I snapped out of my thoughts, took out my phone and dialed As''s number. However, the call went straight to voicemail.


    A tight knot formed in my chest, and a suspicion immediately shed through my mind.


    This suspicion made me uneasy. I quickly tried Dn''s number, only to discover that his phone had also been turned off.


    My palms became sweaty instantly, and a thought crossed my mind. Could As have already set out?


    Just as I was pondering this, my phone rang. ncing at the screen, I saw that it was a call from Johnson. I worried that receiving a call at this hour couldn''t be good news.


    "Chloe, we lost Ardora." Johnson sounded disheartened.


    My grip on the phone tightened. It happened too soon.


    "We just finished the meeting. Liora haspletely taken over Ardora and will not be responsible for any of Ardora''s previous projects. She has taken over all the new projects, though." "Got it." Although everything was within my expectations, I had to admit Liora''s actions were swift and efficient.


    "She has received a substantial investment from an overseas investor, and she seems determined to seed," Johnson reminded me. "Once she kicks off the project, she''ll be unstoppable." "Got it." I still repeated the exact words.


    Seeing my response, Johnson seemed a bit disheartened.


    "I have a n, so you can rest assured. Focus on collecting the information and consult Adrian about it. You need to be prepared to defend our case." I instructed Johnson. "I''m afraid she might change the entire team anytime."


    After taking over Ardora, Liora would likely target Johnson, whom Matthew had transferred from Tanum to Ardora.


    "I know. I''m prepared for it."


    Johnson''s response satisfied me. After hanging up the phone, I paced back and forth in the room. Finally, I decided to call Trinity.


    After conveying my intentions to her, she said, "Don''t worry. I''ll make her restless after tomorrow''s banquet."


    "Hurry up and get her hooked! I no longer want to deal with her to avoid further changes in our ns." I instructed Trinity over the phone. "Just trust me," Trinity confidently replied.


    I knew Trinity was always a strategic thinker.


    I didn''t borate much on the phone and ended the call. Then, I returned to the hospital room, facing the dilemma of staying with the ailing Lauren or leaving. At times like


    these, I couldn''t leave her like get


    side,


    considering the severity of her injuries.


    However, thoughts of As made me uneasy. He had already arranged everythingst night when he went to the study.


    The words he said to me were purely a diversion from my attention.


    But he was rescuing my biological father, and that was a great concern of mine. He was the only family had left in this world, and his safety naturally weighed heavily on my mind.


    Moreover, As mentioned that the situation there wasplicated and dangerous.


    Fortunately, my mother came to the hospital around noon. I entrusted Lauren to her care and headed straight to ATL Empire.


    As expected, As''s secretary informed me that he hadn''t shown up at thepany.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I was sure he had already set out, and an inexplicable nervousness washed over me. All I could do was silently pray for everything to go smoothly.


    On my way back to thepany, I passed by Arkadia za. I suddenly remembered Annika and decided to meet with her.


    So, I drove my car into the underground parking lot and went to the fourth floor.


    Instead of going directly to the cashier''s desk, I wandered around the women''s clothing section. I needed a reason to approach the cashier without raising suspicions.


    A light purple dress caught my eye.


    It was a light shade ofvender,


    elegantly simple, with a uniquely designed neckline and impable craftsmanship. Excitement bubbled within me as I reached for the dress.


    However, when I was taking it down, another hand gripped the hanger too.