Every Man for Himself Atticus opened up to me, revealing all of Liora’s actions over the past few years. Some were truly shocking.


    “So all I need isa starting point to remove her from the Cole familypletely,” Atticus said. “And you, Chloe, are the one who can make it happen. That’s why I put on a brave face and came to seek your help today.” Atticus chuckled awkwardly. “I must admit, she’s tarnished my reputation beyond repair!” “She’s the one in the wrong, not you,” [ assured him.


    After some contemtion, I agreed with him. This wasn’t just helping him.


    - VY WvihWwe It was also helping me.


    Based on what Atticus had confided in me, if I didn’t deal with her, she would be an obstacle, She was a potential threat to me.


    Atticus handed me the evidence of her collusion with Ste and Celine.


    Especially with the recent addition of Trinity, if these three joined forces against me, I wouldn’t stand a chance.


    As Atticus put it, it was best to nip this problem in the bud. It was every man for himself.


    After bidding farewell to Atticus, I pondered for a long while. It seemed like Atticus gave me a nudge, pushing my n forward without an exit.


    [let out a sigh. Let the games begin!


    When I noticed the time, I quickly took Carol to the Hansen residence. After all, Oliver’s wife had passed away, and I needed to pay my respects.


    The memorial hall was packed with people paying their respects.


    Oliver looked exhausted as he stood vigil in the hall, attending to various matters. His only son was thanking the guests.


    [didn’t see Lauren the whole time. It was unusual, considering that in the past, Oliver never minded her being by his side.


    Perhaps, on such asions, she didn’t want to show her face.


    I felt uneasy because it had been two days since shest contacted me. I


    thought she might be busy here. Maybe I''had underestimated the situation.


    As I was leaving, I ran into Matthew at the entrance.


    When he saw me, his expression wasplicated. As we passed each other, he uttered a sarcastic, “Congrattions!” Then he walked toward the hall. The congrattion wasn’t heartfelt, I scoffed, unfazed. Hollow congrattions from people like Matthew went in one ear and out the other. I knew how much he despised seeing me rise.


    In the car, Carol told me, “Chlo, have you seen the trending topics? Someone uploaded a full video of you and Mr.


    Ryan.”


    “A full video of what?” | Sn puzzled. | “The one using you of being intimate with Mr. Ryan!” She said while driving, “It’s so misleading.


    Look!”  I pulled out my phone and checked the trending topics. I saw the news about Harmony being let go. The Austier Agency had acted swiftly.


    Harmony moving out of the Amethyst Apartments was captured on camera as well. I''let out a light huff. She brought this upon herself.


    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    I''scrolled further and found the video of me and Ryan. The video showed me hugging Ryan after dropping him off at home. We exchanged a few words, and then he gave me a big pat on the back.


    We both smiled.


    Even though you couldn’t hear our conversation, anyone who watched the entire video could see that it was an embrace of gratitude. What was So scandalous about jt? Thements fromizens below were filled with exmations of disbelief.


    “Unbelievable! Taking things out of context, it’s just despicable!” “Is a friendly hug not allowed? | get these every day!” “Who was the one trying to taint everyone''s perception?” I chuckled at the supportivements.


    "It seems like there are still some righteous souls out there!” “You''re right! Chlo, I''ve noticed that | you always see the good in everything.


    Ww *15 BONUS Where did this videoe from, anyway? It’s just someone cherry- picking to fit their narrative. They just got a taste of their own medicine!” Carol always knew how to put things into perspective.


    “Yeah! You''re right! People can lift or bring you down with just a few words.


    It’s a double-edged sword!” When I arrived at Lauren’s ce, I sent Carol back to the office. I headed straight upstairs. I figured that it wouldn’t be something that could be resolved quickly.


    I pressed the doorbell, which chimed.


    However, there was no sign of Lauren opening the door. I was puzzled.


    Was she not home? I called her phone.


    After a short while, I could hear the


    faint ringing from inside.