"I'm saving her life! Loak, do you think your sister is safe in the hands of your boss? Can you protect her?" Atlas looked at Loak. "If you think she's safe there, I can send her back."Loak stared at Atlas, his eyes full of conflict and fear, as he gulped."Your parents died at the hands of your boss. Now, both your lives are in his hands. Do you think you can endure his abuse and constant threat to you both? Or do you want to push your sister into the fire pit?" Atlas's gaze on Loak was intense.His sister clutched his arm tightly behind him, revealing only a beautiful face.My heart softened, and I couldn't help but reach out to the girl. "Don't be afraid! We won't harm you."She looked at my gesture, and the translator conveyed my words. She blinked her big eyes, glanced at her brother, and then fixed her gaze on my face. Perhaps my friendly demeanor helped her relax. She tentatively sought her brother's opinion, "Loak!"Loak looked at Atlas, gulped again, and stammered, "C

To my surprise, it was Melvern.He noticed me and walked toward me with a smile on his face."Ms. Chloe, what a coincidence. We meet again," he said, looking at me like an old friend."Mr. Melvern, hello." I nodded politely, wondering why he was there. However, I didn't ask."Are you heading out?" he asked casually, glancing at me."Yes, just stepping out for a bit." I smiled faintly. "Are you here for business?""Yes, I'm here to meet an old friend," he replied, seemingly carefree. "Which floor is your company on?""The 10th floor," I answered, but I didn't extend any courteous invitation for him to visit. I was sure that if I did, he would show up at my door tomorrow."Ms. Chloe, could I invite you for a chat sometime when you're free? I have some questions I'd like to consult you about," he asked politely.I knew that this was just an excuse."Mr. Melvern, you're too courteous. I wonder which aspect of knowledge you are seeking,” I replied distantly. This guy was like gu

Atticus smiled, saying, “Indeed, I won’t engage in a battle without preparing for it. Of course, I can’t be shameless either because it would be too greedy. I wouldn’t have a favorable outcome if I made a move on Bourdamun without assurance.”“It looks like you’re the crafty one,” I said straightforwardly, “So, you traded a stagnant pond for a vast ocean? You’re winning with a clear conscience.”I had to admit I felt a little uncomfortable. Atticus was extremely cunning.He chuckled somewhat embarrassedly, “It’s like that for me, but Atlas also obtained a boundless opportunity. Do you think he’s easy to shake? Perhaps he wouldn’t have let go if he hadn’t had you back then. I admit it was an unsportsmanlike victory.”It was apparent Atticus was sincere and seemed to hold Atlas in high regard. “Muborough is reaching saturation while Bourdamun has excellent potential. You’ve also acquired a piece of valuable land. How could Atlas lose?“That way, we can dominate our specific territor

Although my question seemed casual, it was an attempt to probe Atticus. Sure enough, he wasn’t surprised. He nodded indifferently and said, “I know.”I asked with a hidden agenda, “What do you think about him? He seems pretty active lately.”Since Atticus knew about Melvern’s return to Foswood, it meant the former kept an eye on the latter. Atticus looked at me but didn’t answer my question. Instead, he asked, “I noticed a driver drop you off just now. Should we have a drink?”I readily agreed.Atticus looked excited as he fetched a bottle of low-proof white liquor. He then poured me a small glass and another for himself. He raised his glass and solemnly said, “Firstly, I appreciate you traveling all the way to Rivendell to share this meal with me.“Secondly, it’s our first solo meal together. Lastly, let’s toast to our cooperation beyond business matters. I’m grateful to you.”Atticus downed his drink. I could tell he had something to share with me, so I took a big sip. After se

I chuckled, thinking Ava was indeed attached to me. However, I had been so busy that I hadn’t spent much quality time with her. Honestly, I felt guilty about it.Since my mom told me not to enter the music room, I sat with her in the small living area upstairs instead. I leaned against her affectionately, as it had been a long time since I felt this close to my mom, especially after learning about my true identity.I felt an unusual comfort as I rested against her. However, Atlas’s description of Lucille’s final moments flooded my mind, sending shivers down my spine. My mom glanced down at me and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”She instinctively palmed my forehead to check for signs of illness. I quickly reassured her, “No, I’m just tired from today.”“Then go to bed. You’ve been through a lot, dear,” my mom spoke softly.I murmured, “I’m waiting for Atlas to get back. I have something to tell him.” Suddenly, my nose tingled, and I silently uttered, “My poor mother died tragi