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Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,063,641	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2063640}'	No	2024-10-01 07:03	active	1561	Welcome to Titan Revenge!	Join Titan Revenge for Epic RPG Action Battle, come discover and challenge! 💥💥	PLAY_GAME	https://www.gamehollywood.com/ldp/cEEx.action?game	Titan Revenge	https://www.facebook.com/TitanRevenge/	10,303	1969-12-31 18:00	Play Game	gamehollywood.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://www.gamehollywood.com/ldp/cEEx.action?gameId=239&lp=tr14&cno=TitanRevenge_GHG_FB_T1	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428712680_418826437305195_5858516169441456784_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CIQL_AO9SvAQ7kNvgFlyBMN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ADn0UBjiSKfTVGwZpdoLtHi&oh=00_AYDRqjETx-5DRkct7FIS8XG14P1XLh2ptIOf8tFY6n8YjQ&oe=6701C4AA	PERSON_PROFILE	Titan Revenge	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,036	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-09-30 19:12	active	1557			LEARN_MORE	https://www.instagram.com/mancrates/	Man Crates	https://www.facebook.com/mancrates/	441,813	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.instagram.com/mancrates/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461769025_1043880720538526_619905816252579825_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fLD4sv-yoV0Q7kNvgFu4aEq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AuJnnpglIjMngbc8lOqsisw&oh=00_AYBuQlBnXLKRmyuc0dw4g3VWBgMqbx_5o9Sej0wLLrt95A&oe=67011A42	PERSON_PROFILE	Man Crates	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,198	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062197}'	No	2024-09-30 19:12	active	1557			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/amandalynnglam	Amandalynnglam	https://www.facebook.com/100083397408525/	2	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		http://instagram.com/amandalynnglam	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461862329_1070747341323078_2689354266818674644_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o986omHBrd4Q7kNvgFdcn4w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AFYUfKrAicbB_xJNyddBqn4&oh=00_AYAUHNjOLHo8gA2S0yMXq8ZcAx5Tiy75t_KLHyBaidXy6w&oe=67011FFE	PERSON_PROFILE	Amandalynnglam	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,182	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062064}'	Yes	2024-09-30 19:12	active	1557	{{product.name}}	Hey Nashville, AR! Join us on Thursday for a Community Appreciation Cook Out!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.rightattheheart.com/nashville-arkansas	Farmers Bank & Trust	https://www.facebook.com/farmersbankandtrust/	9,323	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	rightattheheart.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://www.rightattheheart.com/nashville-arkansas-join-us-for-a-cookout-1000-license-giveaway/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461766646_1996928250779503_5904298858122916700_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PSYB-MjE2jUQ7kNvgHS9OSk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A8yd-_XHUmwN1R_ERjXgJKv&oh=00_AYAeTJIQW303sfnD1suqxROy-BgX35x1gKn3ZLEuNlBz3Q&oe=67010863	PERSON_PROFILE	Farmers Bank & Trust	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,063,062	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2063061}'	No	2024-10-01 07:03	active	1561	Polygun Arena NEW FPS	Multiplayer 3D shooter with cartoon graphics	PLAY_GAME	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.p	Polygun Arena	https://www.facebook.com/polygunarenagame/	5,854	1969-12-31 18:00	Play game	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.polygon.arena	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/460529181_426157613830815_5170964405745952289_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pZhBwAluKeYQ7kNvgFVxoAF&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Afqf6iAGaF7Pig9FnuxpjUB&oh=00_AYBZb-7FymPDrnHsitlmMhK3U8JoAjwAEGbS0WeWF1KjOw&oe=6701A5FD	PERSON_PROFILE	Polygun Arena	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,586	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-09-30 19:19	active	1559	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	My sister Stephanie died on my fourteenth birthday, and everyone suspected I was the murderer. But as fate would have it, James, my sister's boyfriend, the person who hates me the most, is my mate... -- I returned to my pack on my birthday for the anniversary of my sister's death. Six years ago, Stephanie died on my birthday. Rumors spread throughout the pack that I was the cause of her death. I was bullied by everyone, it became unbearable, so I left here. But funny enough, Stephanie was so beloved that everyone should come for the anniversary of her death. Before the ceremony started, I came to the familiar waterfall. As I pray to the Moon Goddess, My wolf Rose start to pace back in forth in my head. I have no idea what is going on, until the overwhelming scent of vanilla and coffee beans hits my nose. "Mate! Lily, our mate is here! Mate, mate, mate, mate, mate!!!" I stand, dust the ashes off of my jeans, and turn around. My heart drops when I recognize the werewolf standing not far away from me. That's a bolt from the blue. There are a million different emotions running through my body as I continue to stare at the werewolf in front of me. “Rose, please tell me this is a joke,” I whisper through our link. “I can’t,” she whispers back. “This is real. He is our mate.” “How? How can this be? It does not make any sense!” I whisper-yell to her. “But he looks pretty happy.” Rose tells me. By the time Rose said something, James had moved much closer to me, and we could now see his eyes and the look on his face. To my utter shock, Rose was right. James looked… happy. No, not happy. James looked thrilled. He stared at me with astonishment, amazement, and… love? “Rose, how is this possible? James hates me. He loves my sister. How could he be our mate? And how could he possibly be happy about it?” “The mate bond is a powerful thing, Lily,” Rose responds. Okay, Rose is right about that. As much as I hate James, I feel a strong, powerful draw to him right now. It is almost suffocating. This is not right. Something is wrong here. I want to protest more… I want to ask how I could be mated to the male that has loved and grieved for my sister and has spread rumors about me causing me to be tortured and shunned for the past six years… Life does not flip on a switch. Six years of heartache cannot be erased so easily. Rose is a wolf, and she is blinded by instinct and the mate bond. My role as her human counterpart is to help us see logic and reason. … but James keeps coming closer to me, the love in his eyes has only become more obvious. And the closer James comes, the more his scent and the mate bond overpowers any sense of logical thought in my brain. James reaches out and gently strokes my cheek with his thumb. The sparks from his touch are my undoing. I lean my face into his palm. “You are back!!! Oh, I cannot believe that you are back!!! How long have I hoped... and prayed that you would come back! And… you are my mate,” he whispers, in a tone suggesting that he is just as shocked as I am. “You are so beautiful. How is it possible for you to become so much more beautiful than before?” I blush as he pulls me into a hug, leans down, and buries his face in my neck. “You smell like chocolate and raspberries. My favorite scents in the entire world.” After taking another big whiff of my scent, James stands up straight so that he can peer into my eyes. He takes my hand and spins me around. “You have changed so much.” “I must say, I always loved your blond hair, but the reddish brown really suits you.” He said. Wait, blond hair? “James, I ----” I haven't finished yet, James leans down and kisses me. His lips feel so soft, and the sparks are so strong, that I immediately forget what I was worrying about. His tongue runs along the seam of my lips, begging for entrance, which I immediately give him. The kiss quickly becomes more and more passionate and heated. We continue kissing until we need to break for air. James smirks proudly, “You, Stephanie Brogan, are mine. All mine.” I felt my world crashing down all around me.	LEARN_MORE	https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10745&u	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	804	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	getokn.com	DCO		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10745&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/456814624_1667274690481432_3956193502403313806_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YXNTu63RFPQQ7kNvgFvHFmd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcSJS4pBpdBtU7l-x9lDNOE&oh=00_AYA30zc6jjnPYkNoRb4mAgziBsKd1tRz5DGyA2uL6JpHlg&oe=6700F698	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,464	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062461}'	No	2024-09-30 19:18	active	1559	Hand & Upper Extremity Center	metrohealth.org	LEARN_MORE	https://www.metrohealth.org/hand?utm_source=facebo	MetroHealth	https://www.facebook.com/metrohealthCLE/	15,967	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	metrohealth.org	CAROUSEL	metrohealth.org	https://www.metrohealth.org/hand?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=sr_Hand_CAROUSEL_07.29.2024&utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4898207-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/453049219_1000426675151243_2330731599115841281_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=204MSQjmS4QQ7kNvgGsvToE&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_pSkE7GiFMIkUNpacTjF08&oh=00_AYDpa1QLxNDqLEZ1xMZNYQGKTQIURqaggsT8DQlCpw1r_Q&oe=67010791	PERSON_PROFILE	MetroHealth	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,210	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062209}'	No	2024-09-30 19:12	active	1557			VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	https://www.instagram.com/_u/lifewaykefir	Lifeway Kefir	https://www.facebook.com/LifewayKefir/	636,397	1969-12-31 18:00	Visit Instagram Profile	instagram.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.instagram.com/_u/lifewaykefir	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461722721_507436895411951_1311924327618422257_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AzMIdfbTb8kQ7kNvgEKRA3k&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFYUfKrAicbB_xJNyddBqn4&oh=00_AYAEcidlvKS4k19rgf-QXZ0t0GOFmRxcOUDPQxN35M3RVA&oe=6701251E	PERSON_PROFILE	Lifeway Kefir	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,782	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062815}'	Yes	2024-09-30 19:21	active	1560	😍Read the next chapters👉	At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls. Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for. Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you." "Calling her that doesn't change anything. Ultimately, she’s really just a concubine in disguise," Carissa replied, remaining indifferent. Barrett frowned. "What does it matter? Aurora and I developed feelings for each other on the battlefield. We earned this marriage through our achievements. I don’t need your approval." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Developed feelings, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett had left to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before leaving, he had lifted his wife’s veil and promised her, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Feeling awkward, Barrett turned away. "Forget what I said. When I married you, I didn’t understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory." Talking about the woman he loved, his eyes softened and filled with deep affection. He turned back to Carissa and added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply. I hope you'll agree to this." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite feeling a mix of disgust and unwillingness, she still asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict. Besides, Aurora is straightforward, cheerful, and lovable. She visited my mother a while ago." They agreed? Hah... How ironic! Everything Carissa had done over the past year had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting her brow. Barrett spoke of Aurora Yates with a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother. She’s made her very happy. Even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was seriously ill. I brought in the best physician to treat her. I managed the estate’s affairs by day and stayed up nights by her bedside. It was only because of this that her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was stating the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa pressed her lips into a thin line as she blinked away the tears in her eyes and sharpened her gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need for that. Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. She’s a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. She wouldn’t want to meet you," Barrett refused instantly. Carissa retorted, "What kind of women do I know? What kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of a noble family. My father and my six brothers died on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "But you're a delicate woman suited for the comforts of home. Aurora has no respect for such women. She’s straightforward and unrestrained. If she meets you, she might say things you won’t like. Why put yourself through that?" As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under the corner of her eye became more evident in the light. She calmly said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?" Chapter 2 Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.” “Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered. Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money. This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running. And this was her reward. “Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin. As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter. “My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, why would we stay in this house any longer?” Lulu held her forehead and gasped. “But your mother arranged this marriage, and your father wanted you to marry and have children.” Tears finally welled up in Carissa’s eyes at the mention of her parents. Her father had stayed loyal to her mother, never taking a concubine. They had six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to the battlefield. Three years ago, none returned from the Southern Frontier. Though she was a girl, Carissa came from a family of warriors and started training as a child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where she also learned military strategy. When she returned home at fifteen, she learned her father and brothers had died a year earlier. Her mother, who had gone blind from crying too much, held Carissa close and said, "You must live like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. You’re the only child I have left.” Carissa felt like someone had gouged her heart out. The pain she felt was so intense she couldn't even bring herself to cry. Determined to please her mother, she spent a year mastering the traditional values and duties expected of a noblewoman. She also learned accounting and how to manage a household. Not only was Carissa the Marquis of Northwatch's daughter, but she was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep. Her mother had chosen Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another wife if he married Carissa. But six months ago, tragedy struck. All the residents of Northwatch Estate were murdered. No one was spared, not even the children or servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered. Carissa’s youngest nephew had been only two and a half years old, born after the death of her third brother. The local authorities and garrison unit captured a few of the assailants. After further investigation, they were discovered to be spies from an enemy kingdom, Westhaven. The war at the front line was raging, yet these spies didn't hesitate to reveal themselves just to annihilate her family. The manner of the murder suggested it was more of a personal vengeance than anything else. When Carissa received the news, she rushed home, only to find her grandmother’s and mother’s gruesomely dismembered bodies. Blood stained every corner of the residence, and the dead were left in agonizing states. Now, Carissa was the lone survivor of the marquis' family. The idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. They saw her merely as a delicate, fragile woman. However, Aurora was different. She had earned military merits for her contribution to the war and became the first female general in history. Even the queen dowager had high praise for her. With Aurora supporting Barrett, his future would be more secure. That was the reason the Warren family readily agreed to the marriage. Chapter 3 Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright." Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home. "My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed. Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart. "Anywhere is better than staying here." "If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want." "So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affectionate. Lulu, I must live well to give my parents and brothers peace in the afterlife," Carissa replied calmly. "My lady!" Lulu wept bitterly. She had been born and raised in Northwatch Estate. The murder had claimed the lives of everyone, including her own family. The images still haunted her, and returning there seemed unthinkable. "Is there no other way?" Lulu asked desperately. Carissa’s eyes grew cold. "There is. I could confront the king and use my family’s achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, I’ll take my own life in protest." Lulu was terrified and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!" Carissa’s expression softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Do you think I’m that silly? If I manage to reach the king, I’ll only request an edict for an amicable divorce." Barrett was able to marry Aurora because of a royal edict. So, Carissa should also be issued an official edict to leave. She shouldn't have to sneak away like she was being cast out. The wealth from Northwatch Estate was more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She wouldn't degrade herself unnecessarily. Just then, someone called from outside, "Madam Carissa, the matriarch has requested your presence!" "It’s Jade, Madam Rebecca's maid. It seems like Madam Rebecca wants to try and persuade you," Lulu whispered. Carissa straightened up, her expression serious. "Then, let’s go." The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The late king had bestowed the Warren family's current residence, Valor Estate, upon Barrett's grandfather. Though once prestigious, it had fallen into decline. Most of the Warren family's men were warriors who fought on battlefields. Only a few were civil servants who worked in the palace. Barrett’s father, Jonathan, didn’t fare well in his official career. His second uncle, Gregory, only held a minor post in the Royal Citadel. Barrett and his eldest brother, Benjamin, were somewhat successful in the military. But before their recent victory, they were only fourth-ranked majors. Both families still lived together in Valor Estate. Splitting the family would only hasten their decline. Accompanied by Lulu, Carissa arrived at Rebecca’s room. Rebecca's complexion looked a bit better, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw Carissa. "You’re here." Benjamin and his wife, Amelia Morgan, were also in the room. Barrett's sister, Serena, and the other children of the concubines were present as well. Barrett's second aunt, Charlotte Lewis, was also seated nearby. However, her expression was cold and somewhat disdainful. "Hello, Mother. Aunt Charlotte, Benjamin, Amelia," Carissa greeted them politely. "Carissa, come here." Rebecca gestured for her daughter-in-law to sit by her bedside. The older woman held Carissa's hand affectionately and happily said, "Now that Barrett is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. You’re the only one left of the marquis' family. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now." Rebecca was shrewd. She made it clear that Carissa would need to depend on the Warren family in the future, since her family was gone. Carissa pulled her hand away and calmly said, "Mother, I heard you met General Yates today." Rebecca hadn’t expected Carissa to be so straightforward. Her smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Yes, I did. She’s rather rough around the edges and doesn’t compare to you in terms of looks." Carissa gazed at her mother-in-law steadily. "So, are you saying you don't like her?" Chapter 4 Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?" "Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine." Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you." "No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked. Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this battle were greater than Barrett’s. With you managing the household, they'll be able to work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they'll surely become famous generals like his grandfather." Carissa’s tone remained chilly as she said, "If they’re husband and wife, then I have no role here." "How can you say that? Aren’t you still in charge of the household?" countered Rebecca, displeased. "I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. I’ll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her," Carissa replied. Amelia quickly interjected, "I’m still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you’ve been managing things. You should continue doing it." Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money to support them. Most of it went towards Rebecca’s medical expenses. Sebastian Dalton was a renowned physician, and his medicine was costly. Only a few could afford his services. Rebecca’s medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, amounting to more than a thousand coins a year. As for the other household expenses, Carissa occasionally subsidized them. For example, she would sometimes use fabrics and silks from her family’s business to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year. She didn’t mind it before, as she had really wished to spend her life with Barrett. However, circumstances had changed. She no longer wanted to be a fool. Carissa stood up and said, "That’s settled, then. I’ll hand over the accounts tomorrow and won’t be involved in household matters anymore." "Stop right there!" Rebecca's face darkened with anger. "Carissa, you’re being unreasonable. Men having multiple wives and concubines is normal. If you can't accept that, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous." Carissa’s compliance over the past year had made the Warren family think she was easy to manipulate. They believed a few harsh words would always keep her in line. Carissa’s expression was calm, a stark contrast to her usual docility. "People can say whatever they want. I'm not concerned about their opinions." Rebecca was so angry that she struggled to breathe and coughed harshly for a long while. In the past, Carissa would have rushed to help her. She would pat the older woman's back and try to soothe her. But now, Carissa remained where she was. The soft evening light from the doorway highlighted her delicate, almost ethereal beauty. "Carissa, look how badly you've upset Mom," Serena said as she stepped forward. Her round, youthful face puffed with anger as she glared at Carissa. "This isn’t even about you. Do you think your family is still as prestigious as it once was? Your parents and brothers are gone; you're the only one left. Aren't you afraid that Barrett will divorce you if you keep putting on airs like you're a young lady from a prestigious family?" Carissa looked at her sister-in-law, who was dressed in a pale yellow outfit that Carissa had procured for her in early autumn. Now, wearing the clothes Carissa had provided, Serena dared to question her authority. How utterly… unsensible of her. "Take off that dress you’re wearing before you try to lecture me," Carissa said coolly. Serena’s cheeks flushed with anger. "I didn’t beg you to get this dress for me. You can have it back if you don’t want me to have it." "Fine. And don’t forget the jewelry you’re wearing. I expect it all to be returned to me." After Carissa said that, her gaze swept across the room. The only one who seemed pleased with the situation was Charlotte. Everyone else looked grim. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving." With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively. Chapter 5 The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time. She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family! “She’ll come around. She doesn’t have any other choice,” Rebecca said coldly. That was true. With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn’t like she had been mistreated. - Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate. The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa’s heart ached fiercely. Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been murdered. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother—their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stained with blood. Memorial plaques for her ancestors and mother had been placed at the estate’s family chapel. Carissa and Lulu prepared flowers to place on the plaques, their tears unceasing. Carissa knelt before her parents’ memorials. Though her eyes were swollen from crying, they held a determined gaze. “Dad, Mom, if you can hear me from heaven, please forgive your daughter for what she is about to do. It’s not that I don’t want a peaceful life with a husband and children, but Barrett is not someone I can trust with my life. Rest assured, I promise Lulu and I will live well.” Lulu knelt beside her, sobbing uncontrollably. After they were done, they boarded a carriage and headed straight for the palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. Lulu was distressed and said, “My lady, the king might not see you. Maybe he thinks you’re here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didn’t eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up okay? Should I go get you something to eat?” “I’m not hungry.” The only thing Carissa felt was the unwavering resolve to dissolve her marriage and return home. “Please don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not worth getting sick over. Why don’t we just let it go? After all, you’re still the rightful wife and the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife, she’ll just be a glorified concubine at best. Maybe we should just endure it?” Lulu pleaded. Carissa’s gaze was cold. “Lulu, if you’re going to talk like that, don’t speak at all.” Lulu sighed, feeling lost and unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some peace. But the situation had only worsened. - In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t see her. The edict has been issued, and I can’t take it back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have made significant contributions.” “If we speak of military achievements, the Marquis of Northwatch and General Sullivan’s contributions surpass all others,” Derek countered. Salvador remembered the Marquis of Northwatch, Hector Sinclair. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Carissa was a familiar face from those days, though she had been a delicate child. He still remembered her fair skin and endearing looks. Salvador had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers. When Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. Apart from his brother who was known as the Devil Monarch on the battlefield, the kingdom had no other capable generals. In the recent war with Westhaven, Dominic Sullivan’s third son had lost an arm. Dominic's seventh son had been murdered, though this had been kept secret. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants. I'll even give her a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” Chapter 6 Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?" Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce. Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements. "Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based on my late family's military merits. Please, Your Majesty, I'm begging you." "Carissa, do you know what you'll face after the divorce?" Salvador asked, a complicated expression on his face. Carissa hadn't heard Salvador call her by name in a long time. When he was still the crown prince, he used to occasionally visit Northwatch Estate. He would always find some interesting little gifts to give her when he did. After Carissa later went to Meadow Ridge to study under her master, they never saw each other again. "I do," she affirmed. There was a hint of a smile on Carissa's stunning face. But no matter how one looked at it, the smile seemed tinged with irony. "I'm sure you know the saying that a true gentleman appreciates and helps others to fulfill their aspirations, right? Even though I'm not a gentleman, I don't want to hinder General Warren and General Yates from being together," Carissa added. "Carissa, there's no one left at Northwatch Estate. Are you really going to go back there? Have you thought about your future?" Salvador asked. "I returned to the estate today to visit my family's memorial plaques. Seeing how the estate has fallen into disrepair made me want to live there again. I'll adopt a son for my father's sake, so there will still be someone to honor his memory," Carissa explained. Salvador had thought she was being impulsive; he hadn't expected her to be so considerate. "You're Barrett's legal wife. Aurora can't undermine your position. You really don't need a divorce." Carissa looked up with tear-filled eyes that were firm with resolve. "Your Majesty, that's meaningless. I don't want to waste my life like this. I'm the only one left from the Marquis of Northwatch's' family. My father and brothers lived honorably and bravely throughout their lives. I don't want to settle for a life of mediocrity." "I know you have feelings for Barrett. Are you willing to let go?" Salvador asked. Feelings? Not really. Carissa simply admired military men, and her mother had wanted her to marry and lead a stable life. That was why she had agreed to the marriage. Carissa smiled. At this moment, she looked like a strong woman who would be able to flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. "If he can let go of me, then I can let go of him," she declared. Beneath her delicate appearance, she possessed an unyielding backbone. This stunned Salvador. He had never seen such a woman before. He felt a pang of confusion, remembering the carefree little girl who used to smile all day long. Now, she was married and soon to be abandoned. To the world, divorce still meant abandonment. This was especially true in Carissa’s situation, as Barrett had publicly sought the marriage edict. Being a woman was already difficult, and she would have it even harder. How would she negotiate future marriages? There was no one left in her family to do it for her. Thinking of this, Salvador recalled Hector's merits, especially how they had saved each other on the battlefield, and his heart softened towards Carissa. "Alright, I agree. You may leave now. In a few days, the edict of divorce will be sent to the general's residence," Salvador said. Carissa breathed a sigh of relief and bowed her head. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" As Salvador watched her, he was suddenly reminded of when she was a little girl, and his heart softened further. "Carissa, if anyone mistreats you in the future, come to the palace and see me." "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Carissa bowed once again.	LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	138	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shgjfh.com	DCO		https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/458293998_1696356974464897_6574490535769686259_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0wTQIW0jx94Q7kNvgFc42qS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APt3yg41Phn2oCHE89nGkld&oh=00_AYBj4PWZr5vrK_l06w5HR6s5D4rfb3S6p7xzoaRZR_lNmQ&oe=6701179F	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,062,450	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062453}'	No	2024-09-30 19:18	active	1559	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	One Neah “Where the heck is she?” I hear the Beta scream. I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don’t make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. “Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.” Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didn’t need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. “We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!” I don’t answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didn’t have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn’t mess around and he had the largest pack. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesn’t tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. ”Useless Wolf.” He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I…I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesn’t introduce himself either, why should he? “Come forward.” He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as I’m told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” I nod, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? “Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I…..” I hated the question. “Spit it out, I haven’t got all day!” He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldn’t scent him. I knew why I hadn’t been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It’s rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?” His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound,” I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn’t interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, “Why would someone do that?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” I whisper. It wasn’t far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. There’s a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn’t tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what the heck are you doing in my office?” He turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.” Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. “Neah,” My name rolls off of his tongue, “was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.” What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. “Go and get Beta Kyle.” Alpha Trey seethes. “Tell him that our guest is here.” I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. “Beta Kyle,” I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. “Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.” He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. “You’re lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.” Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn’t speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn’t last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. “Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.” I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should have…. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. “Neah is your sister, correct?” Alpha Dane questions my brother. “She is.” Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. “Why do you treat her like vermin?” Straight to the point, my brother wouldn’t like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. “Neah was responsible for our parents' death.” Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. “Responsible how?” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. “She served them Wolfsbane.” Two Neah Don’t make a sound. Don’t make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesn’t squeeze. “You poisoned your parents?” “I was six.” I splutter. “I just made them lemonade.” My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. “Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old.” “A six year old should know the difference between plants.” Alpha Trey snaps “Sounds to me like she was set up.” Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. “We all know that standard wolfsbane doesn’t affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.” What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasn’t lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. “Which only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.” Alpha Dane mutters “You weren’t there, Alpha Dane.” My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. “It was Wolfsbane.” He nods his head. “You are right, I was not present.” Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. “But tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?” “I didn’t ask you here to talk about my slave!” Alpha Trey spits. “Or what happened to my parents.” Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha’s he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha’s, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. “You’re right and now I have a few things to mull over.” “I thought we agreed.” My brother exclaims “Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.” The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. “What the heck did you say to him?” My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. “N..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.” “Did you tell him?” Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. “WELL?” My brother yells when I don’t immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. “But I didn’t say it was you.” I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they weren’t Wolves, they probably wouldn’t have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. “If you have ruined this, you won’t see daylight again.” He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. “Please….” I beg. “He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him.” My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. “Alpha Dane, I thought you had left.” Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. “I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?” “As I said,” my brother holds his ground, “She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.” “You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!” Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. “If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?” “We don’t….” “Really?” He cocks a brow, “You really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.” “She did do it!” Alpha Trey seethes “And she has nothing to do with our deal.” “That’s for me to decide.” His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. “Where is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.” I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. “On second thoughts, why bother her. I’m certain she is just as vile as you.” He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. “I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.” Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother “We have already agreed on terms.” “Well, I’m adding one. And if you don’t agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don’t want that.” “I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?” Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. “You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.” Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? “Deal.” Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn’t take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. “I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.” He reaches a hand out and cups my face, “Ensure you have everything packed.” He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. “If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.” He struts out, slamming the door behind him. “Get out of my sight!” My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadn’t slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, that’s why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane “Tenth bride’s the charm.” Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. “Shut up!” Eric snaps at him “Both of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!” ‘He will never learn.’ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. “Just give me a second, I need to speak to my men.” The door closes and neither one of them speaks. “She isn’t like the others. Don’t speak to her, don’t look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.” I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didn’t know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. “I mean it!” I snap at Jenson's smug face, “Being my brother won’t change my mind!” He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. It’s barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. “Are you ready?” I call out. “If you just want to…..” Beta Kyle starts. “I was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.” The expression on Beta Kyle’s face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. “Where are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packed” “That’s all she has.” Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. “That’s it?” I stare at him. “That’s all her belongings? She’s what, in her early twenties and that’s all she has?” “What more does she need?!” His Beta sneers. ‘Kill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.’ “What are you waiting for?” I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neah’s reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. “Take her Alpha Dane. I’m sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.” Her shrill voice goes straight through me. “Look at the silly girl, she’s going to pass out.” The blonde bimbo laughs “You don’t get to talk about her like that anymore.” I glare at the blonde, “She is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.” “DISOBEDIENCE!” The woman screeches just as Neah’s hip hits the floor. “How dare you! If anyone is disobedient, it’s that rat in the corner.” ‘Who the heck is she calling a rat?’ Aero growls “You should make yourself familiar with our agreement.” I snap. “It seems your mate has not told you everything.” Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. “All that for your help?” His mate’s eyes are wide “I don’t do half-witted contracts.” Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Trey’s chest “Shall we go to the office?” Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. “You are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.” “Are those my only options?” she whispers, keeping her eyes low “For now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.” She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like it’s fighting to hang on to life. “So what will it be?” “I….” Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. “I….. The office I guess.” “Good choice.” I hold out a hand for her but she doesn’t take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. “Take a seat.” I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. “Sit!” I say it a little louder “She doesn’t have that privilege here!” The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement “Sitting is not a privilege.” I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldn’t see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. ‘It better be!’ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. “And I suggest,” I look at Trey, “You tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.” “Alpha Dane, you are in my home…..” “And you want my help, correct?” The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. “Let’s just get this done.” Trey snaps, “The sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.” “You should read the contract.” I muse “I agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.” “Idiot!” Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. “Done.” Trey mutters “Good, you can get her out of my house.” Trey’s mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldn’t have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they can’t have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, “Come, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.” Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesn’t even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. “Come.” I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. ‘Is she okay?’ Eric links me. “Neah?” I step in front of her and she doesn’t move. She seems to be staring right through me. “It’s time to go.” “Okay.” Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. “I’ve got you.” I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didn’t weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. “Keep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!” I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. “Come.” I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I don’t wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. “I’m fine.” She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. “Let me give you a tour.” I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not “The omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.” I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. “If there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.” Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. “So tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.” Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room “Well?” I ask. “I don’t need anything.” She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasn’t fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. “I know you want to say something, so just say it. I’m not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You don’t have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. “You have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.” “Mark me?” I didn’t think her eyes could get any wider. “Yes, I will mark you.” She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadn’t said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. “You….You brought me so that you could mark me.” She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. “If Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.” “I’m a murderer.” She gasps. “Why would someone like you want me for a bride?” ‘Blood’ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. “What’s that? Are you injured?” I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. “It’s nothing. It’s just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget it’s there.” Forget? How could she forget a wound? ‘Why isn’t she healing?’ I feel Aero’s panic. ‘She’s been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.’ His need to protect her was strong. It hadn’t occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. “Show me!” “It’s fine.” She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. “It’s not optional.” I mutter. “If you won’t show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.” Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. “Can.... can we go somewhere more private?” “Private?” I didn’t really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. ‘Office,’ Aero mutters. ‘I was just going to suggest that!’ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. “This way.” I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. “See, it’s fine.” she whispers. “You need to stop saying that.” She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. “No,” I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. “Let me see the rest of them.” It wasn’t optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didn’t want guests to see. More importantly, they didn’t want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. “You need to see a doctor.” “It’s …..” she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. “It always heals, eventually.” “Did Trey do this?” I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. “Cassandra?” She still doesn’t answer me. “That prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?” She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. “Anyone else?” “The pack.” She whispers. ‘I’m going to kill them all.’ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, “Because of what you allegedly did to your parents.” She nods. “I don’t believe you were responsible.” She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. “Because of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah “I…I don’t know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?” I whisper He frowns at me. “Your brother said you knew the difference between plants.” “I…” I didn’t have an answer. I couldn’t remember, not fully. “Blood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I can’t imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brother’s story doesn’t add up.” “Oh.” “I won’t stop until I find out who did this, Neah.” His crimson eyes narrow. “I will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.” He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. “Right now, you do need to see someone about the infection.” I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? “Come, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.” Frozen to the spot, I don’t move. Did he just say ‘our bedroom,’? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if I’m his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didn’t seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. “You don’t need to be afraid.” I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. “Hey,” His rough fingers tip my face up. “It’s just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.” Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. “The alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?” He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. “I really wish you would talk more, Neah.” Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if I’m in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didn’t care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. “Neah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.” Alpha Dane’s voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadn’t even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. “Coming.” I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. “It’s not much, as we don’t have anyone with as small a waist as you.” He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. “You will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.” He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasn’t like that. “Let’s go.” He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didn’t get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. “Raven, this is Neah.” Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, “Alpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.” It didn’t sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. “She will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.” “I have a wound.” I whisper. “And you are not healing?” Raven asks, confused “I don’t have my Wolf.” I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. “Her Wolf was bound when she was a kid.” Alpha Dane tells her. “That’s why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.” My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Raven’s dark eyes hover on me. “Wow, okay.” She grabs my hand. “This way, let’s take a look at this wound of yours.” She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. “How long ago?” “A few days.” I mutter, though I wasn’t sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasn’t hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. “This is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.” “Neah, you need to tell us the truth.” Alpha Dane orders “I don’t know.” “NEAH!” His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. “I swear, I don’t know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind of…. I’m never not bruised.” There’s silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didn’t already know. Now here I was, sitting in another pack’s hospital, revealing the truth. “Heal her!” Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. “You will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.” Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound “Your brother?” I whisper, opening my eyes “Ah, I see he informed you. I’m guessing he didn’t tell you that Jenson is our brother too?” I shake my head, I’m guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. “Jenson is considered to be our brother’s Gamma.” “Gamma?” I had never heard of the term. “Yep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what I’m good at.” She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. “Now this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasn’t changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.” “Thanks.” I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldn’t read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. “Cream, three times a day.” I show him the pot and he takes it from me. “Good, come.” He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. “Show me.” He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasn’t going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. “I don’t want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you can’t remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I don’t want to have to guess what you mean.” “Okay.” I couldn’t say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. “Stop holding your breath.” He tells me, getting to his feet. “I am not going to hurt you.” It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didn’t feel real.	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11782&u	Galaxy in the Story	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	1,360	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11782&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448791819_801329188771681_1239684611142513538_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c_mUrdQQ7W8Q7kNvgHneeXA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_pSkE7GiFMIkUNpacTjF08&oh=00_AYCKIA5tnlPpyUOHBduc6Yu8ZT2yVMX1RTUYp7fH57GCcA&oe=670115F3	PERSON_PROFILE	Galaxy in the Story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,366	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062294}'	No	2024-09-30 19:16	active	1558		Keep your horses healthy at every stage with Purina® Impact® All Stages 14% Textured Horse Feed! Packed with quality nutrition for growth, performance, and maintenance. 🐴💪 Want to learn more? Call me today! #YourLocalPurinaExpert #FeedGreatness	NO_BUTTON		Purina Lifestyle Product Specialist Kelly Harper	https://www.facebook.com/PurinaLifestyleProductSpecialistKellyHarper/	27	1969-12-31 18:00	No button		IMAGE			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461513689_1266249910975070_2223530701156813940_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NsqMv_eInTgQ7kNvgFzfvAr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A20GFn-xcUrRw0U6snd-YNx&oh=00_AYAYt52BAdMSE92XftWt5jPuCwi7A8qDoL4_o_cqP2jBIQ&oe=6700F719	PERSON_PROFILE	Purina Lifestyle Product Specialist Kelly Harper	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,384	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2062382}'	No	2024-09-30 19:16	active	1558	Liberace and Liza: A Tribute presents "After Hourz" - A New Variety Show! \| October 3rd	What do you get when you combine Portland’s own Liberace & Liza: A Tribute with The Carol Burnett Show, Saturday Night Live and Stephen Colbert? A brand new series of spicy shows from the madhouse minds of David Saffert, Jillian Snow and Jason Rouse. Liberace’s dizzying piano skills and Liza’s powerhouse belt join forces with special guests who’ll fend for themselves through the gaiety and flair of these over-the-top superstars.	LEARN_MORE	https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Nvk5/pubref:albe	The Alberta Rose Theatre	https://www.facebook.com/albertarosepdx/	17,368	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	prf.hn	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Nvk5/pubref:albertarose/ar:retargeting/destination:https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/89332201/liberace-and-lizaa-tribute-presents-after-hourza-new-variety-show-portland-alberta-rose-theatre?partner_id=264&utm_campaign=liberaceandlace&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_content=retargeting	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461771953_841814688146739_5583588889141911610_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lXiiomtWuloQ7kNvgEmY02w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A20GFn-xcUrRw0U6snd-YNx&oh=00_AYBPizaZqCl0q2hPNPoGTTHwt1kC1sqawqCj9f-LH8xd6Q&oe=6700F66A	PERSON_PROFILE	The Alberta Rose Theatre	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,063,424	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2063423}'	Yes	2024-10-01 07:03	active	1561	onlinehol.com	🎲Bored of standard dice rolling? This unique crossbow is a functional dice roller. It's compartment can hold up to 1 set of standard sized polyhedral dices.	SHOP_NOW	https://www.onlinehol.com/products/crossbow-dice-r	Kf-help.com	https://www.facebook.com/100094257708541/	1	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	onlinehol.com	IMAGE	Bored of standard dice rolling This unique crossbow is a functional dice roller It s compartment can hold up to 1 set of standard sized polyhedral dices The loading mechanism allows you to lock the catch with 1 swift motion Use the trigger to release the dice It is recommended to aim the crossbow sl...	https://www.onlinehol.com/products/crossbow-dice-roller---holder	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436495129_1660650907807329_8982746398740936113_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VsM9cd5FnRwQ7kNvgEkrCVv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCF8MZcJEuXvJCockgVmKzwqoZ1ak7bG_BmdC8U1KNIzA&oe=6701D291	PERSON_PROFILE	Kf-help.com	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,340	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":0.9974624243607262,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-09-30 19:15	active	1558	View List of Open Houses	House Hunting? See a list of the upcoming Open Houses in our area Click Learn More Below! Kelly & Robert Doucet Call/Text: 408.605.0129 MyEDHHome.com RobertandKelly@MyEDHHome.com DRE# 01196389 \| #01185577 #openhouse #househunting #EDHRealEstate #EDHRealtor #SacramentoRealtor #Realtor #MyEDHHome #MyElDoradoHillsHome #DoucetTeam #Iloveeldoradohills #ElDoradoHillsRealEstate #ElDoradoHillsHomes #RealtorLife #sellinghouses #househunting #RealEstateAgents	LEARN_MORE	https://myedhhome.com/open-houses/	My El Dorado Hills Home	https://www.facebook.com/myEDHhome/	609	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	myedhhome.com/open-houses/	IMAGE		https://myedhhome.com/open-houses/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/454007254_865520005084033_6530622553079228419_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oGRbdj_yH38Q7kNvgGe0upT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AUoimE3R5Fl9KfYOCzHQjnh&oh=00_AYDI9DdnNWIouArXx_6LTAJ3tsnZPXLfN4hQGEHa6j3aHQ&oe=67012310	PERSON_PROFILE	My El Dorado Hills Home	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,062,334	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-09-30 19:15	active	1558	Support Your Comfort®	Good news for fuller-bust ladies, our wardrobe needs these comfortable bras from FORLEST® 😍	SHOP_NOW	https://forlest.com/collections/best-seller	Forlest	https://www.facebook.com/forlestofficial/	9,834	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	forlest.com	DCO	Get Two For Better Deals✨	https://forlest.com/collections/best-seller	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461790176_566083065985580_5775363916574788959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iCS22vvvx8EQ7kNvgH99wAo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AUoimE3R5Fl9KfYOCzHQjnh&oh=00_AYBF406MsFAa76HZDZfNHTeSDCvo3opB3XRlYeL3CEHTMQ&oe=67012C4D	PERSON_PROFILE	Forlest	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,063,669	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2063552}'	No	2024-10-01 07:03	active	1561	Preference 19	The possibilities are endless with a superyacht charter. No other holiday can compare, no other experience comes close.	LEARN_MORE	https://campaign.edmiston.com/charter/	EDMISTON - WORLD LEADERS IN YACHTING	https://www.facebook.com/edmiston/	8,723	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	campaign.edmiston.com	DCO	Start planning your charter.	https://campaign.edmiston.com/charter/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/432357478_1211314323177880_4325783941413280995_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pcNoSA7lEVIQ7kNvgFDkyPs&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AYCdoIp3uZ30edlo5Hq1lL9R_bXuPeHXqLZPP3ihfZtT-g&oe=6701A008	PERSON_PROFILE	EDMISTON - WORLD LEADERS IN YACHTING	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,061,886	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":true,"simple_request_ratio":0.01752541184717841,"is_bh_selenium":null,"selenium_ratio":null,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2024-09-30 19:12	active	1557	Disney Dream Vacation Giveaway	Make a difference for someone else in need while having fun doing it. Enter to win this amazing Disney Dream Vacation for 12 at the link below. We will be announcing other great vacations and prizes soon.	NO_BUTTON	https://rafflecreator.com/pages/88161/disney-dream	CNG - Cash Now Giveaway	https://www.facebook.com/61563363129772/	2	1969-12-31 18:00	No button	rafflecreator.com	IMAGE	Disney Dream Vacation Giveaway is raising funds online with Raffle Creator!	https://rafflecreator.com/pages/88161/disney-dream-vacation-giveaway	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461736878_1316706996356481_453317275495467321_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7eJyUI_mNDsQ7kNvgFIA5oo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoLGlIpPHIsPX_lsXfT0s-Q&oh=00_AYAX9uSZ9r4SkkyJpSbBOaSko6djTZNs0wnzOYbr78ansg&oe=670112AB	PERSON_PROFILE	CNG - Cash Now Giveaway	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,063,487	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2063475}'	No	2024-10-01 07:03	active	1561	HOT BOOK✨Tap the button to read more👉	Chapter 1 "Wesley, are you trying to harm me? You useless piece of trash, can't even make a decent cup of coffee, can you?" Madison Blair lifted her coffee cup and splashed it directly onto Wesley Harrington's face. "What are you looking at, you spineless waste? Your name sounds so lofty? I might as well call you a waste." Glancing at the grotesque expression of his wife's mother, Wesley pulled out his phone to check the time. Exactly twelve o'clock. It had been five full years since he married Taylor Reed. The appointed time had come. He had fulfilled his promise, safeguarding the Reed family for five years, transforming them from a family living off fishing to one perceived as affluent by the common folk. Wiping the coffee off his face, he turned and walked away. "Where do you think you're going? Go fetch some more coffee," Madison shouted. "Madison, didn't you say this waste is obedient at home, doing whatever he's told? I don't think he's taking it lying down." Madison grew angrier. "Wesley, you stop right there. My family has fed and housed you. If you dare disobey, I'll have you thrown out!" Ignoring her, Wesley continued downstairs. "When Taylor comes back, I'll immediately have you two divorced. Do you hear me? Stay right there," Madison threatened, "I'll let you know your place today." Grabbing a golf club, Madison swiftly charged towards Wesley. Seeing Wesley heading downstairs, she swung the club viciously at his back. Without turning back, Wesley gently sidestepped. Losing her balance, Madison tumbled forward, rolling down the stairs with a series of thumps. "Ouch... it hurts, it hurts so much!" As Madison reached the ground floor, she wailed in pain and her sister immediately rushed to her. "Wesley, what have you done? How dare you hit my sister!" Madison's sister hurried down, checking on Madison's condition. Wesley remained silent, observing the scene. "Quick, call Taylor. Tell her to come back. Today, she must divorce this waste." Madison glared at Wesley. "How dare you hit me? Not only will I let Taylor divorce you, but I'll make sure you leave in disgrace." "Mum, what's wrong?" At that moment, a gent and a lady walked in. The lady was Taylor, Madison's daughter. She ran towards Madison. As Madison pointed at Wesley, tears streamed down her face. "Taylor, he hit me, he hit me! When you're not home, he changes his attitude, scolding and hitting me in the slightest displeasure. He even pushed me down the stairs just now. Alexis can testify." Madison's sister, Alexis Blair, chimed in. "Yes, Wesley, this trash not only hit your mother but also threatened to hit me too. We cannot tolerate such trash." "Taylor, I have been telling you to divorce him for years. You've been supporting him, treating him like a Lord at home, but he's an ungrateful wolf in sheep's clothing." Helping Madison up, Taylor noticed the scrapes on Madison's arms and legs, her expression turning cold. "Wesley, why did you hit my mother? You better give me an explanation." Wesley looked at Taylor, his wife. Five years had passed, and she had never shown him kindness. Taylor dressed impeccably, a paragon of a successful lady, with a face that could be deemed angelic, yet whether her heart was as angelic remained a mystery. Her figure, too, left countless men yearning. For five years, Wesley had thought he might develop feelings for this lady, but in reality, it never happened. "There are surveillance cameras in the house," Wesley stated calmly before descending the stairs into the hallway. Despite residing in a three-story villa, Wesley's living quarters were confined to the stairwell. He harbored no resentment towards this arrangement. It was merely a promise. It was just that Taylor failed to appreciate him. This home held little value that he wished to cling onto. Retrieving a wooden box from beneath his pillow, Wesley extracted two documents. Casting a fleeting glance at the modest abode he had called home for five years, Wesley smiled faintly. He thought, "Finally... I'm free." Pushing the door ajar, Wesley was met by Taylor's piercing gaze. "I've reviewed the surveillance footage. Yes, my mother intended to strike you, but even if she did, what difference would it make?" "She's a lady. How much could her blows hurt you? Why did you dodge?" "If you hadn't dodged, my mother wouldn't have tumbled down." Wesley stared at Taylor, unable to comprehend her thought process. He had no interest in engaging in these arguments. Handing over the two documents to Taylor, he remarked, "The divorce agreement. I've already signed it. Take a look. I'm leaving with nothing." "With your current influence, there's no need for you to visit the city hall. Someone will handle it for you, right?" Madison was taken aback. She swiftly snatched the divorce agreement, flipping through it hastily. The contents were indeed straightforward. Both parties willingly divorced, with Wesley relinquishing all claims and having already signed. In an instant, Madison's pain seemed to dissipate. "Taylor, sign it quickly. Sign it." Taylor was still in a daze. She pondered. "A divorce agreement? Wesley has already prepared a divorce agreement. On what grounds?" "What gives him the right to initiate a divorce? All these years, he's done nothing at home, lacking any ambition. Always practicing martial arts, what right does he have to seek a divorce?" "If anyone should initiate it, it should be me. Moreover, now that I'm back to discussing this matter with him. Could it be that word got out, and Wesley, for the sake of his pride, rushed to prepare a divorce agreement first?" "It must be so, but... No!" "Wanting to leave with nothing, is he retreating to advance? As the chairman of the Reed Group, how could I be served with a divorce?" "Hey Wesley, I never expected this from you. Have I not treated you well enough? You seek a divorce, attempting to turn your retreat into advance, aiming to embarrass me?" Taylor glared at Wesley. "I'm telling you, it's impossible." Snatching the divorce agreement, she tore it to shreds. "Taylor, what are you doing? Such a great opportunity. Why not just sign it and let him leave?" Madison grew anxious. "Mom, I do intend to divorce this trash, but the decision must come from me. I returned specifically to address this matter." With that, Taylor produced two documents. "Wesley, remember that it's me who's divorcing you. It's me who no longer wants you. Initially, out of marital obligation, I had considered offering you some compensation. Now, you don't even need to think about it. Sign the divorce agreement and leave my home." Wesley offered a faint smile as he accepted the divorce agreement. "What are you laughing at?" Taylor demanded angrily. Wesley's smile seemed to mock her, fueling her rage. Ignoring her entirely, Wesley signed the document and handed it over. "What are you laughing at? Answer me! Who do you think you are?" Taylor roared once more. Wesley glanced at her before striding towards the exit. "Stop!" The gent who had accompanied Taylor stepped forward, blocking Wesley's path. "Taylor asked you a question, and... Your previous attitude displeased me. Apologize to Taylor, or I'll have you leave in disgrace!" Chapter 2 "Yes, let him leave in disgrace. He thought he could just hit me and walk away so easily," Madison joined in the commotion, also noticing the gent blocking Wesley's path. Madison had a keen interest in luxury goods, having frequented various high-end establishments over the years as the Reed family's living conditions improved. The gent was wearing an expensive watch and dressed head to toe in high-end luxury brands. Seeing Madison's gaze, the gent spoke. "Rest assured, today Wesley must pay the price." The gent introduced himself, looking at Wesley, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Henry Clark, the eldest son of the Clark family and the general manager of the Clark Group in the North District." "From now on, I will accompany Taylor on her journey of life, and I will not allow anyone to bully her." "My identity carries weight. You should understand that. Now, apologize to Taylor. Apologize! Did you hear me? Apologize!" Madison's eyes lit up. She hadn't expected the gent before her to hold such a high status. She continued to shout, "Did you hear that? Taylor will be with Mr. Clark from now on. Apologize now." Wesley glanced at Henry, then at Taylor. He thought, "Have they been together all along?" Wesley had wanted to ask but decided against it because there was no need. He simply gave them a glance and continued walking towards the exit. "Are you ignoring me?" Henry's face turned cold as he reached out to grab Wesley. Henry's hand froze mid-air as he received a solid hit. "Until I sign the divorce papers, Taylor and I are still wife and husband. I don't care to investigate whether you two had any intimate relationship during that time, but don't provoke me, or I won't hesitate to make you regret it." Wesley's gaze was icy, and as Henry met his eyes, he felt a twinge of fear and swallowed his words. Taylor was also stunned. She knew exactly what Wesley had been like over the past five years. There were many surveillance cameras in the house, and she would often check them. Even when Taylor wasn't home, despite how her family treated Wesley, he always obeyed without complaint, especially towards her. He had never raised his voice, no matter how they treated him. Today, not only did Wesley dodge when her mother struck, but he also initiated the divorce and now even struck Henry. Taylor was at a loss for words, thinking, "How could this cowardly gent dare? On what grounds does he dare?" This change was difficult for Taylor to accept as if she didn't truly understand this guy. The gent who used to be obedient to her, completely submissive, now revealed this side of himself. She watched Wesley walk away in a daze, feeling a strange discomfort in her heart. "Isn't he leaving with nothing?" Alexis pointed at the wooden box Wesley was holding. "What is he taking with him?" Madison also realized. Over the past five years, Wesley had always treasured this wooden box, carrying it with him wherever he went. She thought there must be something valuable inside. Realizing this, Madison hurriedly followed. "Wesley, stop right there, leave the wooden box." Wesley paused, glanced at Madison, and said, "This is my personal belonging." "Nonsense, what personal belonging could you possibly have after marrying into the Reed family? Everything you've eaten, worn, and lived in over the years has been provided by the Reed family. Put it down." As she spoke, Madison reached out to grab the wooden box. "Ah..." A scream rang out as Madison quickly retracted her hand, a gash appearing on her palm, a crimson liquid dripping. The wooden box was now stained with the same crimson liquid, trembling lightly in Wesley's hand. "It's not the right time yet, the day you thirst for this crimson liquid will come," Wesley murmured softly, patting the box before turning to continue his stride towards the exit. "Monster! A monster!" Madison screamed, causing Taylor and the others to rush out. Seeing the wound in Madison's hand, Taylor was filled with rage. "Wesley, aren't you going to say something?" Wesley halted once more, contemplating before meeting Taylor's gaze. "Just stay out of my way from now on. Consider this a warning to you." "Taylor, that wooden box of his has a mechanism. It must hold something valuable! We can't let him take it with him," Madison, enduring the pain, reminded them. "Mom, your injury is important. We'll deal with him later. Let me take you to the hospital first." Taylor comforted Madison before calling out to the retreating Wesley. "Our marriage is over! Yet, you dared to hurt my mother! This won't be the end of it! I will make you regret it!" Ignoring her, Wesley continued walking out. "Rest assured, I promise he won't see the light of day tomorrow." Henry stepped forward to console. "Let's focus on getting your wound treated first." "I want him to regret ever existing in this world, to apologize to me in repentance," Madison roared. "Mom, trust me, I will make him do just that." Taylor looked at Madison with a mix of pity and determination. "Let's go to the hospital first." In the villa area, Wesley halted, his voice cold. "Get out." An elderly gent leaped down from a tree, appearing to be in his seventies, yet landing silently from a height of around ten feet. "Mr. Harrington, your father wants you to come home and take charge." "He stopped being my father five years ago. He's my enemy." "Mr. Harrington, you misunderstood your father. He had his reasons back then. I swear in my life, once you know the truth, you will forgive him." "Huh!" Wesley smirked coldly, saying, "I nearly passed away back then. Is that also a misunderstanding?" The old gent pleaded, "Mr. Harrington, this situation is truly not as you perceive it." Wesley didn't engage further with the old guy. The events of that year were etched in his memory forever. He was the one who had been abandoned. If not for that incident, why would he have stayed with the Reed family for five years? Watching Wesley walk away, the old gent had tears silently streaming down his face. "Mr. Harrington, I truly... I truly can't bring myself to speak the truth, but you have misunderstood your father. He also bears burdens and endures pains beyond what an ordinary person can handle." As Wesley's figure disappeared, the old gent stood up, hesitated for a moment, then dialed a number on his phone. "Mr. Harrington is now divorced. I've given you the news firsthand. If your daughter is truly together with Mr. Harrington, you must fulfill the promise and let her persuade Mr. Harrington to come home." After hanging up, a middle-aged gent in a luxurious estate jumped up excitedly. Calming himself, he immediately made another call. "My dear, you're at Yeadeo, right? "Go find Wesley now. Don't mention the engagement for now. Use every means to get close to him, make him fall in love with you." "Dad, I don't have time." "No matter what you are busy with, you must go find Wesley now. No matter what reason you approach him, you must leave a good impression the first time." "Dad, I'm in trouble right now. If I don't handle it well, I might be good as gone. I have to deal with it immediately. I'm hanging up." Chapter 3 The middle-aged gent's voice lowered significantly. "Is there a big incident happening? You didn't tell me? What happened?" "Quinn Kingsley from Yeadeo, Mr. Kingsley, used our product and now has one foot on the grave. If something really happens to him..." "You mean Quinn, the uncontested leader of Yeadeo?" "Yes." "In that case, you should go find Wesley. Trust me, in this world, there is no problem that Wesley can't solve. As long as he's willing to help, you'll be fine. Listen to me, go find Wesley immediately." The lady fell silent for a moment before saying, "Okay." At Yeadeo Harbor, a gent with a large flaxen chain and a watch, sporting a crew cut, hurriedly disembarked, accompanied by a dozen gentlemen. "Mr. Reed, wherever that trash is, we will find him and tear him apart." "Yes, that guy dared to harm your mother. We'll make sure he pays for it." Frank Reed's face turned cold. "Wesley, you coward, thinking you can overturn the world? How dare you touch my mom? Just wait until I find you, you're finished." "We've found him. Wesley got into a taxi, and our boys followed him." "Let's go!" Frank waved his hand, leading dozens of men who boarded the car with harpoons, steel pipes, and other weapons. Inside the taxi, Wesley gazed at the scenery outside, feeling a strange sense of tranquility. He thought to himself, "I never imagined that while I was secretly paving the way for the Reed family, Taylor, after progressing so rapidly, would start looking down on me more and more." "Those ladies who know my true identity, which one of them isn't trying to throw themselves at me? Ladies like that don't interest me." "Being an ordinary gent is truly difficult," Wesley murmured, smiling faintly and deciding not to dwell on these matters anymore. He had important things to attend to and no time to waste on personal affairs. "Young lad, are you going to Feidgeuo Manor for a job interview?" The driver, curious about Wesley's destination, inquired. Feidgeuo Manor was Yeadeo's most mysterious private area. Originally a villa area, it was bought at a huge cost five years ago and completely renovated. It was said to have cost a trillion dollars. The former villa area was now Feidgeuo Manor. "That's my home," Wesley replied nonchalantly. The driver was taken aback by this revelation, silently cursing Wesley for bragging. After a couple of minutes, the driver regained his composure. "It seems like you and I both prefer to keep a low profile. My car usually gathers dust at home, so I occasionally drive a taxi to experience life." Wesley chuckled, "My car has been driven by my assistant for the past few years, so it's not gathering dust." "Haha..." The driver laughed. "We should get together sometime and see whose car is more impressive." "Sure, whenever we have the time." As they chatted, the vehicle soon arrived near Feidgeuo Manor, where the massive head of the Feidgeuo Peak protruded, creating a unique landscape in Yeadeo. The driver asked with a smile, "Since you're the owner here, it's fine if I drive in, right?" "Of course," Wesley replied. As soon as Wesley spoke, several cars caught up from behind. The cars surrounded the one Wesley was in, with the front vehicles braking to force the car to a stop. When numerous people descended from cars wielding harpoons and steel pipes, the driver's face paled. Frank and his group got out of the cars, instantly closing in, and without hesitation, started attacking, the steel pipes and harpoons thudding against the car. Frank's henchman yanked open the door of Wesley's car, poised to stab Wesley with a harpoon, but Wesley swiftly exited the vehicle. With a firm step on the ground, he launched a swift hit. A muffled sound echoed as the henchman was hit away. "What are you looking at?" Frank noticed his henchmen were all staring at him. "All of you, attack together and take him down!" As he commanded, the henchmen Frank brought with him surged forward. The taxi driver, trembling, took out his phone to call the police, but Frank glared at him. "I am Frank Reed from Yeadeo Harbor. If you dare, go ahead and make that call." Frank, leveraging his sister Taylor's status, had been causing trouble in Yeadeo Harbor, and no one dared to provoke him. Upon hearing Frank's name, the driver hastily put away his phone. "Mr. Reed, I'll just check the time, you guys continue." "Huh!" Frank snorted coldly, casting his gaze towards the surrounded Wesley. The sounds of thuds continued to ring out incessantly. Because Wesley was completely surrounded, Frank was unable to see the situation inside clearly, but he could imagine it. After all, in Frank's mind, the henchmen under his command were not to be trifled with. "Hit him hard for me!" Another muffled sound and a figure flew out. At that moment, Frank finally saw the situation clearly, and his face turned pale. Frank knew that Wesley liked to practice martial arts, but he had never expected Wesley to be this skilled. It wasn't Wesley who had been beaten, but his own men by Wesley alone. Frantically, Frank turned and ran to retrieve a crossbow from the car. "Clear the way." Frank bellowed, aiming the crossbow at Wesley. "You scumbag, you think you can fight? Move one more time, and I'll end your life! Surrender!" Wesley, holding a wooden box, stared at Frank. Ignoring the crossbow in his hand, Wesley said, "Tell your henchmen to back off, or you'll all see the light from above!" "You're really good at pretending to be tough." Frank took two steps forward. "See the light? Move a muscle and see if I can end your life or not! If you don't have the guts, apologize now!" Wesley turned his head and looked at the approaching cars, with two expensive ones in the lead, two more in the rear, and another one in the middle. "Keep acting tough, and I'll put a hole in your head." Frank spoke while glancing at the five cars. "What, looking for help?" "Let me tell you, those who ride in these cars are not the kind of weaklings like you who rely on connections. With me here, in Yeadeo's social hierarchy, even those who ride in such cars wouldn't dare meddle in this matter. And let me make it clear, without my sister, you're nothing." Chapter 4 As Frank's words faded, the five cars came to a halt. A bodyguard opened the door of the one in the middle, revealing a dazzling pair of shining shoes catching everyone's eye. The shining shoe encased a beautiful foot. Above, the skirt's hem was adorned with lace. Then, like a fairy stepping out of a painting, she appeared before everyone's eyes. The lady was beautiful! Frank was mesmerized. Ever since the Reed family rose to prominence, he had been surrounded by ladies, but compared to the elegant lady before him, they were worlds apart. It wasn't just a difference in appearance but an incomparable gap in demeanor. The lady descending from the Maybach seemed like a celestial being untouched by mortal affairs. The embodiment of a fairy in the mundane world. She simply stood there after getting out of the car, perfectly embodying what it meant to be graceful and elegant. The lady glanced at Wesley, then at Frank. Frank grinned, saying, "May I have the honor of knowing the name of this esteemed lady? I am Frank..." The lady spoke calmly. "Disrespect Mr. Harrington, and you're done for." Her bodyguards, unfazed by Frank's crossbow, swiftly overwhelmed him, sending him crashing to the ground. The henchmen who had come with Frank, previously defeated by Wesley, now scrambled to their feet and fled in all directions. Who would dare provoke someone who could afford such a car? "My sister is Taylor Reed, the chairperson of Reed Group," Frank shouted, clutching his head. Ignoring him, one of the bodyguards dragged him to the roadside grass while another used a belt to tighten around Frank's neck, exerting pressure. "Enough, a lesson is all that's needed." Wesley spoke calmly, and only when the lady gestured did the bodyguards release Frank. Frank lay there, already unconscious. Wesley turned to the lady. "Who are you?" "I am Mia Roberts, the general manager of Vinver Business Alliance's Yeadeo branch." She looked at Wesley and continued, "Mr. Harrington, my father mentioned that you have miraculous healing skills and earnestly requested your assistance. A generous reward awaits." Wesley furrowed his brow slightly, thinking, "There are indeed people who recognize my abilities and status, yet I've rarely intervened in the past five years. Today, shortly after I divorced Taylor, she is here. Whose arrangement is this?" "Mr. Harrington, my father also mentioned that you are benevolent and has raised the banner of compassion among healers, serving as a role model and benchmark for all in the medical field." Wesley chuckled, "You have a way with words. Tell me the specifics." "Mr. Harrington, please get in the car first. I will explain in detail on the way." The phrase "compassionate healer" held significant weight for Wesley, who had saved countless lives from the brink of death. Without further ado, he got into the car. Inside, after Mia brewed coffee for Wesley, she began. "Vinver Business Alliance has a wide range of business operations, and I mainly oversee the health supplement sector, which has seen some success in recent years. "Recently, Quinn Kingsley started using our medicines, and now there's an accident." As she spoke, Mia kept her gaze fixed on Wesley. Quinn, the undisputed leader of Yeadeo, was a figure of immense influence. Upon hearing this name, Wesley showed no particular reaction. "If the city's leader faces issues with your products, it is indeed a concern. Let's go and see." With just a sentence, Wesley leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. Mia was secretly alarmed, thinking, "He knows who Quinn is, yet he seems indifferent. Who is this Wesley, really? No wonder Dad has instructed me to find a way to win his favor." Mia's inner resistance toward Wesley quietly shifted. Wesley had piqued her curiosity. As the vehicle was moving, Wesley's phone rang. Wesley opened his eyes and took out his phone to see Taylor calling. Pressing the answer button, he asked, "What's the matter?" On the other end of the line, Taylor, driving towards Feidgeuo Manor, had a grim expression. She thought, "Has Wesley ever spoken to me in such a cold tone before? Is he really this heartless right after our divorce?" Already furious, she snapped. "Wesley, do you even consider yourself a human being? "Today, not only did you lay hands on my mother, but you also had someone attack my brother. Do you not remember our past at all?" Wesley calmly replied, "Do we have a past to remember?" "You truly are a heartless scumbag, just as my mother said. You are an ungrateful and vicious person I raised for five years. Even a pet would wag its tail at me!" Taylor wanted to continue her tirade, but the phone line had already turned busy. This only fueled her anger further. Just now, she had received a call from Frank's underlings, informing her that Wesley had sent people to attack Frank and even intended to end him. Taylor wanted to demand answers, but... As Taylor was clutching her fists, her gaze turned icy. After a moment, she picked up her phone again. "Wesley, you are so narrow-minded. You have no ambition. Any lady would steer clear of you." "Just because I dumped you, you are doing this on purpose to make me feel sick. Pretending to be aloof and seeking revenge? Do you even deserve it?" "In Yeadeo, squashing you would be as easy as squashing an ant. You're asking for it! If anything happens to my brother, I will make you wish you were ending!" Her furious voice message echoed in the car. Wesley chuckled and put away his phone. Beside him, Mia seemed contemplative. Before coming, she had already ordered a swift investigation into Wesley. She was curious, thinking, "How could someone valued by my father could be the one 'marrying into' the Reed family." Being tactful, Mia chose not to ask and pretended not to have heard. After about forty minutes, they arrived at the Kingsley Manor. The Kingsley family members, upon seeing Mia alight from the car, all wore grim expressions. Mia greeted them with a smile, "Everyone, this is Wesley Harrington, Mr. Harrington, the miraculous healer I specially invited to treat Mr. Kingsley." "Him? The gent who married into the Reed family?" "A miraculous healer? Is he even worthy? Are healers so worthless now?" "A useless gent who mooches off of the Reed family? How dare he call himself a miraculous healer? Truly a joke among all jokes." Chapter 5 Amanda Kingsley, Quinn's granddaughter, stared coldly at Wesley and Mia. This lady, dressed in a smart suit, also held significant fame in Yeadeo, overseeing the region's business activities, including investment attraction and various local business negotiations. Amanda had a favorable view of Taylor, who had risen swiftly in recent times, and they had interacted frequently. She was aware of Wesley's existence and had advised Taylor to part ways with him early on. But Amanda never imagined that Mia would bring someone like Wesley, a complete waste, and claim he was a miraculous healer. Glaring at Mia, she said, "Mia, once my grandfather is well, it's best for your Roberts family to leave Yeadeo." "As for you..." She glanced at Wesley. "I will advise Taylor to divorce you. You have deceived Taylor's feelings and now shamelessly made your way into my family. You are a despicable creature." After reprimanding Mia and Wesley, she turned to an elderly gent beside her, and her tone and attitude completely changed. "Mr. Phillips, sorry to trouble you. My grandfather is inside, please." Mia looked at the elderly gent, who was already in his twilight years, feeling deeply shocked. Scott Phillips, the 38th generation heir of the Healing Clinic, was now ninety-two years old. Renowned as a miraculous healer, he was a respected figure in the medical community of Yeadeo and even nationally. He no longer conducted consultations personally due to his old age. Mia had visited him specifically to pay her respects once she had arrived in Yeadeo but had not met Scott. She never expected Scott to appear in person. It was understandable, as Quinn held a prominent position in the city. Despite the profound influence of the Phillips family, they still had to show respect to Quinn. Mia looked at Wesley, feeling conflicted and thinking, "Dad has confidently claimed that Wesley has extraordinary abilities, but does he really?" She harbored doubts, but out of propriety, Mia spoke. "Mr. Harrington, I apologize for the trouble." Wesley smiled, "It's fine. As long as the person can be healed." His open-mindedness impressed Mia. After about half an hour, Amanda emerged from the room. All eyes instantly turned towards her. It was evident that Amanda had wailed out, with traces of tears still visible. "Amanda, how is it?" A middle-aged gent anxiously asked her. The rest of the members of the Kingsley family who had rushed back also focused their attention on her. "Mr. Phillips said that there's little hope of recovery. He could only use acupuncture to wake grandfather for half an hour. When grandfather wakes up, let's all go in and see if he has any final instructions." Everyone was shocked. "How could this be?" "Is Mr. Phillips also helpless?" The members of the Kingsley family found it hard to accept this reality, especially since Quinn had always treated his juniors well. The thought of Quinn departing saddened some, and tears silently fell. Publicly, Quinn's status was the foundation of the Kingsley family's prominence in Yeadeo. If Quinn were to pass away, the Kingsley family would undoubtedly decline. The atmosphere within the Kingsley family was somber. Amanda looked at her family members, opened her mouth, but said nothing, silently turning back into the room. "Stop crying," A middle-aged gent said sternly, "Dad wouldn't want to see you all in tears. If he's really leaving, we mustn't let him worry about us. Pull yourselves together." After these words, the middle-aged gent also entered the room. The younger members of the Kingsley family wiped their tears vigorously, trying to force smiles, but in truth, they looked better at crying than pretending to be happy. Mia's spirit plummeted as she realized the gravity of the situation. Even if an ordinary person passed away from consuming health supplements, it spelled big trouble for those who sold them. And when the deceased happened to be Quinn, the stakes were even higher. She understood that it would be difficult for this branch to stay in Yeadeo, and even the headquarters might face repercussions. "Let's go in and have a look." Wesley glanced at Mia. "There might still be a chance." "Ah..." Mia stared at Wesley in surprise. Seeing him already heading towards the room, she quickly followed suit. Inside the room, the members of the Kingsley family stood around the mattress, maintaining a certain distance. Scott lit the alcohol lamp and took out the needles, his expression solemn. He looked at the members of the Kingsley family. "Think about what you want to say to Mr. Kingsley later. Once you're ready, let me know, and then I'll proceed with the acupuncture." As he said this, tears welled up in many eyes. "If you don't mind, let me take a look. I have a way." Wesley spoke up, drawing everyone's attention. Amanda's face darkened. "Who let you in? Get out!" "Mia, have you lost your mind? Tricked by this trash and actually brought him here as a miracle healer. Get out with him! I'll settle the score with you in a couple of days." Mia glanced at Wesley, at a loss for words. "Even Mr. Phillips is unable to reverse the situation. What use are you? Get out." Another younger member of the Kingsley family angrily rebuked. The middle-aged gent added, "We're in no mood right now. You better leave immediately." "I understand your narrow-mindedness," Wesley continued, "But as a healer, once I see a patient, I cannot stand by and watch him draw his last breath." "Wesley, you're quite the charlatan. Do you really want to be gone right now?" Amanda's voice was filled with anger. "Amanda, let me say a few words," Scott interjected, and Amanda fell silent. Looking at Wesley, Scott began. "Young lad, at my age, I've seen a lot and have a broad perspective. Today, however, I find it hard to remain indifferent. I practiced medicine from the age of sixteen until I stopped seeing patients for a total of seventy years." "I've saved countless patients from various illnesses. I never easily declare a patient's fate, nor do I believe I have the right to do so." "But from your recent remarks, it seems like you're accusing me of such actions. Young people wanting to make a name for themselves by stepping on the shoulders of their predecessors, I can understand." "But this kind of behavior displeases me." "My displeasure, what does it mean to you? Do you understand?" "Even if you are a healer, your career will be ruined because of this." Chapter 6 In the face of Scott's veiled threats, Wesley simply smiled and brushed them off. Looking at Scott, he asked, "I've always focused on the issue at hand rather than attacking individuals. I have a few questions for you. If you can't administer the needles, how long do you think Quinn can hold on?" "Seven days, but he will remain unconscious," Scott replied bluntly. "Then let me ask you this, is there anyone in the world with better medical skills than you?" "Outrageous," Amanda coldly interjected, "Mr. Phillips is unparalleled in his medical expertise." Scott glanced at Amanda. "Amanda, let me handle this question." Continuing to address Wesley, he said, "I don't underestimate myself, nor do I overestimate. There are countless talented individuals in the world, like stars in the sky. I may not dare claim to be the best in medical skills, but those who surpass me are few." "That means there are some," Wesley calmly remarked, causing Scott's expression to shift slightly, "Indeed, there are." "Then let me ask you this. Do you think within seven days, the Kingsley family won't find someone with better medical skills than you?" "If they do find someone, do you believe there is an illness that you cannot cure, but this person can?" Wesley's questions were sharp and resounding. Scott's face changed once more as he was rendered speechless. "Even if there is, that person will never be you." Amanda's face turned icy. "Now get out. Don't spout your eloquence here. Your deceitful behavior is repulsive." "Your understanding of me is merely hearsay, isn't it?" Wesley retorted, his gaze mocking Amanda, "Has your background and education taught you such arrogance and prejudice?" "Arrogance?" Amanda's face grew colder as she disdainfully looked at Wesley. "Prejudice? "Did I say something wrong just now? You are nothing but stagnant waste, a parasite living off others. If it weren't for Taylor, you would have starved on the streets long ago." "Relying on sweet words, deceiving Taylor. She, with her kind heart, can't bear to divorce you, but don't push your luck. If it weren't for Taylor's sake, you would have been sent out long ago." Scott interrupted Amanda, "Amanda, although I find this lad a bit annoying, what he said does hold some truth. There are indeed individuals with better medical skills than me. Your grandfather can hold on for seven days. Try reaching out to see if someone can come over. I'll help you make connections." "If it really doesn't work out after seven days, I'll administer the needles to your grandfather. However, at that point, I can only buy you three minutes." As soon as Scott spoke, the faces of the Kingsley family members grew even more solemn. True healers were rare and not easily summoned. While the Kingsley family had connections in Yeadeo, their influence waned outside of it. "Mr. Phillips, please administer the needles. Life has its ups and downs, and we understand that. Just buy my father a bit more time." The middle-aged gent spoke up. The rest of the members of the Kingsley family nodded in agreement. Amanda looked at Scott. "Mr. Phillips, please." "In that case, please have everyone unrelated leave. I need silence," Scott calmly stated. Amanda glared at Wesley, her eyes speaking volumes without a word. The unrelated individuals were, naturally, Wesley and Mia. Mia glanced at Wesley, intending to leave, but she suddenly hesitated. Instead of leaving, Wesley moved forward. "What are you doing?" A young member of the Kingsley family stepped forward with a stern expression, pushing Wesley. In one swift motion, Wesley executed a clean shoulder throw, toppling the young gent to the ground, his own expression turning cold. "A bunch of fools! If it weren't for my teacher's teachings about not turning a blind eye to those in need, I wouldn't bother with you ignorant lot," Wesley remarked with disdain. As Wesley effortlessly took down one individual from the Kingsley family, the others seemed slow to react. By the time they realized what was happening, Wesley had already picked up the needle next to Scott and casually flicked his wrist. The needle flew out of his hand, piercing Quinn's temple, followed by a second needle, a third needle, and so on. "What are you doing? Stop!" Amanda's voice rose in urgency, echoed by the rest of the Kingsley family members who rushed forward to restrain Wesley. "Stay back, everyone. Wait." Scott suddenly stood up, blocking the others. "Let him try." Amanda and the others were left dumbfounded, thinking, "What does this mean?" Despite their confusion, they heeded Scott's words. After Scott stopped the members of the Kingsley family, he fixed his gaze on Wesley. Wesley proceeded to use eighteen needles in succession, symbolizing the levels of pain. Even if someone had descended into the depths of hell, they must be brought back. The final needle, also piercing a vital point, caused Quinn's body to tremble suddenly, resonating with the previous eighteen needles. Scott's eyes widened, his body trembling slightly. His reaction left Amanda and the others even more puzzled, but none dared to interrupt. Moments later, Wesley placed a palm on Quinn's chest, causing all eighteen needles to be shaken off. When all the needles landed on the ground, the part of the skin where the needles had pierced turned dark. Wesley then dragged Quinn to the edge of the mattress, flipped him over with his head facing downwards, and gave him a firm pat on the back. Quinn spat out a mouthful of black liquid. When Wesley flipped him back to lie flat, his complexion had regained some color. "The Hand of Darkness... It's the Hand of Darkness!" Scott exclaimed with excitement, his body quivering, "It's the Hand that descends into the dark world, snatching people from the hands of the Evil!" "You do have some knowledge, recognizing the Hand of Darkness." Wesley glanced at Scott. Scott's gaze towards Wesley had undergone a drastic change. He respectfully clasped his hands together. "Mr. Harrington, thirty years ago, I had the honor of attending a teaching conference held by Mr. Vanderbilt. I saw the Hand of Darkness, but my limited aptitude only allowed me to grasp the basics." "I have been blind and ignorant. I apologize for my earlier offenses. Please forgive me, Mr. Harrington." The Mr. Vanderbilt Scott referred to was Wesley's teacher, Ulysses Vanderbilt. He generously imparted his skills to others, but the ability to learn depended on one's innate talent. In this world, few could learn Ulysses' skills. Scott had been fortunate to receive guidance from Ulysses, which had elevated his medical skills. However, the Hand of Darkness, a miraculous ability, was beyond his comprehension. Wesley smiled faintly, "Your actions earlier are understandable. I appreciate your words." "Mr. Harrington, you must be an exceptional disciple of Mr. Vanderbilt, possessing unparalleled magnanimity. Impressive," Scott continued. "Enough with the flattery at your age." "You are mistaken, Mr. Harrington. Every word I speak is sincere." Mia, Amanda, and the others stood bewildered by the unfolding situation. "Mr. Phillips... he... he..." Amanda's words faltered. Scott turned to the members of the Kingsley family. "Meeting Mr. Harrington was Quinn's luck. His symptoms have been cured by Mr. Harrington. With a few days of rest, he will be fine." The waste Taylor had previously said was called Mr. Harrington by Scott! Recalling their previous attitudes, Amanda hurriedly apologized, "Mr. Harrington, I'm sorry." The members of the Kingsley family all apologized in unison, "Mr. Harrington, I'm sorry." Chapter 7 With a faint smile, Wesley remarked, "As family members of a patient, your actions earlier are understandable. There's no need for such formality." Amanda's perplexity deepened as she thought, "Where is the cowardly waste that Taylor described? This display of magnanimity and breadth is far from it." Mia, too, felt a shiver of realization, thinking, "No wonder Dad has insisted on my proximity to Wesley. This guy..." She gazed at Wesley, her curiosity piqued, a sense of exploration stirring within her. "Mia has brought you here, Mr. Harrington, to cure my grandfather. The Kingsley family will never forget this act. However, considering that my grandfather's ailment stemmed from the health supplements produced by the Vinver Business Alliance, we will be conducting an investigation into it." Amanda continued, looking at Wesley, "What do you think... of this approach?" It was Mia who had invited Wesley, so Amanda had grown wiser, refraining from asking for a direct punishment of the Vinver Business Alliance. As Mia heard Amanda's words, her heart skipped a beat, realizing trouble was brewing. "On the way here, Ms. Roberts briefed me on the situation. You conducted experiments on mice, correct?" Amanda nodded. "Yes, the health supplements we received were exclusively provided by the Roberts family. There were no similar cases on the market, so we used mice for testing. "All the mice that ingested this supplement were gone." She looked at Mia and added, her voice turning colder, "Before the experiment, I specifically contacted Mia to inquire about the testing methods during the development phase, which involved mice. "There have been individuals eyeing my grandfather's position, some even wishing for his demise. I never imagined that the Vinver Business Alliance, which I attracted for investment, would become a weapon in someone else's hands." "Do you have any of the remaining medicine?" Wesley inquired, looking at Amanda. Amanda nodded. "Yes." "Bring some over." Immediately, someone fetched the medicine. After it was brought to him, Wesley took out a supplement and swallowed it directly. This scene left Amanda and the others dumbfounded. Scott, too, was bewildered. "Mr. Harrington, what are you doing?" Wesley smiled, "Just proving that this medicine is not toxic." "Mr. Harrington, thank you," Mia thanked sincerely, feeling like crying at that moment. Amanda, with a puzzled expression, looked at Wesley. "Mr. Harrington, are you suggesting that my grandfather's condition wasn't caused by the Vinver Business Alliance's medicine? What about the mice?" The rest were equally puzzled. "Yes, but not entirely," Wesley said, leaving everyone even more bewildered. Mia's emotions were like a rollercoaster ride, from relief to immediate tension. "This medicine itself is not toxic, but when taken with another substance made from a certain plant, it results in Quinn's condition. The mice would die immediately, while humans could endure a few more days." Wesley continued to explain, "The plant used in this concoction is originally meant for crafting slow-acting toxins, not for human consumption." Looking at Amanda, Wesley said, "During this period, whoever had access to your grandfather and the mice will better understand why these events occurred." The gaze of members of the Kingsley family immediately focused on a lady. Amanda, somewhat incredulous, looked at her. "Can you offer an explanation?" The lady was the wife of Amanda's deceased brother. She found it hard to accept, as did the rest of the Kingsley family. This lady had been named the exemplary lady who served her family well this year, not due to her connection with the Kingsley family but because she genuinely deserved it. "What do you mean? Amanda, what explanation do you want from me?" The lady stared at Amanda. "Am I the only one who had access to Grandfather and the mice? You, and you... and you, who didn't have access?" "You all claim to treat me as family. Since I married into the Kingsley family, I have worked diligently, contributing my share even if not acknowledged." "Amanda, it has been over a year since your brother passed, and I never once considered remarrying. Now, just because of his words, you demand an explanation from me?" Pointing at Wesley, the lady questioned, "Just because he accuses me of poisoning, you suspect me? Tell me, did I poison him?" The lady glared at Wesley. "I am merely analyzing the facts. As for concluding this case, it's not within my purview," Wesley addressed the members of the Kingsley family, saying, "You should conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. "I will write a prescription. Have Quinn take it on time, and he will recover in seven days." Amanda hurried to fetch paper and pen while Wesley prepared the prescription. Once done, he was ready to leave. Amanda said hurriedly, "Mr. Harrington, I've already made arrangements for lunch." "No need," Wesley smiled. The Kingsley family sought to build closer ties with Wesley, given his extraordinary medical skills. Wesley was well aware of this. Looking at Amanda and the others, Wesley remarked, "In the future, if you encounter any difficult medical cases that others cannot solve, seek me out. Remember, cases others cannot solve." The gaze of the Kingsley family members toward Wesley changed once again. Many renowned healers had eccentric personalities and were difficult to engage. They hadn't expected Wesley to possess such remarkable medical skills without any airs. As Wesley prepared to depart, the members of the Kingsley family did not dare to insist on his stay, so they accompanied him outside. "Oh, how could we forget such an important matter? Amanda, what about the consultation fee?" The middle-aged gent inquired, looking at Amanda. "Mr. Harrington, I apologize for the oversight. Please wait a moment." Amanda hurried back inside and soon returned with a bank card in hand. "Mr. Harrington, there's one million dollars in here." Without hesitation, Wesley accepted the bank card and boarded Mia's car. During the journey, Mia boldly looked at Wesley. "Mr. Harrington, you've helped me immensely. Can I treat you to a meal? Don't decline in a hurry. It's not a fancy restaurant, but it will leave you wanting more. It's a small place on the street, with only eight plates of noodles served each day, each plate containing different ingredients. "I managed to secure a reservation. Are you interested?" Wesley thought, "Eight Plates of Noodles? Ah, Aaron's restaurant. It has been a while since I visited those old friends." Wesley nodded. "Let's go then." The restaurant, Eight Plates of Noodles, was located on Chanxold Street near the Yeadeo First Central Hospital. The establishment was small, serving only eight plates of noodles each day at a price of 10 thousand dollars each. Vernoic's television culinary program had specifically covered this incident. Reservations were a must to secure a plate. The restaurant's owner had a mysterious background. While the specifics were unknown, a high-ranking noble from the capital of Vernoic, Kingsland, had caused a scene there once. He had attempted to force his way in without a reservation. Although this incident hadn't been reported, rumors suggested that a garbage truck had to be called to dispose of the intruder's remains, as he was too shattered to be removed by conventional means. Since then, no one dared to cause trouble. On their way, Mia introduced Wesley to the background story. "Mr. Turner, two plates of noodles." Mia called out once they arrived. Aaron Turner didn't respond but visibly paused upon seeing Wesley beside Mia. A faint smile appeared on his usually stoic face. Though the flesh on the face seemed stiff, it was indeed a smile. "Coming right up." Mia glanced at Aaron with a hint of surprise, thinking, "When did he become so warm and enthusiastic? His tone seemed a bit agitated earlier, didn't it?" Soon enough, Aaron brought two plates of noodles to the table. One steaming hot and the other devoid of any warmth. As Mia observed Aaron placing the plate without steam in front of Wesley, her expression changed slightly. It was a plate of instant noodles having soaked in cold water, with the seasoning barely dissolved. She felt a sense of panic. Mia had wanted to leave a good impression on Wesley, which was why she had chosen this place. However, Aaron had served such a plate of noodles. She dared not question Aaron. The type of noodles served here was not determined by the guests but by Aaron's mood. "This girl named Mia is quite something, living up to her name, and quite kind-hearted," Aaron remarked, looking at Wesley. "Get lost," Wesley retorted, using his fork to pick up the noodles and devouring them. Mia's face turned pale instantly. Disrespecting Aaron was akin to risking Wesley's life. To her astonishment, Aaron chuckled, tears welling up in his eyes. He wiped them away. "Alright, I'll leave you to your meal." Before departing, he gave Mia a thumbs-up. "Seize the opportunity." The eight plates of noodles symbolized the eight comrades who had faced life and life-threatening situations together. Wesley ate voraciously. Initially, they had only one pack of instant noodles to share among the eight of them, forcing them to divide it. Despite the circumstances, they devoured the noodles joyfully. Aaron had promised that once they survived, each one would have the most delicious plate of noodles. However, five of the eight had perished. Wesley had come dangerously close to life-threatening situations, but managed to cling to life. For him, the plate of noodles was not food but the bond of friendship that had shielded him from harm. "Do you... know each other?" Mia couldn't help but ask, her voice low and curious. "Some things are better left unknown," Wesley replied. Mia nodded in understanding, falling silent as they continued eating noodles. She couldn't help stealing glances at Wesley throughout the meal. This gent had piqued her curiosity even more. "Wesley, I see. No wonder you agreed to the divorce so readily. You've already found someone else outside." A sharp voice interrupted their meal. Taylor approached with a cold expression, accompanied by Henry.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.a	Adoread Romance story	https://www.facebook.com/61557113391558/	397	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adoread.book	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438099846_464239392624112_2876552204437209724_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4ISBYOYj9WAQ7kNvgGE_7CU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AtRmEY6mfEokwtx-doSuxLT&oh=00_AYCBUwjj9NOGheBAcU1ejvrVmy13nYnA339Re4zEQMxccQ&oe=67019E5B	PERSON_PROFILE	Adoread Romance story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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