I pursed my lips and muttered, "You''re so cunning." He grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.


    "It''s necessary to confirm everything. I was nning to reim the operational rights of ATL Empire. Even if it''s just a shell, it''s my parent''s legacy. I had to bring it back and make it flourish right under her nose. That would be the most powerful blow against her."N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    I went to boil a pot of tea and poured a cup for As.


    After taking a sip of tea, he pulled me back into his embrace, showing no intention of letting me go.


    He continued, "After that, I investigated your background and arranged for people to monitor you closely. Our airport encounter wasn''t a coincidence. That''s how I found out about the hardships you''ve been enduring."


    My jaw almost dropped. "The airport wasn''t a chance meeting?"


    He chuckled. "Of course not. I intentionally got close to you. When you were injured, I took you to the hospital and conducted a thorough examination. The DNA from your blood sample matched perfectly. The location of the injury matched the investigation results. Any doubts left?"


    His eyes were filled with a warm hint of pride.


    "So, you nned this for a long time?" I found it hard to believe. "You knew back then?"


    "Yes! That''s why I had to lend you a helping hand, help you escape from misery as soon as possible. I investigated that Matthew. Putting him in his ce was an act of justice," As said indignantly.


    I was speechless, leaning against him as I recalled the events. No wonder ATL Empire was so supportive of me. It turned out everything was in the hands of this man.


    I felt passive in everything, just like my previous premonitions. A force pushed me forward, and now I finally understood what kind of force it was.


    Suddenly, the phone rang, shattering the silence between us and startling me.


    I hurriedly got up to find the phone. The screen disyed "Mom."


    For some reason, I felt an indescribable emotion surging toward me like a tidal wave.


    If I was Ste, who was Chloe?


    In my mind, the image of Kylie emerged, the girl who was pushed off the cliff by the fake Ste. So many innocents sacrificed their lives for us.


    I was speechless.


    Now, I really didn''t know how to face my parents. Not because I found out they weren''t my biological parents but because I felt guilty for their excessive love.


    How many more untold stories were hidden in this? Maybe even untraceable ones.


    I didn''t know if Kylie had any connection to them.


    If there were a connection, I would rather be Chloe for the rest of my life.


    They were too innocent. They had unknowingly lost vibrant lives for my destiny. They were kept in the dark for half their lives, pouring all their


    effort and love into raising me.


    I was like a fraud, taking away the life of their biological daughter and deceiving their love. It was truly a heinous crime.


    The phone fell silent, and it felt like I could finally breathe again.


    As seemed to sense my unease, gripping my hand and giving me strength.


    When the phone rang again, I took a deep breath, steadying my emotions. I answered the phone. "Mom!"


    Tears welled up in my eyes, and my nose felt a bit stuffy.