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2,751,523	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751520}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	🔞Click to read on📜Husband Got Crazy When I Disappea📜	Chapter 1 His New Flame The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? Chapter 2 When Are You Divorcing Me? "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. *** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. Chapter 3 A Wish For The Other Woman Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." *** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Chapter 4 Hayden Carried Me? For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/rom0qjb	Novel Dreamscape Realm	https://www.facebook.com/61572423866367/	80	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	website.literiess.com	VIDEO		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle/rom0qjb4fieb5cxzwgf32tvv?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218466100480161&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481003711_1906273736779745_7165552368101741798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L4o2oy54AS0Q7kNvgE-lwIB&_nc_oc=AdgbSR4YsfWXR7s4dvTSGg8-DbvGw0CXSAbT4vxLRV3LYMidLiFsPGddvDjtIuaioQo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhBSWbnoEqAiy3M6OAjoBRL&oh=00_AYAH903KFO2VAb5hGIj4LO2uKU2HfWnb2FAfaoap9m-kwA&oe=67CBB520	PERSON_PROFILE	Novel Dreamscape Realm	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,744	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765		Tras descubrir la infidelidad de su marido Trevor, Joanna se divorció de inmediato. Decidida a heredar la fortuna de su familia y a tener un hijo, buscó a un gigoló para que fuera el padre de su bebé. Vincent, el CEO del Grupo Riley, que llevaba años amando en secreto a Joanna, fingió ser un gigoló y fue elegido por ella. Durante su encuentro íntimo, Vincent insistió en llevar una máscara para ocultar su identidad, sabiendo que Joanna ha jurado no volver a casarse con alguien rico. Sin embargo, Trevor seguía acosando a Joanna, por lo que Vincent intervino para protegerla mientras se hacía pasar por gigoló. Finalmente, descubrieron su verdadera identidad. Enfurecido, Trevor intentó separarlos. Al enterarse de la verdad, Joanna decidió poner fin a su relación con Vincent, sólo para darse cuenta de que fue él, y no Trevor, quien le salvó la vida en el baile.	WATCH_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-01	Top Reels Hub	https://www.facebook.com/61561714859046/	3,117	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	fbweb.moboreels.com	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-0103-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=223704&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA69827AF3BBF109EE8ADEE29F423D6558106D	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481131569_642595971756454_2304660101447604322_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e6H1149HLr4Q7kNvgEo16EN&_nc_oc=AdglOQiYGXXmCcjCRh50FuqOhJVMUpxvWsKyPsvHpHyb_Cw_8bBe0n-61ERhvSwl5cw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABgAAena6nODyEyp-yd3fES&oh=00_AYDWhNSuWjNQph_NF4Q-OxkC5d-WTZYJBBKMGjl4y4A8rg&oe=67CBA1C8	PERSON_PROFILE	Top Reels Hub	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,847	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751010}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765		March New Release & Workshop G I V E A W A Y! Board & Brush is in full bloom 🌸🌷🌿 Our March Release features gorgeous botanical designs to bring fresh vibes to your home. From bold florals to soft, leafy accents, these projects are the perfect way to refresh your space for Spring. Gather your friends and join us for a creative workshop to make something beautiful! We'll give away a F R E E workshop for each 50 comments. Follow the directions below to enter! 1. Like this post 2. Like our page 3. Tag your friends 4. Comment & let us know what your favorite new design is! *We will POST THE WINNER ON OUR PAGE Thursday 3/6* boardandbrush.com/spokane			Board & Brush Spokane, WA	https://www.facebook.com/boardandbrushspokanewa/	9,998	1969-12-31 18:00			MULTI_IMAGES			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265868_1694020511519778_7131517824091571211_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0RU23DTebL4Q7kNvgE7YRll&_nc_oc=AditbkaJSnsaxxpI_WrUQTortjRDFeaTRGazhNgnoxEi9RW0lnR_GTozfhSl-AQtLvA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AbxXcGQmMpNG3r79SgeF46X&oh=00_AYBbifoz1iWrN1yONhrJSg55gJRWYFjuVwhwJaAskaCNNw&oe=67CB9EAE	PERSON_PROFILE	Board & Brush Spokane, WA	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,821	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2750819}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Fall Barware		SHOP_NOW	https://www.joannabuchanan.com/	Joanna Buchanan	https://www.facebook.com/joannabuchananofficial/	2,075	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	joannabuchanan.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.joannabuchanan.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/457286581_1031270778267192_653278225385401887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPQlhu_GlaQQ7kNvgGwIqNA&_nc_oc=AdgY0xxB8WactHR7mhZlnDxK2DrhFSSQldN3PEHvZoBtOA8fSsSiYx_I5aKtP9kwafk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQM0RcSghWtSEMBgYoxeeuh&oh=00_AYCFVX-BmKszH0pXrzvE_f5tOqPHwFgiWfa-iH0X1omGhQ&oe=67CBC2D4	PERSON_PROFILE	Joanna Buchanan	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,747	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765		Tras descubrir la infidelidad de su marido Trevor, Joanna se divorció de inmediato. Decidida a heredar la fortuna de su familia y a tener un hijo, buscó a un gigoló para que fuera el padre de su bebé. Vincent, el CEO del Grupo Riley, que llevaba años amando en secreto a Joanna, fingió ser un gigoló y fue elegido por ella. Durante su encuentro íntimo, Vincent insistió en llevar una máscara para ocultar su identidad, sabiendo que Joanna ha jurado no volver a casarse con alguien rico. Sin embargo, Trevor seguía acosando a Joanna, por lo que Vincent intervino para protegerla mientras se hacía pasar por gigoló. Finalmente, descubrieron su verdadera identidad. Enfurecido, Trevor intentó separarlos. Al enterarse de la verdad, Joanna decidió poner fin a su relación con Vincent, sólo para darse cuenta de que fue él, y no Trevor, quien le salvó la vida en el baile.	WATCH_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-01	Lovestory-ljw	https://www.facebook.com/61555864238939/	13,258	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	fbweb.moboreels.com	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-0103-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=223704&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982DFDD0934C188739CD7882896ABC9C45A	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481085806_1090908859471173_232744343938578636_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QJwOvnDfnpsQ7kNvgFelhT8&_nc_oc=AdjapgR9NpERO0xCu670hCZ0rfwVEJCp8o9reG3DyTsrDph6K1GoCb-nKLhpy-PX0z4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABgAAena6nODyEyp-yd3fES&oh=00_AYDug0VAuomk9oqI8eoIML_L3KhObi5bDcRnXrxju958dQ&oe=67CBBD90	PERSON_PROFILE	Lovestory-ljw	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,824	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2750819}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Fall Barware		SHOP_NOW	https://www.joannabuchanan.com/	Joanna Buchanan	https://www.facebook.com/joannabuchananofficial/	2,075	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	joannabuchanan.com	CAROUSEL		https://www.joannabuchanan.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/457286581_1031270778267192_653278225385401887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bPQlhu_GlaQQ7kNvgGwIqNA&_nc_oc=AdgY0xxB8WactHR7mhZlnDxK2DrhFSSQldN3PEHvZoBtOA8fSsSiYx_I5aKtP9kwafk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQM0RcSghWtSEMBgYoxeeuh&oh=00_AYCFVX-BmKszH0pXrzvE_f5tOqPHwFgiWfa-iH0X1omGhQ&oe=67CBC2D4	PERSON_PROFILE	Joanna Buchanan	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,677	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Con solo $9,90 puedes Entender y Hablar Inglés en tan solo unos días	Si quieres mi ayuda para desbloquear y dominar el Inglés Esencial en tan solo unos días, tengo algunas novedades: ✅ Nuevo Curso Grabado ✅ desde $67 por $9,90 ✅ Pago Único ✅ Sin cuotas mensuales ✅ Acceso de por vida ✅ Grupo de alertas de WhatsApp ✅ Materiales en formato PDF ✅ Audios con pronunciaciones ✅ Clases relámpago en vivo conmigo 🏃🏻‍ Pero debes darte prisa, esta oferta está llegando a su fin. ¡Haz clic en el enlace y reserva tu lugar!	LEARN_MORE	https://joannagabrielle.com.br/hacia-el-ingles-v2	Joanna Gabrielle	https://www.facebook.com/inglescomjoanna/	113,543	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	joannagabrielle.com.br	VIDEO		https://joannagabrielle.com.br/hacia-el-ingles-v2	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481233836_1152523309749132_1679715707140160359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9K1uQBvxgMIQ7kNvgG-jROP&_nc_oc=Adg2qanIoST_dL3AB461fCuWjz06leGPbua7WtkIvYnnpq8y6StyuNZWw8sAD4YakAc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZ_X30Zn_cG_3WVA6yCPqZP&oh=00_AYCVNrQ72FXilLn836wYFeqJEqcjxS0ImKPy8xBH_EupyQ&oe=67CB929C	PERSON_PROFILE	Joanna Gabrielle	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,751,516	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751514}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	🔞🔥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. 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. And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years. She just disappeared from his world completely. Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man. Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window. Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony." "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him. "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. 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?" "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. "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly. "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice." 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? Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage. 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. The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper. Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment. Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law. Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed. Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection. Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married. The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna. 