Confucius Ads Library: Ads

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	Page Is Profile Page	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,745,701	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745700}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Free Consultation	Interested in hearing aids but not sure what insurance covers? We’re happy to help.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.audibelindependence.com/hear/insurance	Audibel Hearing Center - Independence	https://www.facebook.com/100065395572932/	30	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	audibelindependence.com	DCO	Book yours today.	https://www.audibelindependence.com/hear/insurance/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476932312_934331748680629_929861471646911708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LdCZ0emlxocQ7kNvgFAmaOx&_nc_oc=AdhN_Y2N7qEzi40RP-3rJNblRlIRr6W_UND2zCBq3kC4serV9MOjKxWdI7hMePjGgkw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AXQ7YXn9LGiLw9cAKRU4muJ&oh=00_AYCZAueP5OyOROH9iwDvhnzF4K0DD1uaXnFW_MByH_nSLA&oe=67CB7FAA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Audibel Hearing Center - Independence	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,997	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745994}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Click to watch more free series！	💔🔥 Sister vs. Sister. Love vs. Hate. A battle where only one can survive. Will Lanxi’s wrath consume them all?�Born as twins in the Duke’s mansion, Xue Jingshu was hailed as Heaven’s "lucky star"—adored by all yet cursed with endless sickness. Her sister, Xue Lanxi? Branded a malevolent yin-born demon whose very existence poisoned Jingshu’s life. The Heavenly Sage decreed: To cure Jingshu, Lanxi must suffer… and die by their 18th birthday. On that deadly night, Lanxi was brutally murdered by her own sister. But death wasn’t the end. A nine-tailed fox spirit resurrected her	WATCH_MORE	https://h5.kcredshort.com/web-to-app/index.html?ch	Redshort-Short drama	https://www.facebook.com/61563892443162/	21	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	h5.kcredshort.com	VIDEO		https://h5.kcredshort.com/web-to-app/index.html?channel=900001355&pname=player&from_media=11&skit_id=272&part_no=1&act_id=594590469699619&launch_name=chenqiongyi01&link_type=2&ad_id={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481662456_640527291898961_6287600398863238475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ebqntrulAN4Q7kNvgHON6_f&_nc_oc=AdhyGTHWePTnyJ1_0a46s36NI61fFtpSKRG-KTy_-mELP5AmcbSRGiLBZsN6MFF-_4GfobIENY-CDSVI3fD9L0XK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxBUs-5ZgUPhiHhwW3FF8Ir&oh=00_AYDJUX1OW5kZcDZ9H7Fd13CHOEaMDheMD1UpEXlmX4DvEQ&oe=67CB81D3	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Redshort-Short drama	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,668	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746559}'	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Formula 82S		SHOP_NOW	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPKLC7R?maas=maas_adg	Hair Science	https://www.facebook.com/hairscience/	1,144	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	amazon.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPKLC7R?maas=maas_adg_7727C631171AFE2254B1480F4E7726BE_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481904474_619505090936455_7881359099607842012_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UgjMLa06SIsQ7kNvgHYOYxB&_nc_oc=Adj6LzduU6ha0TD8DsOiuxJN1OJt3gEndaGddfDyM_ASZeB68uJVI7UWvNtO9gr-bRKYrQPYUOhDwVAlQyKJxbsr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Af7TSHnHsS8SbADQ7mDrCaf&oh=00_AYBl07bQZG7jTEsmmG-9i0lp8Yt1kvP7UTJx7-NGRe5InQ&oe=67CBA3FA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Hair Science	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,618	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745615}'	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Free Estimate	Winter weather can take a toll on your roof. Here are 3 warning signs to look for: 1️⃣ Ice dams forming on gutters 2️⃣ Water stains on ceilings 3️⃣ Shingles missing after storms.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.sextonroofing.com/roof-repairs	Sexton Roofing	https://www.facebook.com/100050410609504/	544	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	sextonroofing.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://www.sextonroofing.com/roof-repairs	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476366268_636775775705306_2406365883445489244_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9slN5dnQzSAQ7kNvgHKVCbe&_nc_oc=AdghgSN2oOH6A5DE6dL0tkWcre116wE8_txaDn97SdkEbwULzOLIbcTm2QP2yoX_0iU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-NOmKTRlRqpJL7KiEZuhDL&oh=00_AYBRxFpP76YZ2-CJ4di5xHWjaZZX5XP5WCopgjC9m5tZeQ&oe=67CBA386	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Sexton Roofing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,086	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746084}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Takes 1 Minute To Qualify	⚠️JANUARY 2025 UPDATE: Up to $4,018 per month available!⚠️ Anyone who is unable to work due to a mental or physical health condition can now qualify for SSD benefits up to $4018/month. Sign up now to see if you qualify. Time is limited - it only takes 1 minute.	LEARN_MORE	https://nationaldisabilitybenefits.org/app/apply/?	National Disability	https://www.facebook.com/nationalssdhelp/	936	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	nationaldisabilitybenefits.org	DCO		https://nationaldisabilitybenefits.org/app/apply/?aid=fbsm	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475410551_2320231741683418_3909168159499151671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4P2KqRR2CfYQ7kNvgGQN-CP&_nc_oc=AdhepCSmcl1CeP0qlPHycPxIPclHw1e-KOhfweiwUx6DqLtq_q6Bxcnt3LDySOyekDhoQShjpI48kc7fK2qMhkpl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJi-8Yh9Yy87rKSzJmMQXwJ&oh=00_AYCUw9ZSFkRw0_oFyBfCVN2bLoNgG408mgigt0pJdmYQjg&oe=67CB7F5B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	National Disability	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,862	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745929}'	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Write to us	Welcome to Shine Bright Charlotte! ✔️ High Quality Services ✔️ State-of-the-art Equipment ✔️ Eco-Friendly Solutions ✔️ 100% Customer Satisfaction Our services include: Exterior Cleaning, Driveway & Sidewalk Washing Fence, Decks & Patio Cleaning, Roof Washing & Moss Removal, Mold, Mildew & Dirt Removal Send us a message for a free consultation and cost estimate.	WHATSAPP_MESSAGE	https://api.whatsapp.com/send	Shinebrightcharlotte	https://www.facebook.com/61572562805890/	5	1969-12-31 18:00	Send WhatsApp message	api.whatsapp.com	VIDEO		https://api.whatsapp.com/send	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481764388_4140074552888076_4879766764577149121_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ms4n3fcESaIQ7kNvgEHzeI9&_nc_oc=Adi3xiqEZeBEHwToy2wSKVkOyxTssuqZ4nP0Uzct2BUHqfgTK8DTLsSj6WGrOtGWD3A1zastJ-pp9praOpbSh8mV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Ay7wKk2YB3iNhTvCUYcK7Fs&oh=00_AYBAJULxZd1tFTY86YOZ50i3znW9kgF8Es2pLf7PyMd_1w&oe=67CB9A79	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Shinebrightcharlotte	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,778	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746565}'	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Formula 82S		SHOP_NOW	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPKLC7R?maas=maas_adg	Hair Science	https://www.facebook.com/hairscience/	1,144	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	amazon.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPKLC7R?maas=maas_adg_379DB06D4E3CDD1BD382FCD281FABA98_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481076962_1379582673399229_2211566971826949524_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=28lm5aWwmPQQ7kNvgExpybH&_nc_oc=AdgAJ1EjA_89dNZDOeMRQ0RSwuqb0cKHw6NvZNOZjYle24hO9M-vSlN19x1ZOIYWj9YhRUTof4BjStszV85uFTxy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-Upw9GFxzQ3HEYjTZaHTcm&oh=00_AYCFxy-J-Cx3L72yxVaiYR9So1C4Ia8lyb74OusepyOO4w&oe=67CB9F9E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Hair Science	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,146	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	📚💞《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover》ALL chapters for Free！😍💕🔞	💔“My first love has returned, you are fired,” Alpha told me, not knowing that I would die in three months.😭 Griffon Knight’s private jet landed at the airport at 7:00 p.m., just as the sun was starting to set, vivid orange and red giving way to the bright light of the moon. Within a half hour of his arrival, he requested that I be brought to his downtown penthouse. Per our contract, I must be thoroughly cleansed “inside and out” without any traces of perfume or makeup. As an Alpha, his senses were more perceptive than most wolves. I strictly followed his preferences and requirements, changed into freshly washed silk pajamas, and then went to the bedroom on the second floor. Griffon was sitting in front of the fire in his leather wing chair, one ankle resting on his knee in a relaxed manner, flipping through a stack of documents. When I entered the room, he gave me a glance before placing the papers on the side table next to him. “Come here,” he demanded, his wolf flashing amber in his dark eyes as a secondary narrowed his gaze at me. A chill ran over my spine. His voice was gruff and emotionless, weighing heavily on my heart as it always did. I longed, just once, to hear something in his tone when he spoke to me. But he always maintained his powerful and mysterious aura, never indicating what he was thinking or feeling. I didn’t dare to hesitate for a moment, worried that any delay might anger him. Keeping my head tilted down in deference to his formidable presence, my bare feet were silent on the plush carpet as I rushed over to him. As soon as I was at his side, he pulled me into his arms and onto his lap, lifting my chin with his large hand. He lowered his head and kissed my waiting lips aggressively, without any traces of the warmth I longed for. His tongue delved into my mouth, twisting around mine, and desire flowed through my body, pooling in my nether regions. Griffon might seem noble and restrained to his pack and other pack elites, but he showed no such thing when it came to sex. He was never restrained, never tender with me. No sweet talk, no soft kisses. Just hunger, desire, sex. With me, he was always the animal. Always the coarse Alpha, never the cool, calm, and collected leader that others saw. He had been away on packing business for three months; he probably wouldn’t let me go easily tonight. As I had expected, he was rougher than usual. It was as if he were all feral wolf instead of just mostly wolf like he typically was. Griffon didn’t stop his thrusts until I was too exhausted for more, his wolf shining in his eyes and his face twisted in a snarl the entire time. When I woke up, I found myself alone in bed. Instead of the usual silence I typically wake up to, I heard running water coming from the bathroom. I frowned in confusion and looked in the direction of the sound surprised to see Griffon’s tall and muscled form reflected in the glass door of the shower. He usually left immediately after our encounters. No goodbye, no waiting for me to wake up. I struggled to sit up, my body spent from hours of lovemaking, and I quietly waited for the man to come out. A few minutes later, the water stopped, and Griffon came into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets from the tips of his dark hair fell onto his bronze skin, slowly sliding down his well-defined abs. His face was finely chiseled, exquisitely handsome, with sharp, distinct features. His eyes, almond-shaped and hazel, were aloof and distant, deep and unreadable. Even in his human form, his dark wolf side showed through, creating even more of an enigma surrounding the Alpha. To everyone else, he was charming yet distant, friendly yet aloof and unattainable. With one glance, people could tell he was not an easy man to get along with, but not completely impossible. To me, he was simply cold, harsh, and unreachable even when he was inside me. Seeing that I was awake, he gave me a stony look and said, “You don’t need to come anymore.” I blinked, clutching the covers tightly around my body, my knuckles white as a sliver of panic raced through my heart. What did he mean? Griffon turned around, went to the side table, to the papers he’d been looking through last night. He shuffled through them, then tossed one onto the bed in front of me. I’m canceling our contract. You’re laid off. I felt the blood drain from my face, and my heart stopped for minute. Fired not we’re breaking up? Regardless of how our relationship had started, regardless of how I’d come to feel about him, I knew this day would come. Because in reality, we had no “relationship”. We were employer and employee, and I served only one purpose for Griffon. Nonetheless, his words stung. I’d never expected that he would end things so abruptly. I’d thought I’d have more time. Sure, I’d expected his typical unemotional coldness, but this was beyond that. After being with him for five years, he gave me no reason or explanation. He didn’t think I deserved that, and it was painful to think about. Suppressing the sharp pain in my heart, I slowly raised my head from staring at the document on the bed and gazed at Griffon. Enough time had passed with my being frozen by his words that he was now fully dressed in his typical dark suit. “But…the contract will expire in six months. Can’t we wait for a little longer?” My voice was partially pleading, and I struggled to keep it from cracking. The doctor said I only had three months left, and the only thing I wanted to stay with the doctor until the end of my life. Griffon remained silent, staring at me with his stoicism and vacant expression, as if he were kicking away a toy he had grown tired of playing with. His silence was all I needed. His decision was final. After five long years of trying, I had failed to thaw Griffon’s frozen heart. It was time to wake up from my illusion. I took the contract and plastered on a fake smile, attempting to feign indifference. “Don’t be so serious. I was just joking.” Then, I added, “I’m glad this is over. I get six months off. How perfect!” Griffon paused as he adjusted his shirt sleeves, then lifted his gaze at me. It took everything in me to make sure there was no sadness in my eyes, to make sure the only emotions he could see were excitement or relief. The absolute last thing I felt. Griffon narrowed his eyes and frowned. “You’re glad it’s over?” I nodded and shrugged one shoulder as if I hadn’t a care in the world. “Yup. I’m not the little girl I was when I agreed to this. It’s time for me to get married and have children. I can’t always be your contract lover, can I?” Inside, I laughed at myself. It was impossible for me to get married or have children, but I’d be damned if I ever let Griffon know that. I would leave with dignity and grace. I forced another smile and asked, “Does that mean I can finally have a normal boyfriend once I leave here?” Griffon’s eyes were filled with deep and unidentifiable emotions. After staring at me for a while, he looked at his watch and turned to leave. “Do whatever you want.” Looking at his back as he turned and walked away, my smile faded. Griffon hated it when other people touched his things, including his woman. His wolf would push through, his eyes flashing amber and his claws coming out. But this time, there were no reactions. He truly was done with me. Chapter 2 Unimaginable Hope After Griffon left, his assistant walked in .Andre handed a morning-after pill to me and said respectfully, Ms. Palmer, please take it as usual. ”Griffon would never allow me to get pregnant. Not only was I just his contracted lover, I wasn’t even a wolf shifter. I’d always grown up around wolves, and had spent time in the shifter orphanage, but I never phased into a wolf at puberty. No one knew where I came from, though the assumption had always been that at least one of my parents had to have been a shifter in order for me to be dropped off at the shifter orphanage. Staring at the small pill in the palm of my hand, my heart started to hurt even more. I wasn’t sure if the pain was caused by my heart failure or Griffon’s cruelty, but regardless, it was so intense that I struggled to take a breath. “Ms. Palmer…”When I didn’t immediately take the pill, Andre urged me along with a nervous expression. He was probably afraid that I would caused trouble since it had been my last night with Griffon. I swallowed through the pain in my chest and tossed the pill in my mouth. I didn’t even bother with water, forcing it to dry. Andre let out a sigh of relief, then took the apartment and checked his briefcase and placed them in front of me. “Ms. Palmer, this is Mr. Knight’s compensation for you. In fact addition to the real estate and cars, he had also placed five million dollars in your account.” How generous. Too bad, he never knew what I truly wanted. “I don’t want it.” I set my mouth in a grim line and shook my head. Andre was stunned and confused. “Do you think it’s not enough?” My heart shattered beyond what I’d thought possible. Even Andre thought I was doing it for the money. It was too much. So much money, plus an apartment and a luxury car. Was he afraid I would ask him again for more money in the future? I picked up the bag beside me with a bitter smile, took out a debit card, and handed it to Andre. “This is all the money. Griffon paid me over the years. I never spent a single penny, and I don’t want it. The pin is his birthday. ”Andre was dumbfounded, a confused look making his brows furrow. I didn’t care whether he believed me or not. I placed the card on the pile of documents. Then I left the penthouse without another word. Winter was cold in Arcadia. I walked down the empty street, alone and shivering. The shadow of my thin figure was cast on the ground by the streetlight, gaunt and fragile. I tightened my beige coat, gritted my teeth, and walked back to my apartment in my high heels. I pushed the door open. It was huge inside, taking up an entire floor. Despite the warmth inside and the luxurious decor, the apartment couldn’t dispel the chill that flooded me. I sat on the sofa, staring blankly at my surroundings for a moment. Then I began to pack. Griffon had purchased this apartment for me to live in so that I would be close to his penthouse, able to rush over at a moment’s notice. I had loved that he wanted me close by, wishing and praying to the goddess above that somehow it meant more than what it really did. Since he didn’t want me anymore, I didn’t want anything that came from him. Taking out my suitcase, I opened the closet and pulled out all of my clothes. I hadn’t brought many things with me, and it didn’t take me long to pack up everything and leave. I packed quickly and efficiently, with no outward emotion, nothing like the girl from five years ago. The desperate, crying girl who’d begged Griffon to purchase my virginity. After getting into the car, I sent a text message to Andre. The key code for the Hudson Apartment is 0826. Andre returned to the Knight Pack headquarters, handed the documents to Griffon, and told him what Taya said with an indifferent gaze, Griffon glanced at the items on his desk. His stoical gaze fixed on the debit card. “You checked the balance?” “Yes, Alpha.” “Is there additional money in there?” “Yes, Alpha.” Andre nodded. The exact amount Griffon had paid Taya for her virginity. Griffon frowned, and Andre heard his wolf rumbling. After a moment of staring at the card, he stretched out his hand, picked up the piece of plastic, and snapped it in half, his claws starting to extend. He pushed the pile of documents toward Andre, his fingers curled and starting to crumple the papers. He was clearly resisting his wolf’s urge to shred them. “Get rid of it then. ”Andre opened his mouth and wanted to say something nice, forget Taya, but the Alpha had already turned away and was looking at his phone, a snarl on his face. He knew better than to speak when his Alpha was like this, so he picked up the pile of documents and left the office. I took my suitcase to my best friend Harper Duke’s. I gently knocked on the door and waited. Harper had grown up with me in the same orphanage, and we were like sisters. Except Harper had her wolf. “If anything happens, come home,” Harper had said when Griffon took me away five years ago. It was because of Harper that I could leave everything from Griffon behind. As soon as Harper opened the door, a broad smile appeared on her face when she saw me.“What are you doing here?” I tightened my grip on the suitcase. “I need a place to crash,” I said quietly. Only then did Harper see the suitcase, and the smile on her face disappeared, a look of worry replacing it.“What’s wrong?” “I just broke up with him.” I forced a smile to hide my pain.Harper looked closely at me and saw past my pretense in a matter of seconds. Her eyes narrowed, then she frowned. I knew how I looked. I was thin and pale, my eyes sunken. Harper hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you.” I couldn’t help but tear up at her words. I hugged Harper and patted her gently on the back. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Harper knew how much I liked Griffon, how much more I wanted the powerful, distant Alpha. We shared everything. Over the past five years, I had worked hard to earn the amount Griffon had paid me, so I could give it back to him. I was so naive and innocent, I believed that if I returned the money, his feelings for me would change. Maybe then we could be something more than just “employer and employee.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Harper remembered that rainy night five years ago just as I did. If it weren’t for Silas Johnson, I wouldn’t have met Griffon. If the accident never happened, I could have had a happy life. I didn’t want to burden Harper with my sorrow. After gently pulling back from the hug, I smiled and said, “Girlie, aren’t you going to let me in? It’s freezing out here!” I stood there, forcing myself to believe that I would soon recover from this. For orphans like us, who had no one to rely on, being abandoned was just another day, right? Harper took my suitcase and led me into the house. “You don’t need a place to crash. This is your home, too.” After that, she turned around, fetched clean pajamas, and handed them to me. “Go take a shower. I’ll make you something to eat, and you can get some sleep. Don’t think about anything else, okay?” “Okay.” I took the pajamas and nodded. Harper had always been like this. She was unconditionally good to me, like a beam of light that sliced through the darkness. Most other people didn’t know what to do with me. I lived in a gray area…raised by wolves yet not a she-wolf. It was a pity that I suffered from terminal heart failure, and my life was soon coming to an end. Had I been blessed by the goddess with my wolf, there would be other options, other treatments. But with no wolf to help me heal… If Harper found out that I was going to die soon, she would be devastated. And the last thing I wanted to do was burden her with that knowledge. I gazed at the busy figure in the kitchen and slowly walked over. “I want to quit my job.” Harper nodded in agreement and said, “You should. You’ve been working so hard for so long. God, you must be exhausted. Quit your job and take some time to yourself. Don’t worry about anything; I’ve got your back.” I wrapped my arms around my best friend and squeezed her tightly, filled with too many emotions to verbalize them. Then, I turned around and went to the bathroom with tears in my eyes. Fate had never favored me. If Harper and I were meant to be apart, I should use the last three months of my life to be with her. To be with someone who truly loved me. The next morning, I applied makeup to conceal my pale face and lips and went into the office to quit my job. Just as I sat down and was about to turn on the computer to write my resignation letter, my colleague Brielle came over. “Have you seen the email?” I shook my head. I’d spent the whole weekend in Griffon’s penthouse; I hadn’t had time for anything else other than him and…recovering from him. “Lila sent a letter saying that Elder Thorns' daughter is taking over today,” Brielle said. I had no impression of the elder daughter , so I wasn’t interested. Plus, I was about to quit anyway. Brielle, on the other hand, was very intrigued. “I heard she had just returned from studying abroad in one of the European pack cities, so she doesn’t have much work experience with pack politics and business. Is she even qualified?” Another colleague, Margaret, sneered and said, “Who would dare question her? She’s the long-lost love of Alpha Knight.” Chapter 3 Heartbreak And Secret Oh em gee, REALLY? Brielle’s jaw hung open in shock. She pulled Margaret close and whispered excitedly, “Didn’t you say that Alpha Knight wasn’t interested in women? Sounds like he might have a secret love! And she’s the future head of our firm!?” Margaret patted Brielle’s hand with a smile. “You really should try to be more informed about these things, Brielle. How can you work here and not know all this hot gossip? Our jobs literally revolve around pack politics.” “Well, come on, hurry and tell me now. I’m all ears!” Brielle said, tugging at Margaret’s sleeve. Margaret lowered her voice. “Alpha Knight and Elder Thorin’s daughter were childhood sweethearts. Rumor has it, Alpha asked her to be his Luna five years ago. But she turned him down to focus on her studies, said she didn’t want the responsibility of that, so they split up. They haven’t spoken since. But as soon as Ms. Thorin returned to the country, Alpha Knight personally went to the airport to pick her up. That’s enough to prove that he still has strong feelings for her.” Brielle covered her mouth, her big, round eyes wide. “Oh my god! It’s like the perfect romance!” My heart spasmed, and misery spread through me. So, the truth was that Griffon had terminated our contract early because his long-lost love-his real love-had come back. But if he was already in love with someone, why did he force me to sign a contract to continue our “relationship” after sleeping with me only once? And whenever he touched me, he went so crazy that he couldn’t control his wolf. He was unable to keep his hands off me, and we’d spend hours and hours in bed. Those weren’t the actions of a man who didn’t want someone. Just as I was about to ask Margaret where she’d heard this, the elevator opened with a ding. The executive assistant to the head of the firm, Lila, and several department managers walked out first. Right after, a man with a face and body carved and chiseled by the goddess herself walked out. He seemed almost unreal, like he’d stepped out of an oil painting, a mix of power, refinement, and indifference, always keeping a distance from others. Unlike other Alphas who were warm and friendly while maintaining their position of authority, this Alpha was aloof, Stoic…unattainable. I would recognize him anywhere. Lila gestured to the shifters who’d stepped off the elevator. Alpha Knight, Ms. Thorin, this way, please.” Why is he here? I thought, watching Griffon turn and offer his hand to someone in the elevator. Then, a delicate, fair hand was placed in his, and a woman stepped out. The moment I saw her face, I understood why Griffon bought me for the night and drew up that contract five years ago. Except for a few minor differences, I had almost the same face as Griffon’s former lover, the woman he’d wanted to make. His Luna. I used to think Griffon would return my feelings one day and love me for who I was, although I had no wolf and could never truly be his Luna, but now I knew… I was only a temporary substitute. My chest tightened almost to the point I couldn’t breathe, and pain swept through my body, turning my face pale even despite the makeup I wore. Brielle immediately asked with concern, “Taya? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I shook my head, and before Brielle could say anything else, Lila led Griffon and Ms. Thorin over. I quickly lowered my eyes and didn’t dare look Griffon or the woman in the eye. I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling on. The keyboard, as Lila introduced them. The assistants here are available to help you with anything you need, Ms. Thorin.” Ms. Thorin nodded, looked at us, and said softly, “Good Morning, everyone. My name is Tara Thorin. Starting today, I’ll be the new CEO of the Midwest Packs Association.” Tara… I couldn’t seem to get enough air into my lungs, and I felt lightheaded. Memories started flooding back of me and Griffon, our bodies writhing and entwined in bed. Every time, he’d softly call out my name. So softly I could barely hear it. Only now did I realize that he wasn’t calling out to me, but to Tara… I clenched my fists. My long nails dug into my flesh, but I felt no pain. Suffocating feelings of humiliation and abandonment overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t fight back the tears. I was so stupid to have fallen in love with Griffon, the wolf who would never love me back. After exchanging pleasantries, Tara took Griffon’s arm and followed Lila to the CEO’s office. Brielle craned her neck and looked at their backs with envy. “Alpha Knight personally picked her up and escorted her into the office on her first day of work? That HAS to mean he still loves her!” Margaret patted her shoulder and said, “It’s not just that. She’s only just returned to the country, and she’s already taking over as CEO. The rest of the elderly may not be completely convinced she’s up to the task. By personally escorting her on her first day, Alpha Knight is warning everyone that she has the backing of the Knight Pack.” “He’s so quick to show his love and support for her. Alpha Knight really is the perfect mate.” Brielle sighed. Margaret’s eyes were also full of jealousy. “If she weren’t Elder Thorin’s daughter, she wouldn’t have been chosen by the most powerful Alpha in the Midwest Packs,” she said. Brielle shook her head disapprovingly. “I don’t think so. Ms. Thorin is accomplished, too. She’s highly educated and refined, and she's obviously beautiful. She’ll make a perfect Luna for him. Speaking of her looks…” Brielle looked at me. “Taya… don’t you think you look kind of similar to our new CEO?” Margaret came over to take a closer look. “Goddess. You do look a bit like her, Taya. But honestly, I think you’re way prettier!”“Don’t be ridiculous, I said abruptly, and then I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard Brielle behind me. “What’s up with her?” Margaret chimed in. “Maybe she’s jealous because she thinks Tara is so much luckier than her, even though they practically have the same face. After all, Tara is a true she-wolf.” Mortification washed over me at her words, and I walked faster. I entered the bathroom and quickly took out my heart medication, turning on the faucet and scooping up a handful of water to swallow it down. After calming down for a few long moments, I splashed my face with cold water and looked up at my reflection. It was clear that illness was ravaging my body; my cheeks were sunken, my skin dull. But Tara… While I was in a daze, the bathroom door opened, and in came Tara, her high heels clicking with each step. Her face was soft and delicate, with a rosy glow, and she exuded an effortless elegance.It was like Brielle said. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was Educated, classy, successful… The perfect she-wolf who would make the perfect Luna. Everything that I wasn’t. When her eyes met mine, inferiority pierced through me. I quickly lowered my head, pulled out a tissue, and turned to leave. “Wait a minute,” Tara called out. 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover 》. Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	Wonderful novel	https://www.facebook.com/61561928424575/	1,931	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.joyreadings.com	IMAGE		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7447&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3766&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&badid={ad.id}&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120218665258090439&ori_adset_id=120218665260820439&ori_ad_id=120218665304490439	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481667966_1609428639688722_5360482464241492432_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NndTDh0bfLIQ7kNvgHfmE2X&_nc_oc=Adim7en3aCjHqtjstt5ntcVgPsVXQv9c-WMrts_5P7Q0ZdCLyXjBFFfSVPannk1vSYsMEhHAFIeGDtvg4kslXDB6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AW2fE_4fYiJrXnc4wwy7ixP&oh=00_AYBO9WCFqCmWHwbjWW08rnVzrF4cmNZnJHNGDQQw0zD_bA&oe=67CB8D96	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wonderful novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,714	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Ask an Expert	Neglecting your hearing health comes at a cost. Let’s walk through your benefits together.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.carmihearingaids.com/hear/insurance/	All American Hearing	https://www.facebook.com/AllAmericanHearingCarmi/	50	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	carmihearingaids.com	DCO	Book a free consultation.	https://www.carmihearingaids.com/hear/insurance/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/477982244_8835536733236307_9179017538850582600_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qeQPQSIbMXgQ7kNvgGU1Pm6&_nc_oc=Adh9zF6p1Iyzy3b9TpQUA3gasS1BT1qJ4B7pgNFZK5Irjg1yqaTLWwifQGMRUd9gPr8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A00gm4Lc1p2rKmXpd0zykQf&oh=00_AYCkgRTVG1tzSLeAu20Oj5WkWwgS8dXl8QqVQs4zMhC7kg&oe=67CB9579	PERSON_PROFILE	0	All American Hearing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,362	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745987}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758		🎤 CẦM GỌN TRONG TAY – HÁT HAY MỌI LÚC, MỌI NƠI! 🎶 Không còn cảnh vác 𝐥𝐨𝐚 𝐤𝐞́𝐨 𝐭𝐨 đ𝐮̀𝐧𝐠, mất sức chỉ để hát vài bài! Với 𝐃𝐒𝐏𝟏𝟐𝟒𝐁, bạn có ngay một dàn karaoke nhỏ gọn mà vẫn hát hay như phòng thu! ✔️ 𝐒𝐢𝐞̂𝐮 𝐧𝐡𝐨̉ 𝐠𝐨̣𝐧 – chỉ cần 1 chiếc loa Bose, không cần loa kéo ✔️ 𝐌𝐢𝐜 𝐤𝐡𝐨̂𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚̂𝐲 𝐛𝐚̆́𝐭 𝐬𝐨́𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 – tự do di chuyển, không lo mất kết nối ✔️ 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨 & 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛 𝐭𝐢́𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐨̛̣𝐩 – giúp giọng hát mượt mà như ca sĩ chuyên nghiệp ✔️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚̂́𝐭 𝐥𝐮̛𝐨̛̣𝐧𝐠 𝐚̂𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐡 đ𝐢̉𝐧𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐨 – không hú, không rè, không vỡ tiếng 🔊 𝐂𝐡𝐢̉ 𝐜𝐚̂̀𝐧 𝐛𝐚̣̂𝐭 – 𝐤𝐞̂́𝐭 𝐧𝐨̂́𝐢 – 𝐡𝐚́𝐭 𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 💥 Đ𝐚̂̀𝐮 𝐭𝐮̛ 𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢̉ 𝐯𝐨̛́𝐢 $𝟒𝟏𝟗 – Ca hát mọi lúc, mọi nơi! 🔥 —------------------------ 🔷 TRẢ GÓP 0 LÃI SUẤT, 0 TIỀN LỜI 🔷 30 NGÀY ĐỔI TRẢ MIỄN PHÍ 🔷 18 THÁNG BẢO HÀNH, ĐỔI MỚI TỨC THÌ 🔷 48 BANG FREE SHIPPING 🔷 24/7 HỖ TRỢ KỸ THUẬT MIỄN PHÍ TRỌN ĐỜI ———————————————— 𝑯𝑸𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 - 𝑵𝒂̂𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒊𝒖 𝒈𝒊𝒐̣𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂́𝒕 𝑽𝒊𝒆̣̂𝒕! 📍 10851 Capital Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92843, USA 📞 (+1) 678 884 8888 🌐 https://www.hqsing.com #HQsing #Microphone #karaoke	MESSAGE_PAGE		HQsing - Karaoke solutions	https://www.facebook.com/HQsingCorp/	662	1969-12-31 18:00	Send message		VIDEO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481043296_663220166128662_2919931565030351282_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3vYcN1xv_LsQ7kNvgHp6CXw&_nc_oc=Adh-oHDsbH1gBfNGFOMi9LN8LhUG7frtykx9N48shDOcNTGdT04tMSzUCgXFVCjp5anUxEZvXeVBtQkoIVP9qnIV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOfhBYa2UZW9aB7fFjsSq6a&oh=00_AYBZ1ObGrHpXeYLPiYdEFd3n05Jp9gr-KYTVzOZktTDUbg&oe=67CB92EC	PERSON_PROFILE	0	HQsing - Karaoke solutions	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,248	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746190}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Captive of my mafia crush📜	💖🔞💋I worked as a stri*pper to help pay my boyfriend's debts and cover our rent, but he despised my profession and said it was disgusting and impure. Worse, he sold me to the mob and told them I was a vir-gin to increase my value. I was bought at the auction and the buyer was no other than my brother's best friend, and also my childhood crush. Him: My little one, I would never take my eyes off you. ----- "I don’t like the idea of my girl stripping, Iris,” my boyfriend Steven says, glaring at me with his arms crossed. “It’s disgusting and impure. And I need my girl to be pure.” Steven is my college sweetheart – we’ve been dating for nine months, even though he’s graduated. He's very disciplined and reserved, the son of a pastor, though he’s very good to me. He's always stressed that we'll wait until the night of our wedding to be intimate, which makes me feel so respected and safe. On top of that, he's made millions of dollars trading cryptocurrencies. As someone who grew up with nothing, that financial security makes me feel so protected. He’s the most generous and intelligent guy I'd ever met and I’m so lucky to be with him. "Steven,” I reply, “I swear to god I would never do anything to betray you at the club – I just dance." I kiss his cheek. "But I'm running late, and we need to pay rent. Everything will be fine." Lately Steven's tied up his money in some crypto investments. To ensure the best returns, he’s invested everything he has and is staying with me for the moment. He’s been working so hard for the last month, but it’s taking a toll on him. He rarely takes phone calls, doesn’t really leave our place, and he drinks more alcohol than he used to to calm his nerves as he stares at his computer almost all day long. So, I took up a couple shifts at the strip club to cover us in the meantime. I am a university student in hotel management, but dancing is in my nature - at first it was a weight loss goal as a teenager, then it was a way to hold on to thoughts of my mom, and then it became part of who I am. Unfortunately, there’s no money in cltootshieical ballet, my favorite. So, even though it wasn't what Steven wanted, I took a part-time gig at a strip club and I give Steven my salary to help with his business. Being an exotic dancer wasn’t my first choice either, but if I can make money from idiots who want to shove their hard-earned dollars into my g-string? I don’t see any shame in that. Eventually I convinced Steven that this is true – my dancing is just an investment in his company. I am glad he’s letting me help – I just want to do whatever I can to get our life started. I arrive at the club at 8:00 on the dot, smiling at Pete, my manager, who gives me a nod. The music pounds through the low-lit club and I note that it’s busier than usual tonight. Some of the other dancers wave to me and I wave back, but I make a beeline right for Anthony, who’s already got a big smile on his face just for me. “Hey cutie,” he says, pulling me close as I slip behind the bar and wrap my arms around his waist. “Hey gorgeous,” I say, laughing up at him. Anthony – he is gorgeous, but alas, my heart belongs to Steven. And even if it didn’t, Anthony is as gay as a purple handbag. Still, he’s my best friend here, and I love when his bartending shift overlaps with my dancing. “What’s going on tonight?” I ask as he slings an arm around my shoulders. There’s a busy, exciting vibe and the dancers all have on their flashiest outfits, their best perfume. “Nothing escapes you, does it, baby?” Anthony replies, I grin at the compliment. “Rumor has it big shots are coming in – mob guys, the real deal. Some are saying that the Mafia King is going to make an appearance.” “Whoa,” I say, my eyes going wide. “Seriously? Isn’t he…dangerous?” “Only if you go against him,” Anthony says with a shrug. “I heard he took out his own brother,” I whisper, leaning close to Anthony and looking around anxiously, like he’s already here. “That he’s completely ruthless –“ Anthony just laughs, shaking his head. “Iris, just don’t do anything to piss him off. For us? The presence of the Mafia King in our club just means money,” he says, grinning. “So, I’ll finally be able to afford that Botox I’ve been dreaming about, and you can hand your tootshiehole boyfriend an even bigger check than you usually do!” “Shut up,” I say, scowling and smacking my friend half-heartedly on the chest. Anthony, like Emi, isn’t Steven’s biggest fan. “I won’t get any of the money anyway,” I sigh. “Pete never puts me in the VIP room on nights like this.” “Because you,” Anthony says, teasing me, “only like to shake your little booty – you’re never willing to let anyone touch it –“ “Ew!” I wrinkle my nose at Anthony even as I push away, laughing and hoisting my bag higher on my shoulders. “I’m not letting some old mafia lech touch me for a couple of extra bucks –“ “For how much these guys are going to drop?” Anthony says, raising an eyebrow at me. “heck, I’ll let them touch me.” Laughing again, I wave over my shoulder and head for the dressing room. Anthony calls after me, wishing me luck. I blow him a kiss as I move through the curtain. It’s always better working here on nights like this, when everyone’s in a good mood, even if I am anxious about the prospect of the Mafia King being here. I mean, he’s been all over the news, and where he goes? Violence seems, inevitably, to follow. The good mood in the room completely changes all of a sudden when Lily – our top dancer – gives a little moan and collapses to the floor. Our manager Pete is through the curtain a minute later with some of our bouncers, who pick Lily up and carry her to the back. Pete’s pissed though. He spins, looking around the room with his arms crossed “You!” he says suddenly, pointing at me. My eyes go wide. “Irene! Come here!” “Iris,” I correct, and then I bite my lip with anxiety when Pete rolls his eyes like it doesn’t matter and beckons me closer. “You’re going into VIP for Lily tonight,” he snaps. His eyes flick over me. “And I don’t want to hear any of your bulldang about just being a dancer, all right? ” He spins me around, shoving me towards the door. “Now get out there and remember what I said - the only answer you have for these mafia bosses is yes.” My legs shake as I walk towards the curtain. .............................................................................. “Welcome to the stage…Bambi!” The DJ says, using my stage name. Dancing comes naturally to me – music has always made me feel at home in my body, and when the music is sexy? Well, then I feel sexy too. I whip my hair back at the crescendo of the music, my eyes moving directly to the man in the money seat directly in front of me, who paid a great deal to be there. As I move my body in slow, sultry ways, the spotlight is on me, which means that I can’t see the details of the VIP’s face. But even without specifics, I can tell that this is the most important man in the room. He just radiates power. My breath hitches when I look over the powerful lines of his muscled silhouette. If the Mafia King is here, this is definitely him. He looks like a man who belongs in the shadows, and even though there are other men here, I feel like I’m dancing just for him. The Mafia King’s eyes are fastened on me as I get my six-inch heels beneath my body and slowly raise myself into the air tootshie-first. I let him get a good look at every bit of me before I smirk, and turn, and move to the pole. Am I imagining it in the darkness? Or is there something…familiar about the way he watches me? I let the thought fade, concentrating instead on pulling out all my best tricks. And as I hook my leg around the pole, spinning myself and letting my hair flare out wide, I see that these tricks are working tonight. Shouts and whistles begin, and the Mafia King leans forward to lay a stack of bills on the stage in front of him. I almost stutter to a stop. Seriously? That much cash, this early in my dance? He leans back in his chair, raising a dark eyebrow at me, inviting me to show him more. So, I do. I pick up my pace, arching my back as I spin around the pole, climbing up it and sliding slowly down. As my song ends I’m excited to see that there’s quite a bit more money on top of the pile. “Thanks,” I murmur, crawling across the