A Strong Woman


    So, you understand what I meant when I called you clever, Celine said. A momentter, she dropped


    her smile. “Leave As.”


    “You should ask his opinion first,” I replied firmly.


    I don’t need to ask him. He will ept it if you leave,” Celine spoke confidently, “You’re intelligent, kind,


    patient, and ambitious. I see great potential in you and can help expand yourpany to achieve your


    goals. I can also support your daughter’s education at any overseas institution you choose, but he


    can’t.”


    “Why?”


    My question annoyed her. “Why? He’s not an ordinary person. As wants to head ATL Empire, so he


    must adhere to the family rules. Even without Ste, the family would haveplete control of his life.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    “He has no privileges or freedom of choice!” Her words were ruthless, “He can’t forget Annalise Synder,


    even if he loves you, a divorcee with a daughter. As was madly in love with Annalise. Ultimately, he


    only has two options: whether to give up orpromise.”


    Hearing Annalise’s name made me uneasy. I wondered if she was the same woman Ste had


    mentioned. It was evident she had a significant connection with As.


    Celine continued, “You have no choice either. The Pierce family doesn’t ept outsiders inheriting our


    wealth and assets. You can propose your terms, and I’ll fulfill them.


    She spoke confidently. I was just ordinary, so her demeanor was even more intimidating.


    “You can consider your terms and keep these photos as a souvenir. I believe you’ll like them. Kenzie,


    show her out!” Celine got up and headed upstairs without letting me speak


    Kenzie was t


    the sharp–witted woman who had called me to the Design Division. It seemed Celine had investigated


    me for a while now. I knew I couldn’t escape the situation.


    My mind began to clear as I left the club. Celine’s words carried significant information, and her


    intentions were clear. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have pictures of my family. She also emphasized having


    professionals take them.


    Celine gave me the pictures as a reminder, not just casually. That woman was ruthless.


    Some of the pictures were candid close–ups of Ava and my mom. They included shots inside the


    kindergarten, on a public bus, and even inside my home. The person who took them seemed to be


    everywhere, which was unsettling.


    pulled over to the side, too agitated to drive. I took the pictures and examined them again, growing


    Increasingly uneasy. I knew Celine had experience with this. She wanted to remind me of her intentions


    constantly


    I tried to plece together what I knew about Celine, but I had little to go on apart from Ste’s little


    Information. However, my gut feeling told me she was ruthless.


    I couldn’t tell As because it could hurt both sides if he confronted her. After all, As had just taken


    over the ATL Empire, and his foundation was not yet stable.


    Despite As taking over, Ste said Celine was still pulling the strings. It indicated that Celine’s old


    network was formidable and loyal. I needed to gather more information about her history with ATL


    Empire.


    I sat in the car to calm my emotions and thoughts. Finally, I started the car and headed back. Suddenly,


    I sensed a car following me and wondered if it was someorfe Celine had hired.