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. So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway! "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request." "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money! After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about. "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. 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! "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..." Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter. Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs! "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!" 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!" Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently. And then... Her stockings were ripped apart... The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her! "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain! Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel. He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him! Good! Very good! She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life. "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?" He finally called her name as he was on top of her. Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years. Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!" Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered! She was... beautiful! This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes. That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick. "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!" Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess. Two months later... In a hospital. "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!" Giving up? No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children! It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right... ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna Four years later. In the intensive-care unit of a hospital. "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!" 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!" Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days. Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed. 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%. In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group. 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. So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days. However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world! No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced. "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!" Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little. 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. She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end. Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl. "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!" "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered. And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. 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. "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!" "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..." 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?" A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?" Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question. Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene! 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. 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. It had been four years! 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! She just disappeared from his world completely. "Joann... Joann!" "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..." The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed! They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated! Tap, tap, tap... From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels! Creak. The door of the ward was pushed open. 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. She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few. "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?" "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed. "Joanna!" The others all gasped. She had changed so much. 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! 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! "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..." For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna. "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!" "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..." With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut! Beep! The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death! "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks. She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her! "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. 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! "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!" 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." 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! By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control. 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." "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed." ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body. Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others. "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. Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here." The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger. 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..." "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking. Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd. "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." Bruce did not reply. 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. 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. 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. "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. "Mom, what are you talking about?" "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." Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight." "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be. Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car... 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?" Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most. She had it all well-designed six years ago. First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything. 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. Yet she did not expect that it would backfire. Bruce actually slept with Joanna. And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna. 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" "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried. Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes. The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna. Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once. "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..." Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral. 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. Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery. After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused. "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group." "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!" "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." 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..." A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?" 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." "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?" "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..." While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines. A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes. "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce. Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm. There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm. 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. Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity. The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first. "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood. 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. "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!" "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?" As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits. The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4. And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest. ----------------------------------------------------------- Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here! Install the APP to search for the title " The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife”🤩🤩	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/f0j	Novel Dreamscape Realm	https://www.facebook.com/61572423866367/	80	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	website.literiess.com	VIDEO		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/f0jefz24oggv4wh4qjjabrfz?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217268465560762&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481178227_3891892021067010_81194994583158146_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yD3sMSrGFowQ7kNvgHR5y4M&_nc_oc=Adi8f2uIckk0tjg4q_BUU0AdFEIM2l0Qf6kA5rDjtLtAvpRn52Vw8aGd8K9AT-mb45w&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ArcxVBwQtqNdsdbzimuGVt7&oh=00_AYCcSF3gf_9yq7Uy2vcfL0VGBEAQM_cwffh7Ic8JUIkR_A&oe=67CBAC30	PERSON_PROFILE	Novel Dreamscape Realm	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,737	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765		Tras descubrir la infidelidad de su marido Trevor, Joanna se divorció de inmediato. Decidida a heredar la fortuna de su familia y a tener un hijo, buscó a un gigoló para que fuera el padre de su bebé. Vincent, el CEO del Grupo Riley, que llevaba años amando en secreto a Joanna, fingió ser un gigoló y fue elegido por ella. Durante su encuentro íntimo, Vincent insistió en llevar una máscara para ocultar su identidad, sabiendo que Joanna ha jurado no volver a casarse con alguien rico. Sin embargo, Trevor seguía acosando a Joanna, por lo que Vincent intervino para protegerla mientras se hacía pasar por gigoló. Finalmente, descubrieron su verdadera identidad. Enfurecido, Trevor intentó separarlos. Al enterarse de la verdad, Joanna decidió poner fin a su relación con Vincent, sólo para darse cuenta de que fue él, y no Trevor, quien le salvó la vida en el baile.	