last bit of stage towards him. “I’m glad you liked my dance.” There really is something familiar about his blue-grey eyes… I reach for the stacks, but suddenly a meaty hand slams another pile of money down next to it, startling me. “Double what he’s put down, honey,” the man grinds out, leering, “and I’ll take you in the back for a private dance.” “Sorry,” I say, casting my lashes down. “I’m just a stage girl.” I know Pete said to give these guys whatever they wanted, but I’m really not comfortable touching anyone. “Oh, come on,” the man says, grabbing my chin with his thick fingers and pulling my face up. The Mafia King is immediately on his feet. “Pretty tart like you? I bet you can do more than just dance –“ I gasp, pulling my face from his hands as I slide off the edge of the stage, wanting to get away from him as soon as possible. “I said,” the man growls, grabbing me and slapping me in the face with the handful of bills, “that I want you, you little tart. And I’m willing to pay for it, so you’d better screwing –“ I shriek, trying to push away from the man, but he’s so much bigger than me! Suddenly the man shouts and falls away, his grip making me stumble forward. When I find my feet, my eyes go wide to see the Mafia King straightening up, blood on his knuckles. The man who grabbed me - he’s laying on the floor and there’s blood pouring from his mouth. “Oh my god,” I gasp. “Get him out of here!” the Mafia King shouts over to the bouncers, and then he pulls a handkerchief from his pocket as he turns to glare at me, wiping off his hand. I flinch back a step, surprised by the venom in his eyes. “Here,” the Mafia King says, dropping my arm and lifting his stack of bills off the stage alongside the two stacks. “Take it, get out of here.” “Wha…” I breathe as he shoves the money into my hands. “But I…” “Trust me, Bambi,” he says, his voice dry. “You earned it. Now screwing go.” He turns away, putting himself between me and the bouncers, and I turn and run for the bar, ducking behind it. Anthony gapes at me. “Are you all right!?” “Anthony…” I whisper, holding up the piles of cash in my hands, staring at them in awe. “Holy dang Iris!” Anthony whispers, stepping closer and staring at the money. “Look at all that screwing cheddar! For a dance!?” “I know!” I squeak, “this is going to get us so close to paying off the debt –“ Anthony groans, wiping a hand down his face. “What?” I ask, frowning up at him. “I just wish you’d spend it on yourself, Iris, instead of that deadbeat.” “Anthony,” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I’m not explaining this to you again.” He rolls his eyes as I sit down on the little stool at the back of the bar. I always hang out with Anthony after my dances, but if he’s going to be mean I’ll just quietly count my cash. While I do, I mentally compose an email that I’ll send to my old friend Christian later. Christian – he would understand. He was my brother’s best friend growing up. Even though he only saw me as a little sister, he always understood me more than anyone else. Plus, he called me Daisy, and I just loved that. I stayed in touch with Christian after he moved away suddenly – but he never replied. And even though I’m sure he doesn’t read my emails…well, I keep up the habit for fun. Inwardly, I debate how to tell Christian about my night. I want to tell him about my triumph – I’ve always wanted Christian to be proud of me. But I do fudge the truth a little in my emails. For instance, I write that I’m a company dancer, which is true… I just don’t mention that my style of dance is exotic, not ballet anymore. I smirk a little, excited to tell Christian that I impressed a powerful client and got a big bonus. But how would he feel, really, if I told him that the client was the Mafia king? I sigh, thinking that Christian probably wouldn’t be happy. He always wanted me to be safe, and dancing for the Mafia King? I’m sure Christian wouldn’t approve. I’m halfway through deciding precisely how to word my email when I hear my name. “Is that Iris?” Two men peer around the edge of the bar. Anthony steps in front of me as I shy away. How did they know my real name? I always go by Bambi here. “Who’s asking?” Anthony asks, wary. “None of your business,” the taller of the brutes says, shoving Anthony aside and stepping forward, looming over me. “Hand over that cash, little girl. You’ve been sold - you work for Don Bonetti now.” My jaw drops almost to the floor. .............................................................................. I stare at the two men in shock, clutching the money to my chest. “What – what the heck are you talking about!?” “Your little boyfriend,” the smaller guy says, sneering and pushing Anthony away when he tries to get to my side. “He sold you to Don Bonetti as part of his debt.“ “What!?” I shout, jumping to my feet. The cat house!? They’re trying to make me work as a prostitute!? I stumble backwards, my back pressing into the countertop at the back of the bar. “There must be some mistake – you have the wrong girl –“ “No, we don’t,” the first guy says, reaching out and grabbing my arm. “Iris Scott? Yeah, your boyfriend Steven showed us a picture. We knew you the second you stepped on stage.” He leans closer now, leering into my face. “We also know where you go to school, and where your best friend lives – so don’t even try to escape.” “Here,” the second guy says, shoving a phone towards me, the video already playing. My attention is immediately fastened on the screen, because I recognize the voice I hear. I gasp, realizing that it’s Steven. I lean forward, staring at the video, which shows Steven sitting on the couch. He’s crying, a gun pointed at him, and he’s begging the two men standing before him – telling them to take whatever they want, he just needs more time. My eyes go wide when I hear the next words spill from his mouth, because he offers them me. Steven tells them everything that I’m a stripper and where I work. When he tells them how much money I bring in every month, their eyebrows go up. One of the mobsters on the screen makes a phone call – maybe confirming the details? I don’t know. In the video, Steven babbles on, revealing information that shocks me to the core. Steven's entrepreneurial ventures are all a façade. He was secretly performing some backdoor accounting for the mafia. But he embezzled the mafia funds, thinking he could buy and sell crypto without them noticing and keep the profits for himself! Suddenly, everything makes sense - Steven insisting we get a new apartment really fast, Steven staying inside all the time, Steven drinking more, Steven allowing me to earn money to pay off his debt while he stays in the house staring at the computer all day... “She’s – she’s a virgin too!” Steven stumbles out in the video, his eyes frantic. “That will be worth more, won’t it? You can like – action off her v-card to the highest bidder!” I blush and an angry huff of air falls from my lips, not only because that’s a lie but because my boyfriend is actually trying to sweeten the pot! Not only is Steven not fighting for me - he’s trying to get more out of the deal by convincing these mobsters that I’m worth more! In the video, the mobster gets off the phone and nods to the guy with the gun. Then all three agree to the deal. Me – all of me, forever, to do whatever they want with – for half of Steven’s debt. I go pale at that, because either Steven has sold me for a couple of grand, or he is way, way more in debt than I thought he was. “That’s enough,” the smaller man in front of me snaps, ripping the phone away as the big guy grabs me by the shoulders. “You’re coming with us, pretty girl. Time to get to work.” “Get your hands off me!” I shout, trying to kick, to rip free – anything. “It’s the twenty-first century! You can’t just buy girls from their boyfriends! This is ridic-“ I shriek, pushing hard at his chest. The big man glances at the smaller man when he sees that I’m frantic, that I won’t go peacefully. “Get the rabble bag on the phone.” Suddenly Steven’s Facetime is flashing before me. “Steven!” I gasp as his face appears on the screen. “What’s – what’s happening!? Tell these guys to get off of me! I –“ “Iris,” Steven sighs, but a nasty little sneer in his voice steals my voice. I go perfectly still, staring at him. “I told you I didn’t want your dirty money anyway – but you insisted. You dug your own grave with this one.” My blood runs absolutely cold, wiping out even the fear from my veins. “Tell them to get their hands off me, Steven,” I growl, glaring at him. “If you don’t want my dirty money, fine, but I am not paying another dang cent to your dirty debt –“ “Why don’t you go cry to that ‘old friend’ you’re always emailing,” Steven snaps, his voice nasty. “He’ll get you out of it, won’t he?” He leans forward to the camera. My jaw drops open because – I mean, I have told Steven so much about how my childhood friendship with Christian means to me, how much I miss him. But I never expected him to throw it in my face like this. “Just as I thought,” Steven says, rolling his eyes. “You’re just a tart, Iris. Always mooning on about your childhood crush, more dedicated to a memory than to me. If you really did love me, you’d go with these guys willingly to help me pay of this debt! Guess that was a lie too. I always knew you were a hooker – that you worked at that strip club because you like getting these rabble bags off –“ “Shut your god dang mouth, Steven,” I snap, and to my surprise he does, turning back to the phone to stare at me. Because I never, ever talk to him like that. “At least Christian would never have treated me this way. But I am going to make you pay for this,” I hiss, “if it is the last thing I ever do.” “Yeah, yeah,” the guy holding me says, jerking me away from the phone. “That’s enough – come on, let’s go.” The smaller guy ends the call and the big guy starts to haul me away, but I kick and scream, demanding that they get their dang hands off of me. Suddenly, the sound of a champagne cork pops, and I gasp as champagne sprays over me, dripping down from above. The guy holding my arms shouts and drops me, starting to wipe at his face into which a stream of champagne is flowing – “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Anthony’s voice rings out. “How could this have happened!? I’m so clumsy!” But I don’t have time to look at Anthony, or to try to understand the diversion he set up for me - because the big man has dropped my arms. And I screwing run. .............................................................................. I say a little prayer of thanks to Anthony as I bolt, clutching my money and throwing myself through the curtain at the back of the bar. Behind me I hear shouting and the sound of something that sounds like a fist on flesh – God, I hope Anthony is okay – But there’s no time to worry about him. I hear another shout as I’m halfway down the hall and I suddenly realize that there’s no way I’m getting into the dressing room without those two jerks seeing me if they give chase. So, I make a split decision and grab the knob to the rarely-used closet I know is here, whipping it open and hurling myself in. Suddenly, a sound erupts back in the club.BANG BANG! I gasp, slapping my hands over my ears. God, it sounds like fireworks were lit off inside the club – or like gunshots. Screams erupt in the VIP room, and girls in the dressing room start to shout and panic as well. I gasp, pressing myself deeper into the dark closet, listening to pounding footsteps running up and down the hall as everyone tries to run out. “She must have gone on to the dressing room!” A deep voice shouts just outside the closet door. I bite my lip as hope rushes through me, because that sounded a lot like the big guy. “What the screw are you doing in my club?!” My breath freezes in my chest. My hope is dashed, because that’s Pete, my manager – and he’s stopped right outside the closet door. “Get the screw out of here! This is a respectable joint – you can’t come in here and -“ “Listen, tootshiehole,” the big guy snarls. I can’t help peering through the crack in the door. The big guy grabs Pete by the collar, curling his bicep so that Pete is basically dangling from his fist, his feet scrabbling for purchase on the floor. “We do whatever we want in here, okay?” the big brute snaps, leaning in close to Pete’s face so that it’s sprayed with spittle. I go pale then as mobster pulls a gun out of his suit jacket, pointing it right at Pete’s head. “Now,” he says, his voice dangerous and soft. “You show me where that girl went.” “This way –“ Pete’s voice squeaks, his face turning red with fear and lack of air. “I’ll show you –“ Silently, I curse Pete for being a traitor like Steven – though honestly, with a gun to his head, I’m not sure that’s entirely fair. The big guy lowers Pete, and Pete darts forward, leading him to the dressing room. I shriek suddenly, my head flying up as I hear two more gunshots and the door whips open. My eyes are wide with terror as I look, expecting the brute, or his smaller, smarmy friend – But this man – he’s neither of them – he has dark hair that falls into his eyes, and I gasp in surprise when I see that his shirt is covered in blood. “Come on, Bambi,” the man snaps, his voice dry as he reaches into the closet and tugs me by the wrist, making me stumble forward into the hall. I tripping on something on my way out of the closet and my mouth falls immediately open when I catch a glimpse of a body laying in the doorway to the dressing room, blood all around its head – I can’t fully see at this distance, but I gasp because I’d swear it’s the big brute, the one who was chasing me. But before I can even look any closer the man tugs me up straight before his shoulder hits me in the stomach and I am lifted up into the air over it, hoisted high as he wraps his arm around the back of my thighs. He holds me tight as he starts to stride back towards the club. “Let me down!” I shout, pounding on his back as best I can with my hands still full of my cash. He just shakes me, frustrated, trying to get me to shut up and stop moving as he strides the length of the club, where patrons and dancers are shouting, fleeing for the doors. I shout along with them, my words mingling with theirs, but this man completely ignores me. My cries are frantic as I continue to pound on his man’s back – who is he!? Does he work for the Mafia Don who bought me – is he taking me to the tart house!? I struggle and kick, but I go absolutely still with shock when the man spanks me hard on my mostly-bare tootshie with the flat of his palm. “Stay still, Bambi,” he orders, laughing, his voice cold. “You’re making this way harder than it needs to be.” I’m still gaping in shock as he carries me right out the front door. I turn my head in both directions, trying to see where he’s taking me, and a black SUV skids to a stop immediately in front of the club. The man carrying me doesn’t break his stride, instead carrying me around the car and wrenching the back door open to toss me bodily inside. He slams the door shut behind me and I pant, my head spinning with anxiety. But I gasp again when I hear someone clear their throat, pressing myself back against the car door when I realize that there is already someone sitting in the dark of the back seat. I go perfectly still as my eyes rove over the figure, which as much man as it is predator. Broad-shouldered, the man lounges in apparent ease in the seat across from me, his tall frame corded with muscle, power dripping from every inch of him. Though he sits in darkness, a shaft of light crosses in a streak across his face, revealing those blue eyes that I recognize… My jaw drops open when I realize that…that it’s the Mafia King. Who…who is this man? Why am I in his car? Because…the Mafia King is different from Don Bonetti, who apparently owns me now – in fact, they’re famous rivals. So why… I jump, suddenly, when the front ptootshieenger door wrenches open and the man who carried me leaps in. “Let’s screwing go!” he shouts. “Hit it, Frankie!” My head snaps to the driver – is that Frankie? – who nods and slams his foot down on the gas, the car ripping forward away from the club. I start to shake now, both from the cold outside of the club as well as my fear – Who are these men? What do they want with me? Are they…are they going to make me… “Well, Bambi,” the man on the other side of the car says, bringing my eyes immediately back to him. His voice oddly accents my stage name like he knows it’s fake. “You sure as heck started a lot of trouble for me tonight. We’re going to have to -” But his words are interrupted by a huge crash and my scream as the rear window of the car shatters, the sound of gunshots echoing in the air. .............................................................................. I scream again, covering my head and ducking down as low as I can go, my feet drifting over the back seat and kicking the Mafia King in the thigh – “screwing go, Frankie!” the Mafia King shouts, “they’re on our god dang tail!” “Get down!” the Mafia King shouts, ducking and throwing his body over mine as Frankie pulls the car hard to the right, our tires squealing on the road. I scream then, I think, curl back up into my ball, muttering prayers I haven’t said since I was a kid in Catholic grade school, and which I didn’t really believe then. But now I’m begging anyone who might be out there listening to please, please save my life. The bullets stop, and I feel the Mafia King’s weight lift off of me. I start to raise my own head, but suddenly our whole car wrenches to the side and I can tell, somehow, that we’ve been hit from behind. “screwing turn, Frankie!” the Mafia King shouts, frantic, pulsing more bullets out of the broken window. “I can’t – there’s no place to –“ “Onto 42(nd) street!” the guy in the ptootshieenger seat shouts, his voice frustrated and sharp with fear. “On it!” Frankie shouts now, wrenching the wheel to the side so sharply that the whole car bends to the right – The car turns up on two wheels and I shout in fear as my body slides across the back seat. Lights flash across the windows and horns blare, because Frankie is cutting off a whole line of traffic to make the turn. My shout turns to a scream as I go completely airborne, but suddenly hands snatch me, one grabbing my waist, the other flying to my head and covering my skull the moment before it smacks into the gltootshie of the window – I gasp, my eyes flying open as I’m pulled into the Mafia King’s lap, and as my eyes meet his I realize that if his hand hadn’t been there to take the impact against the gltootshie, my brains would be all over this car right now. I stare into wide-eyed into his face, which is suddenly so close to mine. Our SUV rights itself onto four wheels and flies down the street, weaving madly between traffic. The Mafia King as he curses fluidly, ripping his gaze from mine and towards Frankie. He shakes his hand out to get rid of the pain. “Did we lose them!?” “You tell me, boss!” Frankie calls over his shoulder, and – with me still in his lap – the King twists, looking out the back window. I look too but… All I see are taxis, sedans. No sign of them. “For now,” the King growls, tense. “We’ve lost them for now.” He looks for a few more moments but then his body relaxes, just a little bit. He exhales sharply and turns back to the front of the car. “Brown Street apartment, Frank,” he says, cooler now than he was before. “We’ve got to lay low for a while.” “You got it,” Frankie says, still driving quickly but blending into traffic a little bit more now. After all, nothing screams criminal activity like flying through the city with a broken back window and a kidnapped stripper. It makes sense that they want to blend, now, so that we can disappear. So that we won’t be found by whoever was chasing us, for whatever reason. “Please,” I breathe, my voice shaky – and I surprise myself when I hear the word come from my lips. I said it without thinking. The Mafia King immediately turns his attention to me. “You can – you can have it all –“ I say, gesturing towards the cash scattered all over the back seat now, blowing lightly in the wind coming through the back window. “Just…let me go…” The Mafia King studies me for a long moment and the he smirks. “A third of that money was mine not long ago,” he says, his voice cold, calculating. “And I gave it up readily enough for a dance. What makes you think that that,” he says, nodding to the money on the seat and the floor, “is going to be enough to buy your freedom?” I hesitate, not knowing what the answer should be. “I’ll – I’ll get you more,” I mumble, desperate. “I can work –“ His smirk deepens and he stares at me, starting to shake his head a little, almost in…disbelief? I don’t know – I don’t get it. I can’t read his expression. “Please,” I beg, my voice soft as my eyes fill with tears. “Please don’t give me to Don Bonetti…don’t sell me to the cat house…” The Mafia King’s arm tightens around me as his face falls with sadness, pity even. And suddenly he’s cradling me against him, raising his hand and softly running his knuckles down my cheek, staring into my eyes. “Iris,” he murmurs, and I go still when I hear my name on his lips. And suddenly, I remember something. I was too distracted then, but he called me Iris before, didn’t he? After I finished dancing… Is he somehow connected to Bonetti too? “How…” I whisper, shaking my head at him in confusion, “how do you know my name?” “Iris…” he whispers, “don’t you recognize me?” I pull back a little, studying him, taking in the strong line of his lightly stubbled jaw, his straight nose, the blue-grey eyes under dark brows…. And as I stare at him I realize that there really is something familiar about him, especially about his eyes. I’m not just imagining it. But I can’t put together what… “You’re the Mafia King,” I murmur, frowning at him, willing my mind to put the pieces together. Because I’m missing something here, I just know it. “Yes, and?” he says, raising an eyebrow at me in a way that strikes some sort of memory. How – how the heck did I know he was going to raise his eyebrow like that? “And you…kidnapped me? To get…revenge? On Bonetti? Or because I saw someone get shot? Or…” He smiles at me, more broadly now, letting his eyes flick over my features. “I kidnapped you to protect you, Daisy.” My eyes widen as I hear my childhood nickname on his lips and everything snaps into place. Memories come flooding back to me in an instant. Late-summer twilights spent running through the back fields with the boy who called me Daisy, after my favorite flower. Sneaking out at midnight with my brother to go to the house next door, to play board games until dawn with the boy who lived there – where he taught me to play poker. A thousand winter afternoons building snow forts with my brother and with his laughing, blue-eyed best friend… “Christian,” I breathe, my fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt. I stare at him unblinking, like he’ll disappear if I take my eyes off him for a second – like I’ll lose him again, forever this time. “Hey, my little one,” he murmurs, softly stroking my cheek. “I will never take my eyes off you. ”	LEARN_MORE	https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/srbxz4zw5	Lereader-Perfect Novel	https://www.facebook.com/61550076675613/	692	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.novel-oasis.com	VIDEO		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/srbxz4zw5zy02jil3f2la2f3?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211200820653&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481224782_1011048080903904_6441174346427918461_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FZjMtuCOhTQQ7kNvgFAq3_D&_nc_oc=AdgWQgGYM7COMRWwxTFZKaQF0Gdvo3zzXSFTcQbSKvTCeLC5ovmKh0IJkSYF1oe1hPrAPOMDJVfgh_fY16K-16HX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJ1YfAsPYnBs0TwKmzPE-9w&oh=00_AYDE5OA4DuvmpmO5U3r64j-5X_n1nFTCJcPrB_x4T7luDQ&oe=67CB83D0	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lereader-Perfect Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,746,150	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	📚💞《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover》ALL chapters for Free！😍💕🔞	💔“My first love has returned, you are fired,” Alpha told me, not knowing that I would die in three months.😭 Griffon Knight’s private jet landed at the airport at 7:00 p.m., just as the sun was starting to set, vivid orange and red giving way to the bright light of the moon. Within a half hour of his arrival, he requested that I be brought to his downtown penthouse. Per our contract, I must be thoroughly cleansed “inside and out” without any traces of perfume or makeup. As an Alpha, his senses were more perceptive than most wolves. I strictly followed his preferences and requirements, changed into freshly washed silk pajamas, and then went to the bedroom on the second floor. Griffon was sitting in front of the fire in his leather wing chair, one ankle resting on his knee in a relaxed manner, flipping through a stack of documents. When I entered the room, he gave me a glance before placing the papers on the side table next to him. “Come here,” he demanded, his wolf flashing amber in his dark eyes as a secondary narrowed his gaze at me. A chill ran over my spine. His voice was gruff and emotionless, weighing heavily on my heart as it always did. I longed, just once, to hear something in his tone when he spoke to me. But he always maintained his powerful and mysterious aura, never indicating what he was thinking or feeling. I didn’t dare to hesitate for a moment, worried that any delay might anger him. Keeping my head tilted down in deference to his formidable presence, my bare feet were silent on the plush carpet as I rushed over to him. As soon as I was at his side, he pulled me into his arms and onto his lap, lifting my chin with his large hand. He lowered his head and kissed my waiting lips aggressively, without any traces of the warmth I longed for. His tongue delved into my mouth, twisting around mine, and desire flowed through my body, pooling in my nether regions. Griffon might seem noble and restrained to his pack and other pack elites, but he showed no such thing when it came to sex. He was never restrained, never tender with me. No sweet talk, no soft kisses. Just hunger, desire, sex. With me, he was always the animal. Always the coarse Alpha, never the cool, calm, and collected leader that others saw. He had been away on packing business for three months; he probably wouldn’t let me go easily tonight. As I had expected, he was rougher than usual. It was as if he were all feral wolf instead of just mostly wolf like he typically was. Griffon didn’t stop his thrusts until I was too exhausted for more, his wolf shining in his eyes and his face twisted in a snarl the entire time. When I woke up, I found myself alone in bed. Instead of the usual silence I typically wake up to, I heard running water coming from the bathroom. I frowned in confusion and looked in the direction of the sound surprised to see Griffon’s tall and muscled form reflected in the glass door of the shower. He usually left immediately after our encounters. No goodbye, no waiting for me to wake up. I struggled to sit up, my body spent from hours of lovemaking, and I quietly waited for the man to come out. A few minutes later, the water stopped, and Griffon came into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets from the tips of his dark hair fell onto his bronze skin, slowly sliding down his well-defined abs. His face was finely chiseled, exquisitely handsome, with sharp, distinct features. His eyes, almond-shaped and hazel, were aloof and distant, deep and unreadable. Even in his human form, his dark wolf side showed through, creating even more of an enigma surrounding the Alpha. To everyone else, he was charming yet distant, friendly yet aloof and unattainable. With one glance, people could tell he was not an easy man to get along with, but not completely impossible. To me, he was simply cold, harsh, and unreachable even when he was inside me. Seeing that I was awake, he gave me a stony look and said, “You don’t need to come anymore.” I blinked, clutching the covers tightly around my body, my knuckles white as a sliver of panic raced through my heart. What did he mean? Griffon turned around, went to the side table, to the papers he’d been looking through last night. He shuffled through them, then tossed one onto the bed in front of me. I’m canceling our contract. You’re laid off. I felt the blood drain from my face, and my heart stopped for minute. Fired not we’re breaking up? Regardless of how our relationship had started, regardless of how I’d come to feel about him, I knew this day would come. Because in reality, we had no “relationship”. We were employer and employee, and I served only one purpose for Griffon. Nonetheless, his words stung. I’d never expected that he would end things so abruptly. I’d thought I’d have more time. Sure, I’d expected his typical unemotional coldness, but this was beyond that. After being with him for five years, he gave me no reason or explanation. He didn’t think I deserved that, and it was painful to think about. Suppressing the sharp pain in my heart, I slowly raised my head from staring at the document on the bed and gazed at Griffon. Enough time had passed with my being frozen by his words that he was now fully dressed in his typical dark suit. “But…the contract will expire in six months. Can’t we wait for a little longer?” My voice was partially pleading, and I struggled to keep it from cracking. The doctor said I only had three months left, and the only thing I wanted to stay with the doctor until the end of my life. Griffon remained silent, staring at me with his stoicism and vacant expression, as if he were kicking away a toy he had grown tired of playing with. His silence was all I needed. His decision was final. After five long years of trying, I had failed to thaw Griffon’s frozen heart. It was time to wake up from my illusion. I took the contract and plastered on a fake smile, attempting to feign indifference. “Don’t be so serious. I was just joking.” Then, I added, “I’m glad this is over. I get six months off. How perfect!” Griffon paused as he adjusted his shirt sleeves, then lifted his gaze at me. It took everything in me to make sure there was no sadness in my eyes, to make sure the only emotions he could see were excitement or relief. The absolute last thing I felt. Griffon narrowed his eyes and frowned. “You’re glad it’s over?” I nodded and shrugged one shoulder as if I hadn’t a care in the world. “Yup. I’m not the little girl I was when I agreed to this. It’s time for me to get married and have children. I can’t always be your contract lover, can I?” Inside, I laughed at myself. It was impossible for me to get married or have children, but I’d be damned if I ever let Griffon know that. I would leave with dignity and grace. I forced another smile and asked, “Does that mean I can finally have a normal boyfriend once I leave here?” Griffon’s eyes were filled with deep and unidentifiable emotions. After staring at me for a while, he looked at his watch and turned to leave. “Do whatever you want.” Looking at his back as he turned and walked away, my smile faded. Griffon hated it when other people touched his things, including his woman. His wolf would push through, his eyes flashing amber and his claws coming out. But this time, there were no reactions. He truly was done with me. Chapter 2 Unimaginable Hope After Griffon left, his assistant walked in .Andre handed a morning-after pill to me and said respectfully, Ms. Palmer, please take it as usual. ”Griffon would never allow me to get pregnant. Not only was I just his contracted lover, I wasn’t even a wolf shifter. I’d always grown up around wolves, and had spent time in the shifter orphanage, but I never phased into a wolf at puberty. No one knew where I came from, though the assumption had always been that at least one of my parents had to have been a shifter in order for me to be dropped off at the shifter orphanage. Staring at the small pill in the palm of my hand, my heart started to hurt even more. I wasn’t sure if the pain was caused by my heart failure or Griffon’s cruelty, but regardless, it was so intense that I struggled to take a breath. “Ms. Palmer…”When I didn’t immediately take the pill, Andre urged me along with a nervous expression. He was probably afraid that I would caused trouble since it had been my last night with Griffon. I swallowed through the pain in my chest and tossed the pill in my mouth. I didn’t even bother with water, forcing it to dry. Andre let out a sigh of relief, then took the apartment and checked his briefcase and placed them in front of me. “Ms. Palmer, this is Mr. Knight’s compensation for you. In fact addition to the real estate and cars, he had also placed five million dollars in your account.” How generous. Too bad, he never knew what I truly wanted. “I don’t want it.” I set my mouth in a grim line and shook my head. Andre was stunned and confused. “Do you think it’s not enough?” My heart shattered beyond what I’d thought possible. Even Andre thought I was doing it for the money. It was too much. So much money, plus an apartment and a luxury car. Was he afraid I would ask him again for more money in the future? I picked up the bag beside me with a bitter smile, took out a debit card, and handed it to Andre. “This is all the money. Griffon paid me over the years. I never spent a single penny, and I don’t want it. The pin is his birthday. ”Andre was dumbfounded, a confused look making his brows furrow. I didn’t care whether he believed me or not. I placed the card on the pile of documents. Then I left the penthouse without another word. Winter was cold in Arcadia. I walked down the empty street, alone and shivering. The shadow of my thin figure was cast on the ground by the streetlight, gaunt and fragile. I tightened my beige coat, gritted my teeth, and walked back to my apartment in my high heels. I pushed the door open. It was huge inside, taking up an entire floor. Despite the warmth inside and the luxurious decor, the apartment couldn’t dispel the chill that flooded me. I sat on the sofa, staring blankly at my surroundings for a moment. Then I began to pack. Griffon had purchased this apartment for me to live in so that I would be close to his penthouse, able to rush over at a moment’s notice. I had loved that he wanted me close by, wishing and praying to the goddess above that somehow it meant more than what it really did. Since he didn’t want me anymore, I didn’t want anything that came from him. Taking out my suitcase, I opened the closet and pulled out all of my clothes. I hadn’t brought many things with me, and it didn’t take me long to pack up everything and leave. I packed quickly and efficiently, with no outward emotion, nothing like the girl from five years ago. The desperate, crying girl who’d begged Griffon to purchase my virginity. After getting into the car, I sent a text message to Andre. The key code for the Hudson Apartment is 0826. Andre returned to the Knight Pack headquarters, handed the documents to Griffon, and told him what Taya said with an indifferent gaze, Griffon glanced at the items on his desk. His stoical gaze fixed on the debit card. “You checked the balance?” “Yes, Alpha.” “Is there additional money in there?” “Yes, Alpha.” Andre nodded. The exact amount Griffon had paid Taya for her virginity. Griffon frowned, and Andre heard his wolf rumbling. After a moment of staring at the card, he stretched out his hand, picked up the piece of plastic, and snapped it in half, his claws starting to extend. He pushed the pile of documents toward Andre, his fingers curled and starting to crumple the papers. He was clearly resisting his wolf’s urge to shred them. “Get rid of it then. ”Andre opened his mouth and wanted to say something nice, forget Taya, but the Alpha had already turned away and was looking at his phone, a snarl on his face. He knew better than to speak when his Alpha was like this, so he picked up the pile of documents and left the office. I took my suitcase to my best friend Harper Duke’s. I gently knocked on the door and waited. Harper had grown up with me in the same orphanage, and we were like sisters. Except Harper had her wolf. “If anything happens, come home,” Harper had said when Griffon took me away five years ago. It was because of Harper that I could leave everything from Griffon behind. As soon as Harper opened the door, a broad smile appeared on her face when she saw me.“What are you doing here?” I tightened my grip on the suitcase. “I need a place to crash,” I said quietly. Only then did Harper see the suitcase, and the smile on her face disappeared, a look of worry replacing it.“What’s wrong?” “I just broke up with him.” I forced a smile to hide my pain.Harper looked closely at me and saw past my pretense in a matter of seconds. Her eyes narrowed, then she frowned. I knew how I looked. I was thin and pale, my eyes sunken. Harper hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you.” I couldn’t help but tear up at her words. I hugged Harper and patted her gently on the back. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Harper knew how much I liked Griffon, how much more I wanted the powerful, distant Alpha. We shared everything. Over the past five years, I had worked hard to earn the amount Griffon had paid me, so I could give it back to him. I was so naive and innocent, I believed that if I returned the money, his feelings for me would change. Maybe then we could be something more than just “employer and employee.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Harper remembered that rainy night five years ago just as I did. If it weren’t for Silas Johnson, I wouldn’t have met Griffon. If the accident never happened, I could have had a happy life. I didn’t want to burden Harper with my sorrow. After gently pulling back from the hug, I smiled and said, “Girlie, aren’t you going to let me in? It’s freezing out here!” I stood there, forcing myself to believe that I would soon recover from this. For orphans like us, who had no one to rely on, being abandoned was just another day, right? Harper took my suitcase and led me into the house. “You don’t need a place to crash. This is your home, too.” After that, she turned around, fetched clean pajamas, and handed them to me. “Go take a shower. I’ll make you something to eat, and you can get some sleep. Don’t think about anything else, okay?” “Okay.” I took the pajamas and nodded. Harper had always been like this. She was unconditionally good to me, like a beam of light that sliced through the darkness. Most other people didn’t know what to do with me. I lived in a gray area…raised by wolves yet not a she-wolf. It was a pity that I suffered from terminal heart failure, and my life was soon coming to an end. Had I been blessed by the goddess with my wolf, there would be other options, other treatments. But with no wolf to help me heal… If Harper found out that I was going to die soon, she would be devastated. And the last thing I wanted to do was burden her with that knowledge. I gazed at the busy figure in the kitchen and slowly walked over. “I want to quit my job.” Harper nodded in agreement and said, “You should. You’ve been working so hard for so long. God, you must be exhausted. Quit your job and take some time to yourself. Don’t worry about anything; I’ve got your back.” I wrapped my arms around my best friend and squeezed her tightly, filled with too many emotions to verbalize them. Then, I turned around and went to the bathroom with tears in my eyes. Fate had never favored me. If Harper and I were meant to be apart, I should use the last three months of my life to be with her. To be with someone who truly loved me. The next morning, I applied makeup to conceal my pale face and lips and went into the office to quit my job. Just as I sat down and was about to turn on the computer to write my resignation letter, my colleague Brielle came over. “Have you seen the email?” I shook my head. I’d spent the whole weekend in Griffon’s penthouse; I hadn’t had time for anything else other than him and…recovering from him. “Lila sent a letter saying that Elder Thorns' daughter is taking over today,” Brielle said. I had no impression of the elder daughter , so I wasn’t interested. Plus, I was about to quit anyway. Brielle, on the other hand, was very intrigued. “I heard she had just returned from studying abroad in one of the European pack cities, so she doesn’t have much work experience with pack politics and business. Is she even qualified?” Another colleague, Margaret, sneered and said, “Who would dare question her? She’s the long-lost love of Alpha Knight.” Chapter 3 Heartbreak And Secret Oh em gee, REALLY? Brielle’s jaw hung open in shock. She pulled Margaret close and whispered excitedly, “Didn’t you say that Alpha Knight wasn’t interested in women? Sounds like he might have a secret love! And she’s the future head of our firm!?” Margaret patted Brielle’s hand with a smile. “You really should try to be more informed about these things, Brielle. How can you work here and not know all this hot gossip? Our jobs literally revolve around pack politics.” “Well, come on, hurry and tell me now. I’m all ears!” Brielle said, tugging at Margaret’s sleeve. Margaret lowered her voice. “Alpha Knight and Elder Thorin’s daughter were childhood sweethearts. Rumor has it, Alpha asked her to be his Luna five years ago. But she turned him down to focus on her studies, said she didn’t want the responsibility of that, so they split up. They haven’t spoken since. But as soon as Ms. Thorin returned to the country, Alpha Knight personally went to the airport to pick her up. That’s enough to prove that he still has strong feelings for her.” Brielle covered her mouth, her big, round eyes wide. “Oh my god! It’s like the perfect romance!” My heart spasmed, and misery spread through me. So, the truth was that Griffon had terminated our contract early because his long-lost love-his real love-had come back. But if he was already in love with someone, why did he force me to sign a contract to continue our “relationship” after sleeping with me only once? And whenever he touched me, he went so crazy that he couldn’t control his wolf. He was unable to keep his hands off me, and we’d spend hours and hours in bed. Those weren’t the actions of a man who didn’t want someone. Just as I was about to ask Margaret where she’d heard this, the elevator opened with a ding. The executive assistant to the head of the firm, Lila, and several department managers walked out first. Right after, a man with a face and body carved and chiseled by the goddess herself walked out. He seemed almost unreal, like he’d stepped out of an oil painting, a mix of power, refinement, and indifference, always keeping a distance from others. Unlike other Alphas who were warm and friendly while maintaining their position of authority, this Alpha was aloof, Stoic…unattainable. I would recognize him anywhere. Lila gestured to the shifters who’d stepped off the elevator. Alpha Knight, Ms. Thorin, this way, please.” Why is he here? I thought, watching Griffon turn and offer his hand to someone in the elevator. Then, a delicate, fair hand was placed in his, and a woman stepped out. The moment I saw her face, I understood why Griffon bought me for the night and drew up that contract five years ago. Except for a few minor differences, I had almost the same face as Griffon’s former lover, the woman he’d wanted to make. His Luna. I used to think Griffon would return my feelings one day and love me for who I was, although I had no wolf and could never truly be his Luna, but now I knew… I was only a temporary substitute. My chest tightened almost to the point I couldn’t breathe, and pain swept through my body, turning my face pale even despite the makeup I wore. Brielle immediately asked with concern, “Taya? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I shook my head, and before Brielle could say anything else, Lila led Griffon and Ms. Thorin over. I quickly lowered my eyes and didn’t dare look Griffon or the woman in the eye. I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling on. The keyboard, as Lila introduced them. The assistants here are available to help you with anything you need, Ms. Thorin.” Ms. Thorin nodded, looked at us, and said softly, “Good Morning, everyone. My name is Tara Thorin. Starting today, I’ll be the new CEO of the Midwest Packs Association.” Tara… I couldn’t seem to get enough air into my lungs, and I felt lightheaded. Memories started flooding back of me and Griffon, our bodies writhing and entwined in bed. Every time, he’d softly call out my name. So softly I could barely hear it. Only now did I realize that he wasn’t calling out to me, but to Tara… I clenched my fists. My long nails dug into my flesh, but I felt no pain. Suffocating feelings of humiliation and abandonment overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t fight back the tears. I was so stupid to have fallen in love with Griffon, the wolf who would never love me back. After exchanging pleasantries, Tara took Griffon’s arm and followed Lila to the CEO’s office. Brielle craned her neck and looked at their backs with envy. “Alpha Knight personally picked her up and escorted her into the office on her first day of work? That HAS to mean he still loves her!” Margaret patted her shoulder and said, “It’s not just that. She’s only just returned to the country, and she’s already taking over as CEO. The rest of the elderly may not be completely convinced she’s up to the task. By personally escorting her on her first day, Alpha Knight is warning everyone that she has the backing of the Knight Pack.” “He’s so quick to show his love and support for her. Alpha Knight really is the perfect mate.” Brielle sighed. Margaret’s eyes were also full of jealousy. “If she weren’t Elder Thorin’s daughter, she wouldn’t have been chosen by the most powerful Alpha in the Midwest Packs,” she said. Brielle shook her head disapprovingly. “I don’t think so. Ms. Thorin is accomplished, too. She’s highly educated and refined, and she's obviously beautiful. She’ll make a perfect Luna for him. Speaking of her looks…” Brielle looked at me. “Taya… don’t you think you look kind of similar to our new CEO?” Margaret came over to take a closer look. “Goddess. You do look a bit like her, Taya. But honestly, I think you’re way prettier!”“Don’t be ridiculous, I said abruptly, and then I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard Brielle behind me. “What’s up with her?” Margaret chimed in. “Maybe she’s jealous because she thinks Tara is so much luckier than her, even though they practically have the same face. After all, Tara is a true she-wolf.” Mortification washed over me at her words, and I walked faster. I entered the bathroom and quickly took out my heart medication, turning on the faucet and scooping up a handful of water to swallow it down. After calming down for a few long moments, I splashed my face with cold water and looked up at my reflection. It was clear that illness was ravaging my body; my cheeks were sunken, my skin dull. But Tara… While I was in a daze, the bathroom door opened, and in came Tara, her high heels clicking with each step. Her face was soft and delicate, with a rosy glow, and she exuded an effortless elegance.It was like Brielle said. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was Educated, classy, successful… The perfect she-wolf who would make the perfect Luna. Everything that I wasn’t. When her eyes met mine, inferiority pierced through me. I quickly lowered my head, pulled out a tissue, and turned to leave. “Wait a minute,” Tara called out. 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover 》. Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	Wonderful novel	https://www.facebook.com/61561928424575/	1,931	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.joyreadings.com	IMAGE		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7447&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3766&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&badid={ad.id}&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120218665258090439&ori_adset_id=120218665260820439&ori_ad_id=120218665272530439	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481274454_1702863973630839_5206043907872474412_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bDsumdSVDzwQ7kNvgEY7glp&_nc_oc=AdhM4tGjynTaWYLkQo6oeoGzGIuYtlmnbb8awrGwxB-9ka7jSPIQztkb9RVQucs8zm8AquSKiVAl95IF11f-pkYs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AW2fE_4fYiJrXnc4wwy7ixP&oh=00_AYC6e5tWjvm5w3Fu9_ExOKR57mqI1PPdnUjy-o_mAj_liw&oe=67CBA68D	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wonderful novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,746,175	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	📚💞《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover》ALL chapters for Free！😍💕🔞	💔“My first love has returned, you are fired,” Alpha told me, not knowing that I would die in three months.😭 Griffon Knight’s private jet landed at the airport at 7:00 p.m., just as the sun was starting to set, vivid orange and red giving way to the bright light of the moon. Within a half hour of his arrival, he requested that I be brought to his downtown penthouse. Per our contract, I must be thoroughly cleansed “inside and out” without any traces of perfume or makeup. As an Alpha, his senses were more perceptive than most wolves. I strictly followed his preferences and requirements, changed into freshly washed silk pajamas, and then went to the bedroom on the second floor. Griffon was sitting in front of the fire in his leather wing chair, one ankle resting on his knee in a relaxed manner, flipping through a stack of documents. When I entered the room, he gave me a glance before placing the papers on the side table next to him. “Come here,” he demanded, his wolf flashing amber in his dark eyes as a secondary narrowed his gaze at me. A chill ran over my spine. His voice was gruff and emotionless, weighing heavily on my heart as it always did. I longed, just once, to hear something in his tone when he spoke to me. But he always maintained his powerful and mysterious aura, never indicating what he was thinking or feeling. I didn’t dare to hesitate for a moment, worried that any delay might anger him. Keeping my head tilted down in deference to his formidable presence, my bare feet were silent on the plush carpet as I rushed over to him. As soon as I was at his side, he pulled me into his arms and onto his lap, lifting my chin with his large hand. He lowered his head and kissed my waiting lips aggressively, without any traces of the warmth I longed for. His tongue delved into my mouth, twisting around mine, and desire flowed through my body, pooling in my nether regions. Griffon might seem noble and restrained to his pack and other pack elites, but he showed no such thing when it came to sex. He was never restrained, never tender with me. No sweet talk, no soft kisses. Just hunger, desire, sex. With me, he was always the animal. Always the coarse Alpha, never the cool, calm, and collected leader that others saw. He had been away on packing business for three months; he probably wouldn’t let me go easily tonight. As I had expected, he was rougher than usual. It was as if he were all feral wolf instead of just mostly wolf like he typically was. Griffon didn’t stop his thrusts until I was too exhausted for more, his wolf shining in his eyes and his face twisted in a snarl the entire time. When I woke up, I found myself alone in bed. Instead of the usual silence I typically wake up to, I heard running water coming from the bathroom. I frowned in confusion and looked in the direction of the sound surprised to see Griffon’s tall and muscled form reflected in the glass door of the shower. He usually left immediately after our encounters. No goodbye, no waiting for me to wake up. I struggled to sit up, my body spent from hours of lovemaking, and I quietly waited for the man to come out. A few minutes later, the water stopped, and Griffon came into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets from the tips of his dark hair fell onto his bronze skin, slowly sliding down his well-defined abs. His face was finely chiseled, exquisitely handsome, with sharp, distinct features. His eyes, almond-shaped and hazel, were aloof and distant, deep and unreadable. Even in his human form, his dark wolf side showed through, creating even more of an enigma surrounding the Alpha. To everyone else, he was charming yet distant, friendly yet aloof and unattainable. With one glance, people could tell he was not an easy man to get along with, but not completely impossible. To me, he was simply cold, harsh, and unreachable even when he was inside me. Seeing that I was awake, he gave me a stony look and said, “You don’t need to come anymore.” I blinked, clutching the covers tightly around my body, my knuckles white as a sliver of panic raced through my heart. What did he mean? Griffon turned around, went to the side table, to the papers he’d been looking through last night. He shuffled through them, then tossed one onto the bed in front of me. I’m canceling our contract. You’re laid off. I felt the blood drain from my face, and my heart stopped for minute. Fired not we’re breaking up? Regardless of how our relationship had started, regardless of how I’d come to feel about him, I knew this day would come. Because in reality, we had no “relationship”. We were employer and employee, and I served only one purpose for Griffon. Nonetheless, his words stung. I’d never expected that he would end things so abruptly. I’d thought I’d have more time. Sure, I’d expected his typical unemotional coldness, but this was beyond that. After being with him for five years, he gave me no reason or explanation. He didn’t think I deserved that, and it was painful to think about. Suppressing the sharp pain in my heart, I slowly raised my head from staring at the document on the bed and gazed at Griffon. Enough time had passed with my being frozen by his words that he was now fully dressed in his typical dark suit. “But…the contract will expire in six months. Can’t we wait for a little longer?” My voice was partially pleading, and I struggled to keep it from cracking. The doctor said I only had three months left, and the only thing I wanted to stay with the doctor until the end of my life. Griffon remained silent, staring at me with his stoicism and vacant expression, as if he were kicking away a toy he had grown tired of playing with. His silence was all I needed. His decision was final. After five long years of trying, I had failed to thaw Griffon’s frozen heart. It was time to wake up from my illusion. I took the contract and plastered on a fake smile, attempting to feign indifference. “Don’t be so serious. I was just joking.” Then, I added, “I’m glad this is over. I get six months off. How perfect!” Griffon paused as he adjusted his shirt sleeves, then lifted his gaze at me. It took everything in me to make sure there was no sadness in my eyes, to make sure the only emotions he could see were excitement or relief. The absolute last thing I felt. Griffon narrowed his eyes and frowned. “You’re glad it’s over?” I nodded and shrugged one shoulder as if I hadn’t a care in the world. “Yup. I’m not the little girl I was when I agreed to this. It’s time for me to get married and have children. I can’t always be your contract lover, can I?” Inside, I laughed at myself. It was impossible for me to get married or have children, but I’d be damned if I ever let Griffon know that. I would leave with dignity and grace. I forced another smile and asked, “Does that mean I can finally have a normal boyfriend once I leave here?” Griffon’s eyes were filled with deep and unidentifiable emotions. After staring at me for a while, he looked at his watch and turned to leave. “Do whatever you want.” Looking at his back as he turned and walked away, my smile faded. Griffon hated it when other people touched his things, including his woman. His wolf would push through, his eyes flashing amber and his claws coming out. But this time, there were no reactions. He truly was done with me. Chapter 2 Unimaginable Hope After Griffon left, his assistant walked in .Andre handed a morning-after pill to me and said respectfully, Ms. Palmer, please take it as usual. ”Griffon would never allow me to get pregnant. Not only was I just his contracted lover, I wasn’t even a wolf shifter. I’d always grown up around wolves, and had spent time in the shifter orphanage, but I never phased into a wolf at puberty. No one knew where I came from, though the assumption had always been that at least one of my parents had to have been a shifter in order for me to be dropped off at the shifter orphanage. Staring at the small pill in the palm of my hand, my heart started to hurt even more. I wasn’t sure if the pain was caused by my heart failure or Griffon’s cruelty, but regardless, it was so intense that I struggled to take a breath. “Ms. Palmer…”When I didn’t immediately take the pill, Andre urged me along with a nervous expression. He was probably afraid that I would caused trouble since it had been my last night with Griffon. I swallowed through the pain in my chest and tossed the pill in my mouth. I didn’t even bother with water, forcing it to dry. Andre let out a sigh of relief, then took the apartment and checked his briefcase and placed them in front of me. “Ms. Palmer, this is Mr. Knight’s compensation for you. In fact addition to the real estate and cars, he had also placed five million dollars in your account.” How generous. Too bad, he never knew what I truly wanted. “I don’t want it.” I set my mouth in a grim line and shook my head. Andre was stunned and confused. “Do you think it’s not enough?” My heart shattered beyond what I’d thought possible. Even Andre thought I was doing it for the money. It was too much. So much money, plus an apartment and a luxury car. Was he afraid I would ask him again for more money in the future? I picked up the bag beside me with a bitter smile, took out a debit card, and handed it to Andre. “This is all the money. Griffon paid me over the years. I never spent a single penny, and I don’t want it. The pin is his birthday. ”Andre was dumbfounded, a confused look making his brows furrow. I didn’t care whether he believed me or not. I placed the card on the pile of documents. Then I left the penthouse without another word. Winter was cold in Arcadia. I walked down the empty street, alone and shivering. The shadow of my thin figure was cast on the ground by the streetlight, gaunt and fragile. I tightened my beige coat, gritted my teeth, and walked back to my apartment in my high heels. I pushed the door open. It was huge inside, taking up an entire floor. Despite the warmth inside and the luxurious decor, the apartment couldn’t dispel the chill that flooded me. I sat on the sofa, staring blankly at my surroundings for a moment. Then I began to pack. Griffon had purchased this apartment for me to live in so that I would be close to his penthouse, able to rush over at a moment’s notice. I had loved that he wanted me close by, wishing and praying to the goddess above that somehow it meant more than what it really did. Since he didn’t want me anymore, I didn’t want anything that came from him. Taking out my suitcase, I opened the closet and pulled out all of my clothes. I hadn’t brought many things with me, and it didn’t take me long to pack up everything and leave. I packed quickly and efficiently, with no outward emotion, nothing like the girl from five years ago. The desperate, crying girl who’d begged Griffon to purchase my virginity. After getting into the car, I sent a text message to Andre. The key code for the Hudson Apartment is 0826. Andre returned to the Knight Pack headquarters, handed the documents to Griffon, and told him what Taya said with an indifferent gaze, Griffon glanced at the items on his desk. His stoical gaze fixed on the debit card. “You checked the balance?” “Yes, Alpha.” “Is there additional money in there?” “Yes, Alpha.” Andre nodded. The exact amount Griffon had paid Taya for her virginity. Griffon frowned, and Andre heard his wolf rumbling. After a moment of staring at the card, he stretched out his hand, picked up the piece of plastic, and snapped it in half, his claws starting to extend. He pushed the pile of documents toward Andre, his fingers curled and starting to crumple the papers. He was clearly resisting his wolf’s urge to shred them. “Get rid of it then. ”Andre opened his mouth and wanted to say something nice, forget Taya, but the Alpha had already turned away and was looking at his phone, a snarl on his face. He knew better than to speak when his Alpha was like this, so he picked up the pile of documents and left the office. I took my suitcase to my best friend Harper Duke’s. I gently knocked on the door and waited. Harper had grown up with me in the same orphanage, and we were like sisters. Except Harper had her wolf. “If anything happens, come home,” Harper had said when Griffon took me away five years ago. It was because of Harper that I could leave everything from Griffon behind. As soon as Harper opened the door, a broad smile appeared on her face when she saw me.“What are you doing here?” I tightened my grip on the suitcase. “I need a place to crash,” I said quietly. Only then did Harper see the suitcase, and the smile on her face disappeared, a look of worry replacing it.“What’s wrong?” “I just broke up with him.” I forced a smile to hide my pain.Harper looked closely at me and saw past my pretense in a matter of seconds. Her eyes narrowed, then she frowned. I knew how I looked. I was thin and pale, my eyes sunken. Harper hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you.” I couldn’t help but tear up at her words. I hugged Harper and patted her gently on the back. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Harper knew how much I liked Griffon, how much more I wanted the powerful, distant Alpha. We shared everything. Over the past five years, I had worked hard to earn the amount Griffon had paid me, so I could give it back to him. I was so naive and innocent, I believed that if I returned the money, his feelings for me would change. Maybe then we could be something more than just “employer and employee.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Harper remembered that rainy night five years ago just as I did. If it weren’t for Silas Johnson, I wouldn’t have met Griffon. If the accident never happened, I could have had a happy life. I didn’t want to burden Harper with my sorrow. After gently pulling back from the hug, I smiled and said, “Girlie, aren’t you going to let me in? It’s freezing out here!” I stood there, forcing myself to believe that I would soon recover from this. For orphans like us, who had no one to rely on, being abandoned was just another day, right? Harper took my suitcase and led me into the house. “You don’t need a place to crash. This is your home, too.” After that, she turned around, fetched clean pajamas, and handed them to me. “Go take a shower. I’ll make you something to eat, and you can get some sleep. Don’t think about anything else, okay?” “Okay.” I took the pajamas and nodded. Harper had always been like this. She was unconditionally good to me, like a beam of light that sliced through the darkness. Most other people didn’t know what to do with me. I lived in a gray area…raised by wolves yet not a she-wolf. It was a pity that I suffered from terminal heart failure, and my life was soon coming to an end. Had I been blessed by the goddess with my wolf, there would be other options, other treatments. But with no wolf to help me heal… If Harper found out that I was going to die soon, she would be devastated. And the last thing I wanted to do was burden her with that knowledge. I gazed at the busy figure in the kitchen and slowly walked over. “I want to quit my job.” Harper nodded in agreement and said, “You should. You’ve been working so hard for so long. God, you must be exhausted. Quit your job and take some time to yourself. Don’t worry about anything; I’ve got your back.” I wrapped my arms around my best friend and squeezed her tightly, filled with too many emotions to verbalize them. Then, I turned around and went to the bathroom with tears in my eyes. Fate had never favored me. If Harper and I were meant to be apart, I should use the last three months of my life to be with her. To be with someone who truly loved me. The next morning, I applied makeup to conceal my pale face and lips and went into the office to quit my job. Just as I sat down and was about to turn on the computer to write my resignation letter, my colleague Brielle came over. “Have you seen the email?” I shook my head. I’d spent the whole weekend in Griffon’s penthouse; I hadn’t had time for anything else other than him and…recovering from him. “Lila sent a letter saying that Elder Thorns' daughter is taking over today,” Brielle said. I had no impression of the elder daughter , so I wasn’t interested. Plus, I was about to quit anyway. Brielle, on the other hand, was very intrigued. “I heard she had just returned from studying abroad in one of the European pack cities, so she doesn’t have much work experience with pack politics and business. Is she even qualified?” Another colleague, Margaret, sneered and said, “Who would dare question her? She’s the long-lost love of Alpha Knight.” Chapter 3 Heartbreak And Secret Oh em gee, REALLY? Brielle’s jaw hung open in shock. She pulled Margaret close and whispered excitedly, “Didn’t you say that Alpha Knight wasn’t interested in women? Sounds like he might have a secret love! And she’s the future head of our firm!?” Margaret patted Brielle’s hand with a smile. “You really should try to be more informed about these things, Brielle. How can you work here and not know all this hot gossip? Our jobs literally revolve around pack politics.” “Well, come on, hurry and tell me now. I’m all ears!” Brielle said, tugging at Margaret’s sleeve. Margaret lowered her voice. “Alpha Knight and Elder Thorin’s daughter were childhood sweethearts. Rumor has it, Alpha asked her to be his Luna five years ago. But she turned him down to focus on her studies, said she didn’t want the responsibility of that, so they split up. They haven’t spoken since. But as soon as Ms. Thorin returned to the country, Alpha Knight personally went to the airport to pick her up. That’s enough to prove that he still has strong feelings for her.” Brielle covered her mouth, her big, round eyes wide. “Oh my god! It’s like the perfect romance!” My heart spasmed, and misery spread through me. So, the truth was that Griffon had terminated our contract early because his long-lost love-his real love-had come back. But if he was already in love with someone, why did he force me to sign a contract to continue our “relationship” after sleeping with me only once? And whenever he touched me, he went so crazy that he couldn’t control his wolf. He was unable to keep his hands off me, and we’d spend hours and hours in bed. Those weren’t the actions of a man who didn’t want someone. Just as I was about to ask Margaret where she’d heard this, the elevator opened with a ding. The executive assistant to the head of the firm, Lila, and several department managers walked out first. Right after, a man with a face and body carved and chiseled by the goddess herself walked out. He seemed almost unreal, like he’d stepped out of an oil painting, a mix of power, refinement, and indifference, always keeping a distance from others. Unlike other Alphas who were warm and friendly while maintaining their position of authority, this Alpha was aloof, Stoic…unattainable. I would recognize him anywhere. Lila gestured to the shifters who’d stepped off the elevator. Alpha Knight, Ms. Thorin, this way, please.” Why is he here? I thought, watching Griffon turn and offer his hand to someone in the elevator. Then, a delicate, fair hand was placed in his, and a woman stepped out. The moment I saw her face, I understood why Griffon bought me for the night and drew up that contract five years ago. Except for a few minor differences, I had almost the same face as Griffon’s former lover, the woman he’d wanted to make. His Luna. I used to think Griffon would return my feelings one day and love me for who I was, although I had no wolf and could never truly be his Luna, but now I knew… I was only a temporary substitute. My chest tightened almost to the point I couldn’t breathe, and pain swept through my body, turning my face pale even despite the makeup I wore. Brielle immediately asked with concern, “Taya? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I shook my head, and before Brielle could say anything else, Lila led Griffon and Ms. Thorin over. I quickly lowered my eyes and didn’t dare look Griffon or the woman in the eye. I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling on. The keyboard, as Lila introduced them. The assistants here are available to help you with anything you need, Ms. Thorin.” Ms. Thorin nodded, looked at us, and said softly, “Good Morning, everyone. My name is Tara Thorin. Starting today, I’ll be the new CEO of the Midwest Packs Association.” Tara… I couldn’t seem to get enough air into my lungs, and I felt lightheaded. Memories started flooding back of me and Griffon, our bodies writhing and entwined in bed. Every time, he’d softly call out my name. So softly I could barely hear it. Only now did I realize that he wasn’t calling out to me, but to Tara… I clenched my fists. My long nails dug into my flesh, but I felt no pain. Suffocating feelings of humiliation and abandonment overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t fight back the tears. I was so stupid to have fallen in love with Griffon, the wolf who would never love me back. After exchanging pleasantries, Tara took Griffon’s arm and followed Lila to the CEO’s office. Brielle craned her neck and looked at their backs with envy. “Alpha Knight personally picked her up and escorted her into the office on her first day of work? That HAS to mean he still loves her!” Margaret patted her shoulder and said, “It’s not just that. She’s only just returned to the country, and she’s already taking over as CEO. The rest of the elderly may not be completely convinced she’s up to the task. By personally escorting her on her first day, Alpha Knight is warning everyone that she has the backing of the Knight Pack.” “He’s so quick to show his love and support for her. Alpha Knight really is the perfect mate.” Brielle sighed. Margaret’s eyes were also full of jealousy. “If she weren’t Elder Thorin’s daughter, she wouldn’t have been chosen by the most powerful Alpha in the Midwest Packs,” she said. Brielle shook her head disapprovingly. “I don’t think so. Ms. Thorin is accomplished, too. She’s highly educated and refined, and she's obviously beautiful. She’ll make a perfect Luna for him. Speaking of her looks…” Brielle looked at me. “Taya… don’t you think you look kind of similar to our new CEO?” Margaret came over to take a closer look. “Goddess. You do look a bit like her, Taya. But honestly, I think you’re way prettier!”“Don’t be ridiculous, I said abruptly, and then I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard Brielle behind me. “What’s up with her?” Margaret chimed in. “Maybe she’s jealous because she thinks Tara is so much luckier than her, even though they practically have the same face. After all, Tara is a true she-wolf.” Mortification washed over me at her words, and I walked faster. I entered the bathroom and quickly took out my heart medication, turning on the faucet and scooping up a handful of water to swallow it down. After calming down for a few long moments, I splashed my face with cold water and looked up at my reflection. It was clear that illness was ravaging my body; my cheeks were sunken, my skin dull. But Tara… While I was in a daze, the bathroom door opened, and in came Tara, her high heels clicking with each step. Her face was soft and delicate, with a rosy glow, and she exuded an effortless elegance.It was like Brielle said. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was Educated, classy, successful… The perfect she-wolf who would make the perfect Luna. Everything that I wasn’t. When her eyes met mine, inferiority pierced through me. I quickly lowered my head, pulled out a tissue, and turned to leave. “Wait a minute,” Tara called out. 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover 》. Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	Wonderful novel	https://www.facebook.com/61561928424575/	1,931	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.joyreadings.com	VIDEO		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7447&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3766&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&badid={ad.id}&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120218665099620439&ori_adset_id=120218665100530439&ori_ad_id=120218665121220439	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481266537_1668731910686800_2350371687775218978_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=489VJ-slvBUQ7kNvgFd85Fk&_nc_oc=Adj6_--zV5-gWTnLe8WIQNIv6CcPIL5cNIfoy123n9Rty-660H3krRH7aJpOvfadoTf74ZbIUxpVWbrc0yQXT8qw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AGI8z4r8EpAMuf8La0eqBfa&oh=00_AYD3TdLaAzbqD4cqNQgxZ0CBxlvYw9VK8QP5RVrW3mV34Q&oe=67CB8B4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wonderful novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,653	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the dug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a dug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. Pgnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bld test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j*k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a sap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-e	Graceful Gales	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	136	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E13E0F4E300687E088A7F765FD3CC3733F	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481981725_1408990613595343_1738862108818751020_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4g4FZWFw7aAQ7kNvgHIr7xy&_nc_oc=Adg5i3JS7xNYmccCPKVGG1YZtSM9L_JkknG0c-IM2Rrv-i6n-799rMYEUmrSZXSLn6o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AKQjnAQ78lUNH3ePlsqv-LB&oh=00_AYC5kPz3Nf-npfZkG-9NCLQnchZQnh_Dy3SgH7GRCISzkw&oe=67CB9740	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Graceful Gales	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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