smooth operator?"She glanced at me and retorted, "Who's the smooth operator here? You're just too close to the situation. Your brain is leagues ahead of the rest of us. "In my opinion, you've let the company stagnate in the years Matthew ran it

Dominic was anxious. "Please leave! Can't you see someone is sick here?""May I check on your wife?" I carefully asked for his permission. "I believe her condition is quite serious."He looked at me with panic, beads of sweat on his forehead."I have some experience," I added quickly. "I might be able to help."After all, I've dealt with situations like this while caring for Ava these past few years.Dominic glanced at me briefly, perhaps sensing my sincerity. He stepped aside and sighed. "She seems to have a fever."I quickly felt the woman's forehead and neck. She was burning hot, beyond a regular fever. "How long has this been going on?""She's been running a fever since last night. She was still lucid this morning, but I...""Dominic, I'm afraid we need to get her to the hospital. This won't do. Do you have a thermometer?" I asked."I-I don't know where it is!" He was usually absorbed in his studies, leaving household matters to his wife.I promptly told Carol, "Quick, ca

Upon my return to the capital, my first stop was the hospital to meet Dominic. I wanted to share the good news of my victory, and he hadn't expected our reunion to happen so soon.As I anticipated, Dominic's life had turned chaotic due to his wife's hospitalization. I wanted to help him manage things at home.To put his mind at ease, I told him that my office was undergoing renovations, and I wouldn't be working for the week. Finally, he relaxed and allowed me to assist him.Following my suggestion, he agreed to hire a caregiver for them, and I had Fred help find a reliable one.During the week, I seized the opportunity to delve deeply into Pinnacle Group's affairs and discuss various material-related issues with Dominic. This gave me a clearer understanding of why Dominic was often considered difficult to deal with.The death of his son strengthened his commitment to his principles. Nothing could sway him from these values. He shut himself off even more and rarely talked to anyon

Lauren had booked a luxurious suite with its own hot tub. However, my dad was old-fashioned and preferred to soak outdoors, so we reluctantly let him go.Ava was thrilled to visit this kind of place for the first time. She kept admiring her swimsuit and dancing in the mirror. My mother joined the fun, and they both had a great time.Lauren and I continued to discuss the state of ATL Empire. She expressed her helplessness and said, "This time, I really don't know what to do. Nobody can get in touch with Atlas.""Don't blame yourself. I'm well aware of this. Pleca Park is off-limits now that he’s injured and there for treatment. Plus, Celine has arranged for her own people to guard him. It's as if he's under house arrest."I was getting more anxious after learning he’d be treated in Monora. Something didn't seem right. He would be taken to Monora unaware and can’t defend himself if Celine tried to hurt him."I've received word that they plan to send him to Monora for treatment," I c

When the elevator dinged on her floor, I was confused. I looked up just as the elevator doors opened.Flustered by what I saw when the doors opened, my face turned red. I felt embarrassed and didn’t know where to look.Perhaps sensing something, the two people inside the elevator quickly separated and turned to face me.I hastily waved and said, "I didn't see anything! You can continue!"The two individuals in the elevator were Ivanna and another man. The man was tall and well-built, and I didn't dare to look too closely."Chlo!" Ivanna called out, her face flushed. She quickly stepped out of the elevator and grabbed my arm. I could smell a faint scent of alcohol on her. It appeared that they had been drinking."I-I haven't seen you for a while, and I just returned from Solaris," I stammered. When I noticed the man exiting the elevator, I hurriedly fled inside. "I'll talk to you tomorrow!""Chlo!" Ivanna’s face was still red. "Are you sure you're okay?""Yeah, let’s talk on