Ivanna looked at me sympathetically while I stared back. I was trying hard not to cry."Chlo, don't be upset. We're in this together now," she said, trying to console me. My eyes welled up with tears, and I rushed into the bathroom.I quickly texted Johnson, washed my face, and returned to the room."What should we do?" I asked, my voice trembling. "I-I'm ready to do whatever it takes. I don't care about my pride anymore."Tears streamed down my face, and I felt utterly helpless.Suddenly, Matthew's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then hurriedly answered. Although I couldn’t hear what was said, I saw him turn pale. Then he said through trembling lips, "I understand." After hanging up, Matthew’s head bowed in defeat. Ivanna shot me a glance, and I raised an eyebrow at her.He lifted his head and said, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back soon. Ivanna, please stay with Chlo. I have something to take care of.""Where are you going?" I asked with a hint of disp

"Both of you, shut up!" Matthew shouted."So you're protecting her, huh? You cradle your sister and let her call the shots. Honestly, she doesn’t seem like your sister at all. From the looks of it, she's the one sleeping by your side. You do whatever she says! You're like her lapdog!" I couldn’t help but point it out."Come on, Chloe... What are you talking about? Can’t you show a little restraint? Think about the bigger picture?" Matthew's face suddenly changed color, and he shoved me away, causing me to stumble. "Ms. Chloe!" Johnson gasped, offering support as I steadied myself and glared at Matthew.Melanie hid behind her brother and whispered venomously in his ear. "Matt, can't you see she's only after your money? She only cares about herself. Has she ever genuinely worried about you?"She turned to me. "Chloe, remember that Tanum Corporation belongs to the Murphy family. It legally belongs to Matt. It has nothing to do with you. So what if you were the founder? You can't eve

He grabbed my wrist just as I turned. I avoided his eyes, feeling awkward and powerless. We stood there for what seemed like an eternity. He gently pulled me back into his embrace, resting my head on his chest."You need to leave him as soon as possible," Atlas urged, and it softened my resolve."But I need to expose his true colors. Only then can I justify the time I've wasted on him. I won't allow them to continue humiliating me. I want them to pay for their actions and reclaim everything that belongs to me and my daughter.""I said I'd help you," he reassured me.Suddenly, I embraced Atlas and felt an unfamiliar sense of safety."I must cleanse this shame alone. Do you understand?" I looked at him with tears in my eyes. "This is the only way I can do right by myself and my parents, who have supported me.""Come with me." Atlas released me and took my hand. He led me through the breathtaking resort grounds to a small building. I barely paid attention to the stunning beauty arou

I lay in bed and eventually fell asleep. My nightmare consisted of Matthew and Melanie tormenting Ava and me. I woke up crying but could not release my suppressed anger and frustration.The chirps of birds and the morning sun gradually calmed my racing heart. When I got dressed and went downstairs, I realized I hadn’t appreciated this place’s breathtaking beauty. I knew I shouldn’t miss such a magnificent view.It was already dawn when Atlas found me. He observed my face with concern and asked, “Did you sleep well?”I smiled. "I slept wonderfully! Thank you.""Here we go again with the unnecessary thanks," he said, taking my hand. "Are you hungry? Let's have breakfast."Breakfast at this place was sumptuous, and I enjoyed it. I needed all the energy I could get to face what lay ahead. On our way back, Atlas reminded me, "Take care of yourself and don’t be too stubborn.”I was unsure what he meant by "stubborn," but I did not inquire further. It was my first time being out overnig

I answered the call and heard Melanie’s usual arrogant tone, “I have something to tell you. Let’s meet.”"Why didn't you tell me that when you were at my place just now?" I asked.“It concerns us, not something suitable to say in front of the others. Come to Midnight Bar now!” She hung up without waiting for my response.While holding my phone, I wondered what Melanie was up to. Still, I wanted to know what she had to say, so I rolled out of bed and checked the time. It was almost noon, so the bar wouldn’t be open at this hour.After some thought, I decided to play it safe and changed into jeans, a T-shirt, and a pair of casual flats. I tried calling Ivanna as I drove in case something went wrong. Unfortunately, she was out of town.I hesitated while holding my phone and finally called Atlas. Immediately after, I decided against it since Melanie knew I had met with him before. I knew it was best not to complicate things and hung up the call as I arrived at the bar.I had never be