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2,675,998	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675997}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396		This is who you fix neuropathy pain in just a week at home...	LEARN_MORE	https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=YXwtik0nlG	Daniel Bispo	https://www.facebook.com/100089608887003/	439	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	arialief.com	VIDEO	https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=YXwtik0nlG	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475830375_1541009076452186_101308594816547445_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lmv_H6UnMDgQ7kNvgG9u3nv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AYvU5c-VNDuKppz540MW5QE&oh=00_AYBo_x0zg5yz3fTap937Cp8Hdl7zzOUq8_Oibt02NHpLlA&oe=67A43FC3	PERSON_PROFILE	Daniel Bispo	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,676,023	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675993}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...	WATCH_MORE	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book	Reelshort-Video stories	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	550,373	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	w2a.reelshort.com	VIDEO	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475968049_1104644384770414_3132369574555152583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vuk-MBveO8sQ7kNvgHjazx_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ATWHsSe4-8lEtwkFvZdcAVq&oh=00_AYCSORXXJ90rpZJE8DxFFmDRS7N7Tt2xFamNqJ1z8wsixA&oe=67A4171D	PERSON_PROFILE	Reelshort-Video stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,978	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	She thought she was special after two years with her aloof nominal uncle. Ready to confess her feelings, she learned he was getting married. She left heartbroken but returned as a renowned designer--only to find him waiting for her! ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... 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) &5&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novels	https://www.facebook.com/61563251196448/	2,448	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-ena255_2-0124-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=7929461117168105&exdata=B7502C52902DDDD97844873DB61E85BADE68F195E103893F	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475471431_1191496409155399_4087804003652188420_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Z20zW7Cx9vwQ7kNvgGXdIfN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVRQw5Ek0YiSeB_Cn915dil&oh=00_AYCTJts01FgPMWxheslOZIMUpp-Y3k1ZfXMeisc7lI44Qw&oe=67A4227B	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novels	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,984	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	She thought she was special after two years with her aloof nominal uncle. Ready to confess her feelings, she learned he was getting married. She left heartbroken but returned as a renowned designer--only to find him waiting for her! ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... What happens next? 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2,675,947	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675938}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	😍Read the next chapters👉	Boom Boom Boom! The sound of knocking reverberated through the quiet night. “Who’s at the door?” Samuel murmured groggily. The clock on the wall showed 1 a.m.—far too late for visitors. “Open the door, or we’ll break it down!” A commanding voice from outside made Samuel quicken his steps. As he passed the window, his gaze caught the faint flicker of police sirens. Shock coursed through him when he opened the door and found three police officers standing there. “You’re under arrest.” One of the officers held out an arrest warrant. Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and tax evasion. It’s all about the company. His mind raced back to his years of dedication to J&S Corp, which belonged to his fiancée’s family. J&S Corp was nothing more than a company riddled with issues, leaving behind environmental destruction, loss of lives, and tangled government problems. However, everything became clear when Samuel joined the company. Samuel had put everything to rescue the company from near bankruptcy. Three relentless years spent rebuilding the Brooks family's struggling business. He used his own methods, not only solving the company's problems but also boosting the local economy by 200%. The job environment, salaries, and all the extra benefits were highly praised. Locals often said that if Samuel Hayes ran for president, they'd vote for him. Given all this, the accusation was just ridiculous. Samuel squinted at the officer’s name tag. “Well, Officer Douglaz,” Samuel said, his voice calm but biting, “I’d gladly come with you if those accusations were even remotely true.” “If you have any defense, you can make it at the station!” Officer Douglaz replied curtly. Douglaz signaled his subordinates to take Samuel, but Samuel frowned. “Officers. You’ve got the wrong man.” “Enough of this nonsense!” A sharp, cold voice cut through the tension, coming from behind the officers. A woman stepped forward, her movements deliberate. “Madeline?” Samuel whispered, disbelief clouding his face. His fiancée, the sole heir to J&S Corp, stood before him with an icy smile. Her piercing eyes full of scorn. “Do you want to protest?” she asked, her voice dripping with mockery. Their eyes met, and Samuel’s fists clenched tightly. Everything was clear now. He recalled the warnings of his colleagues about the Brooks family’s ruthlessness. Yet, he had always turned a deaf ear, believing such treachery could never reach him. For Samuel, none of this had ever felt real, as he had been raised by Madeline’s grandparents. Samuel’s parents had worked for Madeline’s grandparents, but tragically, a fatal incident claimed the lives of Samuel’s parents and Madeline’s grandmother. Ten-year-old Samuel was then taken in by Madeline’s grandfather. Sadly, Madeline’s grandfather followed his true love in death exactly ten months after the incident. Before his passing, he left a will instructing Madeline’s parent to raise him. Jonathan Brooks, Madeline’s father, initially had no desire to raise Samuel, but Samuel was considered a smart and obedient child. Clearly, Jonathan took advantage of this. He made Samuel take control of J&S Corp, which was on the verge of being seized by the government. He even insisted that Samuel become engaged to Madeline. But now, betrayal stared him in the face, cloaked in Madeline’s smug grin. A sharp chime interrupted the moment as Madeline’s phone lit up. Samuel caught the name on the screen: Gideon. With his sharp eyes, he quickly caught a few glaring words on the screen: Baby... Bed... Can’t wait... Those words clearly didn’t belong in a normal business conversation. Recognition dawned. He remembered the rumors of an arranged marriage between the Brooks and the powerful Hawthorne family. He thought it was just rumors. Madeline wouldn't cheat on him. But clearly, the rumors were true. She really was involved with the son of the Gideon family during the time. “Ah,” Samuel muttered with a bitter chuckle. “I see now.” Madeline slid her phone into her pocket and pushed Samuel’s shoulder with disdain. “What do you think you know, fool?” she sneered. Samuel’s expression hardened. “Everything about what’s happening now. But I do wonder, Madeline—do you honestly believe J&S Corp will thrive without me?” Madeline laughed, her voice sharp and mocking. “You think you’re irreplaceable? How pathetic.” Samuel’s voice turned cold. “You’re treating me like disposable trash, are you? Madeline? Kick me out after everything I’ve done?” Madeline stepped closer, her face inches from his, her tone venomous. “Don’t act like a victim, Samuel. You were useful for a time, but now you’re just dead weight. J&S Corp doesn’t need you anymore.” “Then J&S Corp is doomed,” Samuel replied simply. Chapter 2 Fury flashed in Madeline’s eyes, and without hesitation, she slapped Samuel hard across the face. The sound echoed in the hallway. “Enough!” she hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “Know your place.” Samuel’s cheek burned, but he stood tall, his voice calm. “You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your life.” Madeline laughed derisively. “Who do you think you are, Samuel? Without my grandparents’ charity, you’d still be nothing more than a street rat! Don’t delude yourself into thinking J&S succeeded because of you.” “Your skills were all ours to begin with,” she continued, her tone dripping with contempt. “If someone as useless as you could run the company, imagine what we can achieve without you.” Samuel said nothing more. “And you know what? I’m marrying Gideon!” she declared, her voice laced with venom, "He was incredible!" “He’s handsome, smart, and rich. With him around, J&S will not only make more money but also become a global powerhouse!” Samuel responded with a smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting. “What are you laughing at? You think you’re better than Gideon?!” Madeline snapped, her eyes narrowing into furious slits. “Well,” Samuel replied coolly, “I’m just curious how he plans to manage J&S Corp when he had just been bailed out of prison.” His words struck a nerve, causing Madeline’s hands to clench into tight fists. Because Samuel wasn’t wrong. Gideon Hawthorne had a terrible reputation, having been arrested for asaulted a minor. Madeline looked like someone hit her nerve. She shouted: “And you? You’re nothing!” “I finally don’t need to waste my time tolerating a 'fiancé' like you! So far beneath me!” “Imagine how much I’ve suffered these past three years!” “Don’t bother worrying about other people’s lives,” she spat. “You should focus on how you’ll rot away in prison!” Her tone turned crueler, sharper. Samuel had fully understood: this was a trap woven by his fiancée’s family, meant to keep him locked away forever. Madeline turned back to the police, signaling for them to do their job. But the officers stood rooted in place, as if an invisible force had shackled them. Samuel’s sharp gaze pierced through the three officers like a blade. It wasn’t anger in his eyes, but something far more potent—an air of authority so commanding that it froze them. He didn’t need to speak to establish dominance. His reputation alone preceded him—known not just for his wisdom, but for his ability to utterly dismantle his opposition with little more than his words and presence. Samuel Hayes wasn’t a man to be taken lightly. He held his head high and descended the steps ahead of them, looking nothing like a criminal. As the flashing sirens disappeared into the night, Madeline let out a relive sign. She pulled out her phone and called her father, Arthur Brooks. “My daughter,” came Arthur’s gravelly voice. “I trust you’re calling with good news about your plan.” “Of course, Daddy. When have I ever failed?” Madeline replied, her smug grin spreading. She basked in the satisfaction of her apparent victory. “Good job, my daughter,” Arthur said. “Forgive me for doubting you. Now, prepare to welcome your future husband.” “Don’t worry,” Madeline purred. “I’ll have Gideon wrapped around my finger in no time. We will get as much money as we want.” After ended the call, Madeline turned toward the villa. "At last, I’ve gotten rid of a poor fool," she smriked , striding into the opulent estate, "This beautiful house; these banknotes...Finally mine alone! No one takes it apart from me!" Meanwhile, in the small interrogation room, Douglaz gestured to a chair. “Have a seat, Mr. Hayes. I expect full cooperation here.” Samuel nodded once, his eyes drifting to the phone on the table. “I’d like to borrow your phone,” he said, his tone casual but firm. Douglaz hesitated. “To call your lawyer? That’s a good idea.” “No,” Samuel replied, his voice steady. “I want to call your chief.” “Call our chief?” another young officer, who hadn’t been involved in the arrest, laughed and interrupted. “Who do you think you are?! Our chief is not someone you can mess around.” Chief Joey Gunther, with a career spanning over two decades, had earned respect and admiration for his achievements. Firm, authoritative, and revered by all, Joey exuded leadership. Even the sound of his footsteps down a corridor could silence his subordinates. This arrested criminal had no right to see the chief. Besides, how many billionaires had tried to bribe Chief Joey Gunther, only to humiliate themselves? This man was just a manager of a local company, and a nominal one at that. The officer sneered. “If you don’t want your face in a toilet, shut up and answer the questions!” “He’ll want to meet me,” Samuel replied. “It’s better for you to let me call him than for him to find out about this himself.” Seeing Samuel’s stubbornness, the younger officer tightened his grip on the stun baton and stepped forward threateningly. But just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. The name on the screen was striking: Chief. Douglas froze, his heart skipping a beat, and hesitantly picked up the call. On the other end, Joey Gunther’s furious voice roared: "How dare you bstds lock Mr. Hayes up?! Do you even know who he is?!"	LEARN_MORE	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&u	Fantasy Hero Country	https://www.facebook.com/61561117201220/	1,687	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	herfv.com	VIDEO	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475923576_1545619602793955_7736175687417620795_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WWXBWAQTudgQ7kNvgGYpyTA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa18Ne3SBcEOsxJlMIbJ5AT&oh=00_AYB78zrLsN5aCIBixxMlzhH7ebC2oY4H72y6pd86yuBHuQ&oe=67A431DE	PERSON_PROFILE	Fantasy Hero Country	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,676,015	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675993}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...	WATCH_MORE	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book	Reelshort-Video stories	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	550,373	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	w2a.reelshort.com	VIDEO	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476209232_1161522738836021_6652706349568429229_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9EE0x0BtRwUQ7kNvgFTRFrE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ATWHsSe4-8lEtwkFvZdcAVq&oh=00_AYAGAPCut-4a1Lnk2rerGO-sq6lbJyNqV0y5hRCWWXpZDg&oe=67A4432D	PERSON_PROFILE	Reelshort-Video stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,676,013	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	❤️🔥Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow	"He's late." I rushed through the front door of the apartment, my heart pounding against my ribs like a frantic drum as I gathered my white wedding dress towards the staircase. I glanced at my phone screen, clicking on his name, My Love, ready to make a call when I halted suddenly, a gasp escaping my lips as a sharp pain pierced my head. A rush of dizziness swept over me, and for a moment, the world tilted like I was falling into another place, another time. I felt Astrid, my wolf, push forward, a surge of heat radiating through my veins. My eyes flickered dark gold, and everything became clearer. I had been here before. I... It was my third rebirth. The memories of my previous life came flooding in, and I glanced at my phone. I snickered when the words my love glared at me in my face. "Time to change that," I muttered. My heels clicked against the steps as I climbed, faster and faster, fueled by rage. I knew what was behind that door. The past life crashed into me like a wave, the betrayal, the heartbreak, the humiliation—all of it. Not this time. I steadied myself, clenching my fists, and moved towards the slightly ajar bedroom door. My breath came in short, controlled bursts as I pressed my hand against the wood. I could already hear the sharp sounds of pleasure coming from the other side. My stomach tightened, but I shoved the pain down, deep, where it couldn't reach me. I pushed the door open just enough to see inside and there it was—exactly as I remembered it. Ivan, my supposed fiancé, his body moving against another's, my cousin, of all people. "Fuck! Pound me faster, Ivy. Arrgh, fuck me hard and cum in me," my cousin moaned loudly. The sheets twisted around their limbs, their voices filled with an intimacy that was supposed to be ours. My grip tightened around my phone, and I lifted it, the click of the camera capturing the sordid scene. One, two, three pictures—just in case. I glanced back at them. This time, the sheets had been tossed aside, their naked flesh in full display as he thrust in wildly. The fury surged up from deep within me, no longer just my anger, but Astrid's too. I shoved the door open hard, and it crashed against the wall. Ivan jerked back, his eyes wide with shock. "Zara—what the hell are you doing here?" The effrontery! "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" I spat back coldly, my hands trembling with barely contained rage. He stuttered, his face turning pale, scrambling to cover himself, but I was already moving, closing the distance between us in two quick strides. I didn't give him a chance to speak. My hand swung up with a crack that echoed in the room as I slapped him across the face. Shock flared in his eyes as he stumbled back, his hand flying to his cheek. He inhaled deeply. "Zara, please, let me explain—" "Explain?!" I cut him off, laughing, even though my voice was bitter. "Explain what, Ivan? That you're a lying, cheating bastard? That you've been fucking my cousin behind my back?" His face paled, but he stepped toward me, hands raised like he was calming a wild animal. "Zara, baby, you're upset. Let's just talk about this, okay?" "We're not having this conversation," I grit, my fingers balling at my side. "Today's our wedding day," Ivan voiced softly. "Is it or is it that of you and your side chick?" I shook my head, forcing back the tears that blurred my vision briefly. "You think I'm stupid, Ivan? You think I didn't know? That I wouldn't find out?" "Zar, it isn't what you think. Ivan loves me and…" I glared at Clarissa and she immediately stuttered. Her face was flushed with embarrassment and something more as she clutched the sheet to her chest. "Look," she tried to speak again, but I whirled around on her, passing Ivan. "Don't even start, Clarissa," I snapped. "You think I don't know how long this has been going on?" To my surprise, her facade fell quickly as she rose, the bedsheet draping around her. "Since you do, then you should know that he loves me. You are just the third wheel in our relationship." I reacted fast, slapping her across the cheek and she fell to the ground, obviously as an added effect to pump Ivan's buttons. Still, I spat, "You're pathetic. Look at you claiming a relationship when you are nothing more than a cheating whore!" Her mouth opened and closed, and she looked away, tears filling her eyes, but I didn't care. Not this time. I had been a fool for too long. I was lucky I had been given another chance. I wouldn't waste it—not on these scums. "Zara!" I glared at Ivan. Something akin to anger flared in his eyes as he rushed between us, not caring if he pushed me out of the way to block her from me. Within seconds he was squatting beside her, checking her face tenderly, something that was meant for me. I sneered and he stood back up, slapping me. "You will not speak to Clarissa like that. She's the one I love!" I blinked, lifting my brow in disgust. Did he just yell and slap me? Why was I surprised when he was like this in my past lives? Clarissa this, Clarissa that. You can't be like Clarrissa. She is the opposite of you. I prefer Clarrissa… Always freaking fucking Clarrissa! I had enough. My eyes burned but her held back. "And I? I am supposed to be what?" A smug smile formed on his lips and that same condescending wicked look I had seen just moments before my death, stared me in the face. "You're a piece of the puzzle. Someone I need but we can still make this work. Zara baby," his tone changed instantly, "you love me. I won't put you aside and I can still keep having her while you and I go for our wedding…" I didn't even think. The mere mention of our wedding day brought back flashes of our past lives—bad pasts and his selfish thinking made my anger flare. With all the strength I could muster, my knee jerked up, hard and fast, slamming into his groin. He doubled over with a groan, his face twisting in pain. "You're sick! There is no we. You made sure of that when you were balls deep in her," I said in a cold, deadly tone and hissed, bending down to his level. "You're dead to me, Ivan. Both of you." Ivan wheezed, clutching his groin, trying to catch his breath. When he noticed I was going to play his puppet anymore, he tried a different approach. "Zara… please… t-the wedding…" I couldn't help but laugh. It was harsh and humourless. "Oh, there's going to be a wedding, Ivan. Just not with you." I yanked the engagement ring from my middle finger and tossed it onto the floor, the tiny diamond catching the light for just a second before it skittered under the bed. I spun and marched out, leaving him and Clarissa gaping. As I reached the door, Ivan's voice followed me, desperate and pleading. "Zara, don't you dare do this. You can't marry anyone else!" I stopped my hand on the doorframe and turned back to him, a cold smile spreading across my face. "Watch me, I'm done playing by your rules." I stormed down the stairs, every step filled with purpose. I knew where I needed to go. I knew exactly what I needed to do. My phone was in my hand, and I was already dialling. "Ella," I said when my best friend picked up, "I need a call boy. I don't care who, just find someone and send them to the marriage registry, now." Ella started to ask questions, but I hung up, not wasting another second. I burst through the front door, heading straight for my car. Ivan wanted to play games? Fine. But this time, I was making the rules. In my first life, I caught them cheating three years into our marriage and that day became my last when my cousin killed me. In my second life, I stupidly followed Clarissa's suggestion claiming I was too attention-seeking which was why he left me. I did the opposite. You can already guess what… I lost him. I had almost caught him cheating then but I was too blind by my love for him even when I saw proof and did not confront him. But in our fourth year in marriage, I discovered she was pregnant for him while I, he forced to take contraceptives claiming he wasn't ready for kids. In anger I confronted them but my wolf and I were weak. Ivan puhed me when I angrily hit Clarissa after discovering they'd fed me trace amounts of wolfsbane for months. I lost my balance, hit my head against the edge of the bed frame and died due to excessive blood loss while my husband and cousin watched me. I arrived at the registry, my heart still racing, but I was more focused than ever. My eyes scanned the viscinity until they settled on a tall, handsome man standing near the entrance, his posture relaxed but commanding. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and his sharp, piercing eyes seemed to take in everything around him. Ella surely knew what I loved. He played his role well. I didn't waste a moment. I strode over to him with confidence I barely felt, my voice steady as I asked, "Are you ready to get married?" His brows lifted slightly as he took me in, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "To you? Always." And just like that, I knew I'd made the right choice. 2: Married ~Snow's POV~ The phone call from my father had come in with the usual irritation and pressure he always brought. His voice was cold and demanding leaving no room for negotiation. "Find a Luna by the end of the day, Snow, or your brother will take what's rightfully yours." His words echoed in my head, a warning and a threat. I clenched my jaw, already seething at the thought of my older brother, the illegitimate son with his hidden agenda, circling like a vulture to claim the alpha position. I needed to act fast. I slammed the phone down and buzzed my secretary. "Find me a woman," I barked, my patience thinning. "Someone willing to sign a marriage contract for a year. I don't care who she is, just get it done." My secretary stammered a hurried "yes," and I could hear her heels clicking rapidly away. Time was ticking, and every second felt like sand slipping through my fingers. I needed someone, anyone who could fill the role of Luna, even if just for appearances. An hour later, I waited, pacing outside the floors of the registry office, feeling the seconds drag into minutes, my frustration building. I called my secretary and her stammering made my chest tighten. I knew what it meant. There was a delay. I hated delays. "Celia, where is the lady?" I asked through gritted teeth, holding back my rage as I clenched my fist. "Sir, she's…" I hear her gulp. "The lady had an accident on her way here and…" I cut her off, my patience worn thin. "Enough," I snapped, my voice firm. 'I don't have time for your excuses. Get me a replacement, now and send her to the marriage registry. I don't care who it is, just make it happen.'" I dropped the call and a few minutes later, my mum's call came through. Finally, I decided I couldn't wait any longer and shoved my phone into my pocket. I would marry the next woman who walked towards that door if it came to that. As if on cue, a woman strode in—confident, beautiful, her eyes sharp and her movements quick, her wedding gown rumpled. Her presence was a challenge I felt in the pit of my stomach and Glacier purred in approval. "She'll do," my wolf stated as though I asked his opinion. She walked straight up to me, her eyes locked on mine. "Are you ready to get married?" she asked, her voice calm, steady, but with a daring edge I hadn't expected. For a split second, I hesitated, then caught myself. This had to be the woman my secretary was sending. I let a smile play at the corner of my lips. "To you? Always," I replied, amused by her directness. Her gaze held mine fiercely. "Great. Let's get this over with," she said, and before I knew it, we were in the registry, reciting vows I'd never meant to say. The ceremony was fast, a blur of words, and when it ended, she turned to leave, giving only her first name, Zara. I handed her my business card. "Snow," I introduced myself simply, watching her reaction. She didn't flinch, didn't blink—just took the card with an unreadable expression. I asked for her number and she gave me without hesitation. "You'll have to move in with me immediately." It wasn't a choice, I know and I loved the way her brows knitted. "Huh… why?" "You're now my wife. Is my wife supposed to sleep outside on our wedding night?" Her brows lifted and then a small smile followed. She was about to retort, probably but I beat her to it. "Don't get your head in the clouds. I need to finalize the formal agreement papers as well." She nodded but her attention was elsewhere, already on her phone, sliding through the screen and typing furiously. Once done, her lips curved into a smirk before she glanced up at me, her eyes flashing with some hidden victory. She departed, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just married a storm. Moments later, I received a message from my secretary. "Sir, I've found a replacement. The lady is on her way to the registry. I'm so sorry!" My heart skipped a beat, and a realization dawned. I stared at Zara's name on the marriage certificate, feeling a wave of disbelief. She wasn't the one I was supposed to marry. I couldn't complain. I was determined to marry anyone. I chuckled, a slow grin spreading across my face. A woman who dared to take fate into her own hands? I'd chosen better than I thought. As I watched her leave, I knew this was going to be interesting. I followed behind her. Just as she got outside at the last stair, Zara's phone buzzed with a series of frantic messages and then a call. My enhanced hearing caught his desperate tone, demanding where she was and insisting they still needed to be married. She paused, her face set in a stubborn expression and the next thing, she took a picture of her left hand now adorned with the ring she'd hastily bought. Either that or she was too poor and they were knockoffs, then she sent him a photo. She glanced back at me, and I saw a glint of defiance in her eyes. "Well," I muttered under my breath, a smile tugging at my lips, "this just got interesting." *************** ~ZARA~ I barely made it out of the marriage registry when my phone started buzzing like a swarm of angry bees. I glanced down, seeing Ivan's name flash across the screen, over and over, like some desperate chant. A bitter smile curled my lips. "Really?" I muttered, scrolling through his frantic messages. He demanded to know where I was and why I wasn't at the ceremony, insisting we still needed to be married. Married? The nerve. My thumb hovered over the screen for a second before I decided to end his delusions once and for all. I held up my hand, the cheap but shiny ring I'd bought on my way to the registry catching the light. I snapped a picture and sent it to him with a message: I'm already married. Then I turned off my phone, sliding it back into my pocket. I wasn't going to waste another second on that man. I had a new life to figure out, and it started today. I arrived at our shared apartment. Sigh, now I regret moving in with him eight months ago when he said he needed me. Turned out, he only wanted to ensure my love was his. I made my way up the stairs. Each step felt heavier than the last, but I pushed through. I was done feeling sorry for myself. Ivan had made a fool out of me, but I wasn't going to let him think he'd won. I pushed the door open, the familiar scent of his cologne and their sex hitting me like a slap. I let out a bitter laugh. I wouldn't be needing that smell in my life anymore. I grabbed my suitcase and began tossing my clothes in, not bothering to fold them. My eyes fell on Ivan's beloved television, the one he refused to let me touch. Rage flared inside me like a wild flame. I picked up the nearest heavy object—a lamp—and hurled it at the screen. The glass shattered with a satisfying crash. "Oops," I muttered, not feeling even a hint of remorse. My eyes caught sight of his laptop and I snatched it from the table. "You won't need this," I whispered before smashing it against the floor, again and again, until it was nothing but a pile of broken parts. "Perfect. Shattered like our relationship." I dragged my suitcase to the door, pausing to look around. This place had once felt like a promise. Now it was just a reminder of betrayal. Just before stepping outside, my phone rang. It was a strange number. Before I could think, it ended, and a message followed. Snow: Sending you a ride. Your location? I chucked and replied. Just where did Ella find this call boy? 3: Signed ~Zara's POV~ I walked outside, my heels clicking against the pavement sharply. I stopped in front of Ivan's car, his precious new shiny toy and my lips curled upward. "Goodbye, Ivan," I muttered, and lifted my heel, slamming it into the windshield. The glass splintered and shattered as the alarm rang immediately. Satisfied, I walked away from the scene, left the remnants of our life behind and waited by the curb for Snow's car. He couldn't do a payback. Upon my arrival, I texted Ella to come get my car from the apartment. I knew she had questions but I wasn't ready. She'd be here any minute. I hoped Snow came first. The car arrived soon after, a Bugatti La Voiture sleek and polished, exuding luxury and power. I raised an eyebrow. Maybe I had underestimated the man I just married. The car door opened, and not giving me any time to think, a chauffeur stepped out, lowering his head. "Good day, Ms Zara." Oh I see, our call boy hadn't introduced me to his rented ride? Whoever he was, I just didn't care. I responded to him and had my luggage taken from me. With the passenger door opened, I slid into the backseat, feeling the soft leather beneath me. The driver gave me a polite nod and handed me a phone. "Mr. Snow would like to speak with you," he said. I took the phone, my heart suddenly pounding again. "Hello?" "Zara," came Snow's calm, deep voice. "I'd like you to come to my house immediately. We have some formalities to take care of." I swallowed, nodding even though he couldn't see me. "Sure. I'll be there." The further we drove, the more I realized that Snow was no ordinary man. We pulled up to a grand mansion, three times the size of Ivan's measly apartment. I gawked for a moment before regaining my composure. Squaring my shoulders, I steeled myself against the intimidating luxury. I was led inside, the lavish interior gleaming with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and ornate furnishings I'd never seen before. I inhaled deeply. Having not had any of this experience in my past lives, I didn't know what to expect. I was shown into an elegant living room and asked to wait. I sat on the plush couch, trying to wrap my head around everything that had happened in the last few hours. Snow appeared a few minutes later, his expression calm but his eyes held a sharpness and boldness that left me tongue-tied. "Hello, Zara." His velvety deep voice made my wolf react in a way that I knew all too well. Astrid liked him. He held a document in one hand and a pen in the other. He moved with a calm confidence that unnerved me. "Welcome to my home." I attempted to stand but he stopped me, taking his seat opposite me. "Please, sit." Okay, I'm definitely killing Ella for doing this to me. I wasn't prepared for this shit. But I never showed it neither could I ask if this was all true or a ruse. I had my doubts but I would soon realize where my mistake lay. I sat down, trying to maintain my composure. "So, what do we need to sign?" "I assume you understand the importance of this agreement," he began, his tone warm but calculating as he placed the document on the glass table between us and slid me a copy. I tilted my head, meeting his gaze directly. "I assume you understand I'm not here to play games," I shot back. He smirked a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Good. Because neither am I. Read it carefully. I don't like surprises, and I doubt you do either." I didn't respond. "This outlines our agreement," he continued. "One year. We maintain appearances, but our personal lives remain separate. Any breach of this contract will result in a hefty penalty." "I'm not interested in anything beyond the terms we agreed on," I stated firmly. "Agreed," Snow nodded, but the gleam in his eye told me there was more to this than met the eye. "Sign, and our contract marriage will be official." He handed me the pen, his fingers brushing against mine for just a moment, and I felt a jolt of something I couldn't quite place. I held the stylish calligraphy pen, not even glancing at the papers. "Fine by me," I replied and signed my name. His brows lifted in surprise. I wasn't afraid of what might be hidden there. I'd dealt with worse. "You're not going to read it?" I met his gaze squarely. "No need. I know what I'm getting into. This is strictly business, right?" He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "If you say so. But I should warn you, there are clauses—" "I don't care," I cut him off, standing. "As long as you don't interfere in my life, we're good." Snow watched me for a moment, then nodded, seemingly amused as he stood. "Very well. I respect your straightforwardness, Zara. Welcome to your new life," he said softly. "Sure," I stated indifferently. "You might find it's more than you bargained for." I met his gaze steadily, feeling a thrill of challenge ripple through me. "We'll see about that," I replied. Just then, my phone buzzed again. I glanced down, seeing Ivan's name flashing once more. Snow's eyes caught the movement, and he raised an eyebrow. "Trouble?" I let out a frustrated sigh. "My ex-fiancé. He can't seem to grasp that I've moved on." Snow's smile turned colder, sharper. "Should I deal with him?" I laughed. His brows creased. I didn't doubt him but this was my fight. "I can handle my problems, thank you." Snow nodded, but there was a glint in his eyes that made me wonder what he was thinking. He picked up his phone, dialled a number, and within seconds, the doors opened, and two men dressed in all-black suits walked in. I looked at them, then back at Snow, frowning. "What is this?" "Just insurance," he replied smoothly. "To make sure our agreement is... protected." I stood up, my heart racing. "I don't need protection, Snow. I just need space." He leaned forward, his eyes darkening slightly. "You've got space, Zara. Just remember, you're my wife now, even if it's just on paper. And I take my responsibilities seriously." A chill ran down my spine, but I refused to back down. "Good," I shot back. "Because I take mine seriously too Mr…" It was at this time I knew I truly fucked up. I didn't check his card or bother to read the marriage certificate either. Neither did I know his last name. Snow smiled a slow, dangerous smile. "I'm starting to like you, Zara. You've got fire. I think we're going to get along just fine." I was glad he didn't hint at my earlier error. "Oh." "Yes?" His gaze drifted to my luggage. I noticed the disapproving stare and I frowned. He dipped his hand into his pocket and handed me a gold card. "That won't do, Zara. Here. You'll need to do some shopping. You can take the chauffeur with you later." "No need. I have…" he moved swiftly. In a second he was by my side and pushing the card into my hand. I glanced at it. I knew it. It was an unlimited card with only three in the entire country. I lifted my head to look at him. He snapped his fingers and immediately two neatly dressed maids rushed in, lowering their heads. "Please, take her to her room." I was glad we weren't sharing the same one. My thoughts soon hit fail. "We should be sleeping together but all his is impromptu. I'll need to prepare." Prepare? For what? He wasn't joking about our first night together? "No need," I spat. "Okay then. We both love our space." My jaw almost hit the floor. Wasn't this the part where he should have cajoled me and said couples needed to sleep together, at least for the sake of keeping up appearances? Guess he already mentioned to the staff. I sucked it up. It was better this way. I managed a smile and as I turned to leave, my phone buzzed again, but this time it wasn't Ivan. It was an unknown number. I answered cautiously. "Hello?" There was a pause, and then a familiar voice. "Zara, it's…" "Clarissa." My tone was clipped. "Good. We need to talk." I froze, the shock and fury coursing through me all over again. "Oh, we will," I whispered, my grip tightening on the phone. "Believe me, we will and soon." I didn't wait for her and ended the call sharply. I felt intense stares on my back but I didn't turn and let the maids lead me to my new room. I had a new life to sort and now all I wanted to do was get out of these clothes and shower. 4: Cut-off ~Zara's POV~ My room was bigger than I had expected. After a lovely bath in the en suite bathroom—large enough to be a spa by itself—I stood at the window, gazing out at the sprawling estate below. I couldn't shake the feeling of my death in my previous life. Cold dread made goosebumps appear on my skin. I looked ahead. Snow's mansion seemed to stretch endlessly, far beyond what I could see, its manicured gardens and towering trees hinting at wealth beyond comprehension. I'd barely settled in when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. A glance at the screen revealed my mother's name flashing. My stomach tightened. I knew this was coming. I picked up the phone, bracing myself. "Hello?" "Zara!" My mother's voice was sharp, cutting through the line like a whip. "What nonsense do I hear about you marrying a stranger? And on your wedding day, no less!" I sighed, keeping my tone steady. "I did what I had to do, Mother. Ivan—" "Forget Ivan's mistake!" she snapped, her voice rising. "Do you understand what you've done? You've jeopardised our family's position. Ivan is the Gamma of the Ivory Crescent Pack! We needed that alliance to boost our pack's standing and secure our business interests." My jaw clenched. I knew where this was going. My parents may love me but they were selfish like that bastard. "I'm not going back to Ivan," I stated firmly. "Not now, not ever." There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. "Zara, you will divorce this man and beg Ivan for forgiveness," she commanded. I chuckled. Where were my parents when I met my end, twice? Tsk. In the past she was always like this—forgive Ivan, ignore it, men are like that, he will come around or… You are the problem. Fix yourself. Ivan is a good man. Many ladies would like to be in your place. Behave and stop your tantrums. You seek attention too much. Are you the only married woman? Look at your father and I. Her sharp voice broke me out of my train of thought. "We cannot afford this embarrassment, nor can we afford to lose our standing in society!" I felt the anger rise in my chest like a wave. "No, Mother. I won't. I'm done being a pawn in this family's game." "Shut up, Zara. Do you know what this means for our pack, our company? We need him." "You," I snapped, "you need him, mum, not me." "Zara do not test my patience. Leave wherever you are and go back to Ivan now." "I'm not going back to Ivan, and I'm not going to beg for anything." "You ungrateful—" she began, but I cut her off. "I've made my decision," I said firmly, my heart pounding. "I'm not a child anymore. You can't control me. If you want his help, I'll happily pave the way for you to marry him." I knew I hit a nerve when I said that but I was past caring for her greedy ass. "Zara!" "What? If you do not like that idea then perhaps marry the love of his life to him. I'm sure Clarissa would be more than willing to fill my shoes since she'd been doing that for a long time now." "Zara darling," I heard my father's strained voice. I shut my eyes, the headache coursing through my brain in waves. When I reopened them I clenched my right fist. "Mother, If you can't accept that, then maybe we should go our separate ways." There was a long, tense silence I thought they'd get off my back with that. I hoped, but my parents were equally difficult and stubborn. I got that from them. "Very well," my mother finally spat coldly, "consider yourself cut off from the family company and all its resources. You want to be independent? Then let's see how far you get on your own with your loser husband." The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at the phone for a moment, several emotions raced through me, anger and relief becoming dominant. I had known this would happen, but hearing it still stung. I had just been disowned by my own family. Although not entirely but… what was left? I wasn't the eldest child. As such they could easily do away with me. My older brother was to become Alpha after my dad. I was their only daughter. One would think that'll count. Fine, I thought, setting the phone down with a deep exhale. If they wanted to cut me off, so be it. I would find my way. I had more than enough skills to make it on my own. I didn't need their money or their approval. I walked back to the bed, picked up my laptop from the bed stand, turned it on, opened a new document and began typing out my resume. My fingers flew over the keyboard, fueled by a defiant energy I hadn't felt in years. Within an hour, I polished my resume and sent it to several top companies, including Aurora Conglomerate Inc., the most prestigious firm in the country, specializing in Renewable Energy, Advanced Technology, Luxury Real Estate, Finance, and Investment. They were exactly the kind of place I needed to prove myself. I hit send, feeling a rush of satisfaction. I didn't have dinner with Snow as expected. I had it brought to my room. Prior, when something emotional happens, I end up losing my appetite but after my rebirth, I pushed the pain back and focused on my meal. The next morning, I woke up to a series of messages both from Ella and Ivan. There was only one from Clarissa and I didn't bother checking it. I went for Ella first. She was concerned, as any reasonable bestie. I texted her back, assuring her I was okay and married, thanking her for the rich call boy she sent. I did not wait for her text and immediately switched off my phone.	LEARN_MORE	https://dynamic.lightreader.com/noah-ssg/wn/766754	Novabeats-0530	https://www.facebook.com/61559933356514/	7,147	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	dynamic.lightreader.com	VIDEO	https://dynamic.lightreader.com/noah-ssg/wn/766754101/30541694900927605+1+4+facebook?utm_source={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_adset={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475998074_1640708026531905_7730844757724493340_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NYUc1PV9U5MQ7kNvgFr3CY4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ATWHsSe4-8lEtwkFvZdcAVq&oh=00_AYAS9wbE1cmNd6KLnAZ5DznSfeOTBGso7K1F806M6Vkljg&oe=67A41B94	PERSON_PROFILE	Novabeats-0530	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,676,014	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675993}'	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...	WATCH_MORE	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book	Reelshort-Video stories	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	550,373	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	w2a.reelshort.com	VIDEO	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475335957_1972070993286154_6287244137673771708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pasxB62BcQYQ7kNvgF7Bapf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ATWHsSe4-8lEtwkFvZdcAVq&oh=00_AYDW9oZ0dLdE_vANhwk_ycHLmkY6w-CsIgYdyH99q9dNhQ&oe=67A422DA	PERSON_PROFILE	Reelshort-Video stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,956	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675938}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	😍Read the next chapters👉	Boom Boom Boom! The sound of knocking reverberated through the quiet night. “Who’s at the door?” Samuel murmured groggily. The clock on the wall showed 1 a.m.—far too late for visitors. “Open the door, or we’ll break it down!” A commanding voice from outside made Samuel quicken his steps. As he passed the window, his gaze caught the faint flicker of police sirens. Shock coursed through him when he opened the door and found three police officers standing there. “You’re under arrest.” One of the officers held out an arrest warrant. Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and tax evasion. It’s all about the company. His mind raced back to his years of dedication to J&S Corp, which belonged to his fiancée’s family. J&S Corp was nothing more than a company riddled with issues, leaving behind environmental destruction, loss of lives, and tangled government problems. However, everything became clear when Samuel joined the company. Samuel had put everything to rescue the company from near bankruptcy. Three relentless years spent rebuilding the Brooks family's struggling business. He used his own methods, not only solving the company's problems but also boosting the local economy by 200%. The job environment, salaries, and all the extra benefits were highly praised. Locals often said that if Samuel Hayes ran for president, they'd vote for him. Given all this, the accusation was just ridiculous. Samuel squinted at the officer’s name tag. “Well, Officer Douglaz,” Samuel said, his voice calm but biting, “I’d gladly come with you if those accusations were even remotely true.” “If you have any defense, you can make it at the station!” Officer Douglaz replied curtly. Douglaz signaled his subordinates to take Samuel, but Samuel frowned. “Officers. You’ve got the wrong man.” “Enough of this nonsense!” A sharp, cold voice cut through the tension, coming from behind the officers. A woman stepped forward, her movements deliberate. “Madeline?” Samuel whispered, disbelief clouding his face. His fiancée, the sole heir to J&S Corp, stood before him with an icy smile. Her piercing eyes full of scorn. “Do you want to protest?” she asked, her voice dripping with mockery. Their eyes met, and Samuel’s fists clenched tightly. Everything was clear now. He recalled the warnings of his colleagues about the Brooks family’s ruthlessness. Yet, he had always turned a deaf ear, believing such treachery could never reach him. For Samuel, none of this had ever felt real, as he had been raised by Madeline’s grandparents. Samuel’s parents had worked for Madeline’s grandparents, but tragically, a fatal incident claimed the lives of Samuel’s parents and Madeline’s grandmother. Ten-year-old Samuel was then taken in by Madeline’s grandfather. Sadly, Madeline’s grandfather followed his true love in death exactly ten months after the incident. Before his passing, he left a will instructing Madeline’s parent to raise him. Jonathan Brooks, Madeline’s father, initially had no desire to raise Samuel, but Samuel was considered a smart and obedient child. Clearly, Jonathan took advantage of this. He made Samuel take control of J&S Corp, which was on the verge of being seized by the government. He even insisted that Samuel become engaged to Madeline. But now, betrayal stared him in the face, cloaked in Madeline’s smug grin. A sharp chime interrupted the moment as Madeline’s phone lit up. Samuel caught the name on the screen: Gideon. With his sharp eyes, he quickly caught a few glaring words on the screen: Baby... Bed... Can’t wait... Those words clearly didn’t belong in a normal business conversation. Recognition dawned. He remembered the rumors of an arranged marriage between the Brooks and the powerful Hawthorne family. He thought it was just rumors. Madeline wouldn't cheat on him. But clearly, the rumors were true. She really was involved with the son of the Gideon family during the time. “Ah,” Samuel muttered with a bitter chuckle. “I see now.” Madeline slid her phone into her pocket and pushed Samuel’s shoulder with disdain. “What do you think you know, fool?” she sneered. Samuel’s expression hardened. “Everything about what’s happening now. But I do wonder, Madeline—do you honestly believe J&S Corp will thrive without me?” Madeline laughed, her voice sharp and mocking. “You think you’re irreplaceable? How pathetic.” Samuel’s voice turned cold. “You’re treating me like disposable trash, are you? Madeline? Kick me out after everything I’ve done?” Madeline stepped closer, her face inches from his, her tone venomous. “Don’t act like a victim, Samuel. You were useful for a time, but now you’re just dead weight. J&S Corp doesn’t need you anymore.” “Then J&S Corp is doomed,” Samuel replied simply. Chapter 2 Fury flashed in Madeline’s eyes, and without hesitation, she slapped Samuel hard across the face. The sound echoed in the hallway. “Enough!” she hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “Know your place.” Samuel’s cheek burned, but he stood tall, his voice calm. “You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your life.” Madeline laughed derisively. “Who do you think you are, Samuel? Without my grandparents’ charity, you’d still be nothing more than a street rat! Don’t delude yourself into thinking J&S succeeded because of you.” “Your skills were all ours to begin with,” she continued, her tone dripping with contempt. “If someone as useless as you could run the company, imagine what we can achieve without you.” Samuel said nothing more. “And you know what? I’m marrying Gideon!” she declared, her voice laced with venom, "He was incredible!" “He’s handsome, smart, and rich. With him around, J&S will not only make more money but also become a global powerhouse!” Samuel responded with a smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting. “What are you laughing at? You think you’re better than Gideon?!” Madeline snapped, her eyes narrowing into furious slits. “Well,” Samuel replied coolly, “I’m just curious how he plans to manage J&S Corp when he had just been bailed out of prison.” His words struck a nerve, causing Madeline’s hands to clench into tight fists. Because Samuel wasn’t wrong. Gideon Hawthorne had a terrible reputation, having been arrested for asaulted a minor. Madeline looked like someone hit her nerve. She shouted: “And you? You’re nothing!” “I finally don’t need to waste my time tolerating a 'fiancé' like you! So far beneath me!” “Imagine how much I’ve suffered these past three years!” “Don’t bother worrying about other people’s lives,” she spat. “You should focus on how you’ll rot away in prison!” Her tone turned crueler, sharper. Samuel had fully understood: this was a trap woven by his fiancée’s family, meant to keep him locked away forever. Madeline turned back to the police, signaling for them to do their job. But the officers stood rooted in place, as if an invisible force had shackled them. Samuel’s sharp gaze pierced through the three officers like a blade. It wasn’t anger in his eyes, but something far more potent—an air of authority so commanding that it froze them. He didn’t need to speak to establish dominance. His reputation alone preceded him—known not just for his wisdom, but for his ability to utterly dismantle his opposition with little more than his words and presence. Samuel Hayes wasn’t a man to be taken lightly. He held his head high and descended the steps ahead of them, looking nothing like a criminal. As the flashing sirens disappeared into the night, Madeline let out a relive sign. She pulled out her phone and called her father, Arthur Brooks. “My daughter,” came Arthur’s gravelly voice. “I trust you’re calling with good news about your plan.” “Of course, Daddy. When have I ever failed?” Madeline replied, her smug grin spreading. She basked in the satisfaction of her apparent victory. “Good job, my daughter,” Arthur said. “Forgive me for doubting you. Now, prepare to welcome your future husband.” “Don’t worry,” Madeline purred. “I’ll have Gideon wrapped around my finger in no time. We will get as much money as we want.” After ended the call, Madeline turned toward the villa. "At last, I’ve gotten rid of a poor fool," she smriked , striding into the opulent estate, "This beautiful house; these banknotes...Finally mine alone! No one takes it apart from me!" Meanwhile, in the small interrogation room, Douglaz gestured to a chair. “Have a seat, Mr. Hayes. I expect full cooperation here.” Samuel nodded once, his eyes drifting to the phone on the table. “I’d like to borrow your phone,” he said, his tone casual but firm. Douglaz hesitated. “To call your lawyer? That’s a good idea.” “No,” Samuel replied, his voice steady. “I want to call your chief.” “Call our chief?” another young officer, who hadn’t been involved in the arrest, laughed and interrupted. “Who do you think you are?! Our chief is not someone you can mess around.” Chief Joey Gunther, with a career spanning over two decades, had earned respect and admiration for his achievements. Firm, authoritative, and revered by all, Joey exuded leadership. Even the sound of his footsteps down a corridor could silence his subordinates. This arrested criminal had no right to see the chief. Besides, how many billionaires had tried to bribe Chief Joey Gunther, only to humiliate themselves? This man was just a manager of a local company, and a nominal one at that. The officer sneered. “If you don’t want your face in a toilet, shut up and answer the questions!” “He’ll want to meet me,” Samuel replied. “It’s better for you to let me call him than for him to find out about this himself.” Seeing Samuel’s stubbornness, the younger officer tightened his grip on the stun baton and stepped forward threateningly. But just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. The name on the screen was striking: Chief. Douglas froze, his heart skipping a beat, and hesitantly picked up the call. On the other end, Joey Gunther’s furious voice roared: "How dare you bstds lock Mr. Hayes up?! Do you even know who he is?!"	LEARN_MORE	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&u	Fantasy Hero Country	https://www.facebook.com/61561117201220/	1,687	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	herfv.com	VIDEO	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475226448_3895016107389791_6163554480592094577_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R8n4wexotU4Q7kNvgG9KuJs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa18Ne3SBcEOsxJlMIbJ5AT&oh=00_AYDEzjVnpymlh36VvaRB6BQzzEG4MeZ2q0EOqJ6jNVGWJg&oe=67A42947	PERSON_PROFILE	Fantasy Hero Country	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,968	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675938}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	😍Read the next chapters👉	Boom Boom Boom! The sound of knocking reverberated through the quiet night. “Who’s at the door?” Samuel murmured groggily. The clock on the wall showed 1 a.m.—far too late for visitors. “Open the door, or we’ll break it down!” A commanding voice from outside made Samuel quicken his steps. As he passed the window, his gaze caught the faint flicker of police sirens. Shock coursed through him when he opened the door and found three police officers standing there. “You’re under arrest.” One of the officers held out an arrest warrant. Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and tax evasion. It’s all about the company. His mind raced back to his years of dedication to J&S Corp, which belonged to his fiancée’s family. J&S Corp was nothing more than a company riddled with issues, leaving behind environmental destruction, loss of lives, and tangled government problems. However, everything became clear when Samuel joined the company. Samuel had put everything to rescue the company from near bankruptcy. Three relentless years spent rebuilding the Brooks family's struggling business. He used his own methods, not only solving the company's problems but also boosting the local economy by 200%. The job environment, salaries, and all the extra benefits were highly praised. Locals often said that if Samuel Hayes ran for president, they'd vote for him. Given all this, the accusation was just ridiculous. Samuel squinted at the officer’s name tag. “Well, Officer Douglaz,” Samuel said, his voice calm but biting, “I’d gladly come with you if those accusations were even remotely true.” “If you have any defense, you can make it at the station!” Officer Douglaz replied curtly. Douglaz signaled his subordinates to take Samuel, but Samuel frowned. “Officers. You’ve got the wrong man.” “Enough of this nonsense!” A sharp, cold voice cut through the tension, coming from behind the officers. A woman stepped forward, her movements deliberate. “Madeline?” Samuel whispered, disbelief clouding his face. His fiancée, the sole heir to J&S Corp, stood before him with an icy smile. Her piercing eyes full of scorn. “Do you want to protest?” she asked, her voice dripping with mockery. Their eyes met, and Samuel’s fists clenched tightly. Everything was clear now. He recalled the warnings of his colleagues about the Brooks family’s ruthlessness. Yet, he had always turned a deaf ear, believing such treachery could never reach him. For Samuel, none of this had ever felt real, as he had been raised by Madeline’s grandparents. Samuel’s parents had worked for Madeline’s grandparents, but tragically, a fatal incident claimed the lives of Samuel’s parents and Madeline’s grandmother. Ten-year-old Samuel was then taken in by Madeline’s grandfather. Sadly, Madeline’s grandfather followed his true love in death exactly ten months after the incident. Before his passing, he left a will instructing Madeline’s parent to raise him. Jonathan Brooks, Madeline’s father, initially had no desire to raise Samuel, but Samuel was considered a smart and obedient child. Clearly, Jonathan took advantage of this. He made Samuel take control of J&S Corp, which was on the verge of being seized by the government. He even insisted that Samuel become engaged to Madeline. But now, betrayal stared him in the face, cloaked in Madeline’s smug grin. A sharp chime interrupted the moment as Madeline’s phone lit up. Samuel caught the name on the screen: Gideon. With his sharp eyes, he quickly caught a few glaring words on the screen: Baby... Bed... Can’t wait... Those words clearly didn’t belong in a normal business conversation. Recognition dawned. He remembered the rumors of an arranged marriage between the Brooks and the powerful Hawthorne family. He thought it was just rumors. Madeline wouldn't cheat on him. But clearly, the rumors were true. She really was involved with the son of the Gideon family during the time. “Ah,” Samuel muttered with a bitter chuckle. “I see now.” Madeline slid her phone into her pocket and pushed Samuel’s shoulder with disdain. “What do you think you know, fool?” she sneered. Samuel’s expression hardened. “Everything about what’s happening now. But I do wonder, Madeline—do you honestly believe J&S Corp will thrive without me?” Madeline laughed, her voice sharp and mocking. “You think you’re irreplaceable? How pathetic.” Samuel’s voice turned cold. “You’re treating me like disposable trash, are you? Madeline? Kick me out after everything I’ve done?” Madeline stepped closer, her face inches from his, her tone venomous. “Don’t act like a victim, Samuel. You were useful for a time, but now you’re just dead weight. J&S Corp doesn’t need you anymore.” “Then J&S Corp is doomed,” Samuel replied simply. Chapter 2 Fury flashed in Madeline’s eyes, and without hesitation, she slapped Samuel hard across the face. The sound echoed in the hallway. “Enough!” she hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “Know your place.” Samuel’s cheek burned, but he stood tall, his voice calm. “You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your life.” Madeline laughed derisively. “Who do you think you are, Samuel? Without my grandparents’ charity, you’d still be nothing more than a street rat! Don’t delude yourself into thinking J&S succeeded because of you.” “Your skills were all ours to begin with,” she continued, her tone dripping with contempt. “If someone as useless as you could run the company, imagine what we can achieve without you.” Samuel said nothing more. “And you know what? I’m marrying Gideon!” she declared, her voice laced with venom, "He was incredible!" “He’s handsome, smart, and rich. With him around, J&S will not only make more money but also become a global powerhouse!” Samuel responded with a smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting. “What are you laughing at? You think you’re better than Gideon?!” Madeline snapped, her eyes narrowing into furious slits. “Well,” Samuel replied coolly, “I’m just curious how he plans to manage J&S Corp when he had just been bailed out of prison.” His words struck a nerve, causing Madeline’s hands to clench into tight fists. Because Samuel wasn’t wrong. Gideon Hawthorne had a terrible reputation, having been arrested for asaulted a minor. Madeline looked like someone hit her nerve. She shouted: “And you? You’re nothing!” “I finally don’t need to waste my time tolerating a 'fiancé' like you! So far beneath me!” “Imagine how much I’ve suffered these past three years!” “Don’t bother worrying about other people’s lives,” she spat. “You should focus on how you’ll rot away in prison!” Her tone turned crueler, sharper. Samuel had fully understood: this was a trap woven by his fiancée’s family, meant to keep him locked away forever. Madeline turned back to the police, signaling for them to do their job. But the officers stood rooted in place, as if an invisible force had shackled them. Samuel’s sharp gaze pierced through the three officers like a blade. It wasn’t anger in his eyes, but something far more potent—an air of authority so commanding that it froze them. He didn’t need to speak to establish dominance. His reputation alone preceded him—known not just for his wisdom, but for his ability to utterly dismantle his opposition with little more than his words and presence. Samuel Hayes wasn’t a man to be taken lightly. He held his head high and descended the steps ahead of them, looking nothing like a criminal. As the flashing sirens disappeared into the night, Madeline let out a relive sign. She pulled out her phone and called her father, Arthur Brooks. “My daughter,” came Arthur’s gravelly voice. “I trust you’re calling with good news about your plan.” “Of course, Daddy. When have I ever failed?” Madeline replied, her smug grin spreading. She basked in the satisfaction of her apparent victory. “Good job, my daughter,” Arthur said. “Forgive me for doubting you. Now, prepare to welcome your future husband.” “Don’t worry,” Madeline purred. “I’ll have Gideon wrapped around my finger in no time. We will get as much money as we want.” After ended the call, Madeline turned toward the villa. "At last, I’ve gotten rid of a poor fool," she smriked , striding into the opulent estate, "This beautiful house; these banknotes...Finally mine alone! No one takes it apart from me!" Meanwhile, in the small interrogation room, Douglaz gestured to a chair. “Have a seat, Mr. Hayes. I expect full cooperation here.” Samuel nodded once, his eyes drifting to the phone on the table. “I’d like to borrow your phone,” he said, his tone casual but firm. Douglaz hesitated. “To call your lawyer? That’s a good idea.” “No,” Samuel replied, his voice steady. “I want to call your chief.” “Call our chief?” another young officer, who hadn’t been involved in the arrest, laughed and interrupted. “Who do you think you are?! Our chief is not someone you can mess around.” Chief Joey Gunther, with a career spanning over two decades, had earned respect and admiration for his achievements. Firm, authoritative, and revered by all, Joey exuded leadership. Even the sound of his footsteps down a corridor could silence his subordinates. This arrested criminal had no right to see the chief. Besides, how many billionaires had tried to bribe Chief Joey Gunther, only to humiliate themselves? This man was just a manager of a local company, and a nominal one at that. The officer sneered. “If you don’t want your face in a toilet, shut up and answer the questions!” “He’ll want to meet me,” Samuel replied. “It’s better for you to let me call him than for him to find out about this himself.” Seeing Samuel’s stubbornness, the younger officer tightened his grip on the stun baton and stepped forward threateningly. But just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. The name on the screen was striking: Chief. Douglas froze, his heart skipping a beat, and hesitantly picked up the call. On the other end, Joey Gunther’s furious voice roared: "How dare you bstds lock Mr. Hayes up?! Do you even know who he is?!"	LEARN_MORE	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&u	Fantasy Hero Country	https://www.facebook.com/61561117201220/	1,687	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	herfv.com	VIDEO	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475740648_1793054681528387_4634889186002536852_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HJZ_c-1NZ5AQ7kNvgHSi88d&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVRQw5Ek0YiSeB_Cn915dil&oh=00_AYB2DoEq--M3zSts_naNsMADZZOH1ObKIzvXcZ2DByNZ5w&oe=67A43A0C	PERSON_PROFILE	Fantasy Hero Country	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,966	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675938}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	😍Read the next chapters👉	Boom Boom Boom! The sound of knocking reverberated through the quiet night. “Who’s at the door?” Samuel murmured groggily. The clock on the wall showed 1 a.m.—far too late for visitors. “Open the door, or we’ll break it down!” A commanding voice from outside made Samuel quicken his steps. As he passed the window, his gaze caught the faint flicker of police sirens. Shock coursed through him when he opened the door and found three police officers standing there. “You’re under arrest.” One of the officers held out an arrest warrant. Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and tax evasion. It’s all about the company. His mind raced back to his years of dedication to J&S Corp, which belonged to his fiancée’s family. J&S Corp was nothing more than a company riddled with issues, leaving behind environmental destruction, loss of lives, and tangled government problems. However, everything became clear when Samuel joined the company. Samuel had put everything to rescue the company from near bankruptcy. Three relentless years spent rebuilding the Brooks family's struggling business. He used his own methods, not only solving the company's problems but also boosting the local economy by 200%. The job environment, salaries, and all the extra benefits were highly praised. Locals often said that if Samuel Hayes ran for president, they'd vote for him. Given all this, the accusation was just ridiculous. Samuel squinted at the officer’s name tag. “Well, Officer Douglaz,” Samuel said, his voice calm but biting, “I’d gladly come with you if those accusations were even remotely true.” “If you have any defense, you can make it at the station!” Officer Douglaz replied curtly. Douglaz signaled his subordinates to take Samuel, but Samuel frowned. “Officers. You’ve got the wrong man.” “Enough of this nonsense!” A sharp, cold voice cut through the tension, coming from behind the officers. A woman stepped forward, her movements deliberate. “Madeline?” Samuel whispered, disbelief clouding his face. His fiancée, the sole heir to J&S Corp, stood before him with an icy smile. Her piercing eyes full of scorn. “Do you want to protest?” she asked, her voice dripping with mockery. Their eyes met, and Samuel’s fists clenched tightly. Everything was clear now. He recalled the warnings of his colleagues about the Brooks family’s ruthlessness. Yet, he had always turned a deaf ear, believing such treachery could never reach him. For Samuel, none of this had ever felt real, as he had been raised by Madeline’s grandparents. Samuel’s parents had worked for Madeline’s grandparents, but tragically, a fatal incident claimed the lives of Samuel’s parents and Madeline’s grandmother. Ten-year-old Samuel was then taken in by Madeline’s grandfather. Sadly, Madeline’s grandfather followed his true love in death exactly ten months after the incident. Before his passing, he left a will instructing Madeline’s parent to raise him. Jonathan Brooks, Madeline’s father, initially had no desire to raise Samuel, but Samuel was considered a smart and obedient child. Clearly, Jonathan took advantage of this. He made Samuel take control of J&S Corp, which was on the verge of being seized by the government. He even insisted that Samuel become engaged to Madeline. But now, betrayal stared him in the face, cloaked in Madeline’s smug grin. A sharp chime interrupted the moment as Madeline’s phone lit up. Samuel caught the name on the screen: Gideon. With his sharp eyes, he quickly caught a few glaring words on the screen: Baby... Bed... Can’t wait... Those words clearly didn’t belong in a normal business conversation. Recognition dawned. He remembered the rumors of an arranged marriage between the Brooks and the powerful Hawthorne family. He thought it was just rumors. Madeline wouldn't cheat on him. But clearly, the rumors were true. She really was involved with the son of the Gideon family during the time. “Ah,” Samuel muttered with a bitter chuckle. “I see now.” Madeline slid her phone into her pocket and pushed Samuel’s shoulder with disdain. “What do you think you know, fool?” she sneered. Samuel’s expression hardened. “Everything about what’s happening now. But I do wonder, Madeline—do you honestly believe J&S Corp will thrive without me?” Madeline laughed, her voice sharp and mocking. “You think you’re irreplaceable? How pathetic.” Samuel’s voice turned cold. “You’re treating me like disposable trash, are you? Madeline? Kick me out after everything I’ve done?” Madeline stepped closer, her face inches from his, her tone venomous. “Don’t act like a victim, Samuel. You were useful for a time, but now you’re just dead weight. J&S Corp doesn’t need you anymore.” “Then J&S Corp is doomed,” Samuel replied simply. Chapter 2 Fury flashed in Madeline’s eyes, and without hesitation, she slapped Samuel hard across the face. The sound echoed in the hallway. “Enough!” she hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “Know your place.” Samuel’s cheek burned, but he stood tall, his voice calm. “You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your life.” Madeline laughed derisively. “Who do you think you are, Samuel? Without my grandparents’ charity, you’d still be nothing more than a street rat! Don’t delude yourself into thinking J&S succeeded because of you.” “Your skills were all ours to begin with,” she continued, her tone dripping with contempt. “If someone as useless as you could run the company, imagine what we can achieve without you.” Samuel said nothing more. “And you know what? I’m marrying Gideon!” she declared, her voice laced with venom, "He was incredible!" “He’s handsome, smart, and rich. With him around, J&S will not only make more money but also become a global powerhouse!” Samuel responded with a smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting. “What are you laughing at? You think you’re better than Gideon?!” Madeline snapped, her eyes narrowing into furious slits. “Well,” Samuel replied coolly, “I’m just curious how he plans to manage J&S Corp when he had just been bailed out of prison.” His words struck a nerve, causing Madeline’s hands to clench into tight fists. Because Samuel wasn’t wrong. Gideon Hawthorne had a terrible reputation, having been arrested for asaulted a minor. Madeline looked like someone hit her nerve. She shouted: “And you? You’re nothing!” “I finally don’t need to waste my time tolerating a 'fiancé' like you! So far beneath me!” “Imagine how much I’ve suffered these past three years!” “Don’t bother worrying about other people’s lives,” she spat. “You should focus on how you’ll rot away in prison!” Her tone turned crueler, sharper. Samuel had fully understood: this was a trap woven by his fiancée’s family, meant to keep him locked away forever. Madeline turned back to the police, signaling for them to do their job. But the officers stood rooted in place, as if an invisible force had shackled them. Samuel’s sharp gaze pierced through the three officers like a blade. It wasn’t anger in his eyes, but something far more potent—an air of authority so commanding that it froze them. He didn’t need to speak to establish dominance. His reputation alone preceded him—known not just for his wisdom, but for his ability to utterly dismantle his opposition with little more than his words and presence. Samuel Hayes wasn’t a man to be taken lightly. He held his head high and descended the steps ahead of them, looking nothing like a criminal. As the flashing sirens disappeared into the night, Madeline let out a relive sign. She pulled out her phone and called her father, Arthur Brooks. “My daughter,” came Arthur’s gravelly voice. “I trust you’re calling with good news about your plan.” “Of course, Daddy. When have I ever failed?” Madeline replied, her smug grin spreading. She basked in the satisfaction of her apparent victory. “Good job, my daughter,” Arthur said. “Forgive me for doubting you. Now, prepare to welcome your future husband.” “Don’t worry,” Madeline purred. “I’ll have Gideon wrapped around my finger in no time. We will get as much money as we want.” After ended the call, Madeline turned toward the villa. "At last, I’ve gotten rid of a poor fool," she smriked , striding into the opulent estate, "This beautiful house; these banknotes...Finally mine alone! No one takes it apart from me!" Meanwhile, in the small interrogation room, Douglaz gestured to a chair. “Have a seat, Mr. Hayes. I expect full cooperation here.” Samuel nodded once, his eyes drifting to the phone on the table. “I’d like to borrow your phone,” he said, his tone casual but firm. Douglaz hesitated. “To call your lawyer? That’s a good idea.” “No,” Samuel replied, his voice steady. “I want to call your chief.” “Call our chief?” another young officer, who hadn’t been involved in the arrest, laughed and interrupted. “Who do you think you are?! Our chief is not someone you can mess around.” Chief Joey Gunther, with a career spanning over two decades, had earned respect and admiration for his achievements. Firm, authoritative, and revered by all, Joey exuded leadership. Even the sound of his footsteps down a corridor could silence his subordinates. This arrested criminal had no right to see the chief. Besides, how many billionaires had tried to bribe Chief Joey Gunther, only to humiliate themselves? This man was just a manager of a local company, and a nominal one at that. The officer sneered. “If you don’t want your face in a toilet, shut up and answer the questions!” “He’ll want to meet me,” Samuel replied. “It’s better for you to let me call him than for him to find out about this himself.” Seeing Samuel’s stubbornness, the younger officer tightened his grip on the stun baton and stepped forward threateningly. But just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. The name on the screen was striking: Chief. Douglas froze, his heart skipping a beat, and hesitantly picked up the call. On the other end, Joey Gunther’s furious voice roared: "How dare you bstds lock Mr. Hayes up?! Do you even know who he is?!"	LEARN_MORE	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&u	Fantasy Hero Country	https://www.facebook.com/61561117201220/	1,687	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	herfv.com	IMAGE	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475816408_516636820916902_6190629096775238604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FyFxLd-3fboQ7kNvgFpx7YO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVRQw5Ek0YiSeB_Cn915dil&oh=00_AYAjkjbLPvLJqjTI3hOC9-Cy25GVPRtT8Ngp4QRjSGhp9A&oe=67A4483A	PERSON_PROFILE	Fantasy Hero Country	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,676,007	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396		The Vitamin That Can Help End Years of Neuropathy Pain	LEARN_MORE	https://arialief.space/wave	Maria Julia	https://www.facebook.com/61559241277756/	122	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	https://arialief.space/wave	VIDEO	https://arialief.space/wave	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476225810_1139789137536161_6893449132675267189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DpqGles7m0IQ7kNvgHmb9IQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ATWHsSe4-8lEtwkFvZdcAVq&oh=00_AYBIO_2XHR2CPuOfOOxgDBZ1A6ktWObGXiMkjGV8IXF57w&oe=67A41B8E	PERSON_PROFILE	Maria Julia	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,976	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	She thought she was special after two years with her aloof nominal uncle. Ready to confess her feelings, she learned he was getting married. She left heartbroken but returned as a renowned designer--only to find him waiting for her! ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... What happens next? 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2,675,977	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	After two crazy years, she decided to let go and return him to his first love. But he refused to let her go. "Don't leave me. Tomorrow's engagement is with you!" ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... What happens next? 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2,675,980	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	She thought she was special after two years with her aloof nominal uncle. Ready to confess her feelings, she learned he was getting married. She left heartbroken but returned as a renowned designer--only to find him waiting for her! ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... 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) &5&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novels	https://www.facebook.com/61563251196448/	2,448	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-ena255_2-0124-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=7929461117168105&exdata=B7502C52902DDDD97B68CAB7BA93FC9F748880975FBACBC5	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475513134_639843435158725_428246682915712570_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0hctzMgZrYUQ7kNvgFj6bLj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVRQw5Ek0YiSeB_Cn915dil&oh=00_AYC8xCZ_vwh9_nFWjvl49ZWBuGt8yThJXw2IWBwsY7JY3w&oe=67A43FDD	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novels	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,981	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	After two crazy years, she decided to let go and return him to his first love. But he refused to let her go. "Don't leave me. Tomorrow's engagement is with you!" ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... 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) &4&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novels	https://www.facebook.com/61563251196448/	2,448	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-ena255_2-0124-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=304554039400649&exdata=0AAD82447696D2AB6E8551054D854B8155230DB40ECCDF27	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475029297_4007290859540106_8823098538364151316_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XSH6k8wcFGgQ7kNvgHXj8Ut&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVRQw5Ek0YiSeB_Cn915dil&oh=00_AYCkifTFVRZwAeCUIMlg-nJIpNi4jRVETHPz2atZHR5nEQ&oe=67A428DF	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novels	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,983	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	After two crazy years, she decided to let go and return him to his first love. But he refused to let her go. "Don't leave me. Tomorrow's engagement is with you!" ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... What happens next? 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2,675,987	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Read next chapter	She thought she was special after two years with her aloof nominal uncle. Ready to confess her feelings, she learned he was getting married. She left heartbroken but returned as a renowned designer--only to find him waiting for her! ===== The winters in Ulares were bone-chilling, but inside Cloudscape Mansion, the air was thick with warmth and passion. "Uncle Ethan…" Nyla Green gasped, her voice catching. Ethan's lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. "Being so well-behaved tonight, aren't you?" "Don't you like it when I'm well-behaved?" The hunger in Ethan's eyes was undeniable. "What is it you want?" Settling into the armchair by the window, he asked, his mood seemingly lighter than usual. "Will you give me anything I ask for?" Nyla's voice was soft, hesitant, her hopeful gaze fixed on his sharp, handsome face. "Depends on what it is," Ethan replied evenly. "I want to be Mrs. Brooks." The warmth in Ethan's expression disappeared, replaced by a glacial stare that sent a chill down her spine. Nyla's heart sank as he let out a mocking laugh. "I've been too soft on you," he said coldly. "You think that gives you the right to ask for something like that?" Nyla bit her lip, "Callie's back, isn't she? You're planning to marry her, aren't you?" Callie Higgins--the name itself was enough to twist Nyla's gut. She was Ethan's first love--the woman who had once saved his life from kidnappers when he was eighteen. After the incident, their families agreed that Ethan and Callie would get engaged when the time was right. Ethan's expression flickered, just for a moment, but it was enough for Nyla to know she'd struck a nerve. She'd been with him for two years; she knew him well. "I just want a status. You know how hard it is for me in the Brooks family. Without protection, I--" "Protection?" Ethan cut her off, his tone sharp. In a flash, he was in front of her, gripping her chin firmly. His dark eyes bored into hers, fierce and unyielding. "Do you think I don't see through you, Nyla? You think you're worthy of being Mrs. Brooks?" Chapter 2 Time To Let Go "Ethan Brooks, you haven't changed a bit--still as cold-hearted as ever," Nyla snapped. The warm atmosphere had long since turned to ice. Nyla's expression was calm, though her intentions were anything but hidden. Tears glimmered in her defiant eyes. "If you're not willing to give me what I want, then this is it. From today, we're done. Beyond being my step-uncle, you have nothing to do with me anymore." Ethan's sneer was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blde. "You're the one who climbed into my bd back then. And now you want to walk away? Nyla, do you really think I'm that easy to deal with?" It had been a while since the Green family's sudden collapse. Overnight, Nyla's world unraveled. Her father, Lorenzo Green, took his own life to prove his innocence, and her brother was thrown behind bars. Her mother, desperate to survive, became the mi*ress of Ethan's elder brother, Ryland Brooks. When Ryland's wife passed away, Nyla's mother--pregnant with Ryland's child--married him. The Brooks family made no secret of their disdain. Nyla had always known her place, keeping her distance from the Brooks family whenever possible. But they never intended to stop tormenting her. Out of options, she had turned to Ethan. As the current leader of the Brooks family and one of the most powerful men in Ulares, Ethan was the only one who could offer her protection. "So, what do we call this... arrangement?" Her voice was low, almost mocking. Ethan's gaze lingered on her face--dangerously beautiful, the kind that brought chaos wherever it went. "If you want something else, I might consider it," he said, his tone indifferent as he released her. The implication was clear: he wasn't letting go, not yet. Bitterness rose in Nyla's throat. She could endure being his bdmates, but she wouldn't let herself become the other woman. That was one boundary she refused to cross. "Ethan, I'm tired. This... whatever it is, it's over." The word "over" felt hollow--Ethan had never acknowledged what they had in the first place. She pulled her torn dress over her body, her hands trembling but her resolve firm. Ethan's expression darkened. "What are you trying to prove with this tantrum?" Nyla paused, holding herself together with every ounce of willpower. She stood tall, meeting his gaze. "Mr. Brooks, if you can't give me what I want, then let's not waste any more time. I need to move on." Her words struck a nerve. Ethan grabbed her arm, "Move on? To who?" His voice dripped with menace. "Who else could ever satisfy you like I do? Don't act like this was all some mistake. You crawled into my bd, Nyla. Don't think I'll let you forget that." Nyla's composure cracked as anger flared in her chest. She glared at him, tears brimming. "So what if I did? I regret it! You're going to marry Callie, and I'm supposed to sit here and wait for your scraps? I may be shameless, Ethan, but I'm not that pathetic." The air between them was suffocating, heavy with unspoken truths and unbearable tension. A sudden ring shattered the silence. Ethan glanced at his phone, irritation flickering across his face. He was about to ignore the call until he saw the name. Callie. He released Nyla and answered without hesitation. Nyla watched in silence, her heart sinking at his gentle tone. He'd only ever used it with her in bd. She felt the humiliation settle deep in her chst. "I'll be there soon." Ethan finished the called and then dressed. He turned to Nyla. "I'll have Jackson transfer the money to your account. Don't even think about leaving." The door clicked shut behind him. Nyla sat still, staring at the empty space he left behind. Then, with a bitter laugh, she wiped her tears away. If she couldn't have what she wanted, then she'd take back what little was left of her dignity. It was time to let go. Chapter 3 So What If I Am? Nyla, now in her senior year of college, had already begun her internship while managing her own studio--a venture she had started during her junior year. She specialized in fashion design, and her studio was her pride and joy. But lately, the pressure from competitors had been relentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares. Despite the frustration, Nyla refused to back down. After a restless night, her body ached as she got ready for the day. She couldn't bring herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfit. Even in simple clothes, her elegance and charisma turned heads wherever she went. As she walked into the studio, her receptionist hesitated before approaching her. "Miss Green... um, your mother is here," she said nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's holding a baby, and we didn't want to risk anything." Nyla gave her a reassuring smile. Her mother, Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It's fine. I understand. You can get back to work." Relieved, the receptionist nodded and returned to her desk. Nyla's studio wasn't large, but every inch of it reflected her touch. She had designed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophistication. In the lounge area, she spotted her mother cradling a baby in her arms. Nolan Brooks, a premature baby, had come into the world when Vicki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their lives, and since then, Vicki's world revolved entirely around him. Standing silently in the doorway, Nyla observed her mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gently rocked Nolan, her maternal warmth unmistakable. For a fleeting moment, Nyla saw the woman Vicki used to be--a gentle, understanding wife and mother, back when the Green family was intact. But that version of her mother was gone. Now, Vicki was only a mother to Nolan. The thought stung, but Nyla pushed the feeling aside and walked into the lounge. She sat across from Vicki, who glanced up briefly before returning her attention to Nolan. Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Picking up the cup, Nyla stirred it slowly, the clinking of the spoon breaking the silence. "Why are you here?" she asked, her tone even. Vicki's gaze flickered disapprovingly over Nyla's casual outfit. "You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're representing the Brooks family now? Everything you do reflects on us." Leaning back on the sofa, Nyla replied with a calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green. I've never been part of the Brooks family." Vicki's lips tightened, her frustration evident. "You--" She stopped herself, glancing down at Nolan, who stirred in her arms. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting the second son of the Fowler family. He's from a respectable background, and it's time you start thinking about your future." Nyla raised an eyebrow, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The second son of the Fowler family had recently been released from prison. Ryland certainly had a knack for picking matches. "I don't have time," Nyla replied dismissively, taking a sip of her coffee. Vicki's composure cracked. "No time? You didn't go to school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't come home last night either. I heard you were at a bar." She had done her homework. Nyla's late-night escapades and partying were the reason Vicki had stormed over. That kind of behavior was unacceptable. If it weren't for Nolan dozing off in her arms, she'd have already started yelling. Then Vicki's sharp eyes zeroed in on a faint red mrk on Nyla's neck. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "I'm warning you, Nyla. If you're fooling around, I won't tolerate it!" Nyla paused mid-sip, setting her cup down deliberately. She met Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looked youthful despite her age. Money sure did wonders, Nyla mused. "And what if I am?" she said, leaning back. "You haven't cared about me in years, so why pretend now? Take your precious son and leave." Chapter 4 Family Dinner "Nyla!" Vicki shot to her feet, her sudden movement jolting Nolan awake in her arms. The baby let out a wail that pierced through the studio. "It's okay, Nolan. Shh, you're okay," Vicki murmured, turning her attention to him and pointedly ignoring Nyla. "We'll go home soon, sweetheart. Be good for Mommy." Nyla rubbed her ears, the irony of the scene grating on her nerves. Without a word, she turned to leave. "Don't forget." Vicki's strained voice rang out behind her. "I've always been the one begging for help for your brother. Do you have any idea how much he's suffered in prison? And your sister-in-law? I've been the one sending her money to survive. If you had even a shred of consideration for me, you'd listen to what I say!" Nyla froze mid-step, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling as a wave of helplessness rolled over her. After the incident all those years ago, her brother had been jailed, and her pregnant sister-in-law had been so traumatized she ended up hospitalized. The baby--already five months along--couldn't be saved, and her sister-in-law's health had never recovered. The family sold everything they owned, borrowed from anyone who'd listen, and still came up short. Eventually, their options ran dry, and even close relatives cut ties. Nyla's sister-in-law finally gave up, saying she didn't want to be a burden. Vicki's marriage into the wealthy Brooks family had brought temporary relief, but her sister-in-law's lingering illness had turned into a lifelong battle--one that drained both money and hope. And Vicki, to her credit, had been the one subsidizing the expensive treatments. Nyla's fingers curled and relaxed along the edge of her sleeve--a quiet gesture of powerless compromise. "Fine. I'll go." Vicki let out a relieved sigh, her tone softening. "There's a family dinner at the Brooks Mansion tonight. Leave work early and make sure you're there. You can't miss it." Nyla felt an immediate headache brewing. She'd planned to avoid Ethan for at least a little while longer, but her plans were thwarted before they'd even begun. "I know you hate going to these things, but think about me. Think about your little brother. He's just a child, Nyla. If you don't look out for him, who will? Please, just do this for me." Vicki's words left no room for refusal. Nyla was at a loss for words. Her mother asked her to protect Nolan, but who would protect her? The Brooks family wore their civility like sheep's clothing, but beneath it, she knew better. They were wolves--every single one of them--and none would spare her if given the chance. And yet, Nyla never voiced these grievances to Vicki. It would only be pointless. Vicki would call her immature, blame her for the Brooks family's hostility, insist that Nyla brought it all upon herself. So Nyla could only swallow her resentment. Later that afternoon, Nyla left work early as instructed. She took her time getting home and changed clothes, knowing Vicki would nitpick if she didn't look the part. She settled on a gray, short tweed jacket over a black skirt--poised, polished, and appropriately elegant. Nyla despised the cold. If it weren't for the Brooks family gathering, she would have bundled herself in two down jackets and called it a day. These social charades were a performance she loathed--hollow and suffocating. But Vicki insisted she need to integrate. Half an hour later, Nyla stepped out of the taxi in front of the imposing Brooks Mansion. Just as she turned to head inside, a sleek Maybach pulled up beside her. Nyla didn't intend to acknowledge anyone--until the license plate caught her eye. Ethan's car. The tinted window rolled down slowly, and two faces came into view--elegant, pristine, and altogether too perfect. "Hello, Nyla." A woman's voice broke the moment. "I'm Callie." Chapter 5 Rivals In Love Nyla had imagined meeting Callie in countless scenarios. Maybe it would happen during one of those stolen moments with Ethan, where they'd be caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla would dutifully offer her congratulations as a younger member of the Brooks family. But never like this--never with Callie deliberately approaching her. Nyla glanced at Ethan, suspicious. Was he behind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locked on her, his dark eyes betraying nothing. Those eyes had a way of pulling people in. She quickly looked away, her voice cold. "Hello. Did you need something?" Nyla didn't like the Brooks family, and she liked Callie even less. Callie was, after all, a rival in love. "Oh, nothing at all. I'd just heard Ethan had a breathtakingly beautiful niece, and I couldn't resist coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kind of tone that made others instinctively want to protect her, a stark contrast to Nyla's cool tone. "You're exaggerating. I'm just an ordinary person." An ordinary person who was all too easy to manipulate. The moment the words left her mouth, Nyla felt Ethan's gaze on her--sharp, teasing. She met his eyes, her expression frosty, but he didn't look away. Instead, his lips parted, and his cool voice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don't waste time on people who don't matter." Callie offered an apologetic smile. "We'll head in, then. Would you like to join us? It's a bit of a walk." The words "people who don't matter" stung more than Nyla cared to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close--so possessive he wouldn't let her leave--and now he was acting like a stranger. Huh. If Ethan chose acting as his career, he would win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be the one throwing tomatoes at his acceptance speech. Plastering on a bitter smile, she replied, "No thanks. I don't feel comfortable riding in a stranger's car." Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind brushing her cheeks and nearly drawing tears from her eyes. But she refused to cry--not here, not at the Brooks family estate. The sprawling Brooks Mansion loomed ahead, its gardens and private villas spread across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private residence in Ulares and an unyielding symbol of the Brooks family's influence. The family dinner was held in the main house of the estate, and by the time Nyla arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing beside Callie, who was chatting amicably with the wife of Ethan's second brother. They looked disturbingly at ease with one another. "Why are you so late? Didn't I tell you to leave work early?" The voice belonged to Vicki, who appeared beside Nyla in a black gown and white mink shawl, exuding effortless grace. Nyla forced a smile, though she detested the way Vicki had shed her real self to fit into the Brooks family mold. "It's a long drive. Besides, I'm here now, aren't I?" Her eyes roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hiding their disdain. "Honestly, we shouldn't have bothered coming." Vicki tightened her grip on Nyla's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connections with the Fowler family, we wouldn't be in this position." Nyla's tone sharpened. "If you're in such a rush, feel free to go see my blind date yourself." "Don't be ridiculous!" Vicki hissed, glancing around nervously. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene here. "Then stop nagging me," Nyla retorted. "Unless you want me to make a real fuss." Vicki bit back her frustration, unwilling to press further. Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to stay invisible until the endless family dinner wrapped up. But, of course, the peace didn't last. "Nyla, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Are you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice rang in her ear. "I can show you around if you'd like." Chapter 6 Definition Of Decorum "Thank you, I appreciate your concern, Miss Higgins, but that won't be necessary." Nyla blinked leisurely, suppressing a yawn. The previous night had been relentless and exhausting, and as she sat in the quiet corner, weary and disinterested, she had thought no one would disturb her. Unexpectedly, Callie had come over, initiating conversation. As Nyla observed the gentle expression on Callie's face, a sardonic grin took root in her thoughts. She now understood Ethan's distaste for her; he evidently preferred someone more like Callie. "Leave her be, Callie. That woman is nothing but trouble. Who knows who she'll charm next? You're too good for her." These words came from Stella Brooks, the daughter of Ethan's second brother. Nyla turned toward Stella, her expression teasingly challenging. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should seek out Lukas for an enlightening chat in his bedroom. He'd probably appreciate it. And perhaps tomorrow I'll drop by Austen's place--I still know how to get in." Lukas Brooks, Stella's younger brother, had been captivated by Nyla from the start, wanting nothing more than to stay by her side. His family, convinced of Nyla's manipulative charm, met her with cold disdain. Consequently, Lukas found himself transferred to a distant boarding school. Austen Mitchell, the focus of Stella's unrequited affections, had grown up next door to Nyla. Their families were intertwined, and he always saw Nyla as kin, a fact unknown to many. This was the root of Stella's vehement animosity toward Nyla. Originally, Nyla endured her insults, but Stella's escalation to physical threats forced Nyla to retaliate. "Shame on you!" Stella seethed, her cheeks burning. "Don't think for a moment you belong in the Brooks household just because you share our roof! You're no better than your mother. It's clear now why your family crumbled--you thrive on being a shameless intruder!" Shadows flickered in Nyla's eyes, her fist tightening inside her sleeve, though her expression remained calm. "Has Austen actually accepted your advances? You seem to be the one relentlessly pursuing him. He freely opens his door to me. Can you say the same? Your efforts seem futile. He shows no interest in you." Stella's eyes welled up, her hand lifted for a slap, but Callie intervened just in time. "Stella, that was uncalled for. Why would you say such things?" Callie's voice carried the weight of a mentor scolding a student. Flushed and tearful, Stella bit her tongue following Callie's sharp scolding. With a restrained smile but firm voice, Callie maintained her composed aristocratic air. "You're under the Brooks' roof now, Nyla. It's high time to leave your old ways behind. We expect decorum in a family of the Brooks family's standing." Nyla noted Callie's attempt to shame her and wondered about her motives. Her secret with Ethan was safe. What was driving Callie's hostility? Was it just a personal dislike? Nyla's lethargy vanished, replaced by simmering annoyance. "Stella called me a shameless intruder and hurled insults, yet you don't accuse her of indecorum. I merely stated some facts, less harshly than her, and yet here you are, Miss Higgins, accusing me of impropriety." Nyla's voice was measured as she locked eyes with Callie, her laughter tinged with scorn. "So, this is your definition of decorum, Miss Higgins? Your upbringing must indeed be exemplary." Chapter 7 Lecture Me On Callie's Behalf? Callie's expression shifted, her eyes softening with a tinge of apology. "I didn't mean it like that," she said gently. "I just thought… it might help you to fit in better with the Brooks family." Nyla's gaze swept over the two women in front of her. Stella still looked like she was ready to tear her apart, while Callie's carefully composed friendliness had started to crumble. Suddenly, the family dinner didn't seem so dull after all. One person warned her not to dream too big about the Brooks family, and the other subtly reminded her of her place as an outsider. How delightfully amusing. "And what does that have to do with you, Miss Higgins?" Nyla asked, standing abruptly. A sly smile curved her lips as she added, "Stella does have a point, though. Who knows who I'll charm next? Maybe one day… Ethan will end up in my bd too. Instead of worrying about me, Miss Higgins, you might want to keep an eye on yourself." The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Without waiting for a response, Nyla turned and strode toward the garden. "You bch! How dare you even think about Uncle Ethan!" Stella's shrill voice pierced the air. "Callie, see? She doesn't deserve your kindness. She's shameless!" Callie's eyes lingered on Nyla's retreating figure, all pretense of kindness gone. Her voice was cold and measured. "Just an outsider. Does she really think the Brooks family will protect her? Let's see how long she lasts." The garden, though chilled by the winter air, offered a quiet sanctuary to Nyla. Dinner still hadn't been served--Roger Brooks, Ethan's father, hadn't arrived yet. Nyla was grateful she wasn't particularly hungry. Otherwise, she might have had an outright clash with Vicki and left. Most of the flowers had withered, leaving the once vibrant landscape barren and forlorn. She studied the decayed flowers, finding an odd comfort in their desolation. Settling onto a swing tucked in the corner of the garden, Nyla pushed herself back and forth lightly, lost in thought. The Ethan situation was spiraling. If things ended between them now, her carefully laid plans would collapse. When she first approached Ethan, she'd told herself it was all calculated--a means to an end. But somewhere along the way, her emotions had betrayed her. She'd been starved of love for so long that the taste of it--however fleeting--had made her greedy. She didn't want to let him go. "Do you think you can hide out here after stirring trouble?" Ethan's voice cut through the stillness, sharp yet calm. "Do you think the Brooks family is that forgiving?" Nyla froze for a second before resuming her lazy swaying. The light from the house spilled onto her figure, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her seem almost otherworldly--a delicate flower in a crumbling garden. She tilted her head slightly, her hair spilling across her chest, and smiled faintly. "So, are you here to lecture me on your future fiancée's behalf?" Her eyes, glimmering with playful defiance, locked onto his. Ethan hated and loved those eyes--the mischievous glint that made her look like a sly little fox, always drawing him closer. "You're getting bolder." "If that's your reason, you can save your breath," Nyla retorted, bitterness threading her words. "I won't apologize. And you don't have to remind me of my place either. Whether the Brooks family hates me or not is none of your concern. After all, I'm just… insignificant, right?" Ethan's expression darkened instantly. He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and pulled her down onto his lap as sat on the swing, its frame graning under their combined weight. "Have you already forgotten who was in my b*d yesterday, pleasing me?" Nyla's eyes widened as she struggled against him, "Let go of me! Ethan, this is the Brooks Mansion. Someone will see!" ...... 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) &5&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novels	https://www.facebook.com/61563251196448/	2,448	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/67687322-fb_contact-ena255_2-0124-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=157725&accid=7929461117168105&exdata=B7502C52902DDDD9C618760A7C78711322AE9BC162DB37AF	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475426208_1516886962319284_2899776350542994665_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W1Eumk3EqwQQ7kNvgEIlnI9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVRQw5Ek0YiSeB_Cn915dil&oh=00_AYA2N2-Oeq_qaB51t_Y66RlzpdNa9TYTudvKOF4MacGcCQ&oe=67A447ED	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novels	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,994	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675993}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	Click to watch more videos	After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...	WATCH_MORE	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book	Love short film	https://www.facebook.com/61565975720355/	3,299	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	w2a.reelshort.com	VIDEO	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475759006_581491814712504_9150897136409066462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vy-utktNRS0Q7kNvgGn-uhq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AYvU5c-VNDuKppz540MW5QE&oh=00_AYDTOBMhk4vsTkWMbemDYn6baX7f-DeBPbmiv4SmrclpVA&oe=67A43932	PERSON_PROFILE	Love short film	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,675,940	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2675938}'	No	2025-02-01 12:00	active	2396	😍Read the next chapters👉	Boom Boom Boom! The sound of knocking reverberated through the quiet night. “Who’s at the door?” Samuel murmured groggily. The clock on the wall showed 1 a.m.—far too late for visitors. “Open the door, or we’ll break it down!” A commanding voice from outside made Samuel quicken his steps. As he passed the window, his gaze caught the faint flicker of police sirens. Shock coursed through him when he opened the door and found three police officers standing there. “You’re under arrest.” One of the officers held out an arrest warrant. Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and tax evasion. It’s all about the company. His mind raced back to his years of dedication to J&S Corp, which belonged to his fiancée’s family. J&S Corp was nothing more than a company riddled with issues, leaving behind environmental destruction, loss of lives, and tangled government problems. However, everything became clear when Samuel joined the company. Samuel had put everything to rescue the company from near bankruptcy. Three relentless years spent rebuilding the Brooks family's struggling business. He used his own methods, not only solving the company's problems but also boosting the local economy by 200%. The job environment, salaries, and all the extra benefits were highly praised. Locals often said that if Samuel Hayes ran for president, they'd vote for him. Given all this, the accusation was just ridiculous. Samuel squinted at the officer’s name tag. “Well, Officer Douglaz,” Samuel said, his voice calm but biting, “I’d gladly come with you if those accusations were even remotely true.” “If you have any defense, you can make it at the station!” Officer Douglaz replied curtly. Douglaz signaled his subordinates to take Samuel, but Samuel frowned. “Officers. You’ve got the wrong man.” “Enough of this nonsense!” A sharp, cold voice cut through the tension, coming from behind the officers. A woman stepped forward, her movements deliberate. “Madeline?” Samuel whispered, disbelief clouding his face. His fiancée, the sole heir to J&S Corp, stood before him with an icy smile. Her piercing eyes full of scorn. “Do you want to protest?” she asked, her voice dripping with mockery. Their eyes met, and Samuel’s fists clenched tightly. Everything was clear now. He recalled the warnings of his colleagues about the Brooks family’s ruthlessness. Yet, he had always turned a deaf ear, believing such treachery could never reach him. For Samuel, none of this had ever felt real, as he had been raised by Madeline’s grandparents. Samuel’s parents had worked for Madeline’s grandparents, but tragically, a fatal incident claimed the lives of Samuel’s parents and Madeline’s grandmother. Ten-year-old Samuel was then taken in by Madeline’s grandfather. Sadly, Madeline’s grandfather followed his true love in death exactly ten months after the incident. Before his passing, he left a will instructing Madeline’s parent to raise him. Jonathan Brooks, Madeline’s father, initially had no desire to raise Samuel, but Samuel was considered a smart and obedient child. Clearly, Jonathan took advantage of this. He made Samuel take control of J&S Corp, which was on the verge of being seized by the government. He even insisted that Samuel become engaged to Madeline. But now, betrayal stared him in the face, cloaked in Madeline’s smug grin. A sharp chime interrupted the moment as Madeline’s phone lit up. Samuel caught the name on the screen: Gideon. With his sharp eyes, he quickly caught a few glaring words on the screen: Baby... Bed... Can’t wait... Those words clearly didn’t belong in a normal business conversation. Recognition dawned. He remembered the rumors of an arranged marriage between the Brooks and the powerful Hawthorne family. He thought it was just rumors. Madeline wouldn't cheat on him. But clearly, the rumors were true. She really was involved with the son of the Gideon family during the time. “Ah,” Samuel muttered with a bitter chuckle. “I see now.” Madeline slid her phone into her pocket and pushed Samuel’s shoulder with disdain. “What do you think you know, fool?” she sneered. Samuel’s expression hardened. “Everything about what’s happening now. But I do wonder, Madeline—do you honestly believe J&S Corp will thrive without me?” Madeline laughed, her voice sharp and mocking. “You think you’re irreplaceable? How pathetic.” Samuel’s voice turned cold. “You’re treating me like disposable trash, are you? Madeline? Kick me out after everything I’ve done?” Madeline stepped closer, her face inches from his, her tone venomous. “Don’t act like a victim, Samuel. You were useful for a time, but now you’re just dead weight. J&S Corp doesn’t need you anymore.” “Then J&S Corp is doomed,” Samuel replied simply. Chapter 2 Fury flashed in Madeline’s eyes, and without hesitation, she slapped Samuel hard across the face. The sound echoed in the hallway. “Enough!” she hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “Know your place.” Samuel’s cheek burned, but he stood tall, his voice calm. “You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your life.” Madeline laughed derisively. “Who do you think you are, Samuel? Without my grandparents’ charity, you’d still be nothing more than a street rat! Don’t delude yourself into thinking J&S succeeded because of you.” “Your skills were all ours to begin with,” she continued, her tone dripping with contempt. “If someone as useless as you could run the company, imagine what we can achieve without you.” Samuel said nothing more. “And you know what? I’m marrying Gideon!” she declared, her voice laced with venom, "He was incredible!" “He’s handsome, smart, and rich. With him around, J&S will not only make more money but also become a global powerhouse!” Samuel responded with a smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting. “What are you laughing at? You think you’re better than Gideon?!” Madeline snapped, her eyes narrowing into furious slits. “Well,” Samuel replied coolly, “I’m just curious how he plans to manage J&S Corp when he had just been bailed out of prison.” His words struck a nerve, causing Madeline’s hands to clench into tight fists. Because Samuel wasn’t wrong. Gideon Hawthorne had a terrible reputation, having been arrested for asaulted a minor. Madeline looked like someone hit her nerve. She shouted: “And you? You’re nothing!” “I finally don’t need to waste my time tolerating a 'fiancé' like you! So far beneath me!” “Imagine how much I’ve suffered these past three years!” “Don’t bother worrying about other people’s lives,” she spat. “You should focus on how you’ll rot away in prison!” Her tone turned crueler, sharper. Samuel had fully understood: this was a trap woven by his fiancée’s family, meant to keep him locked away forever. Madeline turned back to the police, signaling for them to do their job. But the officers stood rooted in place, as if an invisible force had shackled them. Samuel’s sharp gaze pierced through the three officers like a blade. It wasn’t anger in his eyes, but something far more potent—an air of authority so commanding that it froze them. He didn’t need to speak to establish dominance. His reputation alone preceded him—known not just for his wisdom, but for his ability to utterly dismantle his opposition with little more than his words and presence. Samuel Hayes wasn’t a man to be taken lightly. He held his head high and descended the steps ahead of them, looking nothing like a criminal. As the flashing sirens disappeared into the night, Madeline let out a relive sign. She pulled out her phone and called her father, Arthur Brooks. “My daughter,” came Arthur’s gravelly voice. “I trust you’re calling with good news about your plan.” “Of course, Daddy. When have I ever failed?” Madeline replied, her smug grin spreading. She basked in the satisfaction of her apparent victory. “Good job, my daughter,” Arthur said. “Forgive me for doubting you. Now, prepare to welcome your future husband.” “Don’t worry,” Madeline purred. “I’ll have Gideon wrapped around my finger in no time. We will get as much money as we want.” After ended the call, Madeline turned toward the villa. "At last, I’ve gotten rid of a poor fool," she smriked , striding into the opulent estate, "This beautiful house; these banknotes...Finally mine alone! No one takes it apart from me!" Meanwhile, in the small interrogation room, Douglaz gestured to a chair. “Have a seat, Mr. Hayes. I expect full cooperation here.” Samuel nodded once, his eyes drifting to the phone on the table. “I’d like to borrow your phone,” he said, his tone casual but firm. Douglaz hesitated. “To call your lawyer? That’s a good idea.” “No,” Samuel replied, his voice steady. “I want to call your chief.” “Call our chief?” another young officer, who hadn’t been involved in the arrest, laughed and interrupted. “Who do you think you are?! Our chief is not someone you can mess around.” Chief Joey Gunther, with a career spanning over two decades, had earned respect and admiration for his achievements. Firm, authoritative, and revered by all, Joey exuded leadership. Even the sound of his footsteps down a corridor could silence his subordinates. This arrested criminal had no right to see the chief. Besides, how many billionaires had tried to bribe Chief Joey Gunther, only to humiliate themselves? This man was just a manager of a local company, and a nominal one at that. The officer sneered. “If you don’t want your face in a toilet, shut up and answer the questions!” “He’ll want to meet me,” Samuel replied. “It’s better for you to let me call him than for him to find out about this himself.” Seeing Samuel’s stubbornness, the younger officer tightened his grip on the stun baton and stepped forward threateningly. But just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. The name on the screen was striking: Chief. Douglas froze, his heart skipping a beat, and hesitantly picked up the call. On the other end, Joey Gunther’s furious voice roared: "How dare you bstds lock Mr. Hayes up?! Do you even know who he is?!"	LEARN_MORE	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&u	Fantasy Hero Country	https://www.facebook.com/61561117201220/	1,687	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	herfv.com	VIDEO	https://herfv.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=17978&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475082736_1288755952447453_5182389152801188417_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vK2cfoz3-fUQ7kNvgGdIjlL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa18Ne3SBcEOsxJlMIbJ5AT&oh=00_AYAlCpL8A8WVa8A9iUArodAkGbINmaavUSPnWB0LgTwP5A&oe=67A43139	PERSON_PROFILE	Fantasy Hero Country	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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