WATCH_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-01	Mobo Shorts	https://www.facebook.com/61565246373786/	162	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	fbweb.moboreels.com	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-0103-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=223704&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982D2323CE479CABBF138B47CDEA15BA91E	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482068316_2058265544637589_1503896703500891677_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DNsk3Zw8wQsQ7kNvgG_8BUv&_nc_oc=AdiyzncS5uLsxhobHJbq4waRoI8V9xuXWf4SZmymMiQtvx_-Ca2g5ThnMdJBpFUl35Y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABgAAena6nODyEyp-yd3fES&oh=00_AYBFiUftUl0Sc0YbR-JTdDaKIqGy_DIMU2oPebrJYNEmSw&oe=67CB8DAA	PERSON_PROFILE	Mobo Shorts	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,751,180	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751179}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Read the FULL Version👉🏻	"Your pu**y is dripping for us, begging for us to use it." His deep voice sent shivers down my spine. "Do you want that, buttercup? Do you want us to give your little cunt what it craves?" "Y…yes, sir." I breathed Joanna Clover's hard work through university paid off when she got a secretary job offer to her dream company, Dangote Group of Industries. The company is owned by three mafia heirs, they don't only own a joint business, they are also lovers and had been together since their college days. They are sexually attracted to one another but they share everything together including women and they change them like clothes. They are known as the world's most dangerous playboys. They want to share her but will she accept the fact that they fuck each other? Will she be able to navigate business and pleasure? She has never been touched by a man before let alone three, all at the same time. Will she oblige?	LEARN_MORE	https://ad.readinkapp.com/ad/index.html?pixelId=71	Popular novel	https://www.facebook.com/61556564165416/	714	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	ad.readinkapp.com	VIDEO		https://ad.readinkapp.com/ad/index.html?pixelId=714691314167846&pageId=67c13f06264083def55968bc&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481175111_2393336274332419_5959235376612908963_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FrXGSIXKi70Q7kNvgF6HEXs&_nc_oc=AdjtawWRv36VnrSQ8nk0h_zEG-iIOrQcwOFHQdqT_AMT5qeoWysFpoXDU8SuHaqS2As&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlnvXtH5qjmiynrHjJpEYC3&oh=00_AYC1cs-Y69MyTSU1akNK7COpPdGsCxr0o9zvbTaRVtYsbw&oe=67CB8C53	PERSON_PROFILE	Popular novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,855	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Flow ~ Yoga	Hello, March! 🌿 Join us for one of our weekly classes or special events 🧘‍♂️ 🫠Sun 3/2 4pm Yin with Joanna 🎸Fri 3/7 6pm First Friday Funky Flow with Jane ✨Sun 3/9 10:30am Yoga & Mimosas with Jane 🌕Fri 3/14 6pm Full Moon Candlelight Yoga with Shannan 🌷Sat 3/22 6pm Bloom & Flow Floral Arranging & Yoga with Marissa & Mainstreet Botanicals *held at Mainstreet Botanicals 🕶 Tues 3/25 7pm Sound Bath with Joanna 🥁Fri 3/28 6pm Pound & Flow with Kristen & Shannan 🌑Sat 3/29 4pm New Moon Yoga with Gabriella We'll see you on the mat! ✌️	LEARN_MORE	http://flowmahomet.com/	Flow Mahomet	https://www.facebook.com/flowmahomet/	458	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	flowmahomet.com	IMAGE	Discover the benefits of yoga at Flow Yoga.	http://flowmahomet.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481199466_1165609744942222_6471890379831887145_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Uc86zJ2ERhgQ7kNvgEpCV3q&_nc_oc=AdgTSe3cmLsgQ6Vv_7gKLiUsxn6RZw5blDaYy9dBRmjNUNGaXeUTUHtXUXsJAB3UbPs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AbxXcGQmMpNG3r79SgeF46X&oh=00_AYATNxLaDddxTEcIhgOTs_ror-brTY9UpMwTFLhpIX6wXw&oe=67CBB1E6	PERSON_PROFILE	Flow Mahomet	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,741	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765		Tras descubrir la infidelidad de su marido Trevor, Joanna se divorció de inmediato. Decidida a heredar la fortuna de su familia y a tener un hijo, buscó a un gigoló para que fuera el padre de su bebé. Vincent, el CEO del Grupo Riley, que llevaba años amando en secreto a Joanna, fingió ser un gigoló y fue elegido por ella. Durante su encuentro íntimo, Vincent insistió en llevar una máscara para ocultar su identidad, sabiendo que Joanna ha jurado no volver a casarse con alguien rico. Sin embargo, Trevor seguía acosando a Joanna, por lo que Vincent intervino para protegerla mientras se hacía pasar por gigoló. Finalmente, descubrieron su verdadera identidad. Enfurecido, Trevor intentó separarlos. Al enterarse de la verdad, Joanna decidió poner fin a su relación con Vincent, sólo para darse cuenta de que fue él, y no Trevor, quien le salvó la vida en el baile.	WATCH_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-01	Top Reels Hub	https://www.facebook.com/61561714859046/	3,117	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	fbweb.moboreels.com	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16617375-fb-sp-xy30-0103-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=223704&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982F6D3FABC6C782973BFE03D58DE9856DE	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481206913_9129346220496941_8348753376041767489_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s5zx58dJkwUQ7kNvgGYwBuT&_nc_oc=AdhjcbAe7o2bOAsU4sRTr638Qyti__t6WhOIKmvbt67Kke7GgB2LfkdWsq1Phq9vlMQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABgAAena6nODyEyp-yd3fES&oh=00_AYAsFMGVDDdrQbOJxnZwpRp5wDQRWmMDXElOcX8Hfbl80g&oe=67CBC253	PERSON_PROFILE	Top Reels Hub	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,751,082	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751062}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜	The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. *** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." *** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/q3c	Novel Dreamscape Realm	https://www.facebook.com/61572423866367/	80	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	website.literiess.com	VIDEO		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/q3cpmudypmmnbdkqcjocnmzm?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215965058850599&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480689641_1137386618168748_7614992118084824465_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z2gNck_lk5IQ7kNvgEzmiqC&_nc_oc=AdjFbeopsRBcc6mjF5BYK9cIYtBEPwQChwC4k_VY74rAWR5ZY-H1oug7m8WGErK0BoU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=As6OMHmDWfjql4Pg59IFwDq&oh=00_AYAjJ_bs5zlp_4eR_3fxGo1pEx8_xfJq0-uRJRnsDpEQNw&oe=67CBA35E	PERSON_PROFILE	Novel Dreamscape Realm	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,891	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜	The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. *** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." *** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyz	Oasisread	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	1,190	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.yumread.com	VIDEO		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481450644_580093408366402_1525608235116639979_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RxajuBIz0WUQ7kNvgG8jJmq&_nc_oc=Adg2pN-bpj9f2_mYzrcjgzdMTxIUIMXkleIkJ9A7K5eQXXYPHErrANuDnHWp7MW5r6o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL36pG4ZnhwAkYm4xEFjRs&oh=00_AYAVi35uOsPU1tZ20mHEvm4fP0LlVLu2is_fekT-sosMAg&oe=67CB9648	PERSON_PROFILE	Oasisread	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,676	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2750674}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Click to read full story 👉	🔥😎 No longer hiding herself, her various identities were revealed one by one. She was a multi-billionaire, superb doctor, Genius girl, and renowned designer. ------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 1 The Return The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the desolate mountainside. The air was thick with tension as a middle-aged man approached the lonely grave. "Ms. Chapman, I'm here to take you back," he said, his voice polite but his face betraying his discomfort. He complained in his mind, 'This place is a mess. The roads are so tough that I almost tipped the car on the way here.' Sheila Chapman stood up from the tombstone, her eyes calm but cold. She was dressed in rough, plain clothes, but they were clean. There was something about her that didn't fit the poor, remote area. "Didn't Chester come to pick me up?" she asked, her voice as cold as the mountain air. "Mr. Larson is busy with work. He sent me instead. Everyone's waiting for you at home," the man replied, trying to hide his impatience. Sheila curled her lips into a cold laugh and thought, 'Clearly, work is more important than family in his mind, but I don't care. I have no feelings for that family anyway.' She glanced at the tombstone one last time. She was going back for one reason only: to find the person who had killed Nina Chapman, her mother, and get revenge. Even though Nina wasn't her biological mother, Nina had been kinder than any blood relative. Sheila picked up the tattered bag beside her. "Let's go." The man looked at the bag in Sheila's hand but didn't say anything. 'She's from a small town, and it shows,' he wondered. After they walked to the car, Sheila sat in the back seat, her slender fingers playing on an old-fashioned phone. It was a card game. Three hundred and sixty cards with the system picking numbers for her to draw. Sheila's error rate: zero percent. "Ms. Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Larson don't like people wasting time on games. You should put your phone away," the man said, trying to sound stern. Sheila looked up, her eyes flashing with a cold light. The man, seeing it in the rearview mirror, was startled. He thought, 'She's just a teenager, but her gaze is so terrifying.' "Shut up and drive," Sheila said coldly. Just then, she noticed something was wrong with the car's speed. "Hit the brakes," she shouted calmly. She knew the area well; speeding downhill could easily cause an accident. The man reacted and hit the brakes, but it was too late. "The brakes are failing," he yelled. With a howl, the car careened out of control. In three seconds, Sheila reacted swiftly, opening the door and leaping out. The car and the driver plunged into the valley. Sheila rolled on the ground, landing on a small platform. Her knees were scraped and bleeding through her pants, but she didn't even glance at them. She looked into the valley, her face cold. The man sent to pick her up was probably dead. As Sheila got up, she heard a muffled groan. She looked up and saw a man leaning against a tree, his head drooping, a pool of blood on the ground. He had a national emblem on his arm. Sheila concluded in her mind, 'He's a soldier.' She walked over, knelt beside him, and reached out to check his condition. Feeling someone touch him, the man, Harold Foley, opened his eyes immediately, a flash of wariness in them. With years of experience, he quickly grabbed Sheila's slender wrist. "Let go if you don't want to die. There are bullet fragments in the bone. If you don't get them out in time, you'll lose your leg at best. You could bleed to death," Sheila said. Harold knew how strong his grip was. If he tightened it a bit more, he could break Sheila's wrist, but she didn't react at all. Her calmness was terrifying. Harold coughed and released Sheila's wrist, knowing her analysis was accurate. Sheila took out a knife from her tattered bag, disinfected it, and swiftly cut open the wound. She used tweezers to remove the bullet fragments from the bone. The whole process took less than a minute. Sheila raised an eyebrow, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. 'The man hasn't even winced,' she thought. Harold noticed her gaze and felt a sense of helplessness. He had been through so many battles, with countless scars and bullet wounds. This time, he had been ambushed and ended up here. The pain was nothing to him. Sheila tore a strip of cloth from her clothes and wrapped it around Harold's thigh to stop the bleeding. "What's your name?" Harold asked. Watching Sheila's fluid movements, he had a feeling she was no ordinary person. Sheila's eyes narrowed slightly. "Mind your own business when it comes to names," she said. As she spoke, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. "Mr. Foley!" a voice called out, getting louder as it neared. Sheila knew Harold's people had arrived and he would survive now. She stood up and disappeared into the valley. "Mr. Foley, are you okay?" A group of special forces soldiers followed the trail of blood to find Harold. Harold looked at the spot where Sheila had vanished and slowly curled his lips into a smile. He glanced down to see a pink diamond necklace in his palm, which Sheila must have dropped when she bent over. 'We'll meet again,' he muttered inwardly. *** After a night of walking, Sheila put on a thin layer of a human-skin mask and rang the doorbell of the Larson residence. "Who are you looking for?" Linda Carter, a nanny, asked, wrinkling her nose at the sight of the ragged girl standing at the door. 'Where did this girl come from?' she thought. Sheila looked up lazily and replied, "I'm Sheila Chapman. You can call me Ms. Larson." "What a joke! Ms. Larson is upstairs playing the piano right now. I think you're some kind of scammer," Linda sneered, her lip curling in disgust. Sheila played with her old-fashioned phone and sneered, "And who are you?" "Me?" Linda raised her chin proudly. "I've been with the Larson family for two years, serving Ms. Larson personally." "Oh, so you're just another one of the Larson family's lapdogs," Sheila said nonchalantly. "What did you say?" Linda was instantly furious. "Who are you calling a dog?" "Whoever barks the loudest," Sheila retorted, her brows lifting slightly. She wasn't one to back down from a fight. If they wouldn't let her in, she had other ways. Just as Linda was about to start yelling, Sheila glanced at the keypad lock beside her. Her fingers moved swiftly, and in a few seconds, the lock clicked open. "You... you..." Linda's eyes widened in astonishment as the villa door swung open automatically. "How did you...?" Linda was so shocked that she could have swallowed an egg whole. The Larson residence's security system was top-notch, with state-of-the-art locks. However, in the blink of an eye, the door had opened by a stranger. "You're trespassing, you filthy beggar," Linda shouted. "What's all the fuss about?" Yvonne was about to leave the villa when she heard the commotion at the door and frowned. Linda quickly went to support her and explained, "Mrs. Larson, some beggar came out of nowhere claiming to be Ms. Larson. I'm going to drive her away right now." "Yvonne." A cold, clear voice reached Yvonne's ears. Yvonne looked in the direction of the voice, her perfectly maintained face showing a crack. 'Where did this ugly girl come from?' she thought. Just as Yvonne was about to have Linda throw the intruder out, Sheila slowly took out a pearl pendant and said, "Mrs. Larson, you should recognize this, right?" Chapter 2 The Outcast Yvonne stepped forward, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. "How... how do you have this?" Sheila let out a scornful laugh. "I've kept it since I was a kid. As far as I know, the Larson family gave it to me." "Aren't you supposed to be..." Yvonne's face drained of color. She took a step back but caught herself mid-sentence. The word "dead" hung in the air, unspoken. "What happened to me?" Sheila narrowed her eyes, pressing the question. The sight of Sheila's disfigured face nearly made Yvonne faint. She wondered, 'How could my daughter have ended up like this? After fifteen years apart, she looks unrecognizable, giving off the smell of a rough, small-town life.' "Linda, get her out of here now. I don't know her." Yvonne pointed at Sheila, trembling. She was desperate to rid herself of the embarrassing daughter. She thought, 'How could a high-society woman like me have such an ugly, vulgar child? It's impossible. I have only one precious daughter, Eunice.' Sheila stood her ground, her gaze icy and distant. She understood the car accident in the mountains wasn't an accident at all—it was intentional. There were people who wanted her gone for good. Just then, a warm voice broke the tension. "Sheila, my precious granddaughter, are you back?" Amanda appeared, leaning on her stick, her steps shaky. "Mom, why did you come out?" Yvonne quickly shifted her tone as she noticed Amanda. Amanda shot Yvonne a complicated look and said, "This is your own daughter." "Sheila, come here and let me see you," Amanda said, her eyes filling with tears. Sheila's icy demeanor softened a bit. It was Amanda who had sent for her. "Grandma." Sheila walked over and took Amanda's hand. "You've suffered so much these years," Amanda said, her voice shaking with emotion. "Come on, let's go inside." As Amanda led Sheila inside, Yvonne wanted to protest but held back, intimidated by Amanda's stern look. Inside the grand hall, Sheila looked around. The lavish foreign-style decor and the elegant spiral staircase were impressive, but that was all they were to her—nothing more. Sheila didn't care much about luxury. As long as she had a roof over her head, she was fine. Just then, Eunice Larson came down the stairs, and upon seeing the so-called "real" heiress, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She thought, 'The accident worked; Sheila was indeed disfigured. 'Dressed in shabby clothes and looking far from ideal, Sheila can't compete with me, not even in the slightest.' "Is it really Sheila?" Eunice asked sweetly, her voice dripping with false charm as she descended gracefully. Yvonne's face softened at the sight of her beloved daughter. "Eunice, why are you coming down? Did we disturb your piano practice? I'm so sorry." "No, Mom, I wanted to meet Sheila too." Eunice approached Sheila, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. She extended her hand and said, "Hi Sheila, I'm Eunice." Sheila studied her seemingly angelic sister. On the surface, Eunice looked gentle, but Sheila caught a flicker of malice in her eyes. "Sheila, Eunice is talking to you," Yvonne said, her irritation with Sheila's rudeness growing. "Oh," Sheila replied, nodding absentmindedly. Eunice's eyes swam with tears, making her seem almost pitiful. "Do you not like me, Sheila? I'm sorry. It's my fault for taking your place. If it weren't for me..." Eunice's voice trembled. "Please don't blame me, Sheila," she added, tightening her grip on Sheila's wrist. Feeling pain shoot through her, Sheila was about to shake Eunice off when suddenly, Eunice feigned a stumble, falling to the ground with a muffled groan. Tears streamed down her face. "Eunice," Yvonne yelled and dashed over, panic in her eyes. "My baby, are you okay?" "I'm fine, Mom. Don't blame Sheila. She's been through so much in that small town. It's only normal she'd be upset with me," Eunice said, playing the martyr. But Yvonne was having none of it. "Sheila, you lived in that small town for your health. This has nothing to do with Eunice. Don't take your frustrations out on her." "I didn't push her," Sheila said coldly, her gaze distant. "You didn't push her? So Eunice just fell on her own? I can't believe you're not just heartless but a liar too." Yvonne's disdain for Sheila deepened. 'Clearly, raising Sheila outside the family has been a huge mistake. She has no manners whatsoever.' Yvonne held Eunice close, patting her back and comforting her gently. "Yvonne, Sheila has just come back and isn't used to our lifestyle yet. Please watch your words," Amanda said firmly. Then, she beckoned Sheila closer. "Come here, Sheila. Let me get a good look at you." Just then, Chester walked in from work, surprised to see an extra person in the villa. "What's all the noise about? I could hear the commotion from outside. Who's this girl?" "Sheila, your daughter," Amanda huffed, her frustration clear. "She's been out there all this time, and you and Yvonne haven't even checked on her." Chester's expression shifted from surprise to concern. "She... how..." He nearly blurted out "ugly" but caught himself. He remembered the fire in that small town years ago. Sheila had barely survived. It was clear she had been through a lot, but her current appearance... it could damage the Larson family's reputation. "Dad," Sheila called softly, shifting her gaze. If she wanted to fit into the Larson family, she needed to play nice. Chester was the head of the family and had the final say. She couldn't afford to clash with him. Chester grunted in acknowledgment and nodded. "Since you're back, you might as well stay for now." "Chester, all the guest rooms are full. There's no space for her," Yvonne quickly jumped in, hoping to banish Sheila again. Chester frowned, "There must be an available room in this big villa." Yvonne pursed her lips and stayed quiet. Linda chimed in, trying to ease the awkwardness, "There's one in the basement." Deep down, she muttered, 'Everyone knows the basement is where the help stay—dark, damp, and messy. Perfect for someone like Sheila, who came from a poor, small town.' Yvonne nodded along. "Maybe she could stay down there for a few days while we clean up a guest room for her." Chester shrugged, feigning indifference. "Fine. Sheila, since you showed up out of the blue, how about you stay in the basement for now?" he said, trying to sound concerned. Sheila nodded obediently. "Okay." Chapter 3 She's A Pretty Good Doctor Eunice sneered, wondering how a girl from a small town thought she could compare herself to her. She thought, 'So what if she is the real daughter? She still has to stay in the basement.' "By the way... is it true that you never went to school, Sheila?" Eunice asked, pretending to be surprised. The question made Chester furrow his brows again. Sheila smirked. 'School? What's the big deal? Is it really necessary?' she wondered. "No, I never did," she answered honestly. Hearing that, Eunice sat up straighter, feeling a strange sense of pride. "How will you manage without schooling?" Amanda got worried from the side. She thought, 'After all, she's part of the Larson family. People might talk if they find out.' "Chester, make sure Sheila goes to the same school as Eunice, so they can support each other," Amanda suggested. Eunice chuckled softly, "Grandma, our school is the top one in Bryerton. Not just anyone can get in. Someone like Sheila... might find it a bit tough." "Yeah, she can't just get into Lynwood Academy through connections. They really focus on grades. Someone like Sheila, without a strong foundation, is going to have a tough time," Chester agreed. "But hey, there's a exam coming up at our school. If you pass, you could get a special invitation. Why don't you give it a try, Sheila?" Eunice suggested cleverly. It was just a trick. Eunice wanted Sheila to embarrass herself. 'Lynwood Academy's scores are announced for the whole school. Someone as clueless as Sheila is bound to be at the bottom. Getting in would be as hard as climbing Mount Everest,' Eunice thought. Sheila felt Lynwood Academy sounded familiar, like she had heard it somewhere before. "Sheila, what do you think? Are you going to take the exam?" Chester asked casually. Everybody knew the outcome would be the same either way. "Sure," Sheila agreed without hesitation. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely help Sheila," Eunice said with fake sincerity. Sheila glanced at Eunice with indifference. She wondered, 'Help me? Eunice just wants me to leave the Larson family sooner, so why would she offer any help?' Sheila knew very well that Eunice had too many schemes in her mind but couldn't be bothered to expose them. As long as Eunice didn't push her limits, Sheila could overlook it. * At night, the basement was cold and damp, with cockroaches crawling back and forth. Sheila sat in the corner, seemingly unconcerned. Only the movement in her eyes showed she was still awake. She had just taken out a black gadget when the room's door suddenly swung open. Hearing the noise, Sheila narrowed her eyes swiftly. "A bumpkin from a small town dares to compete with Ms. Larson? Just wait and see how I handle you." Linda's harsh voice echoed. As she entered, Sheila noticed a disciplinary cane in her hand. A cold glint flashed in Sheila's eyes as the disciplinary cane came down. Linda was stunned... she watched, wide-eyed, as the disciplinary cane broke into two pieces and fell to the floor at her feet. "You..." Linda was even angrier now. "You little brat, how dare you fight back? You'll see how I deal with you today." With that, Linda rolled up her sleeves, ready to use her hands. Sheila's lips curled into a cold smile. "You? Really? What a joke!" The next moment, before Linda could move, she found her legs wouldn't work. Sheila pushed her into the corner, bending down as spoke coldly, "Are you looking for trouble?" Linda shivered. For some reason, she suddenly felt Sheila's presence become overpowering. "What... what do you want to do?" Sheila held Linda's chin, speaking softly, "If you don't want any trouble, stay put and don't bother me. I'm in a bad mood. If I get upset, who knows what might happen?" Linda shook like a leaf when she heard that. She couldn't figure out why Sheila's gaze was cold as if it came from a nightmare, even though Sheila was so young. Linda felt as if the air around her was getting thin. Feeling like her jaw was about to be crushed, Linda quickly begged, "I'm sorry, Ms. Chapman. Please have mercy on me." Sheila gave a slight scoff, released her grip, and stood up. Then she took out a tissue to wipe her fingers, looking very disgusted, as if she had just touched something dirty. After breaking free, Linda took deep breaths of fresh air—it felt like she was alive again. "I'm staying in your room tonight," Sheila said casually and confidently headed toward Linda's room. Linda's room was spacious with soft cushions. Most importantly, it was quiet. Sheila sat on a chair and opened a sleek laptop, a model not seen on the market, small and light but incredibly fast. She glanced down at the messages. A group chat called "Love-Hate" had several new messages. Doofus: [Hey Puppy, there's a 25 million-dollar task on the site. Are you taking it?] Doofus: [This is your specialty. The surgery can get you 25 million in just a few minutes.] Doofus: [No one's taken it yet. Go for it, Puppy.] Sheila glanced at them and replied coolly, [Not taking it.] Doofus: [Seriously? Puppy, are you out of your mind? You're turning down 25 million dollars?] Sheila looked up and yawned. [Not interested.] Doofus: [Either you're crazy or I am. You're really turning your nose up at 25 million dollars?] Sheila rested her chin on her hand. [I don't need the money.] The group chat went silent. Everyone knew their boss only took tasks when she was in the mood. * "The miracle doctor isn't taking any cases," Troy Sawyer said, pursing his lips in frustration with an anxious look on his face. Meanwhile, Harold sat calmly in his wheelchair, holding a pink diamond necklace with an unreadable expression. "Harold, say something. The doctors said if you don't start treatment for your leg right away, it might be too late," Troy added, feeling irritated and running a hand through his hair. It was like one person staying calm while another panicked. "It's just a leg," Harold replied slowly. Troy was both confused and surprised. He asked, "Do you really not care about yourself? How are you going to settle down or have kids without a leg?" Harold smiled, though his charming eyes showed no hint of a smile. "Just being alive is a blessing. How can I ask for more? Besides, when did I ever say I wanted to get married?" Deep down, he muttered, 'I'm not interested in marriage, let alone having kids.' "I'm done talking to you. I'm going to find the doctor," Troy said, waving a hand and refocusing on the task of finding the doctor. Harold lowered his gaze, rubbing the pink diamond and thinking, 'She's a pretty good doctor. Just not sure where she is now. 'I've checked; not too many people live in the town, and only one person matches her age. She's Sheila Chapman, eighteen years old. Her mother died for unknown reasons, and now she's already left the town. 'That's all the information available; nothing else could be found.' Harold let out a laugh. "Sheila..." Harold murmured, "Well hidden, but... shouldn't be hard to find." He wondered, 'For anyone I want to find, I always can.' Chapter 4 Want To Hit Him The annual major exam at Lynwood Academy began. Sheila shoved her hands into her pockets, confidently walking through the campus with a straight back. Her deep eyes were mesmerizing. Judging by her posture, she was impressive, but her face... "Wow, where did such an unattractive woman come from?" "Seeing someone like that is sure to give me nightmares. Oh my... she's really not attractive." "Even though she has a pretty good figure, her plainness is quite unforgettable." "She's not here to take the exam, right? We better not end up in the same room, or it'll just ruin our concentration." The students around Sheila openly expressed their disdain. Sheila pretended not to hear and walked with confidence toward her exam room. The exam seating was open. Those who arrived early could pick their seat. Sheila scanned the room and planned to go for a seat in the second row. A girl quickly stood up, saying, "This seat is reserved." "This one's reserved too." "Hey, move to the back. Don't ruin our vibe here." The sound of taunts filled the room. Sheila looked up, her face blank. She eventually moved to a seat in the corner in front of the trash can. She had just set her backpack down when a hefty boy approached and flipped the desk. "Who let you sit here? Piss off. You're blocking my view." It was Chad Leach, and he wasn't much to look at himself. He had a temper and used his family's wealth to bully others. He happened to want to sit next to Sheila and was bothered by the sight of someone he found unattractive every time he turned his head. As Sheila watched her things being scattered all over the place, a cold glint appeared in her eyes. She looked up, her gaze as icy as frost. "Wow, your appearance is really something else. How do you even have the nerve to show up? And you dare take the Lynwood Academy exam," Chad shouted and exaggeratedly pretended to gag. "Just leave already," Chad added, pointing toward the door. Unfazed, Sheila replied coolly, "I'm here for the exam. If I bother you, deal with it." Chad was surprised that Sheila dared to talk back. He stomped on Sheila's backpack, hands on his hips arrogantly. "Girl, what makes you think you can sit next to me? You aren't even worthy of being near me." Everyone who witnessed that couldn't help but burst into laughter. Sheila looked up with disdain. It had been a long time since her last fight, mainly because no one had dared to provoke her for a long while. Seeing Chad acting so annoyingly made her want to hit him. Sheila rolled up her sleeves, and in the next second, she kicked Chad. The voice of Chad's scream echoed through the classroom. He was kicked right into the trash can, covered in garbage, and a foul odor filled the room. Everyone was dumbfounded. Someone thought, 'This unfamiliar girl actually took down Chad. And what's more... I didn't even see her move. She was so fast. I have no clue what just happened.' "How dare you?" Chad shouted, clutching his stomach in embarrassment and anger. "Do you even know who my mom is? You dared to hit me? I'm warning you, you're in big trouble now," Chad added, struggling to get back on his feet. Eunice walked in just at the right moment to catch the entire scene. She paused briefly and then got the full story from her neighbor at the desk. Eunice grinned slightly and thought, 'Well... Sheila's in trouble. She hasn't started school yet already caused a huge mess. There's no way she'll get into Lynwood Academy now.' * Sheila casually picked up her backpack from the floor and set the desk upright. "Your mom can do whatever she likes, but let me ask you this—can I sit here or not?" Sheila was a polite girl and didn't intend to offend. Chad looked at Sheila's stern expression and was taken aback. Remembering the kick from earlier, he felt a bit uneasy. He trembled and said, "You're just a weirdo. I won't let this slide." With that, he rushed out of the classroom like he was escaping. The commotion came to an end. Sheila lowered her eyes and repeatedly wiped the desk. She had a strong dislike for germs, particularly disliking things touched by others and considering them dirty. * Meanwhile, at the Foley Manor, Harold quietly painted with a brush in hand, as warm amber light cast gentle shadows on his handsome face. But... it was just an illusion. The painting depicted various types of bullets. The last one was the one lodged in his bone, which was why he was now using a wheelchair. There was a cold glint in Harold's eyes as he remembered his final mission: to be the first to find Nightingale and acquire the cutting-edge weapon manufacturing techniques. But unexpectedly... he was ambushed halfway by foreign Celestians. He fought off a dozen men alone. Eventually, he escaped, but... not without some injuries. A man in black said respectfully, "Mr. Foley, we've found out. Sheila Chapman is from the Larson family. When she was three, she was constantly sick, so the Larsons saw her as a bad omen and abandoned her in a small town. "Now, her grandmother wants to restore her to her rightful place and has sent someone to bring her back." 'Larson family?' Harold thought and narrowed his eyes. 'Who would have thought someone so remarkable would emerge from the Larsons? It must be the culmination of good deeds earned over generations.' "Where is she now?" Harold set the paintbrush aside. "At Lynwood Academy. Ms. Chapman is taking the exam." Harold slightly squinted, a faint smile appearing on his lips. 'Still in school? Quite young. It's only right to repay her for saving my life. I should go myself,' he thought to himself. * Thirty minutes into the third test, the classroom door suddenly swung open. "Who's messing with my son?" a heavyset woman demanded angrily. Everyone looked up at the door. The proctor was briefly taken aback, then smiled and quickly walked over. "Mrs. Leach, what's happening? Who's bothering Chad?" Joanna pulled Chad in front of her, frustrated. "I should be the one asking you what happened. Chad got hit by some weird kid, and I'm going to make sure he gets the fairness he deserves today." The proctor felt a nervous sweat on her forehead as she watched Joanna's domineering attitude. Joanna had just been promoted to dean of students and was said to be well-connected in the school—certainly not someone an ordinary teacher could confront. "Mrs. Leach, don't worry. I'll take care of this right away," the proctor quickly reassured Joanna. Then, with a serious expression, she looked at the students taking the test. "Who did it? Stand up right now." Sheila glanced at her test paper; there was just one question left. She thought, 'What bad timing. Some clueless people have shown up, and I won't be able to finish it now.' Sheila extended her long legs, stood up at a leisurely pace, and lazily leaned against the white wall, her big eyes lifting slightly. "Looking for me?" she asked. Chapter 5 Teaching Him Some Manners Joanna glanced over to the corner. Seeing the face that displeased her, she pretended to gag. "How could you show your face in public like that?" she said. Sheila shot her a sharp look and snorted, "You're one to talk, acting like you're superior. We're both not perfect..." Joanna's face turned red with fury. "How dare you insult me?" she shouted. She was furious about the comment on her weight. With the whole class watching, she needed to handle the situation if she wanted to maintain her authority at school. "So, it was you who hit my son, wasn't it?" Joanna narrowed her eyes, a flash of ferocity crossing her face. Sheila barely lifted her gaze and replied, "I was just teaching him some manners." "How dare you? You've got the nerve to upset my son? I'll teach you a lesson," Joanna said, rolling up her sleeves and picking up a wooden stick nearby. "Mrs. Leach, please calm down. Let me call Mr. Emerson to handle this," the proctor said, worried about how things were escalating. If something really happened in her testing room, it would be a disaster. Joanna shot an annoyed look at the proctor. "What? Do I need Mr. Emerson's approval to discipline a student now?" "That's not what I meant at all," the proctor replied, almost in tears. "Get out of my way." Joanna pushed the proctor aside and walked straight toward Sheila. Sheila stood calmly in place, not moving at all. If someone was so eager to get into trouble, she was more than happy to watch it happen. "How dare you mess with my son? You're going to regret it today." Joanna stood in front of Sheila, her angry expression obvious. Chad was all smiles, knowing that with Joanna around, he didn't have to worry about anything. 'That rude girl dared to hit me, huh? My mom is definitely going to teach her a good lesson,' he thought. "Mom, beat her up and make her regret it," Chad said as he casually picked up some sunflower seeds and settled in to watch. The other students watched with a similar attitude, since they didn't like Sheila either. 'She looks so odd that just looking at her for a moment longer might haunt my dreams,' someone thought. Joanna swung the stick down hard toward Sheila's body. Sheila remained unfazed. Just as the stick nearly brushed her hair, Sheila's eyes narrowed, and the stick snapped in mid-air. One piece fell to the ground while the other stayed in Sheila's hand. She turned the stick and gave Joanna a firm smack on the backside. The whole sequence of moves was so smooth and fast that it left everyone stunned. Even those close to Sheila couldn't catch it clearly—she was moving so quickly that there were afterimages. Joanna let out a loud scream, completely losing her cool. The instigator, Sheila, smirked with a hint of disdain in her eyes. She thought, 'Is that all she's got? What gives her the nerve to act so arrogantly in front of me?' She folded her arms and looked down at Joanna. "You... you actually dared to hit me," Joanna said, clutching her butt. It hurt so much... She was sure it was swollen, but that spot was just too embarrassing. Sheila nodded calmly. "You were trying to hit me, so why shouldn't I hit back? I'm not stupid." Sheila was speechless, feeling Joanna was not only useless but also stupid and slow-witted. Joanna's face turned red with anger. It was the first time she'd encountered a student brave enough to stand up to her. "You're finished. Don't even think about getting into our school. We don't accept students who aren't up to standard," she shouted furiously. Sheila's gaze turned piercing. She curled her lips and spoke coldly, "What? Planning to throw your weight around?" Getting into the academy would be a breeze on Sheila's own merit. But if Joanna started playing dirty, things could get complicated. Sheila might actually miss out on her spot. Joanna glared at Sheila with gritted teeth. "As long as I'm here, I'll make sure you never step foot in our school. Let me tell you, I have a lot of influence at Lynwood Academy." "I see." Sheila nodded thoughtfully. "So you think you're more important than the principal?" Just then, a middle-aged man strolled over. "Who's calling for me?" The man was Charles Emerson, the principal of Lynwood Academy. He was one of the key figures in Bryerton, had considerable influence, and his role as principal was well-deserved. Beside Charles was Harold in a wheelchair. His eyes were deep and intense, and his striking features carried a hint of chill. Even with a wheelchair, his impressive presence was hard to overlook. Sheila glanced over and then casually looked away. 'What a coincidence. I didn't expect to see my patient here,' she thought. Sheila was somewhat bad with faces and usually didn't bother remembering people. She remembered Harold probably because his exceptional features made him stand out from others, leaving a lasting impression. At the same time, Sheila noticed Harold's gaze. She wondered, 'He probably hasn't recognized me; after all, I now have a noticeable scar on my face. 'However, whether he recognizes me or not doesn't matter. He's just a passerby anyway.' Sheila lowered her head without any further reaction. Harold played with the ring on his thumb, his smile growing wider. 'That scar is quite intriguing,' he thought to himself. Joanna beamed when she saw Charles. "Mr. Emerson, this... uh, this candidate maliciously hurt others. I wanted to give her a talking-to, but she even hit me. A student like this should be immediately disqualified from the exam and banned from entering Lynwood Academy forever." Joanna was quick to accuse, acting like the victim. She wondered, 'I'm the dean of students, so Mr. Emerson has to show me some respect. As for that plain student, well... she's in real trouble.' Joanna let out a cold laugh, thinking that she would definitely stop Sheila from entering the school since Sheila dared to hit her. Charles stood there, not saying a word—his presence alone was enough to make everyone feel the weight of the moment. He was waiting for Sheila to speak. Sheila showed respect to Charles. She raised her head, her expression gentle but her voice strong and determined. "I just want to take the exam peacefully, but her son insulted me and doesn't want me sitting here." "She's making it up." Joanna immediately denied it. "My son is so well-mannered. How could he have insulted her? I think she is just jealous of my son and is fabricating this on purpose." Sheila scoffed, "Jealous of an idiot? He failed math in sophomore year, was caught cheating in a foreign language the next year, and was disqualified from competitions. Without a supportive mother, he wouldn't even be in school right now. Do you think I'd be jealous?" Sheila spoke quickly without making a mistake. Even the students nearby were surprised. Someone wondered, 'This girl isn't from our class, so how does she know everything so well? 'Moreover, Joanna has already brushed the cheating incident under the rug long ago. Very few people know about it.' When Joanna heard Sheila state the facts accurately, she panicked a little. "Mr. Emerson, don't listen to this girl talking nonsense. You... you know, my son always follows the rules." Chapter 6 In Return Charles rubbed his forehead and replied, "What's this about the fight then?" Sheila stood her ground confidently. "I did hit her, but she deserved it. You can check the surveillance camera footage and see who's right and who's wrong." As soon as Sheila finished speaking, Harold handed his electronic tablet over to Charles. Sheila's eyesight was quite good, and she could see the image on the screen clearly. It was exactly what had just happened in the classroom. She was curious about why Harold was helping her. A few minutes later, Charles finished watching the video, and his expression immediately turned serious. "Mr. Emerson, let's handle this later. We shouldn't interrupt the students' tests." Joanna, realizing she was at a disadvantage, tried to smooth over the issue. But Sheila wasn't going to just let it go. If Joanna managed to bluff her way out, Sheila might really lose her chance to enroll in the school. "I heard your school is known for being fair. Whether it's the principal or a staff member, if they make a mistake, they're held accountable. Is that true?" Sheila straightened up, staring directly at Charles, her eyes filled with resolve. She was young, yet when facing someone as important as Charles, she showed no fear—in fact, she seemed to have the upper hand in presence. Harold had been watching the whole time. 'The look in her eyes matches the one she had that day,' he thought. 'This girl is anything but ordinary. She's a hidden gem.' Charles was taken aback too. He had noticed Sheila's plain looks and thin frame, figuring she'd be the shy, meek type. But she wasn't holding back at all. Charles nodded. "What you said is indeed one of our school's rules. I just watched the video, and it's clear that Chad was at fault first. Chad, now apologize." With a serious expression, Charles turned to Chad. Chad's eyes widened in frustration. He didn't want to apologize. With the dean of students as his mother, he always got his way, so he didn't feel he had to back down. Chad remained defiant. Joanna gave a slight grin. "It's just a small issue. Let's not blow it out of proportion." Joanna naturally took her son's side. "And anyway, that girl just hit me, and I haven't even addressed that yet," Joanna spoke with confidence because she had someone backing her up. She didn't even notice she was being disrespectful to Charles. "Joanna." Charles's expression changed at Joanna's boldness. "Chad was the one who started the issue, and you went too far with your words earlier; you should apologize." Joanna rolled her eyes. "I didn't do anything wrong, so I'm not going to apologize." Joanna blatantly ignored Charles's authority; after all, he couldn't kick her out over something so trivial. Sheila remained calm and walked over to Joanna. "Mrs. Leach, are you so confident because you have some strong support behind you?" "What are you talking about?" Joanna reacted as if she'd been startled, almost jumping in surprise. Sheila shrugged her shoulders, pretending to be helpless. "I just happened to overhear some juicy gossip." With that, she played a recording. "Mr. Lennon, I just want the position of dean of students. Isn't that something you can arrange with a few words?" "Sure, as long as you keep me happy tonight. Not only will you secure that spot, but your son's graduation will be guaranteed." Before Sheila arrived, she had already unearthed all the secrets of the top executives, just in case. But who would've thought... the first test would lead to this? She felt quite helpless. The info she had just found came in handy. Meanwhile, Harold's expression changed. He thought, 'Every top executive at Lynwood Academy has some real skills, and their information is so well-encrypted that even hackers can't access it. Yet, how did she manage to have such a clear recording?' Harold pressed his lips together, suddenly feeling like things were getting more interesting. At first, he was just curious about her, but now he wanted to know more. "Turn it off. Turn it off now!" Joanna lunged at Sheila, desperately trying to snatch the recorder, but before she could reach Sheila, she tumbled to the ground, landing awkwardly at Sheila's feet. "These are all fake. I didn't say any of it." Joanna loudly defended herself. Sheila handed the recording directly to Charles. His face grew darker; he could tell if the recording was real or fake. "Well, Joanna, I never expected you to team up with the vice principal. From today on, the school will terminate both you and Shawn. You are no longer qualified to teach at Lynwood Academy," Charles declared firmly. "Mr. Emerson, I've been wrongfully accused. I—" Joanna hadn't finished her sentence when she saw a woman angrily marching toward her. The woman, Shawn Lennon's wife, yelled, "Well, well, so that's why Shawn's been coming home with a woman's hair on him. Turns out you're trying to seduce him? "If Shawn had been dating a nice girl, I wouldn't be this upset. Just look at you, not much in the looks or figure department, what exactly does he see in you?" Shawn's wife stood there, hands on her hips, furious. Her mocking words echoed in Joanna's ears. Before Joanna could respond, she felt a chill run up her spine as Shawn's wife started pulling her hair. "You shameless homewrecker, just watch how I'll teach you a lesson today for daring to flirt with my husband." Shawn's wife wasn't someone to be trifled with. Grabbing Joanna's hair, she slapped her face repeatedly, each slap sounding loud. Charles had already fired Joanna, so technically she was no longer part of their school, meaning he had no authority to intervene in what happened now. 'Everything is a result of Joanna's own choices,' he thought. Sheila listened to the screams, her expression unchanged; she was used to it. Those who got on her bad side always ended up the same way. "Thank you for helping me gather evidence," Charles said as he approached Sheila, genuinely expressing his gratitude. Sheila wasn't hesitant; she nodded slightly. "Glad to help." Charles was a bit surprised; he didn't think it was the typical response from a student. Nonetheless, he didn't say much, considering she wasn't a student at Lynwood Academy just yet. Charles turned back to Harold. "Mr. Foley, let's discuss the investment in my office." Harold nodded. "Sure, I'll meet up with you later." "Sounds good. I'll be waiting in my office," Charles said and left ahead. Sheila toned down her intensity, her expression becoming calm. As she passed by Harold, she caught a faint whiff of tea, which seemed to calm her nerves and ease her irritation a bit. Curious, Sheila deliberately slowed her pace and finally stopped. "Thanks for before," Sheila said with a neutral expression. Harold's help was obvious, so Sheila wanted to show her appreciation. A soft chuckle escaped Harold's throat. "A little something in return." "What?" Sheila tilted her head in confusion, not getting what he meant by those words. "I couldn't just stand by while so many were picking on you," Harold said softly. Sheila gave a slight smile. 'This guy seems different. Everyone else seems to dislike me, but he thinks I'm worth helping?' she wondered. "Oh," Sheila responded coolly. Harold watched Sheila walk away with a hint of resignation and a smile on his lips. He felt the school was really holding her back. Chapter 7 I Helped You Again Sheila took a few steps and then suddenly stopped. Harold slowly raised his eyes, wondering what had made her change her mind this time. "The medication you're using might be expensive, but it has some serious side effects. "It can ease the pain for a while, but eventually, your leg muscles might weaken, making it hard for you to walk again," Sheila said calmly. She figured it was her way of repaying his earlier kindness. "Oh?" Harold smiled. "Do you know about medicine?" "Not really. I'm just guessing," Sheila replied and then continued walking toward the nearby small grove. It was a faster route. Harold pondered this, surprised that Sheila could identify the medication just by its smell. When he looked up again, she was already out of sight. But in the next moment, Harold's expression suddenly sharpened. The small grove was always a bit sketchy. * "Hey there, all by yourself?" A guy with red hair whistled, checking Sheila out. He thought, 'Her face isn't the best, but... as long as her figure is good, I can just ignore the face later.' "Get out of my way," Sheila said coldly. "Wow, pretty feisty. What are you gonna do if I don't let you go?" The red-haired guy looked at Sheila's body with a creepy grin. "Hey girl, how did you manage to have such a different face and body?" The guy's tone was becoming more inappropriate. The group of guys behind him couldn't help but laugh. "Boss, can you actually go for someone you find unattractive?" "Let's see," the red-haired guy said, swallowing hard. Sheila listened to their crude remarks, her expression growing colder. She'd been disillusioned with men her whole life, especially those who couldn't think beyond their impulses. "I'm telling you again, move aside," Sheila said, giving them a chance. But if they blew it, well, it would be their problem. The red-haired guy, fueled by Sheila's challenge, got even more hyped. "You want me to move? Maybe I've been too easy on you?" he said, stepping forward and trying to grab Sheila. He wondered, 'The girl isn't very attractive, but her exposed arms... her skin looks soft and inviting to touch.' He swallowed again, even more tempted. But before he could reach out to Sheila, Sheila's lips curled into a chilly smile. Just a few inches from her, she suddenly raised her hand, and with a sharp snap... the red-haired guy's wrist hung limply. It was broken. The guy was shocked, his eyes wide open. Her speed was so fast; he didn't even realize it until he felt his wrist snap. "Boss!" The guys behind him immediately got fired up, seeing their leader in trouble. "Come on, everyone. Let's get her back for what she did to the boss. She dared to break his wrist. Let's teach her a lesson," someone said. "Never mind me. Just restrain her first," the red-haired guy said, furious. He had never been put in his place by a girl. Sheila calmly wiped her fingers. As the group rushed at her, she didn't even bat an eye. In the next moment, Sheila's hair moved a little as a guy's fist swung straight at her face. If that punch connected, she'd definitely be in trouble. Sheila quickly moved her feet, dodging out of harm's way. She narrowed her eyes, a chilly glint at the corners. 'Five guys at once? That's really low,' she thought. "You've got some moves," one of the guys admitted between breaths after a few exchanges, surprised they couldn't handle a single girl. Harold, who had just arrived, paused at a short distance when he saw the scene, squinting slightly as he kept his eyes on Sheila. Her speed was amazing. But then he noticed a man in the distance holding a knife and running toward Sheila from behind. "Look out," Harold shouted and quickly steered his motorized wheelchair toward Sheila. Just as the knife was about to reach her, he grabbed her, pulling her safely into his arms. Sheila lost her balance and ended up sitting on Harold's lap. He grunted but quickly turned his wheelchair, stretching out his good leg and knocking two men to the ground. Seizing the moment, Sheila flicked two silver needles from her hand, dropping two more men to the ground. Throughout the entire episode, they didn't exchange a single word, but their teamwork was flawless. The men were sprawled on the ground, unable to rise. Sheila shot a cold glance at them. "Want to try again?" The guys exchanged looks. The red-haired one gestured at them. "You just wait. One day, I'll settle this score," one of the guys declared, and after that, they shuffled away, leaning on each other. Harold looked down, a smile playing on his lips. "Hey girl, seems like I helped you again." That familiar scent hit Sheila once more, her eyes darkening slightly. She stood up, masking her unease with a calm demeanor. "Thank you." "This time it was a life-saving favor," Harold remarked, twisting the ring on his thumb with a smile. Sheila furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment before she slowly said, "I can fulfill one request for you." "Anything I want?" Harold asked, intrigued. Sheila let out a small sigh, casually saying, "Yes." She thought, 'In this world, there's nothing I can't accomplish. Plus... I'm somewhat interested in this man. When I was sitting on his lap, I confirmed once more that his scent actually had a calming effect on me. 'My mania has become quite severe. If it continues, it will start affecting my sleep and that's troublesome. But this guy... he can help calm me down.' "Alright," Harold nodded, his smile widening when he saw Sheila. "I'm Harold Foley. How about we exchange numbers on WhatsApp? That way, I can get in touch with you." Sheila nodded, thought for a moment, and then said slowly, "I don't have a smartphone with internet access." It sounded like she was making an excuse, but it was true. She was almost completely disconnected from the outside world. When she received assignments, they were always via a private network. "But unless something unexpected happens, I'll be taking classes at this school, so you can find me here," Sheila added, realizing her previous words might have seemed a bit distant. Harold gave a slight smirk. "Okay." Sheila brushed the dust off her clothes and looked down. "I've got some things to take care of, so I'm leaving now." "Don't take this route next time. It's not safe," Harold advised her from behind. Hearing the voice momentarily distracted Sheila, but she quickly pulled herself together and walked away. "Hey Harold, what are you doing here?" Troy had asked around before finally finding Harold. "Seriously, did you come here alone for a walk in this small grove?" Troy's lips curled slightly. He was confused. He muttered in his mind, 'This place is clearly a popular spot for young couples on a date. What is Harold, a single guy, doing here? I just can't figure it out.' Harold raised an eyebrow, feeling pretty good. "I ran into an interesting girl." "Interesting? Girl? I can't believe I'm hearing you say something like that." Troy was amazed. Harold chuckled quietly but didn't continue talking. The gem he discovered himself didn't need to be widely advertised. "Why are you looking for me?" Harold asked. Troy slapped his forehead. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Mrs. Foley's heart problem flared up again. She asked me to get you to come back home." Harold's brow twitched a couple of times. He thought, 'It's the third time this month. This excuse has been worn out.' He sighed, "Heading back now." Chapter 8 Sheila's The Hero Sheila walked to the door with her backpack. She didn't have the keys to the villa yet, but as she reached the entrance, the lock automatically recognized her face, and the door swung open. She had already modified the lock's system, so it could recognize any of her features. For her, it was a breeze. As Sheila reached the hallway, she heard voices coming from inside. "When Sheila was about to hit him, I wanted to stop her, but I didn't get the chance," Eunice sighed. "Sheila was too impulsive. That was the son of the dean of students; it would have been fine to just let it go." "What? She dared to hit the son of the dean of students, huh?" Yvonne frowned immediately. "Of course, she's a kid from a small town, no sense of decorum at all. It's only her first day at school, and she's already causing such trouble." "Mom, don't be upset. I bet Sheila didn't do it on purpose. She grew up in a small town, never got a proper education, and spent time with tough kids. It's no wonder she'd be influenced," Eunice said, sneaking a glance at Yvonne's reaction. Seeing the disdain on Yvonne's face, Eunice was in a great mood. Just then, Sheila walked in looking expressionless. "Hold it right there," Yvonne said angrily when she saw Sheila come in without greeting anyone. Sheila stood tall, her posture perfect. Even the noticeable scar on her face didn't take away from her presence at all. "What happened at school today?" Yvonne asked with a tense face. Sheila lifted her eyes, her clear gaze mesmerizing to anyone who looked, but Yvonne already had a poor view of Sheila, dismissing everything about Sheila. Sheila looked at Eunice. "Didn't Eunice already tell you everything about what happened at school? Do I really need to go over it again?" Sheila's cold demeanor only made Yvonne's anger grow. 'Anyone could see her lack of manners,' Yvonne thought. "Sheila, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I just talked to Mom about this and hoped she could help you find a way to get back to school," Eunice said, her voice shaking a little as if she was nervous talking to Sheila. "Eunice, you don't need to say all that to her." Yvonne pulled Eunice's hand, with a look that made it clear Eunice was her real daughter, while Sheila was like a stranger. Sheila had seen through the distant family bond long ago, so she didn't mind anymore. "Sheila, Eunice only said those things for your own good. Otherwise, we would still be in the dark. How can you be so uncaring, blaming Eunice like this?" Yvonne glared at Sheila, speaking with frustration. Chester had just returned from work, already in a bad mood. Hearing the commotion made him even more agitated. "What's going on here? Why is everyone shouting?" he asked. "Chester, perfect timing! Your wonderful daughter is the reason for this mess. She offended the dean of students during a test today. Let's see how you plan to handle this." Yvonne crossed her arms, coldly staring at Sheila. Whenever Yvonne saw that face, she felt embarrassed. She wondered, 'I'm quite attractive, so how did I end up with a daughter like this? Not as sweet and sensible as Eunice.' "Is that true?" Chester furrowed his brows, questioning further. Sheila kept a straight face, her eyes downcast. "It was the son of the dean of students who started it first." Chester's tone grew more serious. "Sheila, I wanted you to take the exam to get into the school, but now, with all this trouble, how will you manage?" "With her grades, it would have been tough for her to get in even without all this," Yvonne said sarcastically. "I didn't agree with her taking the exam in the first place. Isn't she just bringing shame to the Larson family?" Chester gave Yvonne a glance. "Say a bit less. Remember, she's our daughter." Yvonne went silent. She wouldn't admit that Sheila was her daughter, and she would look for another chance to send Sheila back to her small town. "Sheila, what you did was wrong. Go apologize to the dean of students right now," Chester said, as he was about to take Sheila out. Sheila didn't move. Just as Chester was about to scold her, his phone suddenly rang. Chester pressed his lips together. "It's a call from Mr. Emerson." Yvonne hurriedly leaned in. "It must be about Sheila. She's just returned and already caused such a big issue." Eunice stood by, enjoying the show. She didn't have to do much, just waiting for the right moment to stir things up. Chester gave Sheila a deep look before answering the phone. Sheila slumped her head; her emotions were hard to read, but her whole demeanor gave off a "don't bother me" vibe. "Hi, Mr. Emerson. Is Sheila in trouble? I'm... I'm currently having a talk with her about it." Chester quickly tried to cover for Sheila after picking up the call. But to his surprise, Charles's voice was unexpectedly warm. "I wanted to thank Sheila on behalf of our school." When everyone in the living room heard that, they were shocked. 'Mr. Emerson himself is thanking Sheila? What for?' Chester wondered. Charles's voice came through again. "Thanks to Sheila, we found out about a lot of hidden stuff. The vice principal was taking advantage of his position, doing things I didn't know about. Sheila is a real hero for our school." Chapter 9 The Marriage Contract Chester looked at Sheila, his face puzzled. Sheila stood there quietly, seeming distant yet calm. Chester gave a nervous smile. "Mr. Emerson, are you sure you're talking about Sheila?" "Absolutely, it's the girl you just brought back from that small town," Charles replied, his voice confident. "I just sent some awards from the school to the Larson residence. They should get there soon. Make sure to sign for them," Charles added politely. "Okay," Chester replied with a smile. After some more small talk, he hung up the phone. He turned to Sheila, his expression softening. "Sheila, why didn't you tell us about the great thing you did at school?" Sheila responded calmly, "I thought it was no big deal. I didn't expect Eunice would tell you all about it." Yvonne's expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing. "I didn't know what happened next," Eunice said innocently. "Sheila, you're amazing for taking down the vice principal." Yvonne snorted, "Eunice, there's no need to show off. Just focus on your piano practice. You're a high-class lady around here. No need to copy Sheila." "Okay, Mom. My piano teacher praised me again, saying I'm picking things up quickly. I'm sure I can win first place at the next piano competition," Eunice bragged, lifting her chin proudly. Yvonne beamed with delight, glad to have such an ambitious daughter. As they chatted, the gifts Charles had sent arrived. There was a banner with Sheila's name on it and some rare herbs. Sheila's eyes lit up as she thought, 'This principal knows how to give gifts. I love these things.' "What kind of mess is this?" Yvonne couldn't help but cover her nose, showing her distaste for the smell of the herbs. "Dad, just put these in the basement and I'll deal with them," Sheila said. The basement was dark and perfect for storing the herbs. "Okay." Chester nodded. He was slowly warming up to Sheila. As for the future, he'd just have to see how things go. "The room upstairs is all set, Sheila. You can move in," Chester said calmly. "Chester, the rooms upstairs are already being used," Yvonne said, feeling a bit uneasy at the sight of Sheila, not wanting her to move in upstairs. Chester looked at Yvonne and replied, "What use could they really have? The villa is huge. Surely we have an extra room. If word got out, what would people think?" Yvonne was momentarily at a loss for words. "Dad, if there's truly no room, I can keep sleeping in the basement," Sheila said politely, her head lowered. Yvonne curled her lips, thinking that Sheila was already fortunate to be sleeping in the basement. "I make the decisions in this family. Sheila will move upstairs tonight," Chester declared before heading straight to his study. "Yvonne, come in. I have something to tell you," Chester added, walking directly into his study. After they left, Sheila's expression turned a bit colder. She snorted in her mind, 'It's just a place to sleep.' *** "Chester, what's going on with you today? Why are you standing up for Sheila all the time? She's just a small-town girl. Can't she stay somewhere else?" Yvonne crossed her arms, speaking with annoyance. Chester sat in the chair and tossed aside the paper he was holding. "This is the marriage contract between the Foley and Larson families." "Foley family? You mean the most influential Foley family in Bryerton?" Yvonne asked in surprise. "Yeah." