Mia looked disdainful and scoffed, "Hmph. There was a life-and-death situation between the two of you, wasn't there? Yet you're pretending like nothing happened?"Both Lauren and I were left speechless. These two were a team now, going against all of us. But everyone seemed happy about the outcome."You know about that?" Ivanna asked in surprise. "She apologized to me yesterday."That smug expression of hers was asking for trouble.Sure enough, Trinity looked at Ivanna with a cold glare. "Do you have any class left or what? Do you want me to make a formal statement in the media? Would that balance things out for you?""No need for that. Your apology yesterday was enough." Ivanna puffed out her chest proudly.Mia couldn't help but laugh. "You're really something. It's the first time I've heard of Trinity apologizing to anyone""I did apologize. She's right." Trinity immediately confirmed, "I'm absolutely sincere about my apology, both of them can testify."She pointed toward me

I checked the time before heading over to Atlas. He quickly caught on to my intention and pulled me closer, allowing me to whisper a few words to him. Nodding in understanding, he agreed.I stepped out and instructed Tristan to wait for Atticus at the entrance. With a brief explanation about having some urgent matters to attend to, I left the villa.Inside the main building, a spread of food and drinks awaited us. Taking a seat on the sofa, I awaited Atticus's arrival. Soon enough, Tristan hurried in with Atticus.As Atticus approached, I noticed he seemed troubled."Chloe." He appeared somewhat weary as he sat down in front of me. It was the first time he addressed me by name, rather than as "Mrs. Chloe.""When did you return?" I asked him, pouring a cup of tea and pushing it toward him.Without hesitation, he took a sip of tea and leaned back on the sofa. "I just landed."I couldn't help but wonder about the urgency of his visit."Chloe, I've come to ask for your help with so

"Hey, cousin. Finally, I get to see you."His words left me stunned. Cousin?Seeing my expression freeze, he gently added, "Let's talk alone after dinner."I quickly glanced at Ernest sitting opposite me and regained my composure.His eager invitation left me feeling disoriented throughout the entire meal.After finishing our meal, I pulled Atlas aside and told him about Atticus's situation, mentioning that Atticus was eager to see him while everyone was engrossed in conversation.After pondering for a moment, he said to me, "I'll find an excuse to leave in a while. You can inform him to come to Pleca Park, and I'll have Jim pick him up.""Pleca Park?" I was surprised."Yes, I can leave through the secret passage and return to Pleca Park. It's the most convenient way. Don’t worry, I'll be back soon.""Okay, I'll inform Atticus," I said. I took out my phone to call Atticus, but I found that his phone was switched off.I shrugged at Atlas, feeling a bit helpless. "His phone is

I glanced at Trinity and said, "Trinity mentioned it to me, but I’m sorry, I've never seen it. It's not in my possession now, and I don’t know where it is."My tone was somewhat cold, and I could see a hint of disappointment in Ross's gaze."I don't know why you’re looking for that brooch, but I’m sorry, I can't help you." My words became even more abrupt.Ross seemed to sense my cold attitude and looked at me apologetically. "I know it's a bit presumptuous of me to come to you like this, Chloe. Please...""Chloe." Trinity interrupted Ross's lowered tone.I looked at Trinity coldly."I understand that you feel nothing for the Avila family. It's not your fault, but don't blame your cousin." Trinity spoke up.Indeed, my indifferent attitude stemmed from the resentment I harbored toward the Avila family ever since I learned about my origins.I realized Trinity was trying to defend Ross.I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger from the bottom of my heart. "When the Avila family

Hana noticed my surprise, paused momentarily, then continued, "It wasn't until my grandfather's passing that he revealed this secret to my father and repeatedly urged him not to open the treasury unless it was absolutely necessary."He insisted that it belonged to Yare, and it was a national asset for times of crisis. Despite being the accumulation of generations of the Avila family's efforts, it was not to be misused or claimed as our own. It was meant to be passed down through the generations as a national reserve."But our adversaries, in collusion with foreign powers, targeted this secret treasury. Their financial backing is escalating, and they're actively planning to overthrow the Avila family."Though I maintained a calm exterior, I grew increasingly uneasy internally."Ross has earned the trust of his officials and has the support of the people. However, the other party is using the treasury as leverage to accuse the Avila family of corruption. With the public unaware of th