Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Adarchiveid	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Pageid	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Collationcount	Collationid	Enddate	Entitytype	Gatedtype	Hidedatastatus	Isaaaeligible	Isactive	Isprofilepage	Cta Text	Pagename	Ad Creative	Caption	Effective Authorization Category	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Page Welcome Message	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Instagram Actor Name	Instagram Profile Pic Url	Version	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
310,833	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310870}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1080169136506154	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> "Trevor, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection."<br /> ******** <br /> As I'm lying here thinking about all of this, Tamaska starts jumping around in my mind. Like literally jumping around. She seems so excited all of a sudden. I look up and see Trevor standing over me, looking at me strangely. At first, he seems happy to see me, then his expression changes. I guess he remembers that we are no longer friends. Meanwhile, Tamaska is still going crazy in my head. Trevor and Tamaska say the one word I never wanted to hear in reference to Trevor. They both yell "mate". No, this can't be. I can't be his mate. This will never work. Now I'm panicking. I can see on his face that he is going to reject me. This is not the way my life is supposed to go. Oh, moon goddess, give me the strength to be strong and not break down.<br /> Trevor just stands there for a minute, then says, "let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> As soon as he said those words, I felt a pain like I have never experienced before. It's like my heart has been ripped apart. Tamaska starts whimpering. Trevor made my wolf cry. Why would he do this?<br /> "Why?" I ask. As much as I hate him seeing me cry, tears are running down her eyes. "Why would you do this to us? Why would you take away our chance to be happy? Do you really hate me that much?"<br /> "It's not about me hating you, Seleste." He says, "The mate bond will not let me hate you. I just don't think you are the right person to be my Luna. You are a good Gamma. Fighting is what you do, but I need someone else lying beside me. Not someone who will undermine me or make me look bad in front of the pack warriors. I just can't have you as my mate. I don't want you as my mate."<br /> I can't believe my mate is saying this to me. It's like he really wants to hurt me. He is saying that he prefers someone else over me, his mate. Tamaska has not stopped whimpering. She is so hurt by what our mate is saying. Although I knew this was coming, the pain was unbearable.<br /> "Are you sure this is what you want, Trevor? Do you want to think about this before you make a final decision?" I ask in a whisper.<br /> "Don't beg Seleste, it's really not becoming. It should be no surprise that I rejected you. I made it known over this past year that I do not want you in my life. Yes, I am sure. I do not want you as my mate. My rejection stands!" <br /> Did he just say stop begging? The nerve of him. I would never beg anyone to be with me. He wishes I was begging him. How is he going to feel when he finds out that I get a second chance mate while he is stuck without a mate? I don't need to beg. <br /> "Begging, the last thing I'm doing is begging. I have never begged and trust me; you are the last person I would ever beg to be in my life. Out of respect to your father, I have kept my opinion to myself about you and the way you are acting, but truthfully, Trevor, you are a disappointment. I don't know what your parents or the pack will do when they find out what you have done, but since this is what you want and since frankly, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection." I say and begin to walk away. I need to get away from him. It is taking everything in me to hold Tamaska back. She really wants to kick his butt right now.<br /> "Before you go, I order you not to tell anyone about us being mates," Trevor says in his alpha voice.<br /> Is he serious right now? Does he really not know that the alpha command does not work on our family? He really is not fit to lead our pack. He obviously did not pay attention in his alpha training, or he would know it is pointless to alpha command me. I will tell who I want to tell. I just look at him in disgust and walk away. As much as I want to break down and cry for hours, I refuse to let him see me cry more than he already has. I hold my head up high and walk away from him. The moon goddess granted me my request. I feel strong and I could keep myself together. At least until I get home. <br /> Once I make it to my house, I run to my mom and cry my eyes out. My mom keeps asking me what's wrong. My dad comes in and tries to talk to me, but I can't stop crying enough to talk to them. I can't say the words. At least not yet. My mom calls Mona to come to be with me and to help calm me down. After crying for about an hour, I'm finally ready to tell my family what happened. Wiping my eyes, I begin the story of my life right now.<br /> "I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep it simple. Tamaska was feeling restless, so I went to the clearing the grandmother used to take me to. As I was basking in the moon, Trevor walked into the clearing." I see my mom and dad stiffen when I mention Trevor's name. Mona just looks at me with concern. I think she knows what I'm about to tell them.<br /> "It turns out that I am Trevor's mate," I say with a sigh.<br /> "I don't understand," my dad says, "if you found your mate tonight, why are you crying? Did something happen to you or Trevor?"<br /> "Dad, Trevor rejected me." My family has the same shocked look I had.<br /> "Are you serious," my mom and Mona say at the same time.<br /> My dad is steaming mad right now. I'm afraid of what he will do. Trevor hurt his baby. This may not end well for Trevor. When my dad is angry, even the alpha stays out of his way. My mom and I are the only ones that can calm him down.<br /> "Yes, I'm serious. He said that I was not Luna material, and he did not want me as his mate or the right Luna for this pack." I explained to my family.<br /> "Trevor is an idiot," Mona says. "There is no one more suited to be our Luna. You have always put this pack first. You have always worked to make us better and stronger."<br /> "I know. Mona, it hurts so bad. My own mate does not want me. To make matters worse, he tried to alpha command me not to tell anyone that we are mates."<br /> "What!" my dad yells. "I need to go find this pup and teach him a lesson. No one hurts my baby and lives to talk about. Who does he think he is? He is obviously not fit to lead. He doesn't even know our pack's history. Every alpha knows that our family is not subject to any alpha. We serve out of choice, we submit out of respect, not out of compulsion. Our family has served this pack for generations, and I have never questioned that choice until now. This pack is not worth the pain it is causing my baby. First, I'm going to teach that brat a lesson, and then we are transferring to a different pack where they respect and appreciate us."<br /> "Baby calm down." My mom says to my dad. "Let's focus on our baby girl for now. What do you want to do, Seleste?"<br /> "I really don't know, momma. I don't want to run like a coward. He is not worth us turning our lives upside down. Besides, I will be traveling a lot after school anyway, so I will rarely see him. And dad, if you hurt Trevor, I may ruin your friendship with Alpha Connor. I'm sure he does not know what Trevor did. And No dad, I don't want you to tell him. I don't want anyone to know that Trevor was my mate. Grandmother told me that if one of us gets rejected by our mate, the moon goddess will bless us with a second chance mate. While I don't want another mate right now, there is still hope for me in the future. Right now, I just want to get through the end of the school year."<br /> "Ok baby girl, if this is what you want, your father and I will support your decision. But remember, you are my daughter. You will not sit around and mope about that pup. I will give you one full day to cry and be sad, then I want you to pick yourself up and start moving forward. It may still hurt, but it will not destroy you."<br /> "Thanks, mom," I say, hugging my parents. "You always know what to say.<br /> "You are my favorite daughter; I will always be there for you in this life and the next."<br /> "Mom, I'm your only daughter," I say with a smile.<br /> "And don't you forget it," my mom says.<br /> My family spent the rest of the night talking, listening, and wiping my tears. I am so glad I have them in my life. My mom is right. I will not wallow in sadness over Trevor. He has proven that he is not worthy of me. He made his choice and now I am free. I will be able to move on. He thought he would break me, but I won't break. I go to my room and grab my journal and begin to write. I just let all my hurt, anger, and disappointments release on paper. Writing poetry has always been my outlet. Speaking of poetry, I think I will ask the girls to go to Jazzy's tomorrow night.<br /> As I lie in bed, I start to feel this burning feeling in my stomach. I feel like someone is clawing my stomach from the inside. I have a high pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. I yell out in pain. My mom and dad run into my room when they hear me cry out. I tell my mom about the pain in my stomach. My dad gets mad all over again. They don't want to tell me what's going on. Mom says I'm better not knowing. Tamaska is howling in my head. She has been quiet since Trevor rejected us, but now she is balled up in a knot, howling and crying. I know this has to be about Trevor. He made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She does not deserve to be hurt like this.<br /> "T what's wrong? What's happening? Mom and dad will not tell me."<br /> "It's mate, he is being intimate with another she-wolf." Tamaska cries. "He really does not want us, and he is already with someone else. Seleste, I can't handle this right now. I'm going to take a break from this. I'll still be with you, but I'm going into a deep sleep, at least for now, don't worry, I'm not going away and I won't be down long. I just need a little time."<br /> "It's ok T. I love you and I will be here for you." I sent T a hug. I wish I could hold and pet her right now.<br /> "Mom, Dad, Trevor made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She did not deserve that. T told me what this pain is. There is no coming back from this. He has truly sealed our fates and our future. I am done with him. If I had it in me to hate anyone, I would definitely hate Trevor."<br /> "Like your mom said, baby girl, we will support you no matter what. You deserve better. I will stay out of it and let you handle it for now, but if he hurts you again, I will have to step in. There is no way I or my wolf can stand by and let someone hurt my pup. I don't care who it is."<br /> We all walked out of the house and headed to the venue for the party. <br /> "I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate the 18th birthday of the circle of ten, our next generation of the leaders of the pack. I'm sure that together, the ten will continue to move our pack to greater things." The alpha says. He announces all the mate connections in our group of ten. The pack is so happy for the mates, the alpha can barely get a word in. Finally, the crowd calms down, and the alpha announces Trevor and his fake mate. I look at my dad and shake my head as the alpha speaks. I don't want my dad to lose it and tell the pack that Trevor rejected me. <br /> "And finally, I would like to announce that my son, your future alpha, has also found his mate, Shana. Show them all some love." <br /> The crowd goes wild again. Nobody knows that they are a fraud, so they are happy to have what they think is the next alpha and luna.<br /> The alpha goes on to tell the pack about the mating ceremony planned for all the mates that will happen next Saturday on a full moon. The alpha tells all the still unmated wolves to let Beta Vareen know if they find their mates before the ceremony, so they can be included.<br /> The alpha tells us he has one more announcement. Yep, He will be retiring, and Trevor will take over as alpha- There goes the pack. <br /> "As it is our tradition, I will turn it over to Trevor to officially announce the next Beta and Gamma of the pack; Trevor." Alpha Connor says and steps back to his spot next to the luna. <br /> "Hello everyone," Trevor says. From the time alpha announced that Trevor will take over, he has been smirking at me.<br /> "I hope you all had a good time tonight. I know I did. The Blue Moon pack knows how to throw a party. Let me start by introducing you all to my mate and your future Luna, Shana Stevens."<br /> Everyone cheers for their pretend Luna. Trevor is looking at me to see if I react, which I don't. <br /> "And your next Gamma, Mona True" <br /> I think everyone here is in complete shock. I froze in my spot. Alpha Connor tried to run interference and stop Trevor before he takes this too far, but of course, Trevor didn't listen. <br /> "Son, what are you doing?" Alpha Connor asked, "Seleste is the next Gamma."<br /> "No, Dad," Trevor answers him. "I don't think Seleste is the right one for the position. Seleste has done nothing but undermine my authority in the pack for the last year. As alpha, I can't have anyone under me who does not respect my position as head of the pack. I want Mona as my Gamma. I think that is best for the pack." <br /> "Dad, my mate, and I discussed this. Aside from the fact that Seleste does not respect me or my position, it is common knowledge that Seleste is in love with me. My mate does not feel that Seleste will have her best interest at heart. My mate does not feel safe with Seleste, being in charge of our safety and security. As her mate, I have to put her first and protect her peace of mind. Seleste being here affects her peace negatively and I can't have that."<br /> I notice my dad is about to lose control. I need to get to him before things go completely left. To defuse the situation and give Trevor what he wants and hopefully stop this drama, I agree that I don't need the Gamma title. <br /> "Fine," I tell Trevor. "Gamma is just a title. I don't need it. Not having the title does not change who I am. I will still train the warrior and fulfill my other obligations. As far as respecting you Trevor, respect is earned, and up until recently, I thought you deserved my respect. You have shown me over the last couple of days that I was mistaken about you. So, you can keep the Gamma position. I don't want it. As far as being in love with you. That is laughable. I don't even like you." <br /> He actually smirks at me. This fool thinks he has won. He is just sad.<br /> "Well, that is settled. Seleste will not be the next gamma. And since you mentioned training the pact, that's the other thing. I do not want you training my warriors anymore. Since you are mad that you are not the Luna of this pack, how do I know you won't influence the warriors against me or continue to undermine my authority?"<br /> So that is his game plan. He wants to withdraw me of all power. Does he really not realize who I am? Everything my family has done for this pack. Now I'm slightly pissed, but I need to try to stay in control so that my father doesn't kill this fool.<br /> "Are you serious right now, Trevor? I have done nothing but make this pack better. I have spent my life learning and training so that I can strengthen this pack, and you want to take that from me because of your pettiness." <br /> I let Trevor know that he really does not have the authority to take the training position from me. I train packs under the authority of the council. No Alpha's word is above that of the council. But since he wants to be petty, I can take my strength, skill, and protection to another pack.<br /> "Save it Seleste, I have made my decision. As of now, you are nothing to this pack. Why don't you find another pack to train, since you mentioned other packs? We don't want you here."<br /> "Gladly," I tell him. "And when I leave, you will take the full brunt of your decisions and the consequences of what you are doing tonight."<br /> I am so over these things now. This pack needs my family more than I need this. I can leave and be accepted into any pack in the kingdom, including the royal pack.<br /> Ben and the other warrior begin to speak up for me. That appears to make Trevor even more pissed. Right now, his own father and current alpha is looking at him like he has completely lost his mind and he is standing in front of the pack looking proud. I always thought Trevor was pretty intelligent. Now I think there is something wrong with him. He just will not stop digging himself into a hole. <br /> "See, that's why I need to restrict Seleste of her power," Trevor says in anger and frustration. <br /> "The warriors are more loyal to her than they are to me. You all need to respect me. I am the alpha. What I say goes. None of you have my permission to leave. If you choose to leave, you will be rogues. Will you throw everything away just for her?"<br /> I am so proud of my Elite 12 members. We always stand for what is right.<br /> "I don't know about the others," Tim said, "But I would rather go, rogue than stay in this pack with you as the alpha. As Gamma Seleste said, respect is earned, and I just lost all that of it I had for you. Sorry, Alpha Connor, I cannot serve your son. I will prepare to leave this pack in the next two hours." Tim said.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4Njkv	175289189001736	Cha111	https://facebook.com/61554253460477	15	1	306,709,859,077,129	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Cha111	120205222509430372	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvOTk4NjkvMjAyNDAyMDUxMTE4MjIvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}		2024-02-04 21:23	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425924731_1096955571458670_6664837597875596791_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_WkUB1zhA4AAX9BcgOz&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfApS4MkEWn9U99naNevQ3OafBxIWChZtid081KsFgXxiw&oe=65D7F336	person_profile	Cha111	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425708228_267560009567468_388513634750210945_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=23F-Y_UNutYAX-Az_A5&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDpQQKIkjZBMSlG7obphBikDfzyXxFlQ8dYNY2sCYqX3A&oe=65D71E82	3	Cha111	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,708	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310905}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1112658163093284		Understanding Sciatica with Dr. Schrier! Learn about symptoms and what to do next. Stay tuned for insights! #Sciatica #HealthTips #DrSchrier #SchrierChiro			237313876389482	Schrier Family Chiropractic	https://facebook.com/chiropracticservices	1,425	1	7,986,206,311,394,689	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1		Schrier Family Chiropractic	120207091715840399		NONE	video				2024-02-17 11:19	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424638456_363793106561546_9204463917152562745_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ffuEWgK5htMAX8kmQwq&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBX-wF-3JSTslQba5AnoYmtFk3JBddwh3NVjIMDOXUHrg&oe=65D6505B	person_profile	Elan Schrier	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425273364_1551427595653269_2964997846601911220_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tb94hrPvA80AX_mcByS&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBDeuOkOgzGjLIziL53BdqkgbxqTc9ZB9XlqJ8DsN-VqA&oe=65D69B09	3	Schrier Family Chiropractic	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,718	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310719}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	786865102807377	Do This Now to Relieve Neuropathy Instantly	End Neuropathy For GOOD With This New Incredible Method (Watch The Video)🌟<br /> It's time to shatter the misconceptions about Neuropathy! Embrace the proven method that's transforming lives. Watch the video below to unveil the astonishing reality that's changing everything. Click now to watch the free video for yourself! 👇	WATCH_MORE	https://healthylifetoday.co/ns1?utm_source=faceboo	102051919605597	Tag Your Friends To See This	https://facebook.com/100094094970063	25	1	398,790,296,173,508	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Watch more	Tag Your Friends To See This	120204387243250534	healthylifetoday.co	NONE	video	Nerve Relief Method	https://healthylifetoday.co/ns1?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{adset.name}}&utm_term={{ad.name}}&utm_content={{placement}}&cmc_adid=fb_{{ad.id}}		2024-02-17 02:50	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422653930_605745511742365_152374814853849042_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SZj-8xN5aO0AX_Hf4p4&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD3XC6iKE0T2oj0LdGX6FH3ZIO_JHFJhDT6hrJ5y8iVzw&oe=65D744CC	person_profile	Tag Your Friends To See This	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422648206_1078411330049748_7518112541963290949_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bxgv6cYylOsAX9oRQoz&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAhUniFHsH0XbS0G-6JTkUUicaMcmUHxqRGOqELoMUGPA&oe=65D7CBBF	3	Tag Your Friends To See This	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,745	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	239811199100116	The Heiress' Return & Revenge	When she and her brother were kidnapped in the last life<br /> everyone chose to save their brothers first, and she was<br /> eventually killed by the kidnappers. This time she was born<br /> again, and none of her five brothers could escape.<br /> -------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Simone Gray opened her eyes, surveyed the surroundings, and looked at the familiar room from her memories. She had indeed returned. Reaching out to grab her phone from the nightstand, she checked the date before a smile appeared in her eyes. What perfect timing.<br /> <br /> Just as she was thinking, a knocking sound echoed. She got up to open the door and saw a handsome man standing there, questioning her immediately, "I called you earlier. Why didn't you answer?"<br /> <br /> Simone replied calmly, "I didn't feel like it."<br /> <br /> Standing before her was her second brother, Titus Gray, who was also her current agent.<br /> <br /> He was momentarily stunned, visibly not expecting his sister to say that. He furrowed his brows and lectured impatiently, "Stop causing trouble, will you?"<br /> <br /> She raised an eyebrow. "Say something new. I'm tired of hearing the cliche from all of you."<br /> <br /> Since returning to the Gray Family, her mother and five brothers kept telling her not to cause trouble.<br /> <br /> Titus choked. "Is this amusing to you? Jo wants to be in that variety show. What harm would it do if you just let that happen? Must you make the whole family unhappy?"<br /> <br /> Simone looked at him coldly. "This is an opportunity I fought for myself. I won't give it up. It's your business if you're unhappy."<br /> <br /> Simone did not grow up with her family from a young age. Instead, she got lost at four when Aaron Gray, her fifth brother, took her out to play. After that, the Gray Family adopted a girl of similar age and even changed her name to Jodie Gray.<br /> <br /> A year ago, the Gray Family found Simone and brought her back home. However, they overly favored Jodie and looked down on Simone. Whenever she clashed with the adopted daughter, it was always Simone who was considered troublesome.<br /> <br /> Before entering the entertainment industry, she worked hard and used her talent to climb from an unknown to a C-list actress in just over a year. After being recognized by the family, they brought her home, asked her to terminate the contract with her original company, and transferred her to the entertainment company owned by the Gray Family. In the meantime, Titus became her agent.<br /> <br /> Jodie, who originally studied music, suddenly wanted a part in the entertainment industry. She also joined the company and was mentored by Titus. In the past year, she received all the good resources, directly jumping from an unknown to a C-list actress.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the resources Titus provided Simone were the ones that Jodie rejected. Last month, she saved the wife of a director and gained a spot as a guest on a highly anticipated new variety show before it even aired.<br /> <br /> Similarly, Jodie showed interest in the show and expressed her desire to join. However, the guests were already confirmed, and it was not easy for someone of Jodie's popularity to be added under special circumstances. Hence, Titus and the family suggested that Simone give up her spot to Jodie.<br /> <br /> She knew that Jodie intentionally wanted to snatch her opportunity, so she refused and was then condemned by her entire family. Last night, she insisted on not giving up her spot and returned to her room after arguing with them.<br /> <br /> Titus had appeared now because Jodie had not given up and pretended to be pitiful in front of him; that was why he came to her again. He took a deep breath. "I'll find you a better opportunity. Just give this up for Jo."<br /> <br /> Simone sneered. "I don’t care about your better opportunity. Just give it to your beloved Jodie." She did not want to waste any more words with Titus and simply shut the door.<br /> <br /> His eyes showed some disbelief when he looked at the closed door. That was the first time Simone had shown him disrespect since returning home, his expression dark. "Simone, you're being unreasonable."<br /> <br /> He knocked on the door again, but she did not open it. Only then did he leave with a stern face. After shutting the door, Simone's heart could barely stir up emotions. In her previous life, she yearned for family affection, and after being recognized, she had always tried to please the Grays.<br /> <br /> For instance, she took care of their various needs, made their meals, gave massages, accompanied them in acting and dancing, and so on. She tried to fulfill whatever tasks or requests they had, but in the end, she failed to make them love her. When she and Jodie were kidnapped, everyone chose to rescue Jodie first, and she ended up losing her life.<br /> <br /> At that moment of death, she completely lost hope and severed her ties with the Gray Family. However, she did not expect to be bound by a system that took her to various mini timelines to fulfill tasks. Upon completion, she would be rewarded with life points, and only by accumulating them could she return to this world.<br /> <br /> Simone extended her right hand and looked at her palm; her lifeline was short. It meant that she had less than a year left, only until the time of her death in her previous life.<br /> <br /> The system informed her during the unbinding process that she needed to be adored by more people to extend her life. The more people who favored her, or the more people she helped to gain popularity, the longer her life would be.<br /> <br /> It was similar to exchanging faith for life points but would not affect those who liked her. Otherwise, she would not harm others for the sake of extending her own life. Now, saving her life was crucial because she needed more time or energy to continue getting entangled with the Grays.<br /> <br /> She packed up her belongings and put them in a suitcase. Since returning to the Gray Family, everything was bought for her by the housekeeper, and she did not take anything. As such, she calculated the expenses since coming to the Gray Family and noted them down.<br /> <br /> At the same time, she took out the bank card her father gave her when she returned. Luckily, she had not used any money in it. She opened the door as she carried the suitcase and went downstairs.<br /> <br /> At that moment, everyone was in the living room. When they saw Simone with her bags, they were displeased. Salma Johnston frowned and looked at her. "What trouble are you up to this time? It's been nothing but chaos ever since you returned."<br /> <br /> Simone found it amusing. "Did I insist on returning? I remember you all came to pick me up, right? And what trouble did I cause? Jodie wanted my resources, and not giving them makes me the bad guy? If we're being clear here, aren't all of you the unreasonable ones?"<br /> <br /> Salma did not expect Simone to talk back, so her displeasure deepened. "Jo just likes that variety show. You're the young lady of the Gray Family now, while Jo has lost that status. Shouldn't you compensate her? Moreover, Titus said he'd get you a better opportunity in exchange. Why do you have to fight over it?"<br /> <br /> Luca Gray, the third brother, added, "I think you just can't stand Jo, so you deliberately target her."<br /> <br /> Andrew Gray, the fourth, impatiently said, "Simone, can't you just be good? Why do you have to cause trouble?"<br /> <br /> In her previous life, Simone might have been upset by such unfair accusations, but not anymore. Instead, she sneered and said, "You guys are truly good at blaming others for your own fault. I never knew that defending what's rightfully mine would make me the unreasonable one. First of all, I never stole anything from her in the first place. On the contrary, she replaced me and enjoyed a comfortable life in the Gray Family for years. Secondly, you need to understand that it was you who lost me back then. I don't owe her anything, and I certainly don't owe any of you either. So, what exactly do I need to compensate for?" When Salma was about to speak, Simone added, "As for the young lady of the Gray Family, she can have it. I don't really care about it."<br /> <br /> Salma was stunned for a moment, not expecting Simone to say such things. "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Simone replied with indifference, "I mean it literally. I am cutting off all ties with you and leaving the family. In the future, we will go back to being strangers when we meet." She added, "Your beloved adopted daughter will remain the little princess of the Grays. You don't need to worry that I will steal anything from her or try to take your love for her. I am simply making things easier for all of you."<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Who Needs Such A Brother<br /> <br /> Simone couldn't care less about her biased parents and brothers, treating them as if they had no blood relation to her.<br /> <br /> When she was young, Aaron lost her, and human traffickers intended to sell her. Thanks to her master saving and adopting her, her life wasn't as miserable as it could have been.<br /> <br /> Her words successfully changed the expressions of the Grays. They never expected her to decide to cut ties and leave them.<br /> <br /> Jodie, leaning against Salma, glanced at Simone with a subtle expression. She looked at her while her face showed an apologetic and guilty expression. "No. The one who should leave is me. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snatch your opportunity. I just liked that variety show, so Titus went to talk to you. I don't want to participate in that variety show anymore. You don't need to be unhappy. I don't want to anger and worry you."<br /> <br /> On the surface, she appeared guilty, but in reality, it was a strategic retreat. This way, she could distance herself from accusations of intentionally competing with Simone for resources while also showcasing her considerate and generous nature. She was playing her act in front of the Grays, subtly implying that Simone was using the threat of cutting ties and leaving the Gray Family.<br /> <br /> As expected, the family members' expressions turned unpleasant.<br /> <br /> Simone looked at Jodie and retorted without reservation, "Don't try to act innocent and pitiful in front of me with that look. I won't fall for that." She spoke her mind without holding back after completely giving up on family affection. "You say you want to leave and have been saying it for a year, but you’re still here. I've long been tired of your act of strategic retreat. Only fools would believe it." She intentionally exposed the truth. "Of course, you wouldn't actively ask me for resources. As long as you say it, they will naturally present you with whatever you want. You don't need to put on a show for them. I don't care about your thoughts since I've already stopped caring about what you guys think."<br /> <br /> These words successfully darkened the faces of the Grays.<br /> <br /> Jodie's expression changed slightly. She suppressed the anger in her heart and hugged Salma with a touch of grievance. "I'm not. Don't say such things about our family."<br /> <br /> In her heart, she wondered if Simone had gone crazy by choosing to confront her head-on and speaking so harshly. Although being rebuked by Simone left her feeling quite displeased, the fact that Simone had created such a scene today would only make everybody dislike her even more. So, she endured her sarcasm.<br /> <br /> As expected, Salma was infuriated. "What are you saying? Where are your manners?"<br /> <br /> Simone shrugged. "I was born to my parents but not raised by them. My manners have long vanished."<br /> <br /> The family was speechless. Salma looked at Simone with disappointment. "Are you still blaming us? It seems we made a mistake bringing you home. We've compensated you a lot this year. What more do you want? Why do you have to compete with Jo? Can't you just peacefully be sisters?" She emphasized. "Although you are our biological daughter, Jo has been by our side all these years in your place. In our hearts, she's an important part of the Gray Family; she's my daughter."<br /> <br /> Simone used to find these words piercing and heart-wrenching, but she truly didn't care anymore. "What did I compete for? Since I returned to the family, you two have been clinging to me. Everything I do is interpreted as vying for favor and wanting things that don't belong to me."<br /> <br /> She took the bank card from her bag and threw it onto the table in front of them. "This is the compensation you gave me, and I haven't used a single penny from it." There were 150 thousand on this card, barely the amount of Jodie's monthly allowance, but that was the compensation for Simone over the years. "I won't take away the things the housekeeper bought for me, but for the things I've used, I will pay you in cash."<br /> <br /> Then, she placed the written paper on the table. "In the year plus that I've been here, I've spent less than 15 thousand, including living expenses. Here's the list. I just transferred 15 thousand to this card. From now on, we settle our accounts."<br /> <br /> What could be solved with money was not a problem. So, on her side, she and the Grays were even, but what they owed her would be forever outstanding.<br /> <br /> Simone's actions made the Grays feel as if she were serious, rendering them somewhat embarrassed. Salma couldn't accept that her daughter, who had been obedient all those while, would do such a rebellious and disobedient thing.<br /> <br /> She slammed the table with her hand, her face full of anger. "Fine. Go ahead. But once you step out of our gate today, don't think about coming back."<br /> <br /> She believed Simone wouldn't act on it. Just as Jodie said, this was a tactic of strategic retreat by threatening them with leaving. If Simone succeeded this time, who knew how she would stir things up in the future?<br /> <br /> Salma let Simone leave, not because she wanted her to but to warn her not to cause trouble again. The others didn't speak, unanimously sharing the same thoughts.<br /> <br /> Of course, Simone knew what they were thinking. I look like I'm bluffing, don't I? "I'm leaving for good." After saying that, she grabbed her suitcase while showing no attachment and turned to leave.<br /> <br /> Seeing this, Steven Gray, her father, spoke, "Stop making a fuss. Jo won't want that variety show opportunity anymore. In the future, I'll have Titus fight for some good gigs for you."<br /> <br /> Regardless of the circumstances, she was still his biological daughter, and he couldn't let her leave just like that. Moreover, leaving home after just over a year since returning would make their family a joke in the eyes of others.<br /> <br /> Simone turned around and looked at her father indifferently. "You think I'd stay for your so-called gigs?"<br /> <br /> He frowned. "I didn't mean that. All I'm saying is that you are now part of the family, so we will naturally compensate you."<br /> <br /> She found it ridiculous. "Thank you for your compensation. For the past year, I have deeply experienced your emotional abuse, complaints, and disdain. So, I'll pass on that."<br /> <br /> Steven was taken aback as he looked at Simone, who seemed unyielding and unapproachable. "What do you want, then?" He was usually busy and had neglected his biological daughter for more than a year.<br /> <br /> She affirmed, "I want to sever ties with you. It's as simple as that. There's no need to contact each other in the future. Goodbye."<br /> <br /> He was infuriated by Simone's attitude, while the Gray brothers also appeared displeasing. Especially Aaron, who regarded her with a complex and indignant expression. "Are you still blaming me? Are you trying to make us compromise and compete for Jo's favor?"<br /> <br /> Simone stared at him icily. "Are you suggesting that I shouldn't hold you accountable? Back then, you lost track of me and allowed human traffickers to abduct me. I was almost sold off to the mountains. Should I express gratitude for losing me back then?"<br /> <br /> Aaron's face flushed and then paled. "I didn't mean to do that, and I wasn't even aware that you were almost sold off to the mountains."<br /> <br /> She raised an eyebrow. " Does saying that erase the fact that you lost me and changed the course of my life?"<br /> <br /> Upon her return to the Gray Family, he exhibited more kindness and concern compared to her four brothers and her parents, but it all seemed like an attempt to make up for his past mistakes.<br /> <br /> However, whenever she had conflicts with Jodie, he always sided with the latter. Therefore, I don't need a brother who doesn't truly love me.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 She's Had Enough<br /> <br /> Simone's words left Aaron unsure of what to say for a moment. While he had not intended to lose her back then, he indeed caused his younger sister to be lost for many years and deprived her of the life of a wealthy young lady.<br /> <br /> She continued, "I'll repeat. I no longer care about you guys, so I have zero interest in vying for favor with Jodie."<br /> <br /> Titus scowled. "Think it over. If you sever ties with us, don't expect any resources from the company."<br /> <br /> The eldest brother, Reuben Gray, added, "We might even boycott you."<br /> <br /> They hoped that by saying this, Simone would reconsider for the sake of her future. They wanted her to know her limits and back down.<br /> <br /> However, she suddenly burst into laughter. "You speak as if you've given me a lot of resources this past year. Since I joined Gray Entertainment, the resources I received are not even close to what I used to get from that small company that often exploited me. Not only are the resources few and poor, but I've also been attacked online, where you didn't bother calling the PR. You even want to snatch away the resources I managed to secure for myself for Jodie. You truly have the nerve to use this to threaten me."<br /> <br /> At the sight of their darkened faces, she continued, "Fortunately, when I joined the company, I didn't sign any contracts, so I won't need to terminate any."<br /> <br /> At the time, Reuben and Titus had assured her they were all one family, so there was no need to bother signing contracts because they would not make her suffer any losses. Since she did not know what it would be like when she returned to the Gray Family, she agreed, thinking it would be wise to keep some leverage. As expected, she had not made a mistake in keeping her options open.<br /> <br /> Otherwise, if she wanted to terminate the contract, she would have to pay a substantial penalty. If she could not afford it, she was sure they would go as far as blacklisting her if she did not cooperate.<br /> <br /> "From today onwards, I won't serve you anymore. Do whatever you want. You didn't publicly announce my identity, so I won't have to announce it to the public either. Goodbye forever!" She turned away once again, this time briskly leaving with her suitcase. Once outside, she pressed the pause button on the recording on her phone.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing Simone's resolute departure, the Grays felt dissatisfied besides anger. Then, Salma furiously said, "She actually left. It's outrageous."<br /> <br /> Titus said with a scowling face, "Since she's so stubborn, I'll have her know that once she leaves us, she'll be and have nothing." He felt that Simone's sudden rebellion was aimed at him as he asked her to give up her spot for Jodie, angering her. Subsequently, he turned to Reuben and said, "Ben, get in touch with other entertainment companies. Tell them not to sign Simone."<br /> <br /> Reuben nodded. "All right."<br /> <br /> Faced with a once obedient sister who suddenly rebelled, he thought of giving her a taste of reality and making her understand that being willful had consequences. After seeing Reuben's agreement, Titus squinted his eyes. "No matter how independent she is, she won't go far. Soon, she'll be begging to come back."<br /> <br /> He would also inform the agents in the industry not to sign Simone.<br /> <br /> Hearing the words of her two brothers, Jodie felt a sense of joy in her heart. However, she said with a self-blaming expression, "It's all my fault for making Simone angry and leaving. Reuben, Titus, please don't do this. When she calms down, I'll apologize to her, and she'll come back." The more she said this, the more the family felt that Simone was being willful and became more resentful.<br /> <br /> Sure enough, Reuben said, "This has nothing to do with you. She just doesn't know how to be content."<br /> <br /> The other four boys in the Gray Family agreed. "Exactly. She's already obtained the status of the young lady of the Gray Family, yet she always wants to compete with you. It's unreasonable."<br /> <br /> "You don't need to apologize to her. That would spoil her."<br /> <br /> "If we don't show her some toughness, she'll continue causing trouble at home."<br /> <br /> Compared to Jodie, Simone was willful. Salma thought for a moment, patted Jodie on the shoulder, and said, "We know you're kind-hearted, so you don't need to worry about this matter. Your brothers know what to do. She'll behave when she comes back."<br /> <br /> Hearing the words of the others, Steven also felt that it made sense. If Simone could not handle the outside world, she would naturally come back and seek reconciliation. Therefore, he did not object to it.<br /> <br /> Jodie then nodded helplessly. "All right."<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Simone returned to the apartment she had rented after coming to Cebros. Even after returning to the Gray Family, she did not cancel the lease. Whenever she had conflicts with them or felt unhappy staying there, she would come and live there for a few days.<br /> <br /> After cleaning up her apartment, her phone rang. She was momentarily taken aback as a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes. It was someone she had always been unwilling to think about—her childhood sweetheart and boyfriend, Leon Foster.<br /> <br /> When she was adopted by her master, she lived next door to Leon's grandfather, and the two old gentlemen had a good relationship. Back then, when she was abused by human traffickers and dared not step out of the yard, it was Leon who held her hand and walked her out, resembling a ray of sunshine that shone into her heart.<br /> <br /> She emerged from the shadow of human traffickers and started clinging to him, someone five years older than her. When he was in high school, he was brought back to Cebros by his family. To catch up with him, she worked hard to skip grades and entered a university in Cebros. After he entered the entertainment industry for two years, she graduated from college and joined the industry as well.<br /> <br /> Upon her return to the Grays, she took the initiative to confess to Leon, who did not reject. She always thought that he treated her differently. However, in her previous life, he made her feel the pain of betrayal.<br /> <br /> In this second chance at life, she did not want to have any entanglements with him anymore. As such, she answered the phone coldly, "What's the matter?" <br /> <br /> Leon found her attitude today a bit cold, but he did not take it to heart. "Are you not going on that variety show?" <br /> <br /> Simone retorted. "Who said that?" She knew he also hoped she would give up the spot for Jodie, which was why he called to probe her.<br /> <br /> He replied, "I heard from Titus that you're going to give up the spot."<br /> <br /> "There's no such thing. I won't give up the spot for anyone."<br /> <br /> He couldn't help but furrow his brow. "Won't you listen to Titus?"<br /> <br /> She sneered. "Why should I?"<br /> <br /> Leon and Titus were classmates in high school and had maintained a good relationship, staying in touch. That's why Leon came to persuade her to give up her previous life. Initially, she didn't suspect Jodie because she believed Leon genuinely cared for her.<br /> <br /> His frown deepened. "Titus is your agent, so he must have your best interests at heart. Don't be stubborn."<br /> <br /> She coldly snorted. "What am I being stubborn about? Am I being stubborn and unreasonable just because I won't give Jodie what she wants?" She sarcastically added, "If I give in, the Gray Family will think I'm sensible, and you'll happily be with your lover."<br /> <br /> She had reached her limit. In her previous life, she eventually gave up her position due to pressure from the Gray Family and Leon's persuasion.<br /> <br /> With the Gray Family's marketing, Leon's care, and assistance on the variety show, Jodie successfully portrayed herself as a kind-hearted lady and quickly gained popularity. The so-called good opportunities provided by Titus turned out to be a minor role in a drama with few scenes. Ultimately, the drama was never released due to controversy with the male lead.<br /> <br /> What surprised her even more was that Leon had received an invitation to the same variety show, but he had never told her. She only found out when the show premiered, and he was one of the mysterious guests.<br /> <br /> Observing Leon subtly taking care of Jodie, she realized that these two knew each other and that his feelings for Jodie were unusual. However, after watching only the first episode of the variety show, she had to leave for the filming of a drama.<br /> <br /> When she finished shooting, six months had already passed. At that time, she was a bit perplexed and unsure whether she should continue interacting with the Grays and Leon. Through a stroke of luck and a fortunate opportunity, she managed to secure the leading role in a niche film. As a result, she headed to a remote and mountainous area to shoot the film.	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	102114825976458	The novels	https://facebook.com/100085012467697	25,543	1	1,073,659,237,393,027	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	The novels	120204062895950765	page.joyreadings.com	NONE	image		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=6821&brand=2&app=0&ppid=2743&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&ori_campaign_id=120203997112540765&ori_adset_id=120203997113970765&ori_ad_id=120203997123260765		2024-02-06 20:46	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426175643_7288257464546905_219423508358249187_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pcArpprbIH8AX9ovuQX&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfADd0ZSVkCoL9DaRSheUlomdVtnVPKllI857PtutuaRfg&oe=65D7F18B	person_profile	The novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426135554_349041938043157_7691022252091814421_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qk6MKljaKTYAX8rkY_l&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB7bgfhBjEjcBG6B9aShvJSMTCMRjNFJfwDKz9-H8OCuw&oe=65D63A8B	3	The novels	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,396	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	277953418481478		Huanarpo Macho has recently been called “Peruvian Viagra” and is so popular in Peru as a male aphrodisiac. Research carried out in recent years has reported the important presence of proanthocyanidins in Huanarpo Macho which are sexual stimulants, specifically capable of correcting erectile dysfunction and infertility. It is also used to restore male sexual potency and for premature ejaculation.<br /> <br /> Other uses:<br /> ✅ Aphrodisiac<br /> ✅ Erectile dysfunction<br /> ✅ Stimulating hormone (testosterone promotes segregation)<br /> ✅ antiasthmatic<br /> ✅ antibronchial<br /> ✅ Antidiabetic<br /> ✅ Antitussive (cough)<br /> ✅ Against skin ulcers<br /> nerve<br /> ✅ Restorer of male sexual potency<br /> ✅ Mucous tonic (genitourinary, gastrointestinal and renal mucous membranes)<br /> <br /> 🥛PREPARATION:<br /> You can take two 500 mg capsules, 2 to 3 times a day. You can also use the powder in your favorite drink or smoothie, mixing 1 teaspoon 2 or 3 times a day. But you can modify, speed up or customize your method according to your own requirements.<br /> <br /> #huanarpomacho #huanarpo #malesupplements #duro #erectiledysfunction #formen #pureinkafoods #bestsuperfoods #testosteronesupport #erectilehealth #maleenhancementsupplement #viagra	INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE	http://instagram.com/pureinkafoods	106002819183433	Pure Inka Foods	https://facebook.com/pureinkafoods	4,135	1	718,926,243,684,017	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Send message	Pure Inka Foods	120207173899390002	instagram.com	NONE	video		http://instagram.com/pureinkafoods		2024-02-16 12:52	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428379931_2141758459506360_421606565443713374_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6KPsKYb8zDUAX-3F66h&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCpCy0AGCIleXXKL9-rPWWkBcIWGt00TTNoR-9g1q8yCg&oe=65D6E8C9	person_profile	Pure Inka Foods	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428480714_1105180194009605_1492008833132528097_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=35VioFlFw8IAX-ogtUG&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfBQwKIl7NAyLy5374MUKP-JVIxbtKPB3UOzKZtVMup1Bw&oe=65D7B0A1	3	Pure Inka Foods	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,732	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310737}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	433191182375457	🔥🔥🔥🔥 Read <Escaping Marriage: CEO's Ex-wife is a Billionairess> 👉	"Wesley, let's have a baby."<br /> Layla Lewis reached out for Wesley Whitman's belt.<br /> With a click, the belt was unbuckled.<br /> When she was touching the zipper and preparing to take the next step, Wesley suddenly grabbed her hand.<br /> "Layla, I want a divorce."<br /> Wesley's voice was pleasant, yet his tone was cold, shocking Layla.<br /> Layla froze, looking at Wesley and saying, "Why? Is it because I just said I wanted a baby? I was joking. If you don't want to..."<br /> "Enough. Stop deceiving yourself. Have you forgotten why we got married?" Wesley's voice was extremely cold.<br /> Of course, she remembered. Three years ago, Layla asked a brilliant doctor to save Wesley's grandmother. His grandmother liked Layla so much that she forcibly arranged their marriage.<br /> "But... But it's been three years. You have no feelings for me at all?"<br /> Wesley looked at Layla indifferently, then turned around and took out the divorce papers prepared from the drawer.<br /> It hurts!<br /> Layla's heart seemed to be torn.<br /> Seeing her motionless for a long time, Wesley became a little impatient and said calmly, "Amber is pregnant."<br /> It was quite shocking news.<br /> Layla looked up at Wesley with disbelief and red eyes.<br /> Amber Clark, Wesley's first love, was pregnant?<br /> Anger, humiliation, sadness, and all kinds of emotions welled up Layla's torso, almost making her suffocated.<br /> After three years of marriage, she thought she could soften Wesley and didn't expect to get this result.<br /> It was sad, but it was more ridiculous.<br /> "Tell me what kind of compensation you want. As long as it's reasonable, I can satisfy you."<br /> With a superior attitude, Wesley stood beside the bed, which hurt Layla.<br /> Layla was in despair. She said with a self-deprecating sneer, "No, thank you."<br /> "You'll have Number 13 Villa in the Lakeside Villa Area, and I'll give you 50 million dollars. "<br /> "I told you that I didn't need compensation."<br /> Layla took a deep breath, took the divorce papers, and signed her name. She then quickly packed her things and left the villa with her suitcase.<br /> Walking on the deserted streets, Layla felt indescribably lonely.<br /> She took out her phone and dialed the number she hadn't dialed in three years.<br /> "Adrian... I want to go home..."<br /> Her eyes were red, and she was brimmed over with sorrow.<br /> "Don't cry. I got you! Where are you? I'll come over right now!"<br /> Half an hour later, her eldest brother Adrian Lewis arrived.<br /> Helicopters roared overhead. Layla looked up and saw a dozen helicopters descending slowly.<br /> As the cabin door opened, dozens of bodyguards uniformly dressed in black suits trotted over in an orderly manner, greeting her respectfully.<br /> "Ms. Lewis."<br /> Layla nodded slightly and said, "Yeah."<br /> She raised her head and looked behind the bodyguards.<br /> Immediately, the bodyguards quickly stood in two rows, making a way.<br /> A man with a gorgeous face gradually appeared in front of her. His dark blue suit made him look gentle and elegant.<br /> He walked quickly to Layla and said, "Layla!"<br /> Layla's eyes gradually turned red, and tears rolled down uncontrollably. Choking, she threw herself into Adrian's broad torso.<br /> "Adrian!"<br /> Adrian held her firmly in his arms, and his calm voice made Layla feel safe.<br /> "Don't be afraid. I will take you home right now."<br /> The fancy villa covered a vast area. Precious and rare green plants and endless lawns added grandeur to the extremely luxurious villa.<br /> Derek Lewis, who was incredibly powerful in Bellcester, couldn't help but feel excited at the sight of Layla getting out of the limited edition Rolls-Royce.<br /> "Layla."<br /> "Dad..." Layla trotted over and threw herself into his arms, crying so hard.<br /> Grace Lewis, who showed grace and dignity in her movements, gently patted Layla's shoulder. "Sweetheart, stop crying. You're breaking my heart. Your three brothers and us will protect you in the future, and no one dares to hurt you again."<br /> "Mom, it's great to have you." Layla tilted her head, like a nestling that had not returned home for many days, and nuzzled her shoulder affectionately.<br /> Looking at her eyes which were red and swollen from crying, Grace sighed distressedly, "Go in first."<br /> "Layla, did you divorce Wesley because he betrayed you?" Grace squinted and said with a unique domineering look, "If he betrayed you, I would send someone immediately to disable him!"<br /> Layla nestled in Grace's arms. After a while, she spoke with a choked voice.<br /> "Mom, it's my fault. I knew he didn't love me but someone else. But I still tried to impress him with my sincerity and get him to love me..."<br /> She took a deep breath. Sadness in her eyes was gradually replaced by determination.<br /> "I will no longer be so stupid and sacrifice myself for someone who doesn't love me. I will stay by your side from now on. You are the most important people to me."<br /> Layla's family once warned her that Wesley had lost his memory, but she didn't care and insisted on being with him wholeheartedly. At this moment, seeing her precious daughter awakening, Grace felt pleased and pecked Layla on her cheeks with a smile.<br /> "Great. My confident girl is back."<br /> Derek was even more excited. He said, "Immediately donate one billion dollars to the orphanage's charity project and name it after Layla so that the stupid Wesley will know how powerful background Layla has."<br /> Adrian responded with a smile, "Okay. I'll let someone make arrangements."<br /> "We should celebrate Layla's divorce. Haven't Bryce and Charles come back?" Layla's second brother Bryce Lewis made a video call when Grace finished speaking.<br /> "Layla, I have a boxing match abroad today and will return tomorrow. And I will bring you the gold belt!"<br /> Layla felt touched. Tears began to form as she looked at the high-spirited Bryce on the screen.<br /> "Bryce, good luck with the competition! I'll wait for you at home."<br /> Just as the call was hung up, Layla's phone rang again. It was a call from her youngest brother, Charles Lewis.<br /> "Layla, I'm sorry. I couldn't leave while filming in another place and couldn't go back to celebrate your divorce. But I have prepared a divorce surprise for you on Twitter. Go check it out quickly. "<br /> Layla clicked on Twitter and saw a trending topic about the well-known actor Charles Lewis' cancellation of all cooperation with the Whitman Group, and it made several headlines.<br /> Charles had a good reputation in the entertainment industry. Now that the cooperation was suddenly canceled, his fans began to speculate whether there was a problem with the Whitman Group. They left comments on the Whitman Group's official account and criticized them, leading to the Whitman Group's stocks falling.<br /> Layla guessed Wesley must be very busy dealing with this matter right now.<br /> Layla suddenly felt refreshed. "Charles, well done!"<br /> "Of course. Look who you're talking to."<br /> As Charles spoke, his agent ran over to remind him that filming was about to start.<br /> Time was urgent. To avoid keeping others waiting, Charles had no choice but to hang up the video reluctantly after he promised Layla he would bring her many gifts when he returned.<br /> It was the next morning in a luxurious bedroom with many expensive furniture.<br /> Layla sat up from the bed and yawned lazily.<br /> She found staying in her home more comfortable and could sleep until she woke up naturally. However, she felt guilty when she slept a little longer at the Whitman family.<br /> At breakfast, as soon as Layla put the expensive caviar in her mouth, a girl in pink clothes rushed over and hugged her.<br /> "Layla, congratulations on your divorce. I missed you so much," Lily Brown said while rubbing her face against Layla.<br /> Lily was Layla's best friend. They were so close that they had almost no secrets from each other.<br /> However, after marrying Wesley, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to him, gradually losing contact with Lily.<br /> Seeing her now, Layla felt sad inexplicably and hugged her hard. "Lily, I miss you so much, too."<br /> Lily patted Layla on the shoulder. "Come on. Let's go to the bar to have fun and celebrate your divorce. You finally left that scumbag."<br /> "Okay." Layla smiled, turned around, and went to the large cloakroom to pick out a dress.<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> It was in the bar.<br /> People drank wine and had fun. The flickering light added a bit of a romantic mood to the noisy place.<br /> Layla, wearing a red dress, attracted most people's attention as soon as she appeared.<br /> She had exquisite facial features. The tight dress design highlighted her small waist and outlined her perfect figure.<br /> Her smile was so captivating that people couldn't take their eyes away.<br /> Holding Layla's arm, Lily smiled, "Well, with your charm, as long as you are willing, countless men will pursue you. You don't have to care about Wesley."<br /> Layla smiled and said nothing.<br /> She was calm when she heard Wesley's name.<br /> Layla was stupid and fell in love with such a horrible man. She would never allow herself to make such a mistake again!<br /> Lily took Layla to sit on the sofa. She waved her hand and said domineeringly, "I remember the male models in this bar are good. How about I ask some gorgeous guys to come and have fun with you? I promise to serve you well."<br /> Layla held Lily's hand and shook her head. "I'm not interested in men anymore. From now on, I want to live alone and work on my career."<br /> "That's wonderful! We don't need men and can live happily alone!" Lily opened the wine bottle and poured a glass for Layla and herself, then toasted with Layla and said, "Happy divorce. Cheers!"<br /> "Cheers!"<br /> Meanwhile, Wesley sat on another sofa on the left side of the bar.<br /> He shook the wine glass, and his gorgeous face was covered with a dark glow in the dim light, making him look even more noble and unattainable.<br /> But now, there was a frown on his face, which showed that he was not in a good mood.<br /> Charles canceled all cooperation with the Whitman Group, which greatly impacted his company. He still couldn't contact Charles and couldn't understand why Charles suddenly stopped working with them even though they had cooperated well. Moreover, Charles did not hesitate to pay huge compensation for breach of contract and terminate the cooperation no matter what.<br /> With Charles' good reputation in the entertainment industry, the public began to speculate whether there was a problem with the Whitman Group's products. This also led to a rapid decline in the company's sales and a large backlog of products in the warehouse.<br /> Wesley's friend Paul Adams knew what he was worried about. Paul put his elbow on his shoulder and teased with a smile, "Don't think so much. Charles is famous for his weird character in the entertainment industry. Who he wants to cooperate with depends on his mood. Maybe he will figure it out tomorrow and cooperate with you again. Besides, it’s not a bad thing for you. After enduring it for so many years, you finally got rid of your ex-wife and won’t have to be tortured by her anymore! Something good happens, and something bad happens."<br /> Wesley glanced sideways at him and did not respond.<br /> Paul winked at Kevin Cooper beside him. Kevin instantly took the hint and changed the subject.<br /> "Wesley, you said the design master AdoreWes was in the Lewis family's design company. Have you found her?"<br /> "Not yet, but I have thought of a way to find her," Wesley said confidently.<br /> "That's good. If you find her, you can recruit her, and you will dominate the jewelry design field." Then, Kevin muttered, "This designer's name is AdoreWes. It comes from 'adore' and 'Wes' in Wesley. Do you think she admires you very much, so she gave it this name?"<br /> Wesley was speechless. "Why didn't you say that she is my wife?"<br /> As soon as he finished speaking, Paul slapped him on the shoulder and stammered.<br /> "Mr. Whitman, look, is that your wife? Oh, sorry, your ex-wife. Why does she look different?"<br /> Wesley thought, "Layla?<br /> Would a boring person like her come to the bar?"<br /> Wesley followed Paul's sight and looked over. The red figure made his eyes light up.<br /> It was really her.<br /> Her waist was slender, and her hair was hanging down her back. Her gorgeous face was filled with confidence and a bright smile.<br /> In Wesley's memory, she was always submissive...<br /> He didn't know that she had such an unknown side in private.<br /> "Someone hit on her! I didn't expect your ex-wife to be quite popular after divorcing you," Paul teased and watched it while eating chips.<br /> Wesley raised his eyes and saw Layla smiling at a man.<br /> This smile made him inexplicably uncomfortable.<br /> Suddenly, Wesley felt upset and subconsciously took his glass, trying to use the wine to drown out the unreasonable displeasure.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> However, the wine had already been finished.<br /> He put the wine glass back on the table irritably, leaned on the back of the chair, and looked toward Layla.<br /> "Sorry, I have no plans for dating for the time being."<br /> Layla declined the man who had come to ask for her contact information and smiled politely.<br /> "It's... It's okay." The man gave up. After being rejected, he stole a glance at Layla, touched the back of his head in embarrassment, and left with a red face.<br /> Although rejected, he felt glad to talk to such a gorgeous lady.<br /> Lily smiled and clinked her glass against Layla's. "This is the fifth man you've rejected tonight. You're really popular."<br /> "I have no interest in any of them." Layla took a sip of the wine. Her mouth were wet from the wine, reflecting a glimmer, which made people want to peck her.<br /> "That's right. Men are all bad. We'd better stay away from them." Lily opened another bottle of wine and filled Layla's glass. "Come on. Let's get drunk tonight!"<br /> Layla finished the wine in one go.<br /> She was dashing and had a unique beauty and great attraction.<br /> As Wesley looked at her, he felt dry in his throat, rubbing his fingertips gently.<br /> "Your ex-wife is very charming, isn't she? Could it be that she pretended to be well-behaved when she was with you?"<br /> While talking, Paul turned his head to look at Wesley. Seeing him looking at Layla, he instantly said in surprise, "Didn't you always hate your ex-wife the most and find it annoying to even look at her? Why are you staring at her now that you're divorced?"<br /> Wesley calmly looked away and denied it, "When did you see me looking at her?"<br /> "Just now," Paul said secretly.<br /> Paul curled his mouth and didn't reveal him.<br /> While the two were talking, an arrogant and lewd voice came from the seat next to them.<br /> "Look, that girl sitting there is so hot. Are you guys interested? I'll get her for you guys to have fun."<br /> "Didn't you see that she had rejected many men? I don't believe you can get her!"<br /> "You just need to give her some pills. Wait and see how I get her."<br /> The blond-haired man skillfully took a box from his pocket and put two red pills into the water.<br /> As the bubbles appeared, the pills and wine were mixed.<br /> The blond-haired man shook his glass and walked towards Layla with a smile.<br /> "Beauty, can I buy you a drink?"<br /> Layla and Lily had drunk a lot. Now, their eyes were blurry, and they couldn't see clearly.<br /> Still, Layla knew she didn't want to drink at the moment, so she waved her hand and refused.<br /> "I can't drink anymore."<br /> The blond-haired man pushed the wine glass before Layla and said, "Beauty, come on. Just think of it as making a friend."<br /> Annoyed by the blond-haired man, Layla frowned, took the glass, and wanted to put it aside.<br /> Unexpectedly, someone held her wrist before she could put down the glass, and the glass was taken away.<br /> Then, a slightly sullen voice reached her ears. "Layla, have you lost your mind? You dare to drink the wine anyone gave in such a messy place as the bar?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 <br /> The familiar voice made Layla sober up.<br /> She raised her eyes, which were reddish from alcohol, and saw Wesley. She couldn't help but say, "Wesley?"<br /> Her voice was surprisingly pleasant.<br /> Wesley opened his mouth and was about to respond when he heard Layla's voice again.<br /> "Why... Why does this scumbag appear in my...hallucination? What a bad luck!"<br /> Paul, who was following, heard that and couldn't help laughing.<br /> Noticing Wesley's angry look, he could barely hold back his smile.<br /> Wesley withdrew his eyes from Paul, looked at the drunk Layla, and pressed his mouth tightly.<br /> "Layla Lewis!"<br /> As he growled through gritted teeth, he held Layla's wrist more tightly.<br /> The pain in her wrist and the livid man before her made Layla realize this was not an illusion.<br /> She lowered her head and couldn't help but murmur, "So it's not an illusion? That's even more unlucky!"<br /> Wesley heard those words clearly.<br /> He took a breath, not bothering to argue with her, and asked in a deep voice, "Where do you live now? I'll take you back."<br /> Layla sobered up a lot, snorted, and coldly shook off Wesley's hand.<br /> "I don't need you to send me!"<br /> Looking at the empty palms, Wesley said, "Do you know that if I hadn't stopped you just now, you would have drunk that wine with drugs?"<br /> Layla was surprised. She didn't expect this to happen. She had no intention of drinking it, but there was no need to tell Wesley.<br /> She just wanted to stay away from him now and didn't want to have anything to do with him.<br /> "Then what? Does this have anything to do with you? Don't forget that we are divorced. You don't need to worry about my affairs!"<br /> Wesley became angrier. "You..." Before he could say anything, he was interrupted by a gentle voice coming from the door.<br /> "Layla."<br /> Hearing this voice, Layla walked passed Wesley and threw herself into Adrian's arms.<br /> "Why are you here?"<br /> Adrian patted her back gently. "I'm here to take you home."<br /> "And... And Lily." Layla pointed at Lily who was lying on the bar, drunk.<br /> "Okay." Adrian protected Layla and winked at the bodyguard.<br /> The bodyguard nodded and walked over to help Lily get up.<br /> "You're so sweet," Layla said softly, found a comfortable position, and leaned in Adrian's arms.<br /> Adrian smiled and rubbed her hair lovingly. When they came to the door, he looked back at Wesley.<br /> There was tension. They had strong hostility toward each other.<br /> "Is that Adrian Lewis, the famous business genius in Bellcester? How did your ex-wife get involved with him? Paul asked curiously.<br /> Wesley watched Layla nestle in Adrian's arms, showing dependence and trust in every move.<br /> He thought, "How could she get in touch with Adrian after just two days away from me?<br /> What is their relationship?"<br /> Wesley couldn't explain what he felt at this time, but anger was rising in his torso.<br /> Paul sensed Wesley's anger and cried out in disbelief and shock.<br /> "Mr. Whitman? No way. Are you... Are you angry?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Wesley frowned and looked away calmly. "You have a really rich imagination."<br /> Paul rolled his eyes speechlessly, secretly complaining, "No means yes."<br /> Wesley stood there for a few seconds, then walked to the blond-haired man and spoke coldly, "You just said who you wanted to play?"<br /> Seeing that Wesley was not easy to mess with, the blond-haired man turned pale and trembled.<br /> "I... I was just... just joking."<br /> Wesley glanced at the blond-haired man with his cold eyes. "Someone."<br /> Two bodyguards in black walked out of the darkness.<br /> "Get him to drink the glass of wine on the table."<br /> Two bodyguards grabbed the blond-haired man's chin, picked up the wine glass, and poured the wine into his mouth.<br /> The blond-haired man's companions sat there dumbstruck, not daring to breathe.<br /> Wesley looked at him indifferently, turned around, and walked out.<br /> "You deserve it! How dare you mess with him?" Paul cursed and quickly left with Wesley.<br /> "Wait!" After catching up, Kevin looked at Layla who had just gotten into the car and frowned thoughtfully.<br /> He thought, "Wesley, who had always been observant and a good judge of character, seems to have made a mistake this time."<br /> The next day, after breakfast, Derek looked at Layla and asked, "Layla, what are your plans next? Do you want to manage the company or rest for a while?"<br /> Layla pondered momentarily and responded, "I want to work in the family's jewelry company."<br /> "You have an amazing design talent since you were a child, and you have become famous all over the world before you graduate. You gave up your career for Wesley, but now you can return to the right track. I am happy for you."<br /> Derek gladly asked the servant to bring over a dozen documents and information. "See if you like any of the jewelry companies."<br /> Layla carefully flipped through a few documents and tapped the middle document.<br /> "I'll go with this one."<br /> It was LayMaple Jewelry Design which was named after Layla by her parents.<br /> "Okay. I'll have someone make arrangements right now and ask them to make an office suitable for you before tomorrow." Derek immediately called and mobilized the entire company.<br /> "No need to bother. I can pick a ready-made one." Layla didn't want to make such a big fuss.<br /> "It's rare that you want to take over the company, so I should take it seriously." Derek patted her hand thoughtfully. "Although the company is left to manage, you don't need to put too much pressure on yourself. It doesn't matter even if it goes bankrupt. Anyway, we have many companies, so you can do whatever you want."<br /> Layla smiled, thinking, "Dad dotes on me too much. Isn't he afraid of spoiling me?"<br /> Since Layla was a child, her parents always tried their best to buy whatever she wanted.<br /> Layla remembered that when she was in elementary school, her teacher talked about the pyramids and the desert. She went back and asked her parents what they were like. As a result, her parents took her on a private jet to visit there that day.<br /> "By the way, it's been so long since Layla returned, and we haven't transferred money to you." Grace gave her band card and said, "There are 100 million dollars in it. If it's not enough, just tell me."<br /> "It's... too much." She already had enough pocket money.<br /> Grace insisted, "You must be kind to yourself. Buy whatever you want. We are family. Take it."<br /> Derek said, "Your mother is right. Here is another bank card with 100 million dollars. Buy whatever you want. Don't be too frugal."<br /> Layla had no choice but to accept it. "Thank you, Dad, Mom."<br /> The next day, Layla drove a red Maserati to the gate of LayMaple Jewelry Design.<br /> The building was tall, shimmering in the sunlight.<br /> She walked in and tapped lightly on the desk of the receptionist who had dozed off so early in the morning.<br /> "Hello."<br /> The receptionist wiped the remaining saliva from the corner of her mouth, looked at Layla holding Chanel's latest bag, stood up straight, and asked cautiously, "Hello, Miss, are you here to discuss cooperation?"<br /> "I'm Layla Lewis."<br /> Layla's voice was very soft, but it frightened the receptionist so much that she hurriedly came before her and greeted her respectfully.<br /> "Ms. Lewis, please come this way!"<br /> Yesterday, Derek told everyone to take care of Layla, but he did not reveal that Layla was her daughter. Therefore, the employees only knew that a female president would come and take over the company today. They did not know the specific relationship between her and the Lewis family.<br /> Layla followed the receptionist into the elevator. Soon, they reached the president's office on the top floor.<br /> But a fat man was sitting on the office chair, fiddling with the plants on the desk. He looked so comfortable and relaxed.<br /> Layla frowned and glanced at the receptionist.<br /> "Is this my office or his?"<br /> The receptionist was startled and explained nervously, "This... This is your office. Maybe Mr. Cox wanted to try for you to see if there is anything wrong with the chair. I will go tell him that you are here."<br /> Gary Cox was the vice president of the company. Before Layla came, Gary was in the top position.<br /> But Layla was the person Derek personally asked the employees to take care of. He even ordered the workers to work overnight to build an office exclusively for her.<br /> Layla hadn't used the chair yet, but Gary had sat down.<br /> Worried about Gary, the receptionist walked over quickly and said, "Mr. Cox, please get up. This is Ms. Lewis' seat."<br /> Gary said, "She hasn't come here yet. And she pulled some strings to get the job and knows nothing. She has to rely on me to gain a foothold in the company."<br /> "Mr. Cox..." The receptionist kept winking at Gary.<br /> Gary didn't take her hint and raised his head in annoyance.<br /> Sadly, he saw Layla who had a half-smile.<br /> She threw Harry an intimidating glance. Gary stiffened and slowly stood up from the chair.<br /> "You... You are..."<br /> Layla crossed her arms and sneered, "Didn't you just say I had pulled some strings to get the job and know nothing? How come you don't know who I am?"<br /> Gary's figure went limp, and he was frightened. He quickly stepped forward and apologized.<br /> "Ms. Lewis, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were here. I... I will leave now. Please take a seat."<br /> Layla glanced at the seat where Gary had been sitting, then turned to the receptionist and coldly ordered, "Throw this chair away and have someone replace it with a new one."<br /> The receptionist nodded repeatedly, saying, "Okay, Ms. Lewis."<br /> "Did she think the place where I sat was dirty?" Gary thought.<br /> Gary was angry but dared not. He could only lower his head in fear.<br /> Layla didn't bother to argue with him and pointed to the door.<br /> "Get out."<br /> "Yes." Gary did not dare to stay longer and left immediately.<br /> Then, he scolded at the door, "You got the job by pulling strings. Stop pretending. You really think you are so capable? When the sales drop and the company's profit fall, let's see how you explain it to the boss!"<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Ten minutes later, the chair was replaced with a new one. Layla sat down and began to read the company's recent design drafts.<br /> The more she looked, the more tightly she frowned.<br /> She scolded inwardly, "What the hell are these?<br /> Were they designed by a professional designer?"<br /> Layla looked at the designer's name and immediately called the design department. "Ask Anna Smith to come over."<br /> Soon, Anna appeared in the office wearing a red suit.<br /> As soon as she walked in, the strong smell of perfume filled the office, which was unpleasant.<br /> Layla frowned even more quietly and pulled out one of the design drafts.<br /> "There is an obvious problem with the color ratio of the necklace you designed, and I didn't find anything particularly outstanding about it. Are you going to give this to the client?"<br /> Anna was stunned because as Layla said, the client had rejected her design draft several times and said almost the same things as Layla's.<br /> It was strange. The client was patient and kept raising the price until Anna designed a work that satisfied the other party.<br /> Of course, Anna didn't think Layla knew about design. She thought they just happened to have the same idea. So she played with her newly made fingernails nonchalantly and responded perfunctorily.<br /> "Ms. Lewis, I did it according to the client's requirements. There is nothing wrong with it."<br /> Layla used a pencil to circle Anna's mistakes on the design draft expressionlessly.<br /> "The three-view drawing of your draft was wrong from the beginning. Look at the diamond in the middle, and there are many details, such as here..."<br /> Hearing Layla use professional terminology, Anna gradually corrected her attitude. But she still felt that Layla only knew a little bit and couldn't be compared with her, the chief designer.<br /> "Ms. Lewis, I think there is nothing wrong with my design. If you find any problem, please show me your true skills, and we can have a competition. Although you are our new president, the design industry is about strength. I have been a designer for many years, and only capable people can convince me."<br /> Layla smiled and took a blank piece of paper from under her desk.<br /> "Okay, let's have a competition. Tell me, what are the client's requirements? On what occasion will he use this necklace?"<br /> "You're pretending to be something you're not!" Anna sneered disdainfully, "Okay, then I'll tell you the client's requirements to see how capable you are."<br /> Layla said nothing and raised her eyebrows, indicating for her to continue.<br /> "The client will give this necklace to his first love. It should not only show the difficulty of their reunion but also reflect their pure and solid relationship. Based on these two requirements, we're asked to design a unique and stunning necklace." Anna paused and sneered, "That's all. Ms. Lewis, please go ahead. But the client's request is so complicated. Can you understand it? Do you need me to elaborate on it?"<br /> Layla took a piece of draft paper from the drawer and said, "No need. Give me 10 minutes, and I can sketch out the necklace."<br /> Ten minutes? Even the most senior designers in the company couldn't guarantee that they could give an outline.<br /> But Layla said she could?<br /> Anna thought it was a joke.<br /> She was sure Layla would embarrass herself. So, Anna said with sarcasm, "Then let's make an agreement. If you don't draw the design within 10 minutes or the design doesn't get the company's final approval, give up the position of director!"<br /> <br /> Chapter 7<br /> Layla began to sketch. The smooth line gradually came out on the paper.<br /> She already had the proportions and the distribution of colors of the draft. So, she drew it smoothly without even the slightest pause.<br /> In less than 10 minutes, she finished the outline of the necklace.<br /> Layla put down the pencil and rubbed her stiff wrists.<br /> Although she was a bit rusty after not drawing design drafts for a long time, she was quite satisfied with the design.<br /> Then, Layla looked at Anna and said, "I'm done."<br /> Anna watched the whole process and couldn't help but feel secretly frightened.<br /> Layla's design style seemed very similar to that of a design master, but Anna couldn't remember who it was.<br /> But even though Layla had some skills, Anna would never admit that she was better than her!<br /> "Done? What next? How do you prove that your design is better than mine and more aligned with the client's needs?"<br /> Layla knew she would say that. So, she first put her draft and Anna's on the desk and then shouted outside, "You all come in."<br /> Then, more than a dozen experienced designers in the company appeared in Layla's office.<br /> "Ms. Lewis..."<br /> Layla nodded slightly, pointed to the two design drafts, and said, "These are the designs submitted by two designers who applied for jobs not long ago. Which do you think is better? Take a vote."<br /> "Yes, Ms. Lewis."<br /> The designers thought Layla wanted to use this method to test their abilities, so everyone took it very seriously.<br /> Anna sneered, feeling that her draft was no worse than Layla's, and it was unclear who would win.<br /> Just when she was thinking, ten designers walked up to Layla's draft to vote for her.<br /> However, Anna had no vote.<br /> Layla had already anticipated this situation, and she looked calm.<br /> At this time, ten designers praised Layla's draft.<br /> "This designer's design is brilliant and eye-catching. People will be deeply attracted at first sight."<br /> "And I feel that this designer has a similar design style to AdoreWes'. She appeared briefly three years ago."<br /> "Yeah! I also remembered that AdoreWes has this design style, with bold yet unobtrusive colors. She is the model that the entire design field imitate."<br /> Anna suddenly thought of the great designer named AdoreWes.<br /> AdoreWes was indeed a terrific designer and a myth widely discussed in the design circle.<br /> But that was not important. The bottom line was that she lost to Layla zero to ten.<br /> She wondered about Layla's background.<br /> "It turns out that my design is indeed better than yours. What do you think? Are you convinced?" Layla looked at Anna with a half-smile.<br /> Anna's face instantly became extremely sullen. She bit her mouth and said nothing.<br /> A designer suddenly said, "Anna, I remembered your design draft had been rejected many times. It was rejected again this time?"<br /> Layla raised her eyebrows slightly. "Been rejected many times?"<br /> It hurt a nerve, but Anna still refused to admit that she was not as good as Layla. She said coldly with a sulky face, "So what if my draft has been rejected many times? Which designer can succeed one time? And you were just lucky this time. It doesn’t mean you can beat me next time!”<br /> Then, Anna grabbed the draft and left the office angrily.<br /> Only then did the 10 designers who had voted realize that the two design drafts belonged to Layla and Anna, not those who came to apply.<br /> After looking closely at Layla's design draft, a designer asked curiously, "Ms. Lewis, your design style is so similar to AdoreWes'. Do you know AdoreWes? Or is she your teacher?"<br /> <br /> Chapter 8<br /> Hearing her mention AdoreWes, Layla was absent-minded for a moment.<br /> AdoreWes, as the name suggested, meant admiring Wesley.<br /> Back then, Layla was crazy about Wesley. All the works of AdoreWes were designed with Wesley as inspiration.<br /> In Layla's opinion at that time, this was sweet and proof of her love for Wesley.<br /> But now... all this had become a joke.<br /> It was a past she no longer wanted to face, felt disgusting, and wanted to bury.<br /> Layla half-closed her eyes, her long and thick eyelashes hiding the emotions. After a while, she responded, "I don't know AdoreWes, but I quite like her and have studied her design style for a while., so it’s normal for my design to be similar to hers."<br /> The designer nodded and said, "I see. Ms. Lewis, you're very talented."<br /> Another designer said, "Yes, Ms. Lewis, your design is great. I want to discuss some design techniques with you later."<br /> "I also have many shortcomings. Ms. Lewis, please go to the design department to guide us some time."<br /> Layla agreed, "No problem."<br /> The designers felt that Layla was not only capable but also very kind. They immediately started to like her.<br /> "It's just a fluke that you beat me once. What's there to be proud of!" Anna, secretly hiding outside the door, watched this scene and gritted her teeth in anger.<br /> Immediately afterward, she thought of something, rolled her eyes twice, and walked towards Gary's office with calculation.<br /> Gary, sitting in the office drinking coffee leisurely, saw Anna and broke into a laugh.<br /> "Baby, why are you here?"<br /> Anna walked over, sat on Gary's thigh, put her arms around his neck, and said softly, "Mr. Cox, Layla embarrassed me so much just now. You have to do something. Otherwise, she will bully me."<br /> When Layla was mentioned, Gary also looked a little unhappy.<br /> "A new broom sweeps clean. She won't be conceited for too long. When I find an opportunity, I will deal with her."<br /> Anna acted coquettishly and said in Gary's ears, "But Mr. Cox, I can't wait any longer and want to drive her out of this company immediately. She obviously doesn't like me and will make things difficult for me from now on!”<br /> After a two-second pause, Gary still didn't reply, and Anna played victim to gain sympathy.<br /> "But since she could suddenly take the office and become the general manager, she must have a powerful background. Mr. Cox, if you find it hard to handle, forget it. It... it doesn't matter if I am treated badly. You don't have to consider me."<br /> Anna's eyes were red, and she looked pitiful, which made Gary feel very distressed. "Anna, you are my baby, how can I let you be treated badly? What's more, she just pulled some strings to get the job. As long as I do something and make her make a major mistake at work, she will be immediately kicked out of the company."<br /> Anna was happy and moved closer to Gary. "Do you have an idea?"<br /> "I haven't thought of a specific plan yet, but trust me. Don't worry. It won't take long before she will be kicked out of the company in the most embarrassing way." Gary looked confident.<br /> Anna thought of the employees who had been kicked out of the company by Gary before and felt that Layla's end would be even more miserable by then. Her face split into a triumphant smile.<br /> "Mr. Cox, you are the best. Thanks for helping me."<br /> "I have something better. Do you want to try it?" Gary gave a lewd smile and started to touch Anna.<br /> Anna was very cooperative, wrapping her legs in stockings around Gary's waist.<br /> Gary pushed her onto the desk and took her stockings off...<br /> A hint of hostility crossed Anna's face.<br /> She thought, "Layla, just wait. You won't laugh long."<br /> <br /> Chapter 9<br /> It was at the office of the Whitman Group.<br /> Wesley's assistant Tom Walker got the design draft Layla had just submitted and hurried to the office to find Wesley.<br /> "Mr. Whitman, maybe you have guessed right that the design master, AdoreWes, is in LayMaple Jewelry Design."<br /> "Show me the draft!" Wesley took the design draft from Tom.<br /> After looking at it carefully several times, Wesley found the style of this design draft was indeed very similar to AdoreWes'.<br /> Paul curiously moved closer to take a look. When he saw the design draft clearly, his eyes widened suddenly.<br /> "No way. You really got her? But why haven't you heard that AdoreWes is there?"<br /> Wesley responded calmly, "She hides herself."<br /> Paul gently rubbed his chin and said, "AdoreWes doesn't want to show up, so what should we do?"<br /> Wesley pondered for a while and said, "The 8th of next month is Amber's birthday. I will invite many people over then. I will also invite the boss of LayMaple Jewelry Design over to inquire."<br /> Paul thought this was a good idea, but then he frowned as he thought of something.<br /> "You don't really like Amber, do you? But she is indeed much better than your ex-wife and great in all aspects. She is talented and comes from a good family. If you get married, the Clark family will help you with your career. It seems to be good."<br /> Wesley glanced at Paul and said, "I'm just using her as a shield."<br /> Paul was puzzled. "A shield? Why?"<br /> "Layla and I were forced to get married by my grandma. We don't have any feelings for each other. Instead of torturing each other, it's better to divorce." While talking, Wesley couldn't help but think of the name that Layla inadvertently mentioned and felt a little uncomfortable.<br /> Paul nodded and said, "I see. But from what I saw in the bar, I don't think you have no feelings for Layla."<br /> However, Wesley's glare stopped him before he could finish his words.<br /> "You saw wrong."<br /> Paul laughed and said, "Fine. I won't say anything anymore."<br /> Wesley looked away from Paul and lowered his eyes. No one knew what he was thinking.<br /> Layla was browsing the Internet to check information and suddenly saw the news that Adrain had achieved great success in the project on the east side of the city.<br /> She smiled softly, feeling proud.<br /> Adrain was always awesome.<br /> Now that Adrian had achieved such great success in business, Layla planned to give him a gift.<br /> "What should I give?" She murmured.<br /> Layla gently rubbed his chin and thought for a long time, but she couldn't think of what to give.<br /> She decided to go to the mall after work.<br /> After getting off work, Layla came to the largest shopping mall in Bellcester and took the elevator into the men's accessories area.<br /> There were watches, belts, ties... Layla didn't know what to choose.<br /> She stood there and thought for a while. Considering that ties were often needed, she finally decided to buy Adrian a tie.<br /> Unexpectedly, as soon as Layla walked to the brand store selling ties, she heard a voice of contempt and ridicule.<br /> "Ms. Lewis, are you... also going to pick out a tie? But now you don't seem to have anyone to give it to, right? Or did you find a man so quickly after leaving Mr. Whitman?"<br /> Layla turned around and saw two people standing before her.<br /> One was Amber, who was wearing a white dress. The girl beside her was Amber's best friend, Melissa Anderson.<br /> Layla responded to Melissa in the same contemptuous tone, "Excuse me, do we know each other? Does what I do have anything to do with you?"<br /> "I think you feel guilty and dare to say anything," Melissa sneered.<br /> Layla glanced at her and walked into the store without saying anything.<br /> Before she could enter, Melissa blocked her way.	DOWNLOAD	https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adore	113154531881219	Popular novel	https://facebook.com/61550363742369	171	4	417,343,750,857,793	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Download	Popular novel	120207501390750237	client.adoread.com	NONE	image		https://client.adoread.com/book/loading/page/adoread/26183550311?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}		2024-02-04 03:28	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425483376_1047817049666346_4567228227543357905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uys6NSV-6J4AX-kHGuo&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBjwi8fxDNpz1hO-gy2HjKUY63eAQWeoX39sbIp6AHZUQ&oe=65D6A227	person_profile	Popular novel	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425913621_1161422154825931_1934355099474733804_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=czc6OG9q9iwAX8teJU0&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBWDtAAwOG_fULAYAItVmo_6EibEW2U86s_IpNVRwE9Mg&oe=65D7446A	3	Popular novel	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,683	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	702351045406252	Varicose Veins Will Disappear! Do This Before You Go To Bed	Varicose Veins Can Be Gone With A Simple Trick 👇	SHOP_NOW	https://secure.medilisk.com/varicose-relief-cream-	107898921623726	Julia Hendriks	https://facebook.com/61550997647443	28	1	703,755,548,497,262	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	Julia Hendriks	120207715113910744	secure.medilisk.com	NONE	video		https://secure.medilisk.com/varicose-relief-cream-article		2024-02-17 12:18	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428073867_1233568994729350_7842677956371402163_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mgSGSC3WsagAX8vr590&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDhl6eEDjlotu8CR_HOmNUMfs1zJBQChpjo7IqbauJslA&oe=65D6CF67	person_profile	Julia Hendriks	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428091572_1456007288462590_5042553893061486758_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VJcOLZq4YmcAX_37NUA&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAbj33hBvHG_4czDjwIBVu-ZI3JqFNuZLKgL2_u75ipxw&oe=65D7EBA4	3	Julia Hendriks	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,674	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310905}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	701109488852691		We're thrilled to introduce our latest holistic healing service: A Private NADA Protocol Acupuncture Session with CES (Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation) 🍃✨. This unique 30-minute session, expertly guided by our beloved practitioner <span class="_39_n">Lauren</span> promises to be a sanctuary for your mind, body, and spirit.<br /> <br /> Imagine lying on a heated infrared chakra mat, the Phymat, which bathes you in soothing warmth, targeting your body's chakras to promote detoxification and healing. 🌈🔥 Then, experience the gentle, restorative power of the NADA acupuncture protocol, enhanced with CES technology, designed to deeply relax you, alleviate anxiety, improve your sleep, and balance your vagus nerve for an overall sense of harmony and well-being.<br /> <br /> This personalized session is perfect for anyone seeking to:<br /> <br /> Reduce stress and anxiety 🌿<br /> Improve sleep quality 🌙<br /> Balance and rejuvenate their body's energy centers 💫<br /> <br /> Lauren is ready to welcome you into this peaceful and healing experience. <br /> <br /> Schedule your session now and embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation like never before. Let's nurture your body, calm your mind, and uplift your spirit together.<br /> <br /> 📅 Booking is now open! Secure your spot for an exclusive session with Lauren and feel the transformative effects of this ancient practice, enhanced with the latest in relaxation technology.<br /> <br /> book your private session here: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fasanayogami.com%2Fprivate-nada-acupuncture&h=AT2kjYZes5BodVKC-YJGxmfeanVj49oSX3nvd7wbpLiis2XweN3bYi1NBxls7fmYpIdsHGkE0zDKfxBox08LPPUxxj0mHHpUy4bSLyzEzFeQLxpEs9mkpAY9x4TU-dE9RILzj66t7mM2_kjmlOiXI8olXzc" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://asanayogami.com/private-nada-acupuncture</a><br /> <br /> #WellnessJourney #AcupunctureHealing #NADAProtocol #CEStherapy #HeatedChakraMat #HolisticHealth #BookNow #RelaxationRevolution #MeetLauren<br /> <br /> Let's spread the word about this incredible new service! Like, share, and tag a friend who would love this healing experience. 💖🌟	MESSAGE_PAGE		289758431199670	Asana Yoga	https://facebook.com/AsanaYogaMi	1,373	1	1,105,147,683,945,845	2024-02-17 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Send message	Asana Yoga	6515107158598		NONE	image			{"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I pay for classes when I show up or ahead of time?","response":""},{"title":"Do I need to bring my own mat?","response":""},{"title":"How much is a drop in?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"surface":"boosted_post"}	2024-02-17 13:07	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428698232_852128750050083_1973712899878198617_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0E6wIZwkkrUAX-htjnr&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBRVE74SNTrrGM4BsPoO3WKhp1dbgSGqbjTiu0VcYZ87Q&oe=65D710E8	person_profile	Asana Yoga	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428670282_724025949512392_9210272570544686482_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tLS8tsq3rcMAX--yKsm&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBwewYIQ46-0iX05YmO9wStI2CU6TpzAq98ZFILoFqzVg&oe=65D7F926	3	Asana Yoga	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,909	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310908}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1311514886194604	Diabetic Nerve Pain Study - Norfolk	Doctors at Eastern Virginia Medical School are studying an FDA-approved, non-drug treatment for diabetic nerve pain. See if you may be eligible.	LEARN_MORE	https://pdnclinicalstudy.com/	168311646354698	Diabetic Nerve Pain Study	https://facebook.com/61552636980353	43	1	640,893,528,119,368	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Diabetic Nerve Pain Study	120206377755490416	pdnclinicalstudy.com	NONE	image	Doctors at Eastern Virginia Medical School are studying an FDA-approved, non-drug treatment for diabetic nerve pain. See if you may be eligible.	https://pdnclinicalstudy.com/		2024-02-15 09:26	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426502007_768733938462110_8275721348385205701_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=od7sdPBaOukAX_KWnXT&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfDh4wNABAioXD7xJjnGtUgGoiAxElyLs__s7AMk2l6HJg&oe=65D6B3E3	person_profile	Diabetic Nerve Pain Study	https://scontent-den2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428148154_364022179822908_2261690933817657248_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hS-OXATiMPEAX-FVf-O&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.xx&oh=00_AfAWzN-boni2emF0lxeaiiih9_SssKwhsY4SxDr3aNGTMA&oe=65D7CA24	3	Diabetic Nerve Pain Study	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,580	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311552}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	743329957725160	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Are you really going to break your mate bond with Hayden?" She looked at me as if she didn't believe I could do it.<br /> "You don't believe that I can do it?" I feigned shock.<br /> "It's not that," she said embarrassedly. "It's just ... I know how much you love Hayden.<br /> You even left your pack and everything else behind just to be with him."<br /> " I don't love him anymore, " I told her indifferently.<br /> My love for him had disappeared the moment he forced me to kneel and asked me to admit my 'mistakes'.<br /> ------<br /> Charlotte's POV<br /> "You have killed my brother's baby. Kneel and apologize to Sofia just like Milla had said," Hayden said coldly.<br /> His words made me freeze in my spot again.<br /> Why wouldn't he believe me? Why would he believe someone else's words but not his mate's? Was it true that he was in love with Sofia?<br /> I didn't even want to apologize to Sofia, much less kneel. For my mate to ask me to do those two things was humiliating! And it angered me.<br /> "I'm not going to kneel or apologize. I didn't do anything wrong, "I growled.<br /> "If you don't kneel and apologize, I will dissolve our mate bond, " he said indifferently.<br /> I froze again. He would terminate our mate ship because of Sofia?<br /> "Mate ship growled.<br /> " Hayden, you are too much! " I yelled at him.<br /> "I'm the Luna of the pack, and I will never kneel in front of anyone! And no one can force me to! It's in the pack's rule!"<br /> " The pack's rules? " Hayden snorted.<br /> I straightened my back and lifted my chin.<br /> "It's stated that no one can force a Luna to kneel or apologize for something she didn't do!"<br /> To my surprise, Hayden laughed.<br /> "Charlotte, do you think, as the Luna of the pack, you can do anything freely and not apologize for your wrongdoings?" he mocked me.<br /> "It seems to me you have been abusing your power as the Luna of the pack."<br /> He stood up and came to stand before me.<br /> Reaching out his hand, he pinched my chin forcefully.<br /> " And to let you know, I was the one who made those rules, and as the maker of the rules, I am now telling you to kneel and apologize to Sofia," he snarled.<br /> From the corners of my eyes, I saw Milla had a gleeful expression, and Sofia had a triumphant smile.<br /> "You believe someone else's words rather than your mate? " I, stupidly, still thought that I could make him believe me instead of that woman, Sofia.<br /> " Enough, Charlotte! No matter how many times you tried to deny it, the evidence is clear. Everyone saw what you did! " He released my chin forcefully, and I staggered back a few steps from the force.<br /> " You. You really don't believe me? " I felt my heart turning cold. There really was no use in defending myself now.<br /> I looked at Sofia and saw her looking weak and pitiful once again, with tears streaming down her face.<br /> Heh, Sofia really was a good actress!<br /> " I don't like to repeat my words, Charlotte.<br /> Kneel and apologize or I'll break our mate bond and divorce you, "Hayden said coldly.<br /> "I will NEVER kneel or apologize for something I didn't do," I said stubbornly and left the hospital without turning to look at Sofia, Milla, or even Hayden.<br /> "Charlotte!" Hayden roared out my name, but I ignored him and kept walking toward the park's main house, where I lived with Hayden as the Alpha and Luna of the pack.<br /> Just as I stepped into the hall, I heard the screech of a car. I turned around to see a fuming Hayden.<br /> "Charlotte, are you still unwilling to kneel and apologize?" he asked with narrowed eyes.<br /> "I've told you before. I won't kneel or apologize for something I didn't do," I told him coldly.<br /> "Guards!" he yelled before I could say anything further.<br /> Two guards appeared out of nowhere and seized my arms.<br /> "Make her kneel!" Hayden commanded.<br /> My eyes widened in disbelief. I couldn't believe that Hayden would do this to his own mate.<br /> I struggled as the guards pulled me toward the door. Once outside, they pushed down my shoulders. As a future Alpha, my strength was not ordinary. I could withstand their forces and kept standing upright.<br /> Hayden was looking at me with cold eyes and not saying anything. Seeing that the guards could not make me kneel, he came to us and kicked the back of my knees.<br /> I was shocked and wasn't prepared for it. My knees buckled under me, and he successfully made me kneel on the ground with his kick.<br /> "Kneel here and think of what you have done," he said coldly before telling the guards to ensure I kept kneeling. He then turned around and entered the house once again, slamming the door shut behind him.<br /> The guards kept their hands on my shoulders, pushing me down and disabling me to stand up.<br /> This was the first time in my life I felt so humiliated, and the one who humiliated me was my own mate.<br /> I felt rage course through every nerve of my body. I couldn't believe my mate was so heartless.<br /> Lexi cursed.<br /> The wind blowing strongly around me didn't help. I felt so cold that my body shivered until my teeth chattered. I hadn't changed from my wet clothes, and my wounds hadn't been cleaned and bandaged.<br /> After Goddess knew how many hours of kneeling, Hayden finally came out.<br /> " Hayden, I-" I still had hopes that he would listen to me, but his next words wiped away all my hopes.<br /> "Have you thought about what you have done? Are you ready to apologize to Sofia? "<br /> he cut off my words coldly.<br /> " Hayden, is this how you treat your mate? " I asked through gritted teeth.<br /> "Mate?" he laughed. "Do you think I care about you being my mate? For me, a mate is just a stepping stone to become stronger. An Alpha needs a Luna to make them and their packs stronger," he said coldly.<br /> I gasped and felt all my blood drained from my body. " You. You never care about me?<br /> You never love me?"<br /> " Love? " He sneered and looked at me as if I was a clown. "I only claimed you as my mate and married you to save the trouble of my pack not having a Luna. "<br /> I looked at him and felt my heart breaking.<br /> Three years. Three years of being his mate and his Luna. Three years of trying hard to be the perfect Luna for him. And that was all I was to him? A mean to save trouble and a stepping stone to become stronger?<br /> "Are you willing to admit your mistake?" he asked impatiently.<br /> I lifted my chin stubbornly. "NEVER!"<br /> " Then kneel until you admit your mistake, " he spat and turned back to go into the house again.<br /> "Alpha." Suddenly Beta Noah appeared.<br /> "Sofia is awake, and she's been crying nonstop. "<br /> "What? Has the doctor seen her yet?"<br /> Hayden asked anxiously.<br /> "She's hysterical and did not let anyone come near her," Beta Noah reported.<br /> "Alright, I'll go to the hospital now," Hayden said.<br /> He then turned to me and said, "Don't make any trouble anymore, or you'll know the consequences."<br /> After warning me, he left in a hurry with Beta Noah. The two guards followed them as they were Hayden's personal guards.<br /> I let out a bitter laugh. How stupid was I to think that mates should fall in love with each other?<br /> After hearing his words, I had no hopes for Hayden anymore. All I felt was disappointment.<br /> I tried to stand up despite my legs being numb from kneeling for too long. I reached out and touched the walls for support and walked slowly toward our bedroom.<br /> "Are you going to leave him?" Lexi asked as I was changing my clothes.<br /> " Yes. Is it okay with you? " I asked her. I knew severing the mate bond hurt so much for me, but especially for Lexi. I didn't know how it'd affect Lexi.<br /> "I'd rather you leave him than stay mated with him," Lexi growled.<br /> "Won't it affect you? "I asked.<br /> " It will. It will hurt for a while, but I'll manage.<br /> I want you to be happy, Charlotte," she said.<br /> Her words nearly made me cry. Lexi was the only one who cared for me in the three years of being married to Hayden.<br /> "Alright, don't cry now," she tried to comfort me. " What's your next plan? "<br /> "Leave here and go back to the Moon Crest Pack," I told her and began packing my stuff.<br /> "Good," she said, and I could feel how proud she was of me for taking this bold action.<br /> After I finished packing, I dragged my suitcase and went out without anyone noticing. Everyone was either busy cooking nutritious meals for Sofia in the kitchen or going to the hospital to take care of her.<br /> How ironic, I thought. He let everyone take care of someone who wasn't his mate, while no one cared for his mate who was injured.<br /> Looking at the starless night sky, I felt tears stinging my eyes again. Three years of trying to be his perfect mate went down the drain because of another female.<br /> I began walking toward the pack's border while dragging my suitcase.<br /> The wind began to howl, and I shivered again because of the cold.<br /> "Charlotte, don't you want to go to the hospital to get your wounds treated first?"<br /> Lexi asked anxiously.<br /> "And meet those idiot? No, thank you, "I answered, and Lexi stopped talking.<br /> The more I walked, the weaker I felt. My breathing became heavier, my wounds began to throb, and I felt my vision begin to blur.<br /> " Charlotte, let's go to the hospital first, " Lexi's anxious voice sounded in my mind.<br /> My body swayed, and I fell to the ground, feeling all my energy drained. I couldn't even move an inch of my body. I felt darkness start to pull me in.<br /> What should I do?<br /> An image popped into my mind, and I struggled mightily to open up a mind link I hadn't used for the last three years.<br /> " Charlotte? " a man asked in disbelief once our mind link opened up.<br /> "Leo... Help me... Pick me up... at... the...Red... Claw... Pack's... border, "I said with much difficulty before succumbing to the darkness.<br /> My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was a clean, white ceiling.<br /> " Charlotte, you are awake. " I heard a female's relieved voice.<br /> I turned my head and saw my best friend, Olivia, sitting on a chair beside my bed.<br /> "Olivia... Where am I?" I asked with a hoarse voice.<br /> "You are in the pack's hospital," she replied and brought me a glass of water.<br /> " Which pack? " I asked with worry.<br /> "My pack-the Silent Prowlers Pack, "she said.<br /> I heaved out a sigh of relief. At least I was somewhere familiar.<br /> I took a sip of the water she gave me and asked, " Who brought me here? " I had no recollection whatsoever. The last thing I remembered was passing out near the Red Claw Pack's border.<br /> "Did Leo bring me here?" I asked her as I remembered mind linking Leo, my Beta.<br /> "Yup. After you mind linked him, he became frantic and rushed out to search for you," she said.<br /> "Then what happened? "I asked.<br /> "He said he found you unconscious on the side of the road and quickly brought you here since it's the closest to the Red Claw Pack," Olivia explained.<br /> " What's wrong with me? " Why did I faint?<br /> "You had a fever and were injured," she said.<br /> Fever? Must be because I was drenched and forced to kneel under strong wind.<br /> " Char, what happened? " She asked.<br /> " What do you mean? " I pretended not to know what she meant.<br /> " Why did you come back after three years of no news? "She looked at me with her huge eyes, and I saw some hesitancy in them.<br /> "I'm going to break my mate bond with Hayden," I told her nonchalantly.<br /> To my surprise, she didn't look shocked.<br /> "Is it because of the rumor?" she asked.<br /> Rumor? "What rumor?"<br /> "The whole continent heard about you pushing Sofia Thompson off the cliff because of jealousy, and she miscarried because of it," she said, and it was apparent she was embarrassed to say those words to me.<br /> I laughed. "The whole continent knows?"<br /> "Yeah. And the members of the Red Claw Pack said you are not fit to be their Luna."<br /> I smirked. "That news sure moves fast."<br /> " What do you mean? " She asked, obviously confused.<br /> "Do you believe the rumor?" I asked her. It had been three years since I last saw and contacted her. Would she believe the rumor more than she believed me?<br /> She rolled her eyes. "Of course not. I know you. You wouldn't do that even if you were jealous. You most probably would slap Hayden for not believing you."<br /> I was relieved that someone at least believed me.<br /> I told her everything that happened that day -how Sofia framed me, how Hayden believed her, and asked me to kneel until I admitted my mistake.<br /> I also told her how Milla and Sofia had been treating me like an Omega instead of a Luna for the last three years I was in Red Claw Pack, including how Hayden was only using me and preferred Sofia.<br /> "If he doesn't love you, he should've rejected you and not used you like that!" Olivia said angrily.<br /> "That Sofia must have asked people to spread the rumor! " She continued, still fuming.<br /> I was amused looking at how her expressions and emotions changed so fast-from relief, hesitant, embarrassment, confusion, and now anger.<br /> "Are you okay, Char?" she asked with concern.<br /> "I'm fine, don't worry about me," I assured her.<br /> "Are you really going to break your mate bond with Hayden?" She looked at me as if she didn't believe I could do it.<br /> "You don't believe that I can do it?" I feigned shock.<br /> "It's not that," she said embarrassedly. "It's just ... I know how much you love Hayden.<br /> You even left your pack and everything else behind just to be with him."<br /> " I don't love him anymore, " I told her indifferently.<br /> My love for him had disappeared the moment he forced me to kneel and asked me to admit my 'mistakes'.<br /> "Really? That's good. He doesn't deserve your love," she said and let out a sigh of relief.<br /> "Shouldn't you feel sad for me? I'm going to sever my mate bond, you know, " I teased her.<br /> "It's better not to have a mate rather than to have a idiot as a mate," she said as she rolled her eyes.<br /> I laughed hearing her words. What she said was true. I must be blind to stay with a idiot like Hayden for three years while he spent more time with another woman and cared more for that woman.<br /> Suddenly we heard some whispering outside the ward.<br /> "Have you heard about the Luna of the Red Claw Pack?" a female voice asked.<br /> "She pushed her sister-in-law off the cliff and caused her to miscarry. She's so vicious!"<br /> another female answered her.<br /> They kept gossiping until their voice faded out and disappeared.<br /> "Those idiot!" Olivia stood up and was going to reprimand them, but I stopped her.<br /> " Don't do anything, " I told her.<br /> "Why did you stop me? I'm going to give everyone, especially that idiot Sofia and Hayden, a piece of my mind,"<br /> Olivia seethed.<br /> "Don't do anything, "I repeated calmly.<br /> "I'm going to ask your dad and brother to deal with them. They should know you are the next Alpha of the Moon Crest Pack. Let's see if they still dare to say bad things about you! " Olivia was so angry she didn't seem to hear my words as she kept trying to make everything right for me.<br /> I was thankful for her, but I didn't need anyone to stand up for me.<br /> "Olivia! "I called her sternly, and this time she returned to her sense.<br /> "I'm solo angry," she said as she sat down again. "How are you so calm?"<br /> "Don't worry, I have already prepared a 'gift'<br /> for the Red Claw Pack and Hayden, "I smirked.<br /> "A gift? What gift are you going to give them?<br /> What are you going to do to him? Tell me,"<br /> she asked with excitement.<br /> I laughed, seeing her excitement.<br /> " You'll know when the time comes, " I smirked.<br /> " Oh, come on, Char. I'm your best friend. You should tell me about this 'gift' you have prepared for them," she tried to fish out information from me, but I wouldn't budge.<br /> "Don't worry, it's going to be a big 'gift', "I smirked again, thinking how they would react after receiving my gift'.<br /> " So, you won't tell me? You are so bad, " she complained and pouted.<br /> I laughed and patted her head.<br /> Olivia was different from me. While I was tall and slender, she was petite with huge innocent eyes, just like a child. But never be deceived by her appearance. She was impulsive and a powerful she-wolf. She could punch a hole in a wall with her fist. Even I didn't dare to be near her when she was angry.<br /> "Well... The most important thing now is to break my mate bond with Hayden, "I changed the subject. " Do you know how to do it? "<br /> I had no idea how to do it. Should I just reject him? But it wouldn't sever the mate bond. It'd be just like any other rejection.<br /> " Char, are you really sure you want to break the mate bond? It'll be different than a normal rejection," she said thoughtfully.<br /> "I know, "I answered her firmly. "I don't care about Hayden or the Red Claw Pack anymore. You know I'm going to be the Alpha of the Moon Crest Pack. Why should I care about them? I'm going to be even more powerful than Hayden and his pack. "<br /> She scrutinized me to see if there was any doubt in my eyes, but I had made up my mind.<br /> Once she saw that I was adamant about doing it, she sighed.<br /> "So, do you know how to do it? " I asked her again.<br /> She was hesitant but nodded in the end. "I heard you need to pray to the Moon Goddess together with Hayden and reject each other at the same time. "<br /> "It sounds easy," I said lightly.<br /> "Char... The breaking of mate bond might break your soul and Lexi," she said as she looked at me with despair.<br /> I looked at her and asked, "Do you want me to stay with him, keep being abused by his family and Sofia and be unhappy? "<br /> She looked down at her hands that were holding mine. "It's not that. I just don't want you to be soulless. "<br /> I laughed hearing her words. "Olivia, thank you for your concern. But me and Lexi are stronger than you think. We've been best friends for so long. Do you think I'll become weak after a simple rejection? "<br /> She finally looked at me, and her eyes finally twinkled with excitement. " You are right. You are the most powerful she-wolf I've ever known. I can't wait for that idiot Hayden's reaction when he knows you are the Alpha of the second strongest pack," she giggled.<br /> "Alright. I'm feeling better now. My fever has subsided, and my injuries have all healed. I want to be discharged and return to the Red Claw Pack to tell Hayden of my decision, "I told her.<br /> " Okay. Stay here. I'll get the paperwork done, "<br /> she said and went out to help with my discharge paper. I smiled as I looked at her back. I was lucky to have a friend like Olivia.<br /> Once alone at the ward, I sighed again.<br /> "Lexi, did you hear what Olivia said? "I asked my wolf. "Should I really break the mate bond with Hayden?"<br /> "Of course, you should. He's a idiot," Lexi growled.<br /> " But you heard what Olivia said. The process might break you." It wasn't that I didn't want to break my mate bond, but I was thinking about Lexi.<br /> "Don't worry about me, Charlotte. Even if I break, I'll get back up in no time, " Lexi assured me.<br /> "Are you sure? "I asked her. I didn't want her to break because of me.<br /> "Positive. And don't think of not breaking up with Hayden," she growled again.<br /> "Okay then. We'll go through the heartbreak together, " I told her.<br /> "Of course, we will. Hayden and his wolf won't be able to break us," Lexi snorted arrogantly, which made me laugh, and my heart felt lighter.<br /> After some time, Olivia came back with a nurse.<br /> The nurse took off the needle in my hand, and I was ready to be discharged.<br /> "Char, do you need me to drive you to the Red Claw Pack? "Olivia asked with concern.<br /> I rubbed her head and smiled. "No. This is something that I must do alone. "<br /> "Okay. Remember to contact me if they make it difficult for you," Olivia said.<br /> I laughed again. Olivia was too cute. She kept worrying about me. Though it was nice to be cared for, but I didn't need it this time.<br /> " Remember, I don't love Hayden anymore.<br /> And I'm an Alpha. If they do something to me, I'll fight back, "I reminded her and winked.<br /> Finally, Olivia sighed with relief and smiled brightly. "You are right. If they bully you, just show them your true self! "<br /> We chatted as we went to the car park and parted ways. I got into a cheap black car I had bought to conceal my true wealth and showed Hayden that I didn't become his mate for his money, and drove to the Red Claw Pack.<br /> The moment I got off the car, I felt many eyes looking at me. I even heard them ridiculing me.<br /> "Look at her. How could she be so shameless to return to the pack?"<br /> "She really has no shame! She's a murderer, yet she still has the nerve to appear here. "<br /> "Does she think she's still fit to be the Luna of the pack?"<br /> "Do you think she's here to beg Hayden and apologize to Sofia? She really has thick skin!"<br /> And there were many other degrading words pointed at me as I walked straight to Hayden's study.<br /> I couldn't care less about what they were saying. My heart had been cold and devoid of any emotions ever since Hayden forced me to kneel and admit my 'mistakes'.<br /> Once I arrived at Hayden's study, I didn't even bother to knock. I opened the door immediately and met Hayden and Noah's surprised looks.<br /> Hayden sneered and was about to say something, but I beat him to it.<br /> "I'll wait for you tomorrow night when the moon rises at the altar of the Moon Goddess to go through the ceremony of terminating our mate bond. Don't forget to draft the divorce agreement. I don't need any compensation from you. I just want to not be mated or married to you anymore. I want to be free from you and the Red Claw Pack, "I told him coldly and left without giving him a chance to talk back.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.thepopfic.com/ad/UG9wRmljLzk4NDE1LzIwMjQ	104059476000396	Pop002	https://facebook.com/100092368062082	55	1	378,921,074,873,426	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Pop002	120207230789900398	a.thepopfic.com	NONE	video		https://a.thepopfic.com/ad/UG9wRmljLzk4NDE1LzIwMjQwMjA0MTQ0MjQyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}		2024-02-04 00:45	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425967044_2528883323960844_3859704643885929292_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vWro1TY-Y_sAX_nNYhU&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCySkS0r96vRRHzkUwhqRN427KI6BFLKuTUe6SPc2nC_g&oe=65D6A736	person_profile	Pop002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425879186_768448585162035_8674238276831579835_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nNCzuV37-l8AX8zTd2q&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBC4vlI8_q38hOYeVaRde5RWdgiItnXA9NDjomON8Xchg&oe=65D65B3A	3	Pop002	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,660	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310657}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1449696699307955	"It’s Like Jiffy Lube For Aching Joints..."	Unlock your full mobility! <br /> <br /> With Dr. Gina Sam’s “Molecular Switch”<br /> <br /> ✔️ Enhances Joint Health<br /> ✔️ Boosts Flexibility<br /> ✔️ Supports An Active Lifestyle.<br /> <br /> Feel the difference today!	WATCH_MORE	https://thepainreport.com/pages/syn-vslfb/	140677332467860	Synocell	https://facebook.com/synocell	1,164	2	324,764,280,034,001	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Watch more	Synocell	120205474137410774	thepainreport.com	NONE	video		https://thepainreport.com/pages/syn-vslfb/		2024-02-15 15:58	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427734665_719098993623648_4346057062610376143_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wNCm3lHItacAX9coHe8&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD8S8BCCuwEjjDVagXToCrNqpTUUhtTMLhnr85v_eRzvg&oe=65D65D62	person_profile	Synocell	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426557701_2041851562855557_7572454213521411039_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bOtCnnolvGQAX-r5jHs&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDCWgjPjc8MXAL6ZHWPYDhCLGTDYSeoajiyEFQSnBjOyA&oe=65D7E3C0	3	Synocell	2024-02-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,282	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1802900853518914	End the Tingling and Burning	🔥 Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints? <br /> <br /> Whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> 🌟 Embrace Freedom in 2024: FDA-Approved, Non-pharmaceutical Neuropathy Treatment in Conway 🌟<br /> <br /> Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve And Joint Center, L.L.C. uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA approved. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> 🌱 Our approach not only eases your pain but also targets the root cause of neuropathy. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and hello to lasting relief.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> <br /> ✅ Initial Consultation<br /> ✅ Thermography Scan<br /> ✅ Severity Assessment <br /> <br /> 🎉 Step into 2024 with newfound energy and freedom. No more restless nights or days overshadowed by foot pain.<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> Your path to a pain-free life is just a click away. Let’s make neuropathy a thing of the past.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.getconwayoffer.com/neuropathy	106630385362212	Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve & Joint Ctr LLC	https://facebook.com/CentralArNeuropathy	399	1	1,044,180,496,657,262	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve & Joint Ctr LLC	120205302165130446	getconwayoffer.com	NONE	image	Step into a Neuropathy-Free 2024!	https://www.getconwayoffer.com/neuropathy		2024-02-16 15:20	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/424606138_1387373738549169_8913939968690235343_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LXjro0efZ6MAX-AlsXW&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCaP2lv-jW_g-RxiPVZPJ5y9kVvbNt7MIXTYQ2J3PbWXQ&oe=65D652EE	person_profile			3	Central Arkansas Advanced Nerve & Joint Ctr LLC	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,661	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":0.9995673403795043,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1747388372450409	"It’s Like Jiffy Lube For Aching Joints..."	Unlock your full mobility! <br /> <br /> With Dr. Gina Sam’s “Molecular Switch”<br /> <br /> ✔️ Enhances Joint Health<br /> ✔️ Boosts Flexibility<br /> ✔️ Supports An Active Lifestyle.<br /> <br /> Feel the difference today!	WATCH_MORE	https://thepainreport.com/pages/syn-vslfb/	140677332467860	Synocell	https://facebook.com/synocell	1,164	2	689,181,240,097,648	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Watch more	Synocell	120205474139150774	thepainreport.com	NONE	video		https://thepainreport.com/pages/syn-vslfb/		2024-02-15 15:59	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426532050_312033718092290_5438906884344319835_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0qv90hc3gKIAX8StIDj&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDDcyw3-xqJDA7rwMdljgp0-x7scjy-Uft2w3FP_180jw&oe=65D69D02	person_profile	Synocell	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428362480_7350911074954898_9105312329732571129_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zKy76hSzae0AX94IJKc&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDGhJxiw3pn21e5FjIk9dH5WIzN3Sdp91VPkN_WkmKF7A&oe=65D7DD6E	3	Synocell	2024-02-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,516	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311517}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	796551135636307		As long as you are not over 70 years old<br /> I don't care what type of gray hair you have<br /> No matter how many years your hair has been gray<br /> I can help you turn your hair black<br /> Let you have the most popular hair color in 2023	SHOP_NOW	https://nishomee.com/products/hair-dye-shampoo	112427345032706	Nishomee	https://facebook.com/100088141247652	297	12	764,853,398,889,330	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Shop now	Nishomee	120204505056640232	nishomee.com	NONE	video		https://nishomee.com/products/hair-dye-shampoo		2024-02-05 03:50	https://scontent.fsan1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426097162_294385293296018_6920617775098032089_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yS1xtt-UoPQAX87Ejmz&_nc_ht=scontent.fsan1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAqd2Rt61bDE94YdtuSaQWcdvdDQgFzTw2kNIyK_ML3yA&oe=65D68E14	person_profile	Nishomee	https://scontent.fsan1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426056796_3554142508172652_7783047591911780268_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K3CuEQ4OjmwAX__H-LV&_nc_ht=scontent.fsan1-1.fna&oh=00_AfC4mlrO8scJsPpTa5YpHC9vwkjMgcVOguCx5VbJdfS9xQ&oe=65D7BE7C	3	Nishomee	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,125	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311035}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	358957470393151	Nervous introverts use 'adrenaline blockers' to go from 'shaky and sweaty' to confident	Nervous introvert presenters are using our 'adrenaline blockers' to go from 'shaky and sweaty' to 'confidently cool.'<br /> <br /> After witnessing thousands of celebrities, performers, and executives overcome 'stage anxiety,' I’ve realized the real problem.<br /> <br /> It’s NOT that they’re introverts or shy…<br /> <br /> … They simply have an overactive nervous system.<br /> <br /> Which makes it almost biologically impossible to be calm on stage.<br /> <br /> The solution isn’t years of ‘Toastmasters’ training.<br /> <br /> All they need is the 'insider’s edge' to instantly block adrenaline….<br /> <br /> See, I talk to people every day who avoid important presentations at all costs.<br /> <br /> Because of a racing heartbeat.. sweaty palms… shaky voice… dry mouth… tunnel vision.<br /> <br /> They’ve failed classes, bombed job interviews, or missed out on promotions.<br /> <br /> They’ve been 'left out' in a society that prizes confidence.<br /> <br /> They turn down and avoid great opportunities because they fear they will only embarrass themselves.<br /> <br /> It was the same for me.<br /> <br /> Anytime I had to perform under pressure, I had a debilitating knot in my stomach…<br /> <br /> 🥵 Flushing and sweating<br /> 😐 Mind went blank<br /> 🤢 Uncontrollable shaky legs<br /> <br /> But the worst part was always wondering how different my life could be if I had risen to the occasion.<br /> <br /> Instead of falling on my face.<br /> <br /> Then one day, I was catching up with a psychologist friend…<br /> <br /> And he casually mentioned some studies on an 'insider's edge' that people used to release and overcome extreme fears.<br /> <br /> I had never heard of anything like it. I dove headfirst into the research.<br /> <br /> It turns out that the majority of professional musicians have used this edge.<br /> <br /> And they’re not the only ones.<br /> <br /> This 'insider’s edge' is used by salespeople, marketing execs, grad students, pop stars, lawyers, stand-up comedians, Broadway stars, and even surgeons.<br /> <br /> So the next time I had to present, I tried this 'edge'...<br /> <br /> And I confidently nailed my talk.<br /> <br /> For the first time in my entire life, I CONFIDENTLY 'felt like myself' during my pitch.<br /> <br /> I was fully present. The nerves were gone. I showed up and gave my best presentation ever.<br /> <br /> I started wondering why no one else had heard about this.<br /> And here’s what I discovered:<br /> <br /> The racing heartbeat and sweaty, shaky palms come from a surge of adrenaline in your body.<br /> <br /> That’s the classic 'fight or flight' hormone response to danger.<br /> <br /> It’s great when we’re being chased by a lion. <br /> Not great if we’re afraid of a stage...<br /> <br /> When our body OVERproduces adrenaline, we get performance anxiety.<br /> <br /> But the 'insider’s edge' BLOCKS high levels of adrenaline…<br /> <br /> …and restores it to optimal levels - which keeps us confidently cool.<br /> <br /> This 'edge' has been common knowledge in medical circles for 50 years.<br /> <br /> It’s a simple, cheap, and safe treatment known as a beta-blocker...<br /> <br /> To be taken ONLY AS NEEDED an hour before any nerve-wracking event. <br /> <br /> And even naturally nervous introverts EXUDE 'prescription-strength' confidence.<br /> <br /> However, beta-blockers for blocking adrenaline have been hard to get in the past.<br /> <br /> I had to see an expensive psychiatrist to get my prescription.<br /> <br /> Ouch.<br /> <br /> Everyone should have easy access to performance medicine at an affordable price. So I teamed up with a Stanford-trained psychiatrist to start Kick Health.<br /> <br /> Kick is the first online performance medicine clinic devoted to helping you overcome those ‘shakes and sweats’ to stay confidently cool during big moments.<br /> <br /> And we’ve worked to make this system as simple as possible.<br /> <br /> Just fill out a simple intake in less than 10 minutes on our website instead of scheduling an inconvenient in-person doctor’s appointment.<br /> <br /> And a board-certified doctor will issue a prescription (if appropriate). <br /> <br /> All for only $49. 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gokick.com%2Fr%2Ffb-imgtb-confidently-cool&h=AT3TkE3eveAmxDjvdsqOoqIN5rutAEH4AgqQpd5utX3tCEIMdRb1lpTmO4WgIuLmEpqSrtQXcRbPKYwvXEsoCmekhNj90PeUijnTnpFLvSLEX8FGS27E4Pc9EqjoRqkFFuyy-XFGn69mbfayJYpnMpbiqcs8pknSYcsgvj9iL-Y" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.gokick.com/r/fb-imgtb-confidently-cool</a><br /> <br /> We also partner with a mail-order pharmacy to deliver the medication directly to your door for only $20 more. 💊<br /> ✔️ No insurance necessary.<br /> ✔️ No monthly fees.<br /> ✔️ No appointment, video, or phone call needed.<br /> <br /> We even offer a 'Doctor's Guarantee,' so you don't get charged until a doctor determines the prescription is suitable for you.<br /> <br /> If you’re ready to finally block that 'adrenaline overdrive' and present <br /> 'confidently cool'...<br /> <br /> …then take 10 minutes to get your personalized supply of Kick's beta-blockers at the link below.	NO_BUTTON	https://www.gokick.com/r/fb-imgtb-confidently-cool	1589576631259151	Kick	https://facebook.com/kickhealth	3,021	1	941,113,334,231,952	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	No button	Kick	6478089677061	gokick.com	NONE	image		https://www.gokick.com/r/fb-imgtb-confidently-cool		2023-10-09 11:28	https://scontent.fdet1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/387852193_3316501591974252_3241966658416000057_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WXUB-He23tkAX-tyuHe&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBSYnC8a0AZiPuklA_mWcIdD2_OTrwTCSn7efVT9d5_Yg&oe=65D713F8	person_profile	Kick Your Fears.	https://scontent.fdet1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/387756390_338376105243098_8139907028774412767_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xAJ8imCTN8gAX_wtFgy&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet1-1.fna&oh=00_AfA3jogwf5llUOt9fmBGJbzRoBI58tIrRZI1ZXc-ny2Qbw&oe=65D7332E	3	Kick	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,301	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311295}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	421733823754615	New Non-Drug Research for Bipolar Depression	Tried 4 or more medications for bipolar depression without success? Learn more about The RECOVER Study, a clinical trial covered by Medicare that is now enrolling for a non-drug therapy.<br /> <br /> VNS Therapy™ stimulates the vagus nerve to help ease depression symptoms. Qualified trial participants include adults over 18 who are:<br /> • Diagnosed with bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder<br /> • Currently experiencing an episode of depression<br /> • Receiving at least one mood stabilizing medication<br /> <br /> Take a short survey to learn more about The RECOVER Study.<br /> <br /> Important Safety Information: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livanova.com%2Fdepression%2Fen-us%2Fsafety-information&h=AT0lFEiqsqryHYQ4paOXf4cjnQzdMjY94HspbCF02mD9Fn0iXYl7nTtA1ju33CoOGPBRPnk-yZQfWzWdAj0rub3yRVEURl2E-qDhvuetEV7bORNa0x8Ja5jITK4KKoz4jbxCiCurrM4_gd1LPyNeHw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.livanova.com/depression/en-us/safety-information</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://www.recovervns.com/	106051679207888	The Recover Study	https://facebook.com/recovervns	189	2	243,823,894,888,050	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	The Recover Study	120201392251630474	recovervns.com	NONE	image	All study-related care is provided at no cost.	https://www.recovervns.com/		2023-12-13 13:48	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409700241_248235121431473_4172255174888208531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6bJ0VOwnHjoAX_hnJUs&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDR3sb0M1NuayBfnFeDQB8Twv-CMlMWGFCAMhCx-fGSFg&oe=65D7844C	person_profile	The Recover Study	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411071576_1104185130567999_6410181909578411345_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qtC1rLjvcrUAX9h-_QR&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAt8KBWqhAdTkBM6ZoT8Pg5r3mpQTwbnIzmLAqa_wyYoQ&oe=65D65406	3	The Recover Study	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,208	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311209}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1585877422190570	{{product.name}}	Get our clean plant-based Dry Shampoo FREE with all orders $75+🌱 Shop scalp care that will help you achieve your healthiest hair yet.	SHOP_NOW	https://actandacre.com/	118486265486961	ActandAcre	https://facebook.com/ActandAcre	2,901	2	1,051,434,209,293,294	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop Now	ActandAcre	120205260406290757	actandacre.com	NONE	dco	Skincare For Your Scalp	https://actandacre.com/		2024-02-16 18:00	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/427810588_777186480410541_742691186008930948_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tSpmgs7vUZsAX8wmQpS&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfByVRYn0hn6TziY2eOPdF1DCAQzF4w5bBLoRi2O2-SBwA&oe=65D6D52D	person_profile	Act+Acre	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/428500782_404398572182173_8527734651063710290_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sblBc9Fkcs0AX9vLDzn&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAcsGu4WJkEsX1ywnPHVYwmOi9zhMuuqAfVu8iyuOMMbA&oe=65D71821	3	ActandAcre	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,624	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":310625}'	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	698517019129012	Instant Nerve Comfort and Peace 😊	🛑Don't let nerve discomfort steal your joy! Discover the revolutionary 7-second method used to quickly alleviate Neuropathy symptoms. Click Here To Learn More: https://alternativehealthdaily.org/nc1	LEARN_MORE	https://alternativehealthdaily.org/nc1	216939691497309	Alternative Health Daily	https://facebook.com/61555379105896	401	0	0	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn More	Alternative Health Daily	120206294976920443	alternativehealthdaily.org	NONE	dco	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My feet were burning so bad right under the toes, depriving me of sleep. I now take only one capsule and my life changed for the better. Thank you for this product.” - Helga T.	https://alternativehealthdaily.org/nc1		2024-02-14 12:31	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426361823_779885000663221_5426757032017420235_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HgEGe54rVNkAX-qiCD7&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBvZ-w5wMT5i_JlcWc6vLve_VBZg_WHnlmYVDEGwyTmpg&oe=65D797DA	person_profile	Alternative Health Daily	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/426375252_1581447939356651_6253471870949810320_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PRO9HHaDxjoAX842sLP&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDd4_KwMFZzPlEiaCdFRgHHhvDkwxZwjgsdZUaEgCcf-A&oe=65D82CEF	3	Alternative Health Daily	2024-02-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
310,731	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	1199164881076721	Free reading with Title "Love at the Wrong Table"	A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him.<br /> ............................................................................................................................................................<br /> “I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently.<br /> The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship.<br /> <br /> After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years.<br /> <br /> He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year.<br /> <br /> Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates.<br /> <br /> Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far.<br /> <br /> Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point.<br /> <br /> “Help! Someone help me!”<br /> <br /> Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help.<br /> <br /> The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet.<br /> <br /> After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish.<br /> <br /> It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?”<br /> <br /> “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth.<br /> <br /> Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier.<br /> <br /> The café was massive and practically structured like a maze.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area.<br /> <br /> The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals.<br /> <br /> The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze.<br /> <br /> A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room.<br /> <br /> It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself.<br /> <br /> The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her.<br /> <br /> The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker.<br /> <br /> When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure.<br /> <br /> Thump! Thump! Thump!<br /> <br /> When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest.<br /> <br /> Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life.<br /> <br /> The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all.<br /> <br /> Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse.<br /> <br /> Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her?<br /> <br /> More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table.<br /> <br /> She's my blind date?<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her.<br /> <br /> The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes.<br /> <br /> The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him.<br /> <br /> They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with.<br /> <br /> He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.”<br /> <br /> Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed.<br /> <br /> The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own.<br /> <br /> “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel was stunned.<br /> <br /> What is happening?<br /> <br /> He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless.<br /> <br /> Where's the catch?<br /> <br /> All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident.<br /> <br /> She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating.<br /> <br /> As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words.<br /> <br /> Urgh, forget it!<br /> <br /> Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar.<br /> <br /> He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.”<br /> <br /> It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary.<br /> <br /> A long while later, she burst into a chuckle.<br /> <br /> She had never met a man who could humor her so.<br /> <br /> “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!”<br /> <br /> Pfft!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger.<br /> <br /> An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?”<br /> <br /> “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!”<br /> <br /> Huh? What is going on?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?”<br /> <br /> “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit.<br /> <br /> “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape.<br /> <br /> That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight!<br /> <br /> Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café!<br /> <br /> He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!”<br /> <br /> The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation.<br /> <br /> While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life.<br /> <br /> Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind.<br /> <br /> Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group.<br /> <br /> Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman.<br /> <br /> Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild.<br /> <br /> That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead.<br /> <br /> Isn't that fate?<br /> <br /> Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.”<br /> <br /> She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man.<br /> <br /> Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless.<br /> <br /> Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 Failure<br /> <br /> After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area.<br /> <br /> Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience.<br /> <br /> Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold.<br /> <br /> Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities.<br /> <br /> Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile.<br /> <br /> “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—”<br /> <br /> “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!”<br /> <br /> After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face.<br /> <br /> The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt.<br /> <br /> The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name.<br /> <br /> To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill.<br /> <br /> The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins.<br /> <br /> This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability...<br /> <br /> Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly.<br /> <br /> To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain.<br /> <br /> Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today?<br /> <br /> “Ah! Someone's been hit!”<br /> <br /> “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!”<br /> <br /> Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators!<br /> <br /> Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously.<br /> <br /> Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!”<br /> <br /> Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them.<br /> <br /> “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money.<br /> <br /> The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her.<br /> <br /> “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested.<br /> <br /> Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment.<br /> <br /> The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel.<br /> <br /> Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man.<br /> <br /> “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?”<br /> <br /> Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines.<br /> <br /> At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold.<br /> <br /> Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs.<br /> <br /> The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg.<br /> <br /> “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken.<br /> <br /> The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp.<br /> <br /> Goodness gracious! That man is daring!<br /> <br /> Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile.<br /> <br /> The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went.<br /> <br /> I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side!<br /> <br /> “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked.<br /> <br /> When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him.<br /> <br /> By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them.<br /> <br /> “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs.<br /> <br /> With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!”<br /> <br /> Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration.<br /> <br /> Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws.<br /> <br /> “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!”<br /> <br /> The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved.<br /> <br /> “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up.<br /> <br /> Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly.<br /> <br /> Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?”<br /> <br /> This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house.<br /> <br /> “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was.<br /> <br /> “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!”<br /> <br /> “What?” Emmanuel choked out.<br /> <br /> Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again?<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Rags to Riches<br /> <br /> In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate.<br /> <br /> Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café.<br /> <br /> Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again!<br /> <br /> Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention.<br /> <br /> “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!”<br /> <br /> Emmanuel's heart instantly sank.<br /> <br /> Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!”<br /> <br /> As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house!<br /> <br /> “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!”<br /> <br /> By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience.<br /> <br /> Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced?<br /> <br /> Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot.<br /> <br /> She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home?<br /> <br /> “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object.<br /> <br /> She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him.<br /> <br /> Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home!<br /> <br /> “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said.<br /> <br /> That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!”<br /> <br /> “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?”<br /> <br /> “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding.<br /> <br /> I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year!<br /> <br /> Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!”<br /> <br /> Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents?<br /> <br /> Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage.<br /> <br /> “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!”<br /> <br /> Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...”<br /> <br /> “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back.<br /> <br /> He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters.<br /> <br /> “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back.<br /> <br /> Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me!<br /> <br /> After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit.<br /> <br /> To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them.<br /> <br /> The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup.<br /> <br /> Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy?<br /> <br /> Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café?<br /> <br /> The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards.<br /> <br /> He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!”<br /> <br /> Needless to say, everyone was stunned.<br /> <br /> Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly.<br /> <br /> Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories?<br /> <br /> The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café?<br /> <br /> Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts.<br /> <br /> Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key.<br /> <br /> The total value of the items had to be at least ten million.<br /> <br /> For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of!<br /> <br /> Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock.<br /> <br /> Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum!<br /> <br /> If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway!<br /> <br /> After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm.<br /> <br /> “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!”<br /> <br /> “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole.<br /> <br /> As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?”<br /> <br /> “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words.<br /> <br /> Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated.<br /> <br /> After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law!<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her.<br /> <br /> As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman!<br /> <br /> “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car.<br /> <br /> He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead.<br /> <br /> Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently.<br /> <br /> “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated.<br /> <br /> “W-What should I do now, then?”<br /> <br /> In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury.<br /> <br /> Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers?<br /> <br /> “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested.<br /> <br /> Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!”<br /> <br /> “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh.<br /> <br /> Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me?<br /> <br /> 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Love at the Wrong Table". Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	102114825976458	The novels	https://facebook.com/100085012467697	25,543	1	7,234,719,303,309,062	2024-02-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	The novels	120205400083490429	page.joyreadings.com	NONE	image		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=4685&brand=2&app=0&ppid=1635&pid=FBW2A&campaign={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&ori_campaign_id=120205400080910429&ori_adset_id=120205400081470429&ori_ad_id=120205400082950429		2024-02-17 10:20	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422640485_454585750224691_9491566794062592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BZrFKPtoDA0AX8k5B0z&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCT-tm6Hlm96osBreeKWn5tCayUFizx683WcIasIOlpJQ&oe=65D8159D	person_profile	The novels	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422624606_1068300531074868_1188234069918233801_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U2hPkfjGvacAX8RrP4b&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBIPxje-Q_2ve8rrtMDyKOALew1LYQFuyrHg6v6kheIBA&oe=65D6E939	3	The novels	2024-02-17 02:00	View Edit Delete
311,665	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":311548}'	No	2024-02-18 11:59	active	189	2239731443025313	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Are you really going to break your mate bond with Hayden?" She looked at me as if she didn't believe I could do it.<br /> "You don't believe that I can do it?" I feigned shock.<br /> "It's not that," she said embarrassedly. "It's just ... I know how much you love Hayden.<br /> You even left your pack and everything else behind just to be with him."<br /> " I don't love him anymore, " I told her indifferently.<br /> My love for him had disappeared the moment he forced me to kneel and asked me to admit my 'mistakes'.<br /> ------<br /> Charlotte's POV<br /> "You have killed my brother's baby. Kneel and apologize to Sofia just like Milla had said," Hayden said coldly.<br /> His words made me freeze in my spot again.<br /> Why wouldn't he believe me? Why would he believe someone else's words but not his mate's? Was it true that he was in love with Sofia?<br /> I didn't even want to apologize to Sofia, much less kneel. For my mate to ask me to do those two things was humiliating! And it angered me.<br /> "I'm not going to kneel or apologize. I didn't do anything wrong, "I growled.<br /> "If you don't kneel and apologize, I will dissolve our mate bond, " he said indifferently.<br /> I froze again. He would terminate our mate ship because of Sofia?<br /> "Mate ship growled.<br /> " Hayden, you are too much! " I yelled at him.<br /> "I'm the Luna of the pack, and I will never kneel in front of anyone! And no one can force me to! It's in the pack's rule!"<br /> " The pack's rules? " Hayden snorted.<br /> I straightened my back and lifted my chin.<br /> "It's stated that no one can force a Luna to kneel or apologize for something she didn't do!"<br /> To my surprise, Hayden laughed.<br /> "Charlotte, do you think, as the Luna of the pack, you can do anything freely and not apologize for your wrongdoings?" he mocked me.<br /> "It seems to me you have been abusing your power as the Luna of the pack."<br /> He stood up and came to stand before me.<br /> Reaching out his hand, he pinched my chin forcefully.<br /> " And to let you know, I was the one who made those rules, and as the maker of the rules, I am now telling you to kneel and apologize to Sofia," he snarled.<br /> From the corners of my eyes, I saw Milla had a gleeful expression, and Sofia had a triumphant smile.<br /> "You believe someone else's words rather than your mate? " I, stupidly, still thought that I could make him believe me instead of that woman, Sofia.<br /> " Enough, Charlotte! No matter how many times you tried to deny it, the evidence is clear. Everyone saw what you did! " He released my chin forcefully, and I staggered back a few steps from the force.<br /> " You. You really don't believe me? " I felt my heart turning cold. There really was no use in defending myself now.<br /> I looked at Sofia and saw her looking weak and pitiful once again, with tears streaming down her face.<br /> Heh, Sofia really was a good actress!<br /> " I don't like to repeat my words, Charlotte.<br /> Kneel and apologize or I'll break our mate bond and divorce you, "Hayden said coldly.<br /> "I will NEVER kneel or apologize for something I didn't do," I said stubbornly and left the hospital without turning to look at Sofia, Milla, or even Hayden.<br /> "Charlotte!" Hayden roared out my name, but I ignored him and kept walking toward the park's main house, where I lived with Hayden as the Alpha and Luna of the pack.<br /> Just as I stepped into the hall, I heard the screech of a car. I turned around to see a fuming Hayden.<br /> "Charlotte, are you still unwilling to kneel and apologize?" he asked with narrowed eyes.<br /> "I've told you before. I won't kneel or apologize for something I didn't do," I told him coldly.<br /> "Guards!" he yelled before I could say anything further.<br /> Two guards appeared out of nowhere and seized my arms.<br /> "Make her kneel!" Hayden commanded.<br /> My eyes widened in disbelief. I couldn't believe that Hayden would do this to his own mate.<br /> I struggled as the guards pulled me toward the door. Once outside, they pushed down my shoulders. As a future Alpha, my strength was not ordinary. I could withstand their forces and kept standing upright.<br /> Hayden was looking at me with cold eyes and not saying anything. Seeing that the guards could not make me kneel, he came to us and kicked the back of my knees.<br /> I was shocked and wasn't prepared for it. My knees buckled under me, and he successfully made me kneel on the ground with his kick.<br /> "Kneel here and think of what you have done," he said coldly before telling the guards to ensure I kept kneeling. He then turned around and entered the house once again, slamming the door shut behind him.<br /> The guards kept their hands on my shoulders, pushing me down and disabling me to stand up.<br /> This was the first time in my life I felt so humiliated, and the one who humiliated me was my own mate.<br /> I felt rage course through every nerve of my body. I couldn't believe my mate was so heartless.<br /> Lexi cursed.<br /> The wind blowing strongly around me didn't help. I felt so cold that my body shivered until my teeth chattered. I hadn't changed from my wet clothes, and my wounds hadn't been cleaned and bandaged.<br /> After Goddess knew how many hours of kneeling, Hayden finally came out.<br /> " Hayden, I-" I still had hopes that he would listen to me, but his next words wiped away all my hopes.<br /> "Have you thought about what you have done? Are you ready to apologize to Sofia? "<br /> he cut off my words coldly.<br /> " Hayden, is this how you treat your mate? " I asked through gritted teeth.<br /> "Mate?" he laughed. "Do you think I care about you being my mate? For me, a mate is just a stepping stone to become stronger. An Alpha needs a Luna to make them and their packs stronger," he said coldly.<br /> I gasped and felt all my blood drained from my body. " You. You never care about me?<br /> You never love me?"<br /> " Love? " He sneered and looked at me as if I was a clown. "I only claimed you as my mate and married you to save the trouble of my pack not having a Luna. "<br /> I looked at him and felt my heart breaking.<br /> Three years. Three years of being his mate and his Luna. Three years of trying hard to be the perfect Luna for him. And that was all I was to him? A mean to save trouble and a stepping stone to become stronger?<br /> "Are you willing to admit your mistake?" he asked impatiently.<br /> I lifted my chin stubbornly. "NEVER!"<br /> " Then kneel until you admit your mistake, " he spat and turned back to go into the house again.<br /> "Alpha." Suddenly Beta Noah appeared.<br /> "Sofia is awake, and she's been crying nonstop. "<br /> "What? Has the doctor seen her yet?"<br /> Hayden asked anxiously.<br /> "She's hysterical and did not let anyone come near her," Beta Noah reported.<br /> "Alright, I'll go to the hospital now," Hayden said.<br /> He then turned to me and said, "Don't make any trouble anymore, or you'll know the consequences."<br /> After warning me, he left in a hurry with Beta Noah. The two guards followed them as they were Hayden's personal guards.<br /> I let out a bitter laugh. How stupid was I to think that mates should fall in love with each other?<br /> After hearing his words, I had no hopes for Hayden anymore. All I felt was disappointment.<br /> I tried to stand up despite my legs being numb from kneeling for too long. I reached out and touched the walls for support and walked slowly toward our bedroom.<br /> "Are you going to leave him?" Lexi asked as I was changing my clothes.<br /> " Yes. Is it okay with you? " I asked her. I knew severing the mate bond hurt so much for me, but especially for Lexi. I didn't know how it'd affect Lexi.<br /> "I'd rather you leave him than stay mated with him," Lexi growled.<br /> "Won't it affect you? "I asked.<br /> " It will. It will hurt for a while, but I'll manage.<br /> I want you to be happy, Charlotte," she said.<br /> Her words nearly made me cry. Lexi was the only one who cared for me in the three years of being married to Hayden.<br /> "Alright, don't cry now," she tried to comfort me. " What's your next plan? "<br /> "Leave here and go back to the Moon Crest Pack," I told her and began packing my stuff.<br /> "Good," she said, and I could feel how proud she was of me for taking this bold action.<br /> After I finished packing, I dragged my suitcase and went out without anyone noticing. Everyone was either busy cooking nutritious meals for Sofia in the kitchen or going to the hospital to take care of her.<br /> How ironic, I thought. He let everyone take care of someone who wasn't his mate, while no one cared for his mate who was injured.<br /> Looking at the starless night sky, I felt tears stinging my eyes again. Three years of trying to be his perfect mate went down the drain because of another female.<br /> I began walking toward the pack's border while dragging my suitcase.<br /> The wind began to howl, and I shivered again because of the cold.<br /> "Charlotte, don't you want to go to the hospital to get your wounds treated first?"<br /> Lexi asked anxiously.<br /> "And meet those idiot? No, thank you, "I answered, and Lexi stopped talking.<br /> The more I walked, the weaker I felt. My breathing became heavier, my wounds began to throb, and I felt my vision begin to blur.<br /> " Charlotte, let's go to the hospital first, " Lexi's anxious voice sounded in my mind.<br /> My body swayed, and I fell to the ground, feeling all my energy drained. I couldn't even move an inch of my body. I felt darkness start to pull me in.<br /> What should I do?<br /> An image popped into my mind, and I struggled mightily to open up a mind link I hadn't used for the last three years.<br /> " Charlotte? " a man asked in disbelief once our mind link opened up.<br /> "Leo... Help me... Pick me up... at... the...Red... Claw... Pack's... border, "I said with much difficulty before succumbing to the darkness.<br /> My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was a clean, white ceiling.<br /> " Charlotte, you are awake. " I heard a female's relieved voice.<br /> I turned my head and saw my best friend, Olivia, sitting on a chair beside my bed.<br /> "Olivia... Where am I?" I asked with a hoarse voice.<br /> "You are in the pack's hospital," she replied and brought me a glass of water.<br /> " Which pack? " I asked with worry.<br /> "My pack-the Silent Prowlers Pack, "she said.<br /> I heaved out a sigh of relief. At least I was somewhere familiar.<br /> I took a sip of the water she gave me and asked, " Who brought me here? " I had no recollection whatsoever. The last thing I remembered was passing out near the Red Claw Pack's border.<br /> "Did Leo bring me here?" I asked her as I remembered mind linking Leo, my Beta.<br /> "Yup. After you mind linked him, he became frantic and rushed out to search for you," she said.<br /> "Then what happened? "I asked.<br /> "He said he found you unconscious on the side of the road and quickly brought you here since it's the closest to the Red Claw Pack," Olivia explained.<br /> " What's wrong with me? " Why did I faint?<br /> "You had a fever and were injured," she said.<br /> Fever? Must be because I was drenched and forced to kneel under strong wind.<br /> " Char, what happened? " She asked.<br /> " What do you mean? " I pretended not to know what she meant.<br /> " Why did you come back after three years of no news? "She looked at me with her huge eyes, and I saw some hesitancy in them.<br /> "I'm going to break my mate bond with Hayden," I told her nonchalantly.<br /> To my surprise, she didn't look shocked.<br /> "Is it because of the rumor?" she asked.<br /> Rumor? "What rumor?"<br /> "The whole continent heard about you pushing Sofia Thompson off the cliff because of jealousy, and she miscarried because of it," she said, and it was apparent she was embarrassed to say those words to me.<br /> I laughed. "The whole continent knows?"<br /> "Yeah. And the members of the Red Claw Pack said you are not fit to be their Luna."<br /> I smirked. "That news sure moves fast."<br /> " What do you mean? " She asked, obviously confused.<br /> "Do you believe the rumor?" I asked her. It had been three years since I last saw and contacted her. Would she believe the rumor more than she believed me?<br /> She rolled her eyes. "Of course not. I know you. You wouldn't do that even if you were jealous. You most probably would slap Hayden for not believing you."<br /> I was relieved that someone at least believed me.<br /> I told her everything that happened that day -how Sofia framed me, how Hayden believed her, and asked me to kneel until I admitted my mistake.<br /> I also told her how Milla and Sofia had been treating me like an Omega instead of a Luna for the last three years I was in Red Claw Pack, including how Hayden was only using me and preferred Sofia.<br /> "If he doesn't love you, he should've rejected you and not used you like that!" Olivia said angrily.<br /> "That Sofia must have asked people to spread the rumor! " She continued, still fuming.<br /> I was amused looking at how her expressions and emotions changed so fast-from relief, hesitant, embarrassment, confusion, and now anger.<br /> "Are you okay, Char?" she asked with concern.<br /> "I'm fine, don't worry about me," I assured her.<br /> "Are you really going to break your mate bond with Hayden?" She looked at me as if she didn't believe I could do it.<br /> "You don't believe that I can do it?" I feigned shock.<br /> "It's not that," she said embarrassedly. "It's just ... I know how much you love Hayden.<br /> You even left your pack and everything else behind just to be with him."<br /> " I don't love him anymore, " I told her indifferently.<br /> My love for him had disappeared the moment he forced me to kneel and asked me to admit my 'mistakes'.<br /> "Really? That's good. He doesn't deserve your love," she said and let out a sigh of relief.<br /> "Shouldn't you feel sad for me? I'm going to sever my mate bond, you know, " I teased her.<br /> "It's better not to have a mate rather than to have a idiot as a mate," she said as she rolled her eyes.<br /> I laughed hearing her words. What she said was true. I must be blind to stay with a idiot like Hayden for three years while he spent more time with another woman and cared more for that woman.<br /> Suddenly we heard some whispering outside the ward.<br /> "Have you heard about the Luna of the Red Claw Pack?" a female voice asked.<br /> "She pushed her sister-in-law off the cliff and caused her to miscarry. She's so vicious!"<br /> another female answered her.<br /> They kept gossiping until their voice faded out and disappeared.<br /> "Those idiot!" Olivia stood up and was going to reprimand them, but I stopped her.<br /> " Don't do anything, " I told her.<br /> "Why did you stop me? I'm going to give everyone, especially that idiot Sofia and Hayden, a piece of my mind,"<br /> Olivia seethed.<br /> "Don't do anything, "I repeated calmly.<br /> "I'm going to ask your dad and brother to deal with them. They should know you are the next Alpha of the Moon Crest Pack. Let's see if they still dare to say bad things about you! " Olivia was so angry she didn't seem to hear my words as she kept trying to make everything right for me.<br /> I was thankful for her, but I didn't need anyone to stand up for me.<br /> "Olivia! "I called her sternly, and this time she returned to her sense.<br /> "I'm solo angry," she said as she sat down again. "How are you so calm?"<br /> "Don't worry, I have already prepared a 'gift'<br /> for the Red Claw Pack and Hayden, "I smirked.<br /> "A gift? What gift are you going to give them?<br /> What are you going to do to him? Tell me,"<br /> she asked with excitement.<br /> I laughed, seeing her excitement.<br /> " You'll know when the time comes, " I smirked.<br /> " Oh, come on, Char. I'm your best friend. You should tell me about this 'gift' you have prepared for them," she tried to fish out information from me, but I wouldn't budge.<br /> "Don't worry, it's going to be a big 'gift', "I smirked again, thinking how they would react after receiving my gift'.<br /> " So, you won't tell me? You are so bad, " she complained and pouted.<br /> I laughed and patted her head.<br /> Olivia was different from me. While I was tall and slender, she was petite with huge innocent eyes, just like a child. But never be deceived by her appearance. She was impulsive and a powerful she-wolf. She could punch a hole in a wall with her fist. Even I didn't dare to be near her when she was angry.<br /> "Well... The most important thing now is to break my mate bond with Hayden, "I changed the subject. " Do you know how to do it? "<br /> I had no idea how to do it. Should I just reject him? But it wouldn't sever the mate bond. It'd be just like any other rejection.<br /> " Char, are you really sure you want to break the mate bond? It'll be different than a normal rejection," she said thoughtfully.<br /> "I know, "I answered her firmly. "I don't care about Hayden or the Red Claw Pack anymore. You know I'm going to be the Alpha of the Moon Crest Pack. Why should I care about them? I'm going to be even more powerful than Hayden and his pack. "<br /> She scrutinized me to see if there was any doubt in my eyes, but I had made up my mind.<br /> Once she saw that I was adamant about doing it, she sighed.<br /> "So, do you know how to do it? " I asked her again.<br /> She was hesitant but nodded in the end. "I heard you need to pray to the Moon Goddess together with Hayden and reject each other at the same time. "<br /> "It sounds easy," I said lightly.<br /> "Char... The breaking of mate bond might break your soul and Lexi," she said as she looked at me with despair.<br /> I looked at her and asked, "Do you want me to stay with him, keep being abused by his family and Sofia and be unhappy? "<br /> She looked down at her hands that were holding mine. "It's not that. I just don't want you to be soulless. "<br /> I laughed hearing her words. "Olivia, thank you for your concern. But me and Lexi are stronger than you think. We've been best friends for so long. Do you think I'll become weak after a simple rejection? "<br /> She finally looked at me, and her eyes finally twinkled with excitement. " You are right. You are the most powerful she-wolf I've ever known. I can't wait for that idiot Hayden's reaction when he knows you are the Alpha of the second strongest pack," she giggled.<br /> "Alright. I'm feeling better now. My fever has subsided, and my injuries have all healed. I want to be discharged and return to the Red Claw Pack to tell Hayden of my decision, "I told her.<br /> " Okay. Stay here. I'll get the paperwork done, "<br /> she said and went out to help with my discharge paper. I smiled as I looked at her back. I was lucky to have a friend like Olivia.<br /> Once alone at the ward, I sighed again.<br /> "Lexi, did you hear what Olivia said? "I asked my wolf. "Should I really break the mate bond with Hayden?"<br /> "Of course, you should. He's a idiot," Lexi growled.<br /> " But you heard what Olivia said. The process might break you." It wasn't that I didn't want to break my mate bond, but I was thinking about Lexi.<br /> "Don't worry about me, Charlotte. Even if I break, I'll get back up in no time, " Lexi assured me.<br /> "Are you sure? "I asked her. I didn't want her to break because of me.<br /> "Positive. And don't think of not breaking up with Hayden," she growled again.<br /> "Okay then. We'll go through the heartbreak together, " I told her.<br /> "Of course, we will. Hayden and his wolf won't be able to break us," Lexi snorted arrogantly, which made me laugh, and my heart felt lighter.<br /> After some time, Olivia came back with a nurse.<br /> The nurse took off the needle in my hand, and I was ready to be discharged.<br /> "Char, do you need me to drive you to the Red Claw Pack? "Olivia asked with concern.<br /> I rubbed her head and smiled. "No. This is something that I must do alone. "<br /> "Okay. Remember to contact me if they make it difficult for you," Olivia said.<br /> I laughed again. Olivia was too cute. She kept worrying about me. Though it was nice to be cared for, but I didn't need it this time.<br /> " Remember, I don't love Hayden anymore.<br /> And I'm an Alpha. If they do something to me, I'll fight back, "I reminded her and winked.<br /> Finally, Olivia sighed with relief and smiled brightly. "You are right. If they bully you, just show them your true self! "<br /> We chatted as we went to the car park and parted ways. I got into a cheap black car I had bought to conceal my true wealth and showed Hayden that I didn't become his mate for his money, and drove to the Red Claw Pack.<br /> The moment I got off the car, I felt many eyes looking at me. I even heard them ridiculing me.<br /> "Look at her. How could she be so shameless to return to the pack?"<br /> "She really has no shame! She's a murderer, yet she still has the nerve to appear here. "<br /> "Does she think she's still fit to be the Luna of the pack?"<br /> "Do you think she's here to beg Hayden and apologize to Sofia? She really has thick skin!"<br /> And there were many other degrading words pointed at me as I walked straight to Hayden's study.<br /> I couldn't care less about what they were saying. My heart had been cold and devoid of any emotions ever since Hayden forced me to kneel and admit my 'mistakes'.<br /> Once I arrived at Hayden's study, I didn't even bother to knock. I opened the door immediately and met Hayden and Noah's surprised looks.<br /> Hayden sneered and was about to say something, but I beat him to it.<br /> "I'll wait for you tomorrow night when the moon rises at the altar of the Moon Goddess to go through the ceremony of terminating our mate bond. Don't forget to draft the divorce agreement. I don't need any compensation from you. I just want to not be mated or married to you anymore. I want to be free from you and the Red Claw Pack, "I told him coldly and left without giving him a chance to talk back.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvOTg0MjMvMjA	195658233625863	Fics103	https://facebook.com/61554719182933	28	1	1,107,149,787,137,695	2024-02-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Fics103	120206085172880207	b.ficsworld.com	NONE	video		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvOTg0MjMvMjAyNDAyMDQxNDQzMDQvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}		2024-02-04 00:45	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425537185_374990568469327_4708862153806185120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j3O7cgK-stkAX-DNOaU&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCkvzlw-kpl2m2aoUJ8TjrH7lUzlTXIfXMU118R69DIow&oe=65D80735	person_profile	Fics103	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/425972343_1070555174171856_9024466644065246494_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fd6wsIEQ7i8AX-eYmZd&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDksvr9yoHOSVK8unNL88MZ4FAmVMRxSmM9jWHdm5TMLQ&oe=65D71F54	3	Fics103	2024-02-16 02:00	View Edit Delete

Page 41 of 46, showing 20 record(s) out of 905 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads