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66,816	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66818}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	713896060806566	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“As of today, you Joanna Tyree are Cancer free! The scans were clear, your labs have been improving daily. Jo, you're in remission.” Rachel's hand froze, and I froze.<br /> What did he just say? Is he shitting me right now?<br /> “You better not be lying to me right now Brian. I can't take a joke right now.” I said timidly.<br /> I know he would never joke about that, but I had to ask. <br /> “We'll go over what to look out for and statistics and what not but as of today, you're in remission. You did it, you beat it.”<br /> “I beat it…” I whispered in near shock.<br /> ————————<br /> Joanna<br /> “Today was my mammogram…” I whispered and her face softened. She didn't probe, she didn't nudge me to continue. She waited for me to gather my strength to continue and I was so thankful. “It's stage 3…”<br /> “Oh Jo!” she wrapped me in her arms and I sobbed. “That's not all….” She pulled back but kept her arms around me. She raised a brow at me waiting for my answer.<br /> “I went to Brian today. He's the one who gave me the results. I figured since Mike's office was right down the hall that I would just go ahead and tell him. He was on his lunch break, so he didn't have any patients…”<br /> I took a few deep breaths to steady myself. “I caught him mid thrust in another woman...” I don't think she meant it but her grip on my shoulder got dangerously tight.<br /> “I'm sorry, what? Where is he? I know how to hide a body without being caught. Who is the tramp? Do I need to kill her too?”<br /> I held my hand up with wide eyes. “You know you are pretty scary when you're angry. But that's not even the worst part…”<br /> “What do you mean that's not the worst part? Your husband is having an affair with another woman. What is worse than that?”<br /> I let out a breath and rested my elbows on my knees and bowed my head. My golden waves covering my face. “It was Lisa….”<br /> Her spirit glass dropped to the floor and shattered. When I met her gaze she looked frozen in shock. Her brown eyes that usually reminded me of molten chocolate were nearly black with rage. She didn't say anything. She didn't even look like she was breathing.<br /> ”Rach…?” I probed and she shook her head.<br /> “I'm going to kill her. Lisa? Our friend Lisa was sleeping with your husband on his desk at his work? Lisa that's also Married to his best friend that also works in the same office? That Lisa?” I couldn't formulate words, so I settled for nodding my head. Rachel was silent and usually when she was this mad and silent, it was bad.<br /> “Rachel, what am I going to do? I've been with Mike for 17 years. Since the day I found out I was pregnant with Gage... I don't know any other life. I have never lived alone. You know how much family means to me... I was a foster kid. My own parents didn't even want me. I don't want Gage to grow up in a broken home too.”<br /> “Joanna. First of all, just because you have a kid with someone doesn't mean you need to stay with them. Second of all, Gage is already grown up. He's a young man. Thirdly, you are never going to be alone. You are my family. And lastly, how long has this been going on?”<br /> I shrugged. “Truthfully I don't know. I ran out of there as fast as I could. He tried to get me out of the car, but I threw my ring at him and drove off. I just couldn't stick around. After the news I got this morning and then that. I was pretty stretched thin on what I could handle.”<br /> She nodded and took a few deep breaths before taking me into her arms again. “Here's what we're going to do. We're going to finish off this bottle of spirit, we’re going to watch a bunch of chick flicks, we’re going to eat to our stomach's desire and get a good night's rest. And tomorrow, we're going to go to your house. I'm going with you, that's not up for negotiation. You're going to talk to Mike, and we're going to pack you a bag and you're going to stay with me. After you've given it some clear thought without pressure from anyone and you're ready to make a decision then okay. But you can't make any decisions while you're living with him because he will cloud your judgement. Now chop chop. Pick out a movie, I'll get the snacks. You can change into a pair of my Pjs too.”<br /> With Rachel growing up an Army brat, you could hear the authoritarian in her coming out. She marched off to the kitchen while I changed my clothes and picked out a movie. Hours later she was passed out on the sofa with a line of drool coming out of her mouth. However, I couldn't sleep. I just couldn't shut my mind off.<br /> I debated on waking Rachel up to let her know we were adding one more to the party, but she was snoozing hard. You definitely didn't want to wake Rachel when she hasn't gotten enough rest. She turns into an instant bimbo and I don't have the capacity to deal with that right now.<br /> I made sure to cut on the porch light and unlock the door and go into the kitchen to heat him up something to eat, knowing he's going to be hungry. Yes, I may have been trying to bribe my child into not hating me with food, but it's a risk I'm willing to take.<br /> I heard some shuffling in the foyer and a few curses and then silence. Going to check it out, I peeked around the corner to see Gage kneeling down to pick up my purse that he had knocked over, but all of the contents had spilled. Including all of the brochures from Brian's office and the paperwork with my test results on it. His face was pale and he wasn't moving.<br /> “Mom…?” his eyes raised to mine. His bright blue eyes that matched his fathers and they were starting to blur with unshed tears. “Mom, what is this?”<br /> I sighed, something I've been doing a lot of today and knelt next to him. “Gage, son, look at me” he did and I could see the tremble in his body.<br /> “I didn't want to tell you about that yet... I wanted to wait until after SAT’s and until you picked a good school.”<br /> He shook his head. “No!” I gave him a look and he mumbled sorry. “You know what, I'm not sorry! You're sick! You need me! I can go to a school closer to home! I can still achieve my goals and dreams while being here for you.”<br /> This is what I was afraid of.<br /> “Baby, I don't want you to put your life on hold for me. I will be okay. I'm a fighter. I'm strong. I can handle anything. I want you to live your life for you, I want you to make choices because you want to do them. Not because you feel obligated.”<br /> “I'm not obligated to do anything. You're my mother. You gave me life. If you think I would for a second abandon you in your time of need then you're sadly mistaken. You raised me better than that.” I took him in my arms and he bussed the top of my head. Now that he was nearly an adult, he was almost a foot taller than me.<br /> “I just want you to have every change you can possibly have in life. A better life than what I had growing up.”<br /> His hug got tighter. “You've given me an amazing life mom. Let me help you. No wonder dad drank himself into a stupor.”<br /> I couldn't help it. I tensed at the mention of Mike and Gage unfortunately noticed.<br /> “Mom?” he asked, raising a brow.<br /> I attempted to brush it off because this was an adult matter. It's not something a teenager. He wasn't having it.<br /> “I know you told, Rachel about it or else you wouldn't have come here. So you have two choices. Either tell me what I want to know, or I will wake up aunt Rachel and we both know that won't end well.”<br /> “Just tell the boy!” Rachel said, peeking her head above the sofa. I narrowed my eyes at her and she shrugged and shrunk down further waiting for the explosion of what I'm about to tell my son.<br /> “Please don't hate me…” I whispered to him not expecting him to hear me but knowing that he did. “Your dad and I….I will be staying here for a few days.”<br /> His face scrunched up in confusion. “Why… you and dad..you're my idol couple. You're so in love. I...What happened?”<br /> “I thought we were in love too…” I sobbed a bit knowing full well that that was the truth. I thought we did love each other. It was great, frequent, we hardly ever fought, we spent time together. I don't understand what happened.<br /> “Your dad is having an affair and I found out about it today.” I couldn't meet his eyes. I was filled with shame. Shame that I failed my marriage, that I failed my family, and that I wasn't enough to keep my family together. I felt like there was no way out of this dark place. I can't face him knowing that I failed him.<br /> “Who?” was all he said. I looked up and his face was turning red and the tips of his ears even redder. A trait he inherited from his father.<br /> “It's not important…”<br /> “God, mom! Tell me who!” I trembled at the anger he released.<br /> “Gage, just calm down…”<br /> He shook his head. “No. Not this time. I'm not going to calm down. Tell me who dad decided to throw his family away for. Tell me who dad thought was so important that he would chose to break up his own family for.”<br /> Wait, he wasn't mad at me?<br /> “You're not mad at me?” I asked stupidly.<br /> He took three giant steps towards me and engulfed me in a hug. I could feel his own tears hitting my forehead. “Why would I ever be mad at you over this? You're not the one who stuck a body part in another person that wasn't your spouse. You've never been anything short of amazing Mom. But please. Tell me who”.<br /> “It was Lisa…” I muttered knowing he deserved to know, but hating that I was thrusting all of this on my child.<br /> “You've got to be kidding me!” was all he said before he stormed out of the door, got in his truck and sped off.<br /> ---- <br /> Joanna<br /> “Go after him before he does something he'll regret. He may be mad now, but he's reacting to emotional overdrive” Rachel's voice was sad but firm. I knew I would need to go after him. After that were dropped on him in the past hour, it's a wonder he's still standing. It's a miracle that I'm still standing, but I've also had spirit to help drown my sorrows in.<br /> There's only one place he would have gone. He would have gone home to confront Mike. Rachel trailed behind me as we all climbed in my car.<br /> “You don't think he’ll do anything stupid do you?” she was silent, but I knew the answer myself. We drove the short 15 minutes it took to get to my house, well my old house, and sure enough his truck was parked in the driveway still running.<br /> I could hear the yelling from outside. Shouting from both Gage and Mike. When I got through the door it was clear that I needed to calm one if not both of them down. Pictures were smashed, there was glass everywhere. I rounded the corner to the living room to see Mike pinned to the wall by Gage. Both of them were nearing 6 foot tall and well built but seeing our 17 year old holding such an advantage over him was shocking.<br /> Mike's eyes met mine and they bugged out.<br /> “Why?” Gage shouted.<br /> “Why would you do this? I thought you cared about us? Was it worth it you prick!” his voice cracked with emotion the more that he spoke. I walked up behind him and put my hand on his shoulder causing him to jerk before turning to meet my gaze.<br /> “Let him go sweetie…” he shook his head in refusal. “Gage, let him go…” My voice was soft and he slowly released his grip on his dad and Mike sagged against the wall while Gage fell into my arms.<br /> “It's okay sweetie. Everything is going to be okay. Rachel is in the car. Grab a bag of clothes and go to the car.” he nodded and walked away.<br /> “Jo…” I held up my hand to him.<br /> “Save it…I'm grabbing a bag myself and staying with Rachel for a few days.” he stepped towards me causing me to step back. The hurt in his eyes was evident, but it was his own fault.<br /> “Can we please just talk about this? I made a mistake, yes, but we can fix this!”<br /> I scoffed. “A mistake? An accident? What did you accidentally fall and land in her hip?” he hung his head. “And the worst part about all of this is, it wasn't even a complete stranger. Lisa. My best friend. How long has this been going on?”<br /> “Well?” I probed when he didn't answer.<br /> “This was the first time in years that I've been with her…” he wasn't looking at me, he refused to look me in the eye.<br /> “Wait….you said in years. What did you mean?”<br /> When he raised his head he had tears in his bloodshot eyes. “We called it off when Brian proposed to her. I'm telling you all of this so we can air it all out. So we can move past it. We had been seeing each other since highschool.”<br /> I felt a pressure in my head and my heart sinking to my stomach. I looked to the stairwell and saw Gage sitting on the stairs listening intently.<br /> “Why then? Why continue to be with me? Why even see me at all if you were with her too? That means you had been having a whole other life for 10 years. I-I can't… I don't understand. Why did you marry me, lead me on, continue to sleep with me, frequently by the way, if you were with her?”<br /> He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. I was way past angry at this point. I picked up a vase of flowers that he had gotten me two weeks ago. Now that I think about it, those flowers were probably an apology for everything. Gripping the vase hard enough I was sure it would shatter. I chucked it. It hit the wall next to him shattering to pieces.<br /> He didn't flinch, he didn't move, he didn't even bat an eyelash. He was taking my temper tantrum and letting me get it all out.<br /> “ANSWER ME.”<br /> “Because I love you. I still do.”<br /> I cut him off. “Nonsense. If you loved me you wouldn't have strayed. You wouldn't have kept it up for 10 years. So try again.”<br /> “I do love you. But it's possible to love more than one person. I thought I was in love with her too, but I was wrong. I didn't know she was seeing Brian until 6 months before the proposal. It felt so wrong. I felt used. She was seeing both of us, using both of us for money, she was getting a high off the rush of getting caught. She was vindictive, so I cut it off. I broke up with her.”<br /> A half choked cob and laugh left my lips. “Then how did I catch you balls deep in her this afternoon?”<br /> He let out a deep breath. “I truly don't know. She had been there to see Brian but he was in with a patient. She had waited in my office for him and one thing led to another. I don't want to be that prick and say she came onto me but she did.”<br /> I walked up to him and slapped him so hard that his head whipped to the side. “You should have said no. You should have called security. You had so many opportunities. I don't know if we can fix this Michael. 10 years of infidelity out of a 17 year marriage. Do you know how many people Lisa was sleeping with in college? You could have given me a STD! Even when I was pregnant! All of those appointments you missed because you were busy were you out with her? All those conferences out of town, was it her? I don't understand it. You just shattered every bit of trust and faith I had in us. What was so wrong with me that you couldn't be faithful to me? You know how hard my life was before I met you. You know how important family is to me! Growing up in the foster care system, I didn't have a family! You were my family. Lisa was my family. I hope it was worth it. I hope she was worth it.”<br /> He put his hands on my shoulders trying to calm down my ranting. Gage stood up from the stairs and started towards us. “Take your hands off of her. Or I will...” I had never heard that authority in his voice. Mike stood back and held his hands up.<br /> “We can fix this...I've been faithful for 10 years. Not once have I strayed in that time. Well, except today. But it's not you. It's never been your fault. I could break up with you or leave you because I loved you. I couldn't bear to lose you. I didn't want to live without you. I was going to call it off when you got pregnant but she convinced me to stay. She tried many times to get me to divorce you, but I just couldn't. I won't. And don't say we were your family like it was past tense. We are family. I can fix this. I can't live without you…”<br /> “Well, it looks like you're going to have to figure out how to. I don't know if I can ever forgive you for this. I am going to leave now. I'm staying with Rachel. Goodbye, Mike.” I whispered and walked away.<br /> Gage had two bags in his hand. “I packed your bag too…” he had a far away look in his eyes.<br /> “I didn't want you to hear any of that...I'm sorry, son.”<br /> “Gage!” Mike called out. He stopped walking but didn't turn around. “Please...just take care of your mother… I love you. Both of you.”<br /> “Save it, dad. If you loved us, you wouldn't have destroyed our family.”<br /> ---- <br /> Joanna<br /> The weekend had come and gone and I had a hard time convincing myself to get out of bed this morning. The amount of spirit I had drank this weekend was catching up with me and I was highly considering calling out of work. The sun had barely risen in the sky, the remaining bits of darkness still lingering on the horizon.<br /> My phone was continuing to blow up with message and message, voicemail after voicemail, and countless emails all from Mike trying to get me to come home, to work this out. Lisa had sent me a few messages both asking to talk and to apologize.<br /> Brian had sent 2 messages. One checking on me, and one apologizing. I don't know what he had to apologize for. Nothing was his fault. He and I were in the same boat. Both the people we thought we loved betrayed us. If anything I should be the one apologizing to him. If only I had caught on sooner.<br /> I had thought everything was perfect. I had thought that our love was strong and powerful. I thought nothing could come in between us. I thought that we were invincible. I now know that all of that was a charade. I knew that none of that was real. He used me, he lied to me, he betrayed me. He destroyed every little piece of me that I thought that I had.<br /> I knew once all of this was said and done that I would never trust again. I would never fall in love again. It wasn't worth it. Besides, no one would want a washed up, jaded, 33 year old woman with a 17 year old child, a cheating ex-husband, and a list of trust issues a mile long. Not to mention cancer. <br /> The cancer alone would be enough to scare the strongest of suitors away. What am I even thinking about. It's been 3 days since I caught my husband, deep inside of that woman and I'm over here thinking about future relationships.<br /> I shouldn't be thinking of these things. Especially things that will never happen. I knew that my walls were being built up as high and as strong as they possibly could be and I would make sure that no one would ever be able to tear them down.<br /> Dressed in my mint green scrubs, white lab coat, and a stethoscope around my neck, I looked in the mirror. I looked tired, my face was puffy like I had been crying for days, which I had. My green eyes were dulled out to almost grey. My golden hair was flat and lifeless.<br /> I looked haggard but Rachel peeked her head in and whispered “You are the most beautiful woman I know. You're going to get through this.” her hot pink scrubs with paw prints on them only flattered her every curve.<br /> I narrowed my eyes at her lying hip. “Don't even give me that look. You are veterinarian. If only I swung that way.” She whistled and swatted at my hip and I couldn't help but chuckle. She always knew how to cheer me up.<br /> “So let's go out for drinks tonight. We never really got to celebrate you getting this job, and we need some spirit therapy. After all spirit always listens.”<br /> “Gage has football practice, and Mondays are slow anyways. Please.” She poked out her bottom lip and widened her eyes.<br /> “Fine. Just a couple of drinks. I start Chemo this week and can't drink a lot. Brian said that if I am going to drink, I will need to limit it to one glass of spirit a day.” she lowered her eyes and nodded.<br /> “I almost forgot about that. It just doesn't seem real. You know I'm behind you every step of the way, right?” I nodded and hugged her. It was true she was an amazing friend. I trusted her wholly.<br /> I peeked in on Gage and saw him sleeping. I went over to him and rubbed his head like I used to do when he was a toddler. Oh, how I wish they could stay small forever. This world is too unkind sometimes. I knew the moment I laid eyes on him that I would be there for him for everything. I wouldn't let him go through life alone like I had. I wanted him to know that he always had me, no matter what.<br /> “Don't be late for school. I'm going to work.” the guest bedroom he was sleeping in was almost too small for him and it made me chuckle a bit seeing this growing boy nearly falling out of the bed. He groaned and gave me a thumbs up.<br /> “I love you, Son.”<br /> At work I had to sit down with the head veterinarian and explain to him my chemo schedule, which meant telling yet another person about it. In reality I just wanted to keep it to myself. I didn't need anyone taking pity on me or treating me differently.<br /> He patted me on the back and told me if I needed anything I just needed to ask. But at the moment I was currently trying to wrangle in a group of hyperactive puppies coming in for their checkups.<br /> “Oh, aren't you just the cutest little thing.” I squeaked, picking up one of the fluff balls. They were little husky puppies and boy were they working on those vocal chords.<br /> “Alright, so all of these little beauties are perfectly healthy. I recommend deworming them today and we can go ahead and give them their first rounds of shots. Also, would you like to have them microchipped for when they go to their new homes?” I looked at Mrs. Thompson, she was a spritely woman, so full of enthusiasm.<br /> “Of course, yes. Only 3 of the 4 are spoken for. This little guy is the only one who hasn't found his forever home yet." The pup in question was the red and white fluffer I was holding a bit ago.<br /> “Oh?” I asked. I knew it was wrong to interject into patients' plans, but this little guy was just the cuddliest boy ever. She gave me a knowing smile.<br /> “You know, I think he likes you. I've always called that one Finn.”<br /> It was so tempting, something I just didn't want to turn down. In a moment of weakness I thought about how every man has left me. My father, my husband, friends, and I thought, dogs are loyal, right? This little guy surely won't leave me.<br /> “I suppose he does need a home. And you are right, he does seem to like me…” she smirked and we finalized the rest of the details. I had somehow acquired a puppy. What just happened?<br /> Several patients, and layers of dog and cat hairs later and I was exhausted. The day was ending and Rachel had popped in my office several times to remind me of my promise for tonight.<br /> “Have you spoken to Lisa?” Rachel asked me when she walked into the room.<br /> “No, and I don't plan on it. She needs to forget that I exist. I have nothing nice to say to her and it would be better if I didn't say anything at all.” she nodded.<br /> “I know. I only ask because she's reaching out to me now trying to get to you. Want me to throat punch her? You know I will.” I snorted because she was being honest. I knew she would in a heartbeat. She was the brawler of the group and I was always the level headed.<br /> “Let me finish these charts and you can punch throats to your heart's content.”<br /> “So, you're going through with the divorce, yes?” she asked curiously. I nodded.<br /> “I think so. I just can't forgive it. 10 years. He had been sleeping with her for 10 years. He said he had been faithful since her and Brian got married but apparently she seduced him and he fell for it. I don't believe it. I don't believe one word of it. Even if it had been just one time... I couldn't forgive it. Unfaithfulness is where I draw the line.”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.read4funs.com/ad/a29hbGFub3ZlbC82NDQ3OC8	136560499545717	ForFun-105	https://facebook.com/61552095643555	18	1	1,399,405,177,621,416	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	ForFun-105	120203150271810019	a.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://a.read4funs.com/ad/a29hbGFub3ZlbC82NDQ3OC8yMDIzMTIyMzE3NDM1Mi9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2023-12-23 03:46	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412990481_1579471506215310_3162901492024152985_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cxsS4ln83tEAX9gFMFo&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBfwi8X65RRGchs_G0adGHm0owEcuHky3Q7NJ7TSR53Cw&oe=6592597C	person_profile	ForFun-105	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/413008343_738895157724930_8997312896319334146_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DfbXS2FD6rUAX89LTbW&_nc_oc=AQm-impWidP2NqSeU4Pk3cx8Yg9_KX6RhLUzqjXq3rOXCg-X7t0moLcSf3xYEyrAPoQ&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDAZUCvDHkquIpnCf82ZXgxHAb-rCL_GUTjR3rpB8N5Kw&oe=65917D22	3	ForFun-105	2023-12-23 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,610	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66602}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1041782563609835	Joanna Gaines From Fixer Upper Breaks Silence	Producers tried to keep this from the public for the longest time, but now, not only did Joanna break silence about her husband but we also learned what happened behind the scenes that ended the show.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.homeknowledge.com/renovation-revelatio	104720722411938	Home Made	https://facebook.com/100086518744240	5,685	1	3,625,350,624,414,321	2023-12-20 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Home Made	120201927012640576	homeknowledge.com	NONE	image	Your DIY Destination	https://www.homeknowledge.com/renovation-revelations-former-fixer-upper-clients-tell-all-about-their-experience-on-the-show/	2023-12-14 06:00	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410122030_910823900376285_3944079704420268279_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7c1ShgX1rwwAX_B2hRs&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCJQu0njr9GYzIB96EyX3k49ew7HQ1bsdDL3isFbcV8cQ&oe=6591A073	person_profile			3	Home Made	2023-12-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,303	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68404}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	866597975017368	🔥🔥🔥HOT BOOK 😍😍😍📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜	💔💔💔After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed....<br /> --------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqd	112577815117180	YummyRead	https://facebook.com/100091152813550	570	1	6,898,126,183,616,121	2023-12-09 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	YummyRead	120202074191350476	www.yumread.com	NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqdhayeb4s5ssv?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-08 00:18	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408974493_1359392224704551_5772416986139380024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q-jzhtSghBwAX8QuksA&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAdcEWB0Ss6b2_g3r9pPgobh9dsvKSdz7A0JbzivGqbxQ&oe=65930DA3	person_profile	YummyRead	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409099773_3678405192406658_1054844165338979178_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0VNtPHdIY54AX-2ucUr&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAXh8yJ76SGQLM_lvwqOATg2TMggYJzdvgzJK6mx9-8Xg&oe=6592D6FA	3	YummyRead	2023-12-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,508	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67484}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	832837708529473	👉Click to Read more about📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜	After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed.<br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> -----------------------------------------------------------<br /> Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here!<br /> Install the APP to search for the title "<br /> The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife”🤩🤩	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/qq41bo2f4vulp	101928486111131	YummyStory	https://facebook.com/100088816688674	194	2	347,870,331,287,557	2023-12-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	YummyStory	120204011751470506	www.yumread.com	NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/qq41bo2f4vulppwrw5wskr1i?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-15 04:42	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410427712_1965443913838529_2180806422983087906_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hrj_OrCPv0IAX_0kIUs&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAX47MGUG3lceHeygZj_wU-9nteoxeFhCRr_9XXZ8J-eg&oe=6591C812	person_profile	YummyStory	https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410386976_6864385843643984_7274993062344003049_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o8IBInZw0FYAX85LE4N&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDvZlqw8ewE-dP0YHwGJLP414WbpMfQ-fLBk4Exx35E_w&oe=65930B01	3	YummyStory	2023-12-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,116	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68916}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1352121075696757	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t s	LEARN_MORE	https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?languag	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	4	1,016,934,952,723,642	2023-12-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Fane Wood	120202216190820123	enjoyab.com	NONE	video		https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?language=en&timestamp=1699963857358&channelCode=NAENF1000047&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2023-12-11 09:59	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410234595_331400939669185_7533684778979422177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JPxShSTOywQAX9pscK3&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAMWAm2jwOlrme14gACQHaTaaGTuQU1_olw5nZz5EL2qQ&oe=659274F1	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410298116_1529386294490725_7294568128917258812_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Fv6dnfJcUEAX_OCxrE&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAaS8u8mCdALEufAEsuVdl89b-oEEg8T5ey6LIZLyGJ3g&oe=6591D363	3	Fane Wood	2023-12-11 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,166	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69177}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	699858528787416	Breaking Silence: Joanna Gaines Shares Her Voice with the World.	Long Kept Secret: Joanna Breaks Silence on Husband as Behind-the-Scenes Show Drama Unveils.	LEARN_MORE	https://toppoptoday.com/fixer-upper-dark-downers-k	105559839220674	Day Magazine Name	https://facebook.com/100092990978966	86	0	871,904,201,103,678	2023-11-28 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Day Magazine Name	23862145417600740	toppoptoday.com	NONE	image	HGTV’s Fixer Upper is one of the most popular real estate reality TV shows of all time. Chip and Joanna Gaines have become super famous thanks to their roles presenting the super popular show, and celebs in their own right.But when their marriage began to unfold, the truth about the dark secrets b...	https://toppoptoday.com/fixer-upper-dark-downers-kd-ext/	2023-11-24 00:12	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403627119_1024180995483194_6443324319636056802_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ey8rk3zoDVMAX94NMRS&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfCSvd5jwu6F0ZsJF-UZOfh8oUkaMzCExRh86XeytKD6gQ&oe=65925939	person_profile			3	Day Magazine Name	2023-11-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,422	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68106}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	6820363241378956	❤️‍🔥Love Born From A Contract	😍The Billionaire went abroad for treatment because of childlessness. But he saw a shrunken version of himself on the plane. He roared surprisingly, "where's your mom!"❤️‍🔥	LEARN_MORE	https://website.kalostv.com/share/middle/4hntjhw2s	140625782461340	Kalostv_official	https://facebook.com/61551046398055	1,185	1	1,446,896,489,518,370	2023-12-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Kalostv_official	120201224383450540	website.kalostv.com	NONE	video		https://website.kalostv.com/share/middle/4hntjhw2sljmbtee050ynted?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-07 02:16	https://scontent.fhyw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408779456_194382350332323_4920618434604187623_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ocKqgvFIo5MAX_3Innr&_nc_ht=scontent.fhyw1-1.fna&oh=00_AfB1SuEoVLea18nvTS_PAwULmXstmlmL3c6mro3Vabt12A&oe=6592BA3B	person_profile	Kalostv_official	https://scontent.fhyw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408159404_1390295611863010_6678387059299801752_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YoHdgqNZ89wAX_q8IBy&_nc_ht=scontent.fhyw1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDNf8Z1aB_7fgnYVeafL6Ecv0C_pyGcewxYnUrDt2CuXg&oe=65920733	3	Kalostv_official	2023-12-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,499	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68404}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	227669703683348	🔥🔥🔥HOT BOOK 😍😍😍📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜	💔💔💔After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed....<br /> --------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqd	112577815117180	YummyRead	https://facebook.com/100091152813550	570	1	1,072,974,860,378,478	2023-12-06 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	YummyRead	120201458428250691	yumread.com	NONE	image	Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqdhayeb4s5ssv?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-06 03:46	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406745954_1115940799566070_4194866825062770356_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZteTWR1AoiUAX-JBW1E&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBIxV9FFBGc1C-Ht1CC1dxFQg9Run-1BHYhsWBfgDx6hw&oe=65931264	person_profile	YummyRead	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406756908_883264160021176_7274414304973514849_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8CBisGqSyWgAX9u_7xu&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDoamtS-zzWJFcJ3YDTfvZm6116ZxfGFHaWwkFpVEON2g&oe=65918506	3	YummyRead	2023-12-06 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,926	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69239}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	854297393020630	🔞 Click to read on📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜	🌶🌶🌶After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/zr4wz22vk2vgf	101489936134366	OasisStory	https://facebook.com/100087803393468	2,960	1	360,485,376,492,769	2023-11-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120201579097630115	www.yumread.com	NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/zr4wz22vk2vgfnk3razknkvu?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-11-22 00:04	https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404622970_1557337971764474_3805436147046442661_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BiygEirRbbIAX9eC4Hs&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAL4_i7mRvFJ0RQRa-B_Mtec_cRK07-kQtSPywDuJLGFg&oe=6592BCE8	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404571087_1258732214794940_5276245955047904124_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1WXILINySGQAX_XluOq&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAmVLSI-3OxZ3JMhtKk9A9Exw8IRr4PcKH9Lp5CHJkX9w&oe=6592E841	3	OasisStory	2023-11-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,239	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68404}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1013067016650565	🔥🔥🔥HOT BOOK 😍😍😍📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜	💔💔💔After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed....<br /> --------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqd	112577815117180	YummyRead	https://facebook.com/100091152813550	570	6	375,236,908,275,981	2023-12-10 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	YummyRead	120202155243840476	www.yumread.com	NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqdhayeb4s5ssv?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-08 22:00	https://scontent.ftri1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408469750_361568350092022_1651678729944920333_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZzF2iO6qZX8AX9-CoH3&_nc_ht=scontent.ftri1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCubPvi4X_9BbQXUJqWh5019mULFA7UCfjFcTWaRmRYqg&oe=659302F5	person_profile	YummyRead	https://scontent.ftri1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408468428_371158461974935_5180552434352697366_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F_53d2MJSpwAX97e2mk&_nc_ht=scontent.ftri1-1.fna&oh=00_AfD8aBAd2etUuGNlFV7BM4ZdZesu_rp7JdhgSsBJIkpvWA&oe=6591F039	3	YummyRead	2023-12-09 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,901	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":70107}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	635535145194382	🔞 Click to read on📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜	🌶🌶🌶After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/l2m0lxpbeeid1	101489936134366	OasisStory	https://facebook.com/100087803393468	2,960	3	1,113,355,916,317,935	2023-11-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120201683722360439	yumread.com	NONE	image	Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/l2m0lxpbeeid1m2nid2prnlf?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-11-22 00:53	https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402657368_311630955112226_7975363395734563423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZP99XGgsk5UAX8_PGVC&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBJBS4xDSF4732zlZR3HBJQQ9SHCF4Ww-jIwRaBxnim7Q&oe=65926261	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402655967_378861934569185_2234436323041159862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qr5zB_nA0yQAX8quTAT&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAsxWOt5MnNhovV3CdX-lpLsLFIZFEVwq_SB7Sh5MuqUg&oe=6592FCF6	3	OasisStory	2023-11-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,787	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68845}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	717252913652516	Continue reading 👉"When A Witch Loves A Werewolf"	"Keep your hands off my man!!" I stared at my boyfriend and his new girl in anger, but words never split from my lips.<br /> Jessie was mere inches away. He touched the tip of his nose to her forehead. She bit her lip. He inhaled deeply. He slid his nose down to her and nuzzled her.<br /> He had never done that to me before.<br /> I realized she was gripping his tie.<br /> Heat coursed through me. The whole room felt like a furnace.<br /> I could have yelled out but that's just not the best plan for revenge.<br /> *<br /> "I heard you want to take his pack down." I made that phone call.<br /> "Yes, and if you did more investigation, you'll know that's not the only thing I want." The male's voice sounds not that evil.<br /> "What else do you want?"<br /> "You!"<br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> Jamie’s POV<br /> The wind howled like a wolf in the presence of the full moon. The rain hammered against the roof. Thunder boomed in my ears and lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating my dark bedroom momentarily. I sighed. The weather matched my mood. Toady was the first day of my senior year at Ambrosia High and I was less than thrilled about it.<br /> In Ambrosia, werewolves ran the school. They were so naturally athletic that almost every single one of them was a star on some sports team or the other. Jocks, I grumbled inwardly. Humans adored them and in return, they were given protection. The Ambrosia Wolf Pack protected the town from any and every possible threat. Witches, on the other hand, were respected by humans out of fear. They were captivated and frightened of our magic simultaneously. I, as the Maiden of the Ambrosia Coven, was the most feared, which is ridiculous because I was the shyest and most introverted person at the whole school. I chuckled to myself. I was not looking forward to another day of people scampering away from me and whispering and exchanging nervous glances as I walk by. I had really enjoyed my time at home this holiday season. I spent almost all of it indoors, except when the moon was full. I could not resist a full moon. My mother would say I must have a little werewolf blood in me. I laughed at the thought. Witches observed the full moon too. The lunar phases corresponded with different spells. The wolves did not own the Moon like the owned the school.<br /> I showered, letting the warm water run over my long dark brown curls and golden skin. I shutd my large hazel eyes to shut out the water and the world. When I was done, I put on my school uniform. Yes. I said it. School uniform. Ambrosia High had a strict dress code. We were only allowed to wear our own clothes on Fridays as a treat and today was Monday. Fridays were also half day, ending at twelve. Every other week day dragged on from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon. At least the uniform was actually flattering. It was pretty cute to be honest. Girls wore knee-length, pleated lavender skirts with light grey buttoned down shirts tucked in. The girls’ skirts had puffed sleeves which I personally loved. The guys wore grey pants with lavender buttoned down shirts. No puff sleeves. They also had to wear grey ties. We all wore black socks with black ankle boots. I sprayed on my favourite perfume. It was a blend of roses, jasmine and lily of the valley.<br /> I opened my umbrella to shield myself from the heavy downpour. I trudged to the car where my father, James Jaded, was already waiting in the driver’s seat. My mother, Jacqueline Jaded, was in the front passenger seat. He looked cheerful. His green eyes sparkled as he laughed, tossing his head back. He had pale skin and blonde hair which contrasted my mother’s mocha skin, jet black curls and dark brown eyes. They were both beautiful and outgoing. My mother had even been a beauty queen in her day, winning Miss Ambrosia before I was born. I looked like neither of them exactly with my golden skin and long brown loose curls and waves that always seemed windswept no matter how neatly I styled them. My amber eyes were large and heavily rimmed by long dark lashes. If you saw both of my parents together with me, then you could tell I was theirs. My parents were always telling me I was beautiful. I did not believe them. They were just trying to build my confidence so that I would come out of my shell more, but my shyness had very little to do with my looks. There were things about me even my parents did not know.<br /> “Jamie, I can tell you’re really excited for your first day back,” my dad said, teasing me. He glanced back at my sullen expression. My mother looked back at me, frowning with worry.<br /> “I’m ok, mom,” I lied, perking up.<br /> They now both looked suspicious but said nothing further as they drove through a the torrential downpour of rain to get to the school. I let my mind wander. I hated school but I was excited to see him again. I was sure he might have heard about me as I was the Maiden of the Witch Coven but we had never spoken. I sighed.<br /> “If I didn’t know any better,” my father’s deep voice interrupted my thoughts. “I would say you could control the weather with your moods, Jamie. This weather matches your expression, my little thistle-witch.” My father chuckled lightheartedly. My mother, though, peered at me through the rearview mirror. She looked at me as though there might be truth to that joke.<br /> I hurriedly grab my huge purple fuzzy backpack and rush out the car. I had left my umbrella behind. I curse inwardly as I run as quickly as someone who hates every sport can. I was slim despite my distaste for sports. I splash through a few puddles as I run through the path to the double front doors. The path was lined with purple rose bushes that were heavily laden with thorns. The school building was boasted five floors. Grey brick with stein glass windows on the outside. Hardwood floors and floral wallpapering on the inside. The stein glass made the light inside reflect all the colours of whatever scene was depicted on each window. Every window told a story of werewolf or witch kind. I scrambled through the double doors, slipping on the wet floor. I could not catch my balance. I waited for my body to hit the hard wood but it did not. Someone caught me in their arms. It was him.<br /> <br /> Thanks for reading! I love reading comments! It's so encouraging!<br /> A/N: I have a F a c e book page now. It's Joanna J just like my name here. The username is @joannajwriter<br /> :)<br /> Part I: A Storm at School<br /> Chapter 2: His Little Witch<br /> <br /> Jesse’s POV<br /> I was over the moon about my first day of senior year. I leapt out of bed that morning and showered in cold water to perk myself up even more. I ran down the stairs and into my car. Since I turned seventeen, my parents had been allowing me to drive myself to school. My eighteenth birthday was only a few days away. I would finally be able to phase and could take over the Ambrosia Wolf Pack, which was thought to be the strongest wolf pack in the world. My father, Henry Gold, and my mother, Henrietta Gold, waved from the driveway, seeing me off. They were both tall, olive-skinned, black-haired and blue-eyed. My father stood at six feet and six inches. My mother was five feet and eleven inches. I looked exactly like them but did not keep my hair short like my father. Mine was shoulder-length and slightly wavy. I was six feet and two inches and constantly telling my father that I was going to be taller than him after I phased. After phasing at age eighteen, wolves increased in height and build in their human forms, especially the new alpha. My father and mother were the current Alpha and Luna of the Ambrosia Wolf Pack. They were also called the Alpha King and Luna Queen because of our lineage. We were descended from the very first werewolf, Bastion and his mate, Reina. My birthday was Friday which could not come fast enough. I was already faster in my human form than most even in their werewolf forms. I could not wait to inherit all of my powers. I loved Ambrosia and was excited to protect her. I call the town a she by the way. Most members of the Wolf Pack referred to the town this way.<br /> I sped through the rain. I was not worried about getting a ticket. Being the future Alpha in Ambrosia had its privileges. My future Beta, Dalton Drakes, and my future Gamma, Zachary Stronghold also took advantage of their privileges. They had already turned eighteen and phased but they were waiting for me, their future Alpha before they officially took their fathers’ posts. They were also my best friends. We were like brothers. We had been raised together as our parents knew we would one day take over the pack and would need to have a good bond. Ever since, they had both phased, they were able to speak to each other telepathically. I had to admit I felt a little left out. I was impatient to feel like the trio we had always been again. I knew they were anticipating it too. I heard my phone pinging constantly in the passenger’s seat. I knew it was our group chat, messaging excitedly about my eighteenth birthday party on Friday. My parents were planning it with my two best friends help and they enjoyed teasing me about not knowing any of the details. I pulled into Ambrosia High. The huge grey building loomed before me. I parked in my spot. Yes. I had a reserved parking spot as the future Alpha and thereby protector of this town. I thought it was overmurder. I was still just a teenager and a student here. However, on this Monday, with its heavy rain and murky puddles, I was glad for it. I was parked near to the school doors. I ran into the building. Almost as if I had summoned them, Dalton and Zachary appeared before me, walking down the winding staircase in the entrance hall. They were both a few inches taller than me post-phase and they were lean but muscular. Dalton Drakes, my future Beta, was pale as the moon with hooded grey eyes, sharp cheek bones and a chiseled jaw. His hair was shoulder-length like mine but his was a medium ash brown. Zachary Stronghold, my future Gamma, was blue eyed, olive skinned and black haired just like me but he kept his hair cut short. People thought we were brothers sometimes or at least cousins but I was an only child and I liked it that way. Although, I was outgoing, I did enjoy my alone time on occasion. Both guys grinned wolfishly at me. Pun intended. I saw them flicker their eye colours momentarily from blue and grey respectively to the pitch black of their inner wolves.<br /> “Awesome,” I said, not able to hide my jealousy. They both burst into raucous laughter. A group of junior human girls nearby giggled and whispered excitedly, eyeing the three of us. We were well-liked at school. Dalton raised as eyebrows at the girls, smirking at him. They squealed and ran off in a fit of giggles. Okay. Well-liked was an understatement. The Pack Members especially if they held special positions were the heartthrobs of the school and their respective mates were the envy of every girl. I grumbled to myself. Dalton and Zachary had both found their mates right after they phased. I had yet to find mine. It was not possible to know with any real certainty who your mate was until you had phased the first time. After that, your inner wolf could communicate with you and your eyes would be opened to who she was. She could be right under my nose and I would not even know because I had yet to phase.<br /> The doors of the entrance hall burst open before Dalton and Zachary could respond. They did not even flinch. They had probably heard the person approaching even through the rain and thunder with their heightened senses, another benefit post-phase. I turned away from them to look at her. I knew who it was before I turned though. I knew that smell anywhere. She always smelled like a meadow brimming over with flowers to me. I knew I should not take so much notice of her. She was the Maiden of Witches after all and I as the future Alpha should have kept my distance but I could not help myself for some reason. She was a feast for my senses. Her dark brown curls were tousled from the wind and the rain. I loved the way she looked, the way she smelled, the sound of her voice - high-pitched and melodious. She spoke so infrequently so it was a treat for me whenever I got to hear her speak in class. We had never spoken directly. I had never reached her but I assumed her golden skin would soft and smooth. That left one final fifth sense. Taste. I looked at her small doll-like mouth. I tried to snap out of it. I knew the guys were smirking at me knowingly.<br /> Mere moments after she entered the entrance hall, she slipped on the wet floor. She was several feet away but I was there in a flash. I caught her, my hands gripping her outstretched arms. I was right. Her skin was soft and smooth. It was cool to the reach compared to my warm skin. The look of panic in her eyes was replaced by one of confusion. She looked up at me. She could not be more than five feet and four, maybe five inches. She took a step back breaking the contact between us. I felt a bit disappointed but this was the first time our eyes had met so I perked up again. Her amber eyes looked like a warm brown in this dim light. She seemed stunned for some reason.<br /> <br /> Jamie’s POV<br /> It was him. I felt his strong, large hands grasp my arms to prevent me from falling. It was effortless for him. He supported my weight like I was a rag doll. Noticing our height difference, I was a doll to him. He towered over me. I needed to take a step back just to be able to meet his eyes without awkwardly craning me. I drank him in with my eyes. He was gorgeous, broad-shouldered and lean with muscles even though he was yet to phase. Everyone in the school was aware of the future Alpha’s approaching eighteenth birthday. A new Alpha was a big deal for the entire town. Even the haughtiest of witches were aware of him. My amber eyes met his blue ones. They seemed to soften as he looked me over. We had never really acknowledged each other like this before. I wondered what he thought of me. He was probably shocked at how clumsy and quiet I was for the Maiden of the Ambrosia Witch Coven. I had turned eighteen during the vacation before senior year. My eighteenth birthday was not a big deal. I had become the Maiden officially since my thirteenth birthday. Witches got their powers much earlier.<br /> “Sorry,” I managed to make myself say. “The floor is a bit wet.” I paused, trying to think of something more to say. I broke eye contact and stared down at my wet, muddy boots and then I looked at his pristine boots. How did he manage to keep so dry in this rain? Was he faster than the raindrops or something? Good grief.<br /> “Don’t apologise, Jamie,” he said politely, he turned his back on me and returned to his friends, the future Beta and Gamma, who were both giving me weird looks. I squirmed under the heat of their gaze. I was embarrassed at how quickly he turned his attention away from me, like I was nothing. I was meant to lead the Coven just as he was meant to lead his Pack. My parents sometimes met with his parents at Ambrosia’s Hall of Justice along with the human Mayor and his wife. However, he and I did not attend those meetings. The Jaded Family and the Gold Family had to be courteous with each other. Courteous but not friendly. Lines were drawn in the sand. Witches and Werewolves did not get friendly so he was not behaving unusually but I wanted more for some reason.<br /> “Wait!” I exclaimed like a complete naive guy. Even Dalton and Zachary were startled by my outburst and nothing startles them. Jesse stopped in his tracks and turned towards me again.<br /> “Um, yeah,” he murmured, his eyes filled with surprise and something else. Was that hope in his eyes? What was he hoping for?<br /> “Thank you,” I said. I literally bowed with a flourish of my hand before I realised how ridiculous that must look. I cringed inwardly. What is wrong with me? Dalton and Zachery seemed to share my sentiments. They looked at me as if I had grown a second head and a literal third eye. Then, they began to fidget. I could tell they were trying hard not to laugh. Even if they thought me strange, they were not bold enough to laugh at a future High Witch. I knew werewolves felt witches could turn on someone at any moment. They feared our magic and we feared their strength.<br /> Jesse’s face broke into a huge grin. He chuckled. Dalton and Zachary looked at him, mouths agape. They were shocked at how openly he had laughed. He was about to shock them further. He bowed deeply and with a flourish of his hand said, “You’re most welcome.” He straightened up and laughed wholeheartedly. He was making fun of me but it did not seem mean-spirited.<br /> In spite of myself, I smiled, returning his now intense gaze. He bit him.He bent towards me so that our noses were mere inches apart. He extended a hand and reached one of my curls, tucking it behind my ear. This gave me chills. The good kind. He lent in even nearr until his mouth was so near to my ear that I could feel his hot breath, “Be careful next time, my little witch.”<br /> After that, he and his friends disappeared like nothing earth shattering had just happened and I remained standing there spell-struck until the bell rang.<br /> Part 1: A Storm at School<br /> Chapter 3: Her Big Bad Wolf<br /> <br /> Jesse’s POV<br /> Even though I had left her in the entrance hall, my mind was with her still. I did not know what had come over me. Her little half-bow and thank you were so cute. It made something inside of my torso burn. I wanted to reach her. Somehow. I made myself leave before I did anything even dumber. I was not allowed to entertain this. My parents would be horrified if they knew I had a liking for that little witch. Not just any witch, I reminded myself. The Maiden of Witches. The future Mother of her Coven once she was matched with someone. Witches did not have definite, fate-chosen mates like we werewolves did. They had some witchy ceremony in which they “matched” with someone. This happened once every year and the “matching” was covertly decided by their parents and revealed to the respective witch and wizard at the ceremony. I did not know anymore than that. Just that it was not anything like the true love we had with our mates. It was basically an arranged marriage cooked up by the parents of the bride and groom. They decided who their kids could and could not marry. We wolves let fate decide. Witches could even divorce. Wolves mated for life. We did not need divorce. The mate bond was so unbreakable. I had never actually heard of anyone resisting the bond successfully. Why would anyone want to? To be with your mate was bliss, a heaven on earth so to speak.<br /> Dalton and Zachary sat to my left. There were three people per bench in the high-ceilinged classroom. The roof was dome-shaped. The dome was made of glass. Not stein glass like the windows. Clear so we could see the rain make rivers down the sides of the dome as the lightning zigzagged across the sky. Amid the thunder, Zachary chastised me.<br /> “What was that? What do you think you are doing?” He spat.<br /> “Reading this textbook,” I said innocently as I leafed through Charmed and Dangerous, one of the senior textbooks for our Magic Class. Ambrosia High curriculum matched the diversity of its students. We studied magic as well as lupine smurders and even human subjects like mathematics. Just because I had super speed and strength did not mean I got away from learning calculus.<br /> Zachary sighed. “Look. I know you have a thing for that little witch. You’re my future alpha and I respect you but I can’t sit by while you actually entertain the thought of fraternising with her. She’s the Maiden of Witches. What if she puts a spell on you? What will happen to the pack?”<br /> “Do you think our future alpha is not strong enough to fight off a spell,” countered Dalton, surprising me by taking my side. Werewolves were about ten times harder to spellbind than humans. It was possible but the stronger the wolf, the stronger the immunity and I was to be Alpha, strongest of the strong.<br /> Zachery smirked. “She’s the Maiden so she’s got powerful magic but she won’t even need it. I see the way he looks at her. He’s under her spell all right. She did not even need to cast it.”<br /> My face flushed. I buried my head in the book. Was it that obvious? She was cute. I was a man still. She was a woman. Werewolves and Witches acted like they we did not have anything in common. I knew a few Werewolves who had hooked up with Witches. They moved on when they found their true mates of course and the witches went their merry way after their matching ceremony. Relationships like that had to be kept under wraps but we all knew of them. He was right though. What was the point of flirting with her? My birthday was Friday and today was Monday. In a couple of days, I would phase and my inner wolf would show me my mate. I had no inkling of who it was though and this worried me. Dalton and Zachery both had crushed on the girls they ended up being mated to even before they phased. Wolves usually felt a natural attraction to their mate before phasing. There was always a high chance your current girlfriend or crush was your future mate when you were a wolf. Every she-wolf that was unmated and every available human girl had their eyes on me but none of them drew me in. It was not like I had a thing for witches either. I did not know the name of a single witch at school besides Jamie.<br /> She entered the classroom just then. The thunder seemed to grow louder and the lightning brighter. The rain was falling in sheets now. Was she responsible for this? I pushed the thought out of my mind. Witches always got blamed for everything. I did not want to be like that. There had been witch hunts in Ambrosia centuries ago before the treaty. She kept her gaze on the floor as she walked in. Whispers greeted her entrance. She was nearing my bench. Humans and Witches craned them to look at her. The humans regarded her with fear and the witches, with respect. The wolves pretended to take no notice but I could feel them collectively stiffen. My heart went out to her. She must be so lonely. Everyone was the opposite with me, warm and welcoming. The classroom was chilly. She hugged herself to keep warm. My little witch. I would keep you warm. I silently cursed myself. What had gotten into me? It felt like I was even crazier about her this school year. I thought my feelings would fade as I got nearr to my phasing but they were growing. She sat in the only empty seat left which was directly behind me. I stiffened. Dalton smirked. He was amused. Perhaps, Dalton was less annoyed than Zachary because Dalton’s mate was human. Wolves could be mated to humans. It was not common but it did occur naturally and was accepted. The human would not get any special powers but would be granted with immortality when marked and mated by the wolf who was bonded to them. The gift of immortality could only be bestowed upon a human mate by his or her wolf mate. We were not able to hand this out freely. Otherwise, every rich human would have bribed their way to immortality by now.<br /> The bench Jamie was at was empty but the two other seats had backpacks placed on them. Dalton and Zachery were saving those two seats for their mates. Chloe Harper and Zoe Vale walked in and my boys’ faces lit up like children on Christmas morning. I grinned in spite of myself. It was always funny to see how much these big bad wolves softened when their mates were around. Both girls were around Jamie’s height. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about Jamie? Chloe had wavy light blonde hair down to her mid-back, alabaster skin, and astonishingly blue eyes. Zoe had a caramel complexion with big brown eyes and ebony curls. Both girls were movie-star beautiful. Chloe was a she-wolf and Zoe was human. Zachary pulled Chloe into<br /> <br /> Adult Content. Find more by downloading***<br /> <br /> Sometimes, it was torture being around the guys and their mates when I had no one yet. Both Chloe and Zoe had been marked and mated. Zoe had been gifted with immortality by Dalton. She was still human but now she could remain young and unchanged like Dalton indefinitely. Wolves could not stand to lose their mate once they’ve already found them so human mates had to become immortal. Otherwise, their wolves would suffer the rest of eternity alone once the humans aged and died. Dalton still treated Zoe as though she were made of glass despite her newfound immortality. He was now gently pulling on one of her curls and watching it spring back into place. I suddenly wanted to reach one of Jamie’s curls again. I looked back at her before I could stop myself and Dalton and Zachery were too absorbed with their mates to notice.<br /> Jamie met my eyes again. I smiled. That was when it happened.<br /> <br /> Jamie’s POV<br /> When the bell rang, I scurried down the hallway and into my first class according to my senior year schedule. I was not expecting all three of those wolves to be in my class. I tried my hardest not to look at Jesse or his friends, keeping my eyes down. I walked up the stairs. The class was built like a theatre with each bench a step higher than the next. There were three chairs per bench. Only the back bench still had room. It was a full class. I sat directly behind Jesse. The other two chairs had backpacks on them. He was probably creeped out by me. All the classmates besides the wolves were whispering about me. My stomach was in knots. The rain became heavier and the thunder roared. The lightning illuminated the dim dome again and again. I was wringing my handkerchief nervously between my hands. The whispers seemed to intensify and the stares became more blatant. They were enjoying the show. The Maiden Witch was sitting behind the Alpha Wolf. Chloe Harper, a blonde, pale she-wolf, and Zoe Vale, a caramel complected human with jet-black curls, walked in. Oh no! These two seats beside me were being saved for the mates of the Beta and Gamma. Zoe was Beta Dalton’s human mate. She had recently become immortal. Chloe was the mate of Gamma Zachery. I was relieved when both girls ended up in the laps of their mates instead of next to me. I knew they would have to stop the PDA and sit in their seats when the teacher came but at least then class would be in session and I would not have to sit in awkward silence among wolves. I watched Chloe and Zoe both getting cuddled in the middle of class. Wolves were so open with their love. I usually found it inappropriate but today I felt something else. I felt envy. Jessie was as still as if he had been turned to stone but I knew he was aware of everything. I was reminded of Jessie reaching my hair earlier. I turned instinctively to look at his back only to find that he had turned around. Our eyes met. I wish I were on him. He would find his mate Friday and it could not be me. I was a witch. It could be a she-wolf or even a human but not me. That was the first time I let myself think about was his birthday really meant. By next Monday, I would be in this same class watching him k and his mate on him. I had not exactly admitted that so plainly to myself before. Something inside me snapped as the realisation hit me. He would not look back at me like this next Monday. He would only have eyes for her, whomever she was. I screamed inwardly and it happened. I really did not mean to do it. I should have known better as the Maiden of Witches. My essence lashed out of its own accord. As a witch, one should always remain calm but I was having a panic attack and the storm raged reaching a crescendo. The rain was so heavy it was as loud as the thunder. I heard a cracking sound. Everyone looked up. The glass dome had a crack in it. The crack widened making a sickening sound and all the students wisely started running out of the classroom. All except me. I stood there staring at the widening crack watching the glass dome split apart. I was trying to calm myself. The Beta and Gamma practically carried their mates out of the room. The Alpha would be obsessed with his mate’s safety by next week. My blood boiled. I saw red. The glass shattered. I heard a gasp. Jesse was still in the room. How had I not noticed that? I screamed not for myself but for him. I could no longer stop the glass from crashing over him.<br /> <br /> Jesse’s POV<br /> The glass dome had a crack in it. Everyone panicked. My Beta and Gamma took their mates to safety. Everyone but Jamie and I had left the room. I glared at her. Was she doing this? Was she insane? Even if this was her doing, why was she not getting herself to safety? I though about just scooping her up like my friends had done with their mates. That might terrify her momentarily but would keep her safe. Unfortunately, there was no time left. The glass shattered. Jamie screamed. My body reacted. In a flash, I had her in my arms. There was not enough time to exit before the glass fell but I was able to shield her body with mine as I pulled both of us under a bench for cover.<br /> <br /> Jamie’s POV<br /> Jesse flew into action. One moment he was standing staring upwards, the next he was holding me and pulling me under a bench. Good idea. I had a better one. I cast a forcefield with my magic over the bench we were under so all the falling shards of glass just bounced off of it. We were left completely unscathed. After the downpour of glass, I had to drop the forcefield because I was exhausted from all the magic I had just expended unintentionally and then intentionally. We began to get wet in the rain which now fell freely into the roof-less classroom. The bench provided some shelter but the rain was still very heavy. Jessie had me cradled in his arms holding me from behind, his body covering mine. He sat under the bench and spun me around to face him. We were nose to nose cramped under the bench. The realisation that he had just put himself in harm’s way for me hit me. It seemed the realisation that I had shielded both of us with magic hit him because he was grinning from ear to ear. He seemed impressed.<br /> “Good job, my little witch,” he almost purred. “You can handle yourself.” He sounded so proud.<br /> I beamed at him. “Thanks my big bad wolf,” I said, laughing.<br /> Jamie looked astonished at my nickname for him. His face broke into a grin again. He pulled me into him, wrapping his arms around me, holding me tightly against his chest. He was so warm. His body felt so strong. He could break every bone in my body but he held me so delicately. I put my arms around him, nuzzling into him. Why was I trying to break my own heart now? This could not continue. But it did. My body felt like it had caught on fire. Goosebumps sprang up all over my body. Shivers ran through me. This was getting out of hand and I was thoroughly enjoying every second of it. Another storm was brewing. This one was not just in Ambrosia or at school. This storm was inside me.<br /> Part 2: An Ill-advised Invitation<br /> Chapter 4: His Mere Mortal<br /> <br /> Dalton’s POV<br /> I wrapped my arms protectively around Zoe. She was my everything. From the time I first phased and realised that Zoe was truly my mate, I vowed to protect her always. She leaned into me, nuzzling her little head into my shirt. Everyone from the class had congregated in the entrance hall after fleeing the dome classroom. The sound of glass shattering made my heart wrench. I sniffed the air. Jessie was missing, and so was Jamie. I immediately deduced what must have happened. This was Jamie’s storm. I doubted she purposefully conjured it but Jessie must have stayed back to help her in some way. Jessie was my future alpha and as his future beta, I had to check on him. Some glass could not take an alpha out but still, I had to check. I reluctantly released Zoe. She began to protest, but I gave her a firm look. She rolled her eyes but stayed silent.<br /> I ran into the hallway. Glass was strewn everywhere and light and rainwater filled the hallway. I ran to the dome classroom. The dome was gone. Shattered. That explained all the glass and the light streaming in and the rainwater gushing everywhere. I carefully stepped over mounds of glass, searching for Jamie and Jessie. I spotted them under a bench. I smirked. I could smell both Jessie’s and Jamie’s scent. I had never told Jessie or Zachery this but I had started a relationship with Zoe long before she officially became my mate. I knew she would be. Wolves were often inexplicably drawn to their mates before they phased and knew with certainty. Zoe and I would sneak around, I grinned to myself at the memories. She was a mere mortal back then. My mere mortal. She was never afraid of me, a powerful future Beta and the most feared Pack. When I finally phased and could officially reveal her as my mate, I granted her immortality. She would always be delicate in my eyes though.<br /> “What are you two up to?” I drawled, not able to hide my grin.<br /> Jessie and Jamie broke apart. Jessie was quickly on his feet. Jamie struggled a bit. Good grief she was clumsy, I thought to myself. Jessie extended his hand and pulled Jamie to her feet. He did not know his own strength and the little witch slipped and fell right into his arms. I broke into raucous laughter, until my future alpha silenced me with a look. I kept my smirk though. Jessie lifted Jamie into his arms and carried her away from the broken glass, down the hallway and into an empty classroom with a regular ceiling. I followed behind them.<br /> “You guys looked cosy. I wish I hadn’t interrupted,” I lied. I had no choice but to seek out my best friend and future alpha. Jessie grunted at me and stalked off, leaving Jamie looking forlorn. The door swung shut behind Jessie. I regarded Jamie.<br /> “Aren’t you going to leave too?” She asked, her eyes wide.<br /> “No,” I said simply. She reminded me so much of my Zoe sometimes. I had to get back to my Zoe but I had something up my sleeve first.<br /> “I have a special gift for you, little witch,” I said, revealing a gold envelope I had stashed in my pants’ pocket.<br /> Jamie’s eyes widened even more. I snickered. She looked at me like I was crazy but hesitantly took the envelope.<br /> “Open it,” I said.<br /> “What is it?” She asked.<br /> “An invitation,” I bowed as she had done earlier that day to Jessie and flourished my hands. She immediately recognised me mocking her and scowled but opened the envelope.<br /> The gold envelope contained white parchment with gold curly script that read:<br /> You have hereby been cordially invited to the Eighteenth Birthday of the Jessie Gold, Future Alpha of the Ambrosia Wolf Pack. The ceremony will be held this Friday, from 7pm to midnight. Jessie will phase at 11:11pm the time of his birth, officially becoming the new alpha. We hope you will be there to congratulate and welcome your new alpha.<br /> Dress Code: Formal, no exceptions<br /> <br /> Jamie’s eyes were like two saucers now. She was shocked.<br /> “You’re inviting me?” She asked incredulously.<br /> “Yeah,” I said simply, “Jessie’s gonna love to see you in a ballgown. He’ll think I’m the best Beta there is.”<br /> I chuckled to myself.<br /> “Yeah, um, and then he’ll phase and fall in love with his real mate,” whined Jamie.<br /> I laughed. She looked at me like I was heartless.<br /> “I have my reasons and I’m never wrong. I’m a really special wolf you know. My intuition is…” I paused for dramatic effect, “…magical.”<br /> I left Jamie, still clutching the invitation in shock. I hurried back to the entrance hall.<br /> “Class has been cancelled for the rest of the day!” Squealed my Zoe, flinging herself into my arms. The school administration needed all these wolves, witches and humans gone to clean up the mess Jessie’s little witch girlfriend made.<br /> “Why did you stay behind?” Asked Jessie, regarding me with suspicion.<br /> “I felt bad for Jamie,” I said. It was not a lie. I was not able to actually lie to my future alpha as his beta. “I thought I’d talk to her a bit.”<br /> Zoe looked up at me from under her long dark lashes with a knowing smile. I smirked. My little human knew me so well. She and I were on the party planning committee for the alpha’s ceremony. It was one of my endless duties as future beta, and naturally my mate assisted. Zachery, the future gamma, was none the wiser. He was helping plan the party to along with his mate, she-wolf Chloe, but they constantly missed meetings to go make out and who knows what else.<br /> “Let’s go to the mall,” came Chloe’s serene voice. She was always calm. The whole of Ambrosia could be in chaos and Chloe would be cool as a cucumber. The only person that could make that she-wolf feel anything was her mate Zachery.<br /> “Yes, I love the mall. Nothing is better than standing around while Zoe spends my money,” I tested. Zoe playfully hit me but we piled into three cars. Zoe and I in my car. Chloe and Zachery in Zachery’ car and poor Jessie by himself. Not for long, I thought.<br /> Once we were alone, driving through the slowly subsiding rain, Zoe and I exchanged conspiratorially glances.<br /> “If I am a good guesser,” started Zoe.<br /> “You’re the good-est,” I said. She really was the best at guessing my plans.<br /> “Then a certain witch will be at the werewolf ceremony,” she mused.<br /> “You don’t say,” I said in mock surprise. I parked the car and neard the short distance between us. I pulled her into me. She straddled me. I grinned.<br /> A sharp knock on the window glass startled us. I let the window down to reveal a smirking Jessie.<br /> “Let’s go, lovebirds,” my future alpha ordered.<br /> ...<br /> Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉	USE_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d	100958279167471	Dreame for DL3	https://facebook.com/100077279157636	8,682	3	1,032,441,214,699,646	2023-12-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Use app	Dreame for DL3	120203681734720226	play.google.com	NONE	image	Great Story Starts Here	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1662468060%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D	2023-11-29 05:15	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/405730182_1033875867866552_6320551773114495305_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=skoIrklxeyQAX8h1zON&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBuEDOC3unZeSwdsZADhwhOuLIkFHSf4XYtuQ9o8BY_zA&oe=6591B281	person_profile	Dreame for DL3	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/405713431_3514812775449807_4181122888515729935_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QQjbbhhS5k0AX9w-Bv_&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBlJGMwCIe6al17nX9E-GRL_dVJrDYkA4TOeyQeQLAoQA&oe=65920D14	3	Dreame for DL3	2023-11-30 02:00	View Edit Delete
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66,467	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69211}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	797626069043566	Enchanted Garden Center	With its rustic Texas flair and old country charm, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/enchantedforestrichmond">Enchanted Forest</a> has everything you need for your garden in the spring!<br /> <br /> This family-owned garden center is one of two. Their other garden center is called Enchanted Forest and is located in Richmond.<br /> <br /> I visited Enchanted Gardens over the weekend and was shocked at all they had to offer! Not only do they have the widest selection of plants, but their staff is the most knowledgeable I've seen. I walked out having learned so much!<br /> <br /> I'm serious guys, if you are planning on gardening in the spring, you have to check them out!<br /> <br /> - Joanna	NO_BUTTON		109912667013395	Joanna Ouderkirk, REAL Estate	https://facebook.com/JoannaHoustonHomeGals	25	1	378,837,588,002,293	2023-12-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	No button	Joanna Ouderkirk, REAL Estate	120203644630710183		NONE	video			2023-12-18 10:20	https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412306636_1574788183295622_6385438997999798605_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GRfm0VGggZEAX-RdnMH&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDi6buBq3bQ2hxrzIq1NkHfVhqqIwl5nv17Z6BHazFWvw&oe=65931ABE	person_profile			3	Joanna Ouderkirk, REAL Estate	2023-12-21 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,657	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	4397564310469526	Joanna Crespo	“Forest Bathing” 🌳🍂	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/joannacresporeiki	753866531467703	Joanna Crespo	https://facebook.com/JoannaCrespoReiki	395	1	371,941,008,574,686	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Visit Instagram profile	Joanna Crespo	120203967457230551	instagram.com	NONE	carousel		http://instagram.com/joannacresporeiki	2023-12-17 18:57	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412105063_688675019727609_1842798274616944143_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ba9RC_UDUxwAX-TU5-5&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC7BDwCv3YNRLerlbZ2kUxK7BbLD355A9yug3E-c4YjPw&oe=659237C1	person_profile	Joanna Crespo	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412089746_1036874994185709_9041395890493548863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hJ_gUiwaYP8AX8NtxZW&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfC-X3Ds4xz6z64c1D6llwo0PKkNVJiP3-seIGSAuJYbJA&oe=6591BDC5	3	Joanna Crespo	2023-12-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,613	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1007775600317086	Love Born From A Contract	Please don't stop! She begs as I crawl on top of her. Her legs wrapped around my waist instinctively and I could feel a strong heat between my legs... I'm about to lose it...<br /> -------------------------------------------<br /> It's really good, I couldn't stop watching it in one sitting, it's worth watching many times!Love Born From A Contract	LEARN_MORE	https://api.joyreels.com/app/publicity-links/854?c	108401345691237	JoyReels	https://facebook.com/JoyReels01	91	1	3,331,210,647,177,044	2023-12-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	JoyReels	120204713213710210	api.joyreels.com	NONE	video		https://api.joyreels.com/app/publicity-links/854?channel=facebook&ad_id={{ad.id}}	2023-12-26 03:24	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414124809_1077375640151571_978533142301674688_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=essWwDyOBLYAX8O5nDY&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDLWaPjxEHR_BvUAM_pc2bcM_kMM5BS8J72MrQdms0mSw&oe=65933A1C	person_profile	JoyReels	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414141620_1295702631094054_9102988923875741149_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gRzbEYrRWvEAX-zUUeG&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAUAgnbOZOeFKFS6pxRXzOwyzR-aWQyK8P5M3Ws-mUddQ&oe=65917D13	3	JoyReels	2023-12-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,664	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66661}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	387707496948764	The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife	Bruce was pinning her arms to the wall, making it impossible for her to struggle. He was so tall and oppressive that Joanna could barely breathe.<br /> "Don't you love it when I do such things to you? I didn't expect that after four years, you would still like pretending to be an innocent girl." Bruce sneered, his big hands running wild over her body.<br /> "Bruce, we're divorced.I've figured it out just now that there are many men out there who are so much better than you! Divorcing you is the best thing that ever happened to me."<br /> And that succeeded in pissing Bruce off completely. He jerked his head down and shut her mouth with his furious kiss.	LEARN_MORE	https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle/loadzm	170171882842047	MetroNovel Zy 01	https://facebook.com/61553201678717	15	1	796,863,602,454,820	2023-12-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	MetroNovel Zy 01	120207820654170777	website.metronovel.com	NONE	image	Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."	https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle/loadzm1hdubcnxm3zufdvscv?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-25 21:31	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414600320_374197298610839_4998337433647935607_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2d_UAR0GcDkAX_l8D49&_nc_oc=AQkcFMu1m9kqFX_DP3e5ZUscNHOOMfVdzWfUG6JULg1fB7tF8gPW8kI4eU02KJwg7cAyloozvV2_zkqxEaIaZB26&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDk0ahaXCfrL1Oud4iNajGO6iMT0H5GXefkjKaFo-1uSQ&oe=6592E977	person_profile	MetroNovel Zy 01	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414331445_338181779149341_1076910876841739068_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qFWyftlZGioAX_8xnB5&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDfAfxCBqfKW8KYWTKPOhDmWlmMjyJ7XztkFCWMsg8YeA&oe=659311BA	3	MetroNovel Zy 01	2023-12-25 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,817	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69844}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1566116333792466	In 2019, Jonelle Matthews' was found dead after she mysteriously went missing for 35 years. Her friend Deanna Ross revealed that Joanna sent a tragic secret signal the day she was kidnapped and later found murdered.	In 2019, Jonelle Matthews was discovered dead by site workers after disturbingly disappearing for 35 years. Her friend, Deanna Ross, confessed that Joanna sent a heartbreaking cryptic message the day she was kidnapped and murdered. Here's the disturbing story of Jonnell Matthews.	NO_BUTTON	https://en.showsnob.com/view/?id=jonelle-matthews-	109755664976719	Ginger's Notebook	https://facebook.com/100078799066083	327	5	1,369,966,696,960,540	2023-11-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	No button	Ginger's Notebook	120201778998720250	en.showsnob.com	NONE	image		https://en.showsnob.com/view/?id=jonelle-matthews-story-sho&src=facebook	2023-11-22 12:32	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404501919_1399764947592984_5324204061772205548_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c9ePsZcglVUAX_FZ9xy&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfCPNA-DIJ0cU7WuJzHDZatA-C4DJYY_zCj7uoiwN8g9iw&oe=65933ED7	person_profile			3	Ginger's Notebook	2023-11-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,400	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69354}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	562194879415226	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> <br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t support her studies without the company.”<br /> <br /> Rue was anxious. “Sam, Celine is trouble. She won’t hand the company back to you and might even think of other ways to attack you.”<br /> <br /> “I have to try,” Samantha said.<br /> <br /> Rue stopped protesting because she knew Bailar was Samantha’s sweat and tears. “All right then, I’ll go with you. If there were more of us, she would be less likely to do anything.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, Sam, we’ll go with you!” Adaline chimed in.<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. If everyone went together, Celine probably would not get physically violent.<br /> <br /> If it was one life, it would not be that much of a problem. But if a whole family was involved, things might blow up.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “Sam, Mother, don’t worry. I’ll get Bailar back.”<br /> <br /> Samantha glanced at Adrian but did not say a word. She pretended to not hear what he said.<br /> <br /> <br /> Swallowston, Alyanz Chamber of Commerce.<br /> <br /> This was the city’s biggest chamber of commerce and a lot of the corporations and companies were under it, including Bailar.<br /> <br /> Devin was the reason Samantha had been kicked out of Alyanz. Together with Celine’s help, they managed to bankrupt Bailar.<br /> <br /> Samantha had been forced into giving away her company to Alyanz.<br /> <br /> Today was the first day of the takeover, so Celine announced a few days ago that there would be an agreement-signing event to take over the House of Bailar from Samantha in an attempt to gain more investments and partnerships.<br /> <br /> A crowd had gathered at Alyanz Tower, among which included executives from several corporations.<br /> <br /> After breakfast, Samantha, Rue, Adaline, and Adrian arrived at the crowded building.<br /> <br /> Samantha walked up to the door and spoke to the security guard, “Hello, I’m Samantha Cowell. I need to speak to Ms. Celine. Please let us in.”<br /> <br /> The guard was named Chris Tatum and was a relative of Celine’s. He was Alyanz Tower’s head of security.<br /> <br /> Chris turned to Samantha, then looked at her from head to toe with a perverted smile on his face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was beautiful. With her pencil skirt on, her long legs looked enticing. On top of that, she had a pretty face and an air of elegance. Chris was enjoying just ogling at her.<br /> <br /> “You’re Samantha Cowell? Did you see what the sign says?” Chris smirked and pointed at a warning sign not far from them.<br /> <br /> Samantha turned around and saw the sign that said, “Samantha Cowell and dogs are not allowed.”<br /> <br /> When Samantha read that, she was triggered. She felt sad and wanted to cry. Humans had dignity, but Celine had put hers on the same level as dogs.<br /> <br /> “Do you see it now? You have the same status as dogs. Do you think you can get in? Piss off.” Chris waved his baton at her.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath to suppress her anger, but Adaline was not going to let Chris humiliate Samantha. “You’re comparing Sam to a dog? You’re just a security guard. Who gave you the guts? Get out of the way!”<br /> <br /> “Oh? Throwing a tantrum are we?” Chris smirked.<br /> <br /> “What are you going to do? Bite me?” He challenged them.<br /> <br /> “I think what you need is a good beating.” Adrian was angry and slapped Chris in the face.<br /> <br /> Chris flew backward and the smug look on his face fell away. A few of his teeth flew out and he hit the ground.<br /> <br /> Adrian’s sudden outburst shocked Samantha and she went to stop him. “Are you crazy?!”<br /> <br /> Adaline and Rue were shocked too. Chris was a relative of Celine’s. Beating him up would mean trouble.<br /> <br /> “You… You hit me?” Chris shook as he shakily got back on his feet.<br /> <br /> Adrian frowned. “You best believe I’ll have you killed.”<br /> <br /> Chris wiped the blood off his face, picked up his baton, then yelled. “Trying to be smug, huh? Beat him up!”<br /> <br /> All the surrounding security guards rushed over. Chris took the lead, but before his baton could hit anyone, Adrian slapped him again.<br /> <br /> His skin broke and blood started oozing out. Adrian then took a step forward, picked him up, and punched him in the jaw.<br /> <br /> Crack!<br /> <br /> Chris howled in pain. His jaw cracked and he made a gurgling sound.<br /> <br /> The other guards who were rushing over immediately stopped in their tracks.<br /> <br /> Adrian let go and Chris fell to the ground and writhed in pain. He looked at Adrian with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Samantha, Rue, and Adaline were stunned as they watched the scene unfold. They knew that things had gone out of control.<br /> <br /> Snapping out of it, Samantha took a deep breath and yelled, “Adrian Xander, have you lost your mind?! Do you know that you just got us into a lot of trouble?!”<br /> <br /> “We need to leave now!” Rue was almost in tears and tried to pull Adrian away<br /> <br /> He had beaten up Celine’s men. She surely would not let this go.<br /> <br /> “Move!” Adaline yelled as tears fell because she saw that Adrian was refusing to leave. She was disappointed in him for being so impulsive.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at his family and saw that they were all shaking. He said, “Mom, Sam, this is nothing. I’ll get General Summers to settle this. Let’s head inside.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 7<br /> It was better if Adrian had kept silent.<br /> <br /> After he spoke, Samantha was outraged. She slapped him and anxiously said, “Do you think you’re the war legate? Ask General Summers to settle this. Who do you think you are?”<br /> <br /> Rue was crying, and Adaline turned around to hide her tears. If Celine found out that they were fighting at Alyanz Tower, she would surely not let Adrian get away.<br /> <br /> “Sam, put your trust in me,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> “Why should I?” She looked at him as tears welled up in her eyes. She never thought that Adrian would be so impulsive that he would start a fight here.<br /> <br /> There was no time to think. Samantha quickly said to Rue, “Mother, Ada, bring Adrian home. I’ll go in on my own.<br /> <br /> “I’m just one woman, I don’t think Celine will do anything to me.”<br /> <br /> She thought that was the only way out.<br /> <br /> Rue was nervous. “Sam, just let this go. Let’s all go home.”<br /> <br /> “Sam, we won’t be able to remain calm if you go in there alone. We should just give the company to them,” Adaline tried to advise.<br /> <br /> But the company was everything to Samantha. She shook her head. “No, I have to go. Take Adrian and go, I—”<br /> <br /> But before she could finish, Adrian started walking into the building.<br /> <br /> Samantha and Rue lost their minds.<br /> <br /> Adaline yelled, “Are you trying to get yourself killed? Come back here!”<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and continued walking. When Samantha saw this, she sighed and gave up. “Fine, let’s go in.”<br /> <br /> She had no other ideas. Her only hope was that during the event, Celine would listen to reason.<br /> <br /> Samantha, Adaline, and Rue followed Adrian into the building.<br /> <br /> <br /> The event venue was filled with people.<br /> <br /> Top executives of corporations in Swallowston were in attendance. It was a busy sight.<br /> <br /> This was the first time Rue and Adaline were attending such a grand event. They were overcome by nervousness.<br /> <br /> “Ladies, please take a seat. General Summers will be here soon,” Adrian said when he saw the three women trailing behind him.<br /> <br /> Samantha ignored him. She looked at the crowd and waited for Celine to join them so she could ask for her company back.<br /> <br /> Rue was anxious as she looked at her son. “Adrian, you just got back yesterday so you don’t know what’s been happening around here. Tell me, why are you so sure that General Summers will be here? Do you know the status he holds?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> She knew who he was. He was second to none in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Adrian replied, “Mother, he’s my right-hand man. He’ll be coming here to take care of Celine. Just wait and see.”<br /> <br /> His mother sighed again because she had not expected her son to make up such a huge lie. She thought that he changed. He was no longer the honest and down-to-earth Adrian who left for war.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a seat next to Rue and Adaline and did not say a word, but from her expression, it was obvious how annoyed she was. She did not believe that General Summers was going to show up or even help her take care of her problems.<br /> <br /> Soon after, there was a commotion and a woman in extravagant clothes and fine jewelry walked onto the stage.<br /> <br /> It was Celine Blanche.<br /> <br /> “The president is here?”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine, I’m from the Maple Group. You should consider a partnership with us!”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine, the Kara Group would also like to be one of your partners!”<br /> <br /> A buzz went through the venue. Top executives from various corporations came to speak to Celine. She was the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce, and Alyanz managed forty percent of the companies in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Now that she had taken over the House of Bailar, a lot of companies wanted a cut too.<br /> <br /> “Alas!” Adaline mumbled under her breath as she looked at Celine who was all smiles. This was the woman who had stolen Bailar from Samantha.<br /> <br /> Rue was just a lowly housewife, so when she saw Celine, she shuddered.<br /> <br /> Samantha, on the other hand, just sat there deep in thought.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Hello everyone,” Celine spoke as she raised her arms, “Please quiet down. I have an announcement.<br /> <br /> “I received news last night that the war legate will be attending the agreement-signing ceremony, so we are waiting for his arrival.”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked when they heard this.<br /> <br /> “The legate is coming?”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine is so well-connected!”<br /> <br /> “Was the legate the person who showed up at the port with aircraft carriers yesterday?”<br /> <br /> Everyone in Swallowston had heard of the legate, and the news of his aircraft carrier escort had spread throughout the city.<br /> <br /> When they heard the legate was coming, the three women were evidently shocked.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Sam, the… the legate will be coming, and we’re here to ask Celine about the company. What if we offend him?”<br /> <br /> “Sam, we should leave now. I heard that he’s a fierce man.” Adaline tugged at Samantha’s dress.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head. “It’s my company. Even the legate doesn’t have the right to take it away from me. As long as he doesn’t kill me, I’ll fight him till I get it back!”<br /> <br /> Samantha was stubborn and never backed down from a problem, even if someone held a knife to her neck.<br /> <br /> But Rue was worried about the family. “Sam, we can’t just do whatever we want. What are we going to use against the legate?”<br /> <br /> “I’m pretty sure he’s a reasonable man. I’m glad he’s coming. I can speak to him in person,” Samantha said.<br /> <br /> Rue stopped arguing the matter.<br /> <br /> Adrian spoke up, “Mother, don’t worry. I’m the legate.”<br /> <br /> “Adrian, why do you… Sigh!” Rue was disappointed. “Can you please stop lying?”<br /> <br /> Samantha looked at Adrian in disappointment but did not say anything.<br /> <br /> Adrian was speechless. He was telling the truth, but no one believed him. It was obvious that they had never met anyone of high status, so they did not believe him.<br /> <br /> Adrian did not say another word. He sat down and continued waiting.<br /> <br /> *<br /> Celine walked off stage and started shaking hands with the executives present, but Samantha caught her eye.<br /> <br /> “Why is she here?” Celine grumbled to herself as she walked toward Samantha.<br /> <br /> When she got to Samantha, she said, “Samantha Cowell, you’ve handed the company over to me. What are you doing here? Didn’t you see the sign that says ‘Samantha Cowell and dogs aren’t allowed?’”<br /> <br /> The place fell silent as everyone’s eyes turned to Samantha. Then, a chatter started up.<br /> <br /> Samantha replied, “Celine, you worked with your cousin, Devin, to frame me and force me to sign the agreement to give my company away. I’m here to reason with you.”	DOWNLOAD	https://excellentbf.com/wf_land_page/4410.html?lan	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	1	714,084,167,296,873	2023-11-25 02:00	person_profile	taken-down	NONE	1	0	1	Download	Fane Wood	120203220434870404	excellentbf.com	NONE	video		https://excellentbf.com/wf_land_page/4410.html?language=en&timestamp=1700582161500&channelCode=WIENF1000016&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2023-11-21 10:04	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403619151_220208624436222_8712625650248831365_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YnCEskVd2zsAX8lSr_p&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDzADJijW0ie9QyrmngnMkjTcZcesO4Ofkm32X1qZ7JOw&oe=6591772A	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403619243_1790302624737320_1170150874133555495_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sfPsdtse0dgAX_2VMjb&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfASBiUwayr71fa9prpBgGfdKwcKu50lltJ8LBg3bj0Hiw&oe=65928226	3	Fane Wood	2023-11-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,424	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69426}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	257379744006373	Search <The Billionaire's Beautiful Mistake>❤️‍🔥🔥	Manhattan,New York city.<br /> 8:06pm.<br /> In the vip ward of a hospital, a tall silhouette of a man was seated on a cushion. His long legs that were cladded in an expensive Italian shoe, sprawled out, while looking at his neat three piece customized tailored suit he wore, gave off the fact that he was wealthy.<br /> The expensive Rolex watch he wore fitted around his wrist perfectly and gave him an endearing look, on how dripping expensive everything he was wearing was. <br /> Everything about him could only scream one thing. <br /> Money! <br /> Power! <br /> Dominance!<br /> The cold look on his face as he tried hard to not lose his temper, made him surprised because he knew that he didn't have such self control right now, not for the situation at hand that had landed him here late at night in Weill Cornell medical center.<br /> It gave off the notice to the gossiping lips of the female nurses, who couldn't help but keep his name out of their lips, as every now and then, he could hear them outside the ward, as he had his mind prepared about the news that would probably be scrolling around the news headlines about him by now.<br /> Well, it wasn't everyday that someone of such high social caliber, would grace the hospital, especially at this time of the night that it was rare to see such a man, with the exception that he wasn't here because he was injured, nor needed to see the doctor.<br /> But rather, he was here because of the young lady that was sleeping on the hospital bed, a few meters away from where he sat. It was appalling that he sat and watched her sleep, the way a lover would do to the loved ones, while hoping that they get better.<br /> But no! The woman in front of him was not his lover, nor a family member that would warrant that he gives her such attention. One that anyone who knew him better, would confess that he wasn't a man who had such a loving heart, but just like they always say, there's a first time for everything.<br /> As he wanted for her to wake up, he could slowly feel his patience running off and all he wanted to do was to jerk her up, and have her repeat what exactly was the significant conversation that had brought them both here.<br /> "Sir?" Leo, his personal assistant called for his attention, and for the first time he looked away from the red hair who was sleeping soundly, towards him, his face showing how annoyed he was, for him to interrupt his thoughts.<br /> But he had to remind himself that Leo was one of his trusted men, and the only one who could put up with a jerk like him, so he snapped at him, arrogantly.<br /> "What? Don't tell me that mother is not feeling okay, I have a lot on my table right now,Leo." He said, his cold green eyes searching Leo's own for the affirmation that he had settled everything, that brought them out here before coming over here.<br /> "That's not the point,sir. Unfortunately your grandfather has been notified about the situation." <br /> It was like a bee stung him, when he heard Leo tell him that his grandfather knows about the woman lying on the bed, and he wasted no time standing up, pushed him to the wall before grabbing him by his throat.<br /> "Who told him about her? I had everything covered, how did it get to that old snake?"He roared, but the door had to open at that moment and the doctor in charge of the young woman chose this ungodly hour to walk in.<br /> It made him move away from Leo but not without his eyes, threatening to kill him if he didn't get away from his sight, before he snapped at the doctor, he was done waiting.<br /> "I must say doctor, I am a man of little patience, but now it seems to me that you think this is a joke, but if i were you i would do everything in my willpower to wake that woman up right now." The young man pointed at the sleeping lady, it was very evident in the tone he used towards her that he loathed everything that made him be here tonight, but it's not as if he had a choice.<br /> "Actually Mr.Russo, i am afraid i can't release the result of the test without the young lady being involved here too." Dr. Rosalie said, as she looked at the intimidating eyes of Giovanni Russo, the youngest billionaire to top the business world, before then looking at her poor girl, who had no idea what trouble she was in because the young man seemed not to have any intention of being here more than just a night.<br /> But it seemed luck was on his side, because as intimidating as he looked, she couldn't let that fear overrun her instincts to do what's right, because as soon as he was about to say something else, the young lady was up and rubbing at her eyes, before she finally looked at their way.<br /> Marissa Diàz.<br /> That's her name.<br /> Her eyes widened when it fell on Giovanni, and the doctor could finally see what this was all about. But she could do nothing, since Giovanni could wipe her whole existence from the earth and that of her family, thereby she behaved.<br /> "Well, look who finally decide to wake up?" Giovanni said, unamused before he strolled over to where Marissa sat on the bed, his hands itched to strangle her to the wall, and get the truth out of her at a faster pace.<br /> But he reminded himself of the possibility of what she's saying being the truth, and besides a doctor was here after all, so he waited but rather smiled at seeing that she was scared of him.<br /> That's right, darling. You should be scared.<br /> He grinned, before looking at the doctor beckoning the woman to do her thing, to which she walked over to where Marissa sat, with her breath hitching up while she prayed in her heart if there was a god out there to hear her prayers.<br /> "The results are out, Miss Diàz and i guess congratulations are in order." Doctor Rosaline said, and looked at Marissa who touched her stomach and on cue, she smiled at her.<br /> "Congratulations Miss Diàz. You are pregnant."<br /> Chapter Two: Marissa, The Loner And Introvert Is Going To A Party.<br /> "Finally, it's a wrap."<br /> Marissa said with a yawn, as she loosened the apron around her waist, while getting her clothes from her locker room, in a haste to get home to the comfort her bed provided. She needed that desperately since today was a long day, and she couldn't wait to close her eyes even if it's just for two hours.<br /> The young lady worked as a waitress at a famous diner in the city, it was a competitive work in the sense that the popularity the diner had attracted a whole lot of customers, and ofcourse interested workers who wouldn't mind taking up the job at working at 'Malcolm' diner had made the employees over there, to step up in their work of they wanted a place right there.<br /> Marissa Diàz is an orphan, well that was what she told everyone, because considering how terrible her relationship with her mother had gotten over the years, since the death of her father. She ran away from home, to escape an abusive mother who remarried just to curb the loneliness that spranged up at the death of her father.<br /> Marissa didn't have the best life like any other girl out there can boost off, having to fend for herself at the age of sixteen, the daily struggles and battling with depression and loneliness were the only constant things happening in her life.<br /> Whereas the young lady has lost the zeal that there would ever come a time where things would get brighter in her life, just like every other girl out there, Marissa always wished for the Barbie girl lifestyle, but as always it's always a wish that never comes true.<br /> At a point, when she experienced her first heartbreak, when her first boyfriend, Ryan was banging another girl on her bed, in her room. She fell into depression and the zeal to live was gone until she met her,Sasha.<br /> "Boo!" <br /> "Sasha what the hell is wrong with you?" Marissa said, touching her chest to calm her racing heart, as she looked at her side to see her best friend laughing at her scared face.<br /> She does this everything, and she always falls victim to her playful tactics. Marissa got annoyed with her laughter, as the other girls who were present in the changing room were already leaving for the day. She took her bag and flung it at her, but she caught it " You do this every time.''Marissa said with a frustrated grunt.<br /> "And your face gets me everytime, Marie." Sasha said, coming closer as she took her clothes from her hand, while Sasha wrapped her arm around her neck as they both stood in front of the mirror."You look horrible."Sasha confessed.<br /> "This job is draining the life out of me, but i need the job i can't seem to bear the thoughts of going astray one day and Mr.pere…."<br /> Marissa's anxiety about her work took over, and she couldn't help it ,but as always Sasha was in cue to stop her.<br /> "Hey, sweetheart. It's okay, nothing is going to happen okay. You are just being paranoid about this work, you need a break." Sasha suggested, but she looked at her immediately to tell her how impossible what she was asking for wouldn't happen.<br /> "Girl, am just kidding, okay." Sasha laughed, before she relaxed her mind."But i just want to tell you that no matter what happens, I will be here for you Marissa, you have got absolutely nothing to worry about, okay?"<br /> Marissa tried to control her tears, but she wasn't strong like Sasha. Every girl needs a best friend like Sasha. God! She didn't know what she would have done without her.<br /> Sasha didn't really have a pathetic life like her, her family were among the middle rich although she hasn't really gotten to know what exactly her parents do, or the reasons why Sasha works this job with her, the only good reason she got out of her was that she needed a distraction from family problems.<br /> Marissa said nothing but hugged her," what would i do without you?" She asked rhetorically, while Sasha rubbed her back lovely.<br /> But their moment were ruined when the door was swung open, and a<br /> an angry looking Mr.Peters asked from the doorway." Ten minutes more and you get to sleep in here, Marilyn." <br /> "It's Marissa, Mr.Peters, and thanks for the update though."Marissa said with a frown on her face, she watched as he left before getting rid of her uniform. He always gets her name wrong and did she forget to say that Mr.peter hates her?<br /> "So, do you have any plans for the weekend?" Sasha asked, a little giddier than she is, and Marissa didn't need anyone to tell her what this was about.<br /> Sasha was a social butterfly, unlike her who would rather spend her free time reading romantic novels, watch binged horror movies and sleep for the rest of the day.<br /> Unlike Sasha, Marissa could say that she hated being around people, she preferred her free time and Sassha was not going to coerce her into leaving her comfort zone, no ..no. it's definitely not happening.<br /> "Oh! Please don't tell me this is what i am thinking about is?" Marissa said, while she took her purse and they were out of the diner.<br /> "Seriously Marissa, you didn't even let me tell you what it is before showing that you are not interested."Sasha complained, giving her puppy eyes so she could give in.<br /> Marissa looked away from her, but she hopped over to where her gaze was." Fine, what is it about?"<br /> "My brother's birthday is on saturday, i got invited, but i don't want to go alone. You know my family and i had been having issues…" Sasha paused, trying to find the right words to express what exactly she wanted to say.<br /> "And you are taking me along for support."Marissa completed her words.<br /> "Yeah, Sweetheart. I heard my elder brother would be present and we aren't the best cliqued brother and sister. So please, Marissa. Come with me, I promise it will be fun." Sasha begged.<br /> "I don't know Sasha, you know party and stuff aren't my thing…"Marissa tried to complain.<br /> "I know sweetheart, I know, but it's time you stop wishing to find the right person by just reading romantic novels, Marissa."<br /> Marissa rolled her eyes when she understood what this was about," I am not dating any of your brothers, Sasha. I am not good with people."<br /> "Don't say that yet, you would love it, Marissa."Sasha clapped her hands, while making a dreamy face. It was evident that she had something planned in mind, but Marissa wasn't prepared for any of her match making plans.<br /> "Yeah, as long as you keep the men away. I'm good."<br /> "So, does it mean you are coming?" Sasha's loud voice was heard, as her overexcitement made the passerby to look at the both of them, earning a cautious look from Marissa.<br /> "Do i look like i have a choice?"The young lady said, and Sasha yelped in excitement, making Marissa worried, because for someone who said that it was her brother's birthday, she's over excited.<br /> She didn't know if that's something to be bothered about, but she had to let her wandering mind rest. She gets worried easily but making going out with Sasha would not be a bad idea..<br /> So yeah, Marissa Diàz, the loner and introvert is going to a party!<br /> Chapter Three: Where Is Giovanni?<br /> New York city.<br /> ~~~<br /> "He's running late again."Edward Russo complained for the third time, to his wife who stood besides him, while trying to keep a happy face while all is not well.<br /> Apparently, they were under pressure seeing that very soon they were going going to take the words of insults thrown to them because of their immature son, Giovanni Rosso, who had refused to be on time for the private services that was being hosted in their hometown by his grandfather, has been an active member for a long time since the death of his wife.<br /> Standing besides a worried Edward Russo, who turned to look at his father engaged in a conversation with an important guest, who was doing a good job keeping his mind away from noticing that Giovanni wasn't here yet.<br /> His ever so lovely wife, Amrita Russo. The first daughter in-law to grace the family and proved her worth to the family both in business, and everything.<br /> She was the apple of the man's eyes, besides her who was trying so much not to show how panicked he was, but right now when she tried to speak up on behalf of her son, she was tackled arrogantly by him.<br /> "Come on, huni. He's probably on his way here, you know how Giovanni is, am sure Leo knows the best thing to do is to make sure he's here by all means." Amrita tried to calm Edward, when it's just for these few minutes that the reporters were busy doing a job to interview everyone present and Giovanni is not here yet.<br /> The last thing that they want right now is another scandal, that would tarnish the image of the Russo corporation. Their son, Giovanni, had made it his primal duty to be on the bad side of the media every single week.<br /> The Russo corporation was among the top five world leading oil mining companies to exist, its original founder Paul Russo was dead, his successor after his son being the man who was the reason they were gathered here today, Christian Russo.<br /> Edward being the first son of the old man, followed by his brother who was not here yet, although he's sure that his father would not miss having his whole family here, on a special occasion like this. The old man would like to invite everyone of his family, just like old times so they could dine like a loving family.<br /> "It better be just like you said, Amrita. Your son has caused me nothing but blatant headaches in the past few months, I have had enough of his immature ass, it's time he sits and assumes his responsibility as the heir to the company." Edward spat, which made her scoff at his words.<br /> "My son? Seriously Edward, you and i both know you also spoiled the boy to the wits, you can't just pin the blame on me when he starts behaving just like how daddy dearest had taught him." Amrita sneered, before looking away from him in anger.<br /> He always does this every time, when Giovanni behaves like the spoiled asshole he was, he would rather she takes the blame than him. But apparently, it was no one's fault that Giovanni was this way he is. The boy was difficult to handle, especially since he came back from the states from his studies.<br /> "Amrita..baby, I'm sorry." Edward tried to apologize, but then they were interrupted by the all familiar car that parked with a screeching sound that attracted everyone's attention over to them.<br /> The both of them didn't need any soothsayer to tell them who it was as the car door was opened by the bodyguard and Micheal, Edward's younger brother stepped out with that ever proud smile on his face.<br /> His wife, Joanna, was dressed to kill! Today was basically all about their grandfather, but she dressed like she was walking down the runway.<br /> Edward couldn't help to control his smile when he saw the annoyance that ran across his father's face seeing her. Thankfully, he wasn't the only one who didn't like the b.it.ch.<br /> The reporters were on cue to start taking pictures of them, until the next car to slide in revealed Diego, the second grandson of the Russo Family, Giovanni's cousin.<br /> "Grandpa." The bubbly one he was, as he wasted no time to run into the embrace of his grandfather, who was all smiles. No matter how bad everyone's dislike his mother, Diego was different and apparently the smile keeper of the family. Grandpa loves him.<br /> "Congratulation father, on your new hospital." Micheal said, moving forward to pay his respect to the old one.<br /> "It's not my hospital, Micheal. It belongs to the public." Christian Russo, replied back as a slight annoyance ran across his face when Joanna's voice was the next to be heard.<br /> "Congratulations, father. You didn't tell us you were back from the states?"Joanna asked as her eyes scanned across the room in the hope of finding the favorite daughter in-law, Amrita.<br /> "Maybe if you had kept in touch just like Amrita did, you would know my schedules, Judith."Christian Russo spoke harshly to her, but no one could interrupt him nor challenge him because they knew better not to do that.<br /> Joanna tried to speak up to correct the old man who didn't know her name, even after twenty years of marriage to his son. But she was held back by Micheal, who grabbed her hand as a sign to shut her up.<br /> He clearly was showing signs of Alzheimer, but no! This was no sickness or whatsoever.She knew that he was doing this in spite to remind her everyday, that she was nothing but a secretary that had seduced her boss, got pregnant and earned her space in the family register.<br /> "I don't see Edward and family, perhaps don't tell me they might have forgotten about your special day, father?" Micheal teased, a wave of happiness running through him until it disappeared when he heard his brother's voice at his back.<br /> "Finally, you all are here." Edward said with a smile, as he watched his brother grit his teeth seeing him and Amrita, until he noticed the absence of Giovanni.<br /> "Since you all are here…." Grandfather tried speaking, until he looked beyond Amrita's back to see that someone was missing.<br /> "Someone is about to be insulted." Joanna's said lowly with a chuckle, but she's sure that Amrita heard her quite alright seeing how pale she was at hearing Grandpa paused during his words.<br /> He turned instantly to look at Edward and Amrita, disappointment clearly written on his face that his favourite grandson was not here, yet and there's a big sign that he wouldn't be.<br /> "The event is about to start." Micheal reminded everyone, a satisfied grin plastered on his face.<br /> "Father, I can explain."Edward moved forward, but the look he gave him made him shut up instantly as he bent his head down in shame.<br /> Grandfather looked away from him and Amrita, towards Micheal and his family." Let's go in." While Edward had to leave with anger emitting off him, with Amrita going after him before he does something he would regret.<br /> The question on everyone's lips, where is Giovanni?<br /> Chapter Four: Narcissist Prince Charming Named Giovanni.<br /> While his parents were taking the insults of their lives at the charity event center, Giovanni Russo was asleep in his room, in between the arms of the girl he had brought home last night.<br /> He sat up with a groan, and pushed the girl away from him when he saw how clingy she was to him. This was what he hated, the ridiculous aftercare after getting what they both wanted.<br /> He's not a fool, Giovanni knew what women see at just one glimpse at him. A money bank, so instead of falling victim a second time, after surviving the first heartbreak from the woman he loved. He had given up on the quest to find love.<br /> His ex,Angela did him good and that changed everything about him. So instead of being the one who ends up getting hurt by the opposite gender, he would rather the girls fight for his attention which no woman on earth would be lucky enough to get once again.<br /> Giovanni Russo, aged twenty four years. The first grandson and heir to the great Christian Russo. A notorious playboy, who would rather spend all his money drinking and changing his girls like clothes, than to take up his responsibility as his father did.<br /> He's arrogant, a total jerk who makes everyone around him see reasons why he's such a loner. But anyway, that's how he wanted his life to be, the only thing he loved was his parents and his money.<br /> Giovanni touched his temple, a groan leaving his lips at the headache that was forming early this morning, while he scanned his eyes around his room insearch of his assistant, Leo, but the motherfxxker was nowhere to be found.<br /> He tried to sit up, but then warm pairs of hands wrapped around his waist, before he felt the body hug him from behind made him remember that he still has someone here with him.<br /> "Good morning, my love. How was your night?" The girl asked, and Goivanni being the douchebag he was, moved away when the stench from her early morning breathe hit his nostrils.<br /> "Your morning breathe didn't make me have a good night rest. Get out!" He said coldly, looking around his room for his phone. He needed to call Leo.<br /> The horrified expression on the girl's face didn't bother him, she should have known her place to talk to him like this wasn't just a one night thing.<br /> When he turned around to see that she's still in the bed, holding the bed sheets up to her chest. He became angry." Hey, didn't you hear me, I said get out. We both had a great night, and this was supposed to be a one night thing. So what else are you still waiting for?" He asked, a prideful smirk on his lips.<br /> "I.." The young woman tried to talk, but she was dumbfounded by the cold and aloof attitude coming from him. It was like she didn't expect that from him, but that's her hurting herself to say that, everyone knew Giovanni Russo.<br /> The biggest playboy in the city, so she was rather sad that she wasn't the lucky one to tell her friends that she had his attention.<br /> A bundle of cash was thrown on the bed, and she looked up to him." That would be enough for your transport, get new clothes and the remaining may keep you from whoring your ass out for the whole week." He said, a sarcastic laugh leaving his tone.<br /> "Hey! That's rude of you to call me a whore, who do you think you are?!" The girl yelled, her dignity has been insulted, and in as much as she was here because of him. She wouldn't allow him to question why she choose to live this way.<br /> How dare him question her life?<br /> Unlike him who had everything, the rich parents, a good life and whatnot. He shouldn't be an asshole to laugh at her face about her bad life.<br /> "Aww, the b.it.ch had got some fire in her." He scoffed, before he added," Now, you would learn to seal your lips, and know when to talk and who to talk to or not. I have low patience for ungrateful girls like you, now get out!" He shouted, this time around with every seriousness that had the girl scurried away for her life, but not without taking the money with her.<br /> He sighed tiredly, as he walked towards his drawer and took an aspirin drowning it down with his drink. Before the front door to his room was swung open and an impatient and worried Leo walked in.<br /> "What's got your panties in a twists, Leo. If this is about work,I am not leaving. I'm just back from the states, you can't listen to every single order from my parents." He said, turning to leave for the bathroom.<br /> "Sir, you didn't remember what today is?" Leo asked him, gulping a lump down his throat when he looked at the wall clock in his room to see how late they were.<br /> His grandfather is going to kill him!<br /> "What do you mean…" Giovanni's words was cut short, by the ringing of his phone behind the couch and he rushed up to see his father calling.<br /> What does he wants?<br /> He thought, but the worst mistake he did was by not asking Leo what was happening, by what he meant about what special thing was happening today, before he accepted the call.<br /> "Dad…"<br /> "GIOVANNI AMIR RUSSO! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!!"Edward shouted over the phone, that made him move the phone away from his ears until he caught on to something.<br /> The music playing behind the background, and his grandfather's voice shouting at his mother. His eyes widened in shock and he cut the call before turning to throw the phone at Leo, who was swift enough to catch it because he always does that.<br /> "Why didn't you tell me that today was that old man's day, you fool!" He cussed, before he ran into the bathroom.<br /> Leo said nothing while he took his time to shower, dress up and leave the house with him following behind him, as they drove down to the event arena.<br /> He was used to his ways, Giovanni was never serious with his life and everyone knew that, everyone including his grandfather, who would probably skin him alive today. He's sure of it.<br /> ------------------------------------------------------<br /> Install our App and search 🔥<The Billionaire's Beautiful Mistake>🔥 to read more exciting chapters	LEARN_MORE	https://dynamic.chereads.com/noah-ssg/wn/202303091	107090068642820	Book Lovers Hub	https://facebook.com/100083240766650	19,963	1	310,906,958,431,515	2023-11-25 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Book Lovers Hub	120200815341080645	dynamic.chereads.com	NONE	video		https://dynamic.chereads.com/noah-ssg/wn/202303091/27109457006677105+1+4+facebook?utm_source={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}	2023-11-24 03:36	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404644216_895972025203967_5118173732673179728_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YzQVAdjZMi4AX_h1EoT&_nc_oc=AQkn_flc6--nAtXYRS1ZVRFQt_5vuY99OTTeuauHzsdh96PwRc5mp2lWAxXANvuPbMiw2xteFbseOexPaEYBSCjj&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBKyOxopV5zCpfTgY_27_S1-uBs9NEgNYESoaoJB9JpDA&oe=65929399	person_profile	Book lovers hub	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404705614_1475742252997223_9140703689467918518_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=auqHISzsyy4AX-I3agN&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfA4INOdPg7L_gm09p2YBJ7YzpnLD3f4TTxMTk0CfaMRIw&oe=6591C850	3	Book Lovers Hub	2023-11-24 02:00	View Edit Delete

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