The Praises


    However, before we reached Atticus, I spotted Maddox talking to an older man. I squeezed Ryan’s arm


    and said, “That man is Maddox O’Connell. Let me say hi to him first.”


    I went over to him with a smile, and he recognized me immediately. “Good evening, Ms. Chloe.”


    “It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir.” I maintained a respectful demeanor. “I haven’t had the chance to


    thank you for what you did that evening.”


    Calling him “sir” instead of Mr. Maddox was a deliberate move on my part.


    “Don’t mention it,” he replied. “Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Mercer


    Cole.”


    Only then did I realize the person he was speaking to was Atticus’s father.


    “Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Chloe from Tanum Corporation.”


    Mercer gave Maddox a puzzled look, surprised that he’d introduce someone like me to him. However,


    het soonughed. “Oh, Tanum Corporation? You’re that youngdy who founded it, huh?”


    I smiled. I’m surprised that you’ve heard of us. We’re nobodies here.”


    Mercer seemed to be in his 60s, but he was in great shape and sported a rosyplexion. His hearty


    laughter drew attention, and Maddox’s presence only added to the effect.


    Noticing our interaction, Atticus quickly turned and made his way toward us.


    “We were all nobodies once, youngdy. Not to mention that this is a male–dominafed industry. You’ve


    done well.” Mercer then told Maddox, “She’s amazing. There aren’t many female bosses in our line of


    work.”


    I wasn’t sure if Mercer was trying to impress Maddox.


    “Yes, she conducts her business with integrity. I’m impressed,‘ Maddox replied.


    “I’m ttered,” I responded, engaging in small talk with them before introducing Ryan.


    “I’m d you could join us, Ms. Chloe, Atticus said as he joined me by my side. “Dad, they’re handling


    the


    duplexes at Grandeur Grove.”


    “Ah, I see. You should work with her more often. Working with people of integrity can save us a lot of


    trouble,” Mercer said, looking at me. He added, “But we must always prioritize delivering quality.


    Echelon Group’s goal is to satisfy property buyers.”


    “Don’t worry, Mr. Mercer, that’s our goal as well,” I said with a smille.


    Mercerughed and told Maddox, “This youngdy is going ces. You can take my word for it.”


    Atticusughed, too. “Everyone seems to be singing your praises, Ms. Chloe.”


    “It’s only because I’m working with you, Mr. Atticus.” Laughter erupted, and those standing nearby


    joined


    our conversation. Everyone was eager to impress the Coles.


    There was a suddenmotion at the entrance. We turned around to see Atticus walking over there.


    As entered, looking suave and handsome, with his arm wrapped around Ste. She looked elegant.


    Walking side by side, they were an eye–catching couple. I couldn’t help but think miserably that they


    were


    a perfect match.


    Someone beside me eximed, “Oh my! The CEO of ATL Empire is here too.”


    “Weren’t they supposed to bepetitors?”


    “That’s the spirit. I’ve heard that Mr. As is no ordinary man.”


    I nodded at Maddox and Mercer before taking a step back with Ryan. I didn’t want to draw undue


    attention to myself. Meanwhile, Ryan spotted the CEO of Hearnd Estates and went over to greet


    him.


    Matthew appeared next to me. He watched Atticus chat with As and said, “You and As almost got


    1. me. See that? He has a girlfriend, so don’t embarrass yourself.”


    I nced at him with a half–smile, then turned and walked away to join Ryan. Halfway there, I was


    stopped by several women. “You’re Chloe Hartz, aren’t you?”


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    That woman who spoke was well–dressed and attractive, but she looked at me snobbishly.


    “Hi, I’m Chloe. May I know-


    “Liora Thompson.” Her cold voice was tinged with arrogance.


    Liora Thompson? I thought for a moment. Thompson. Could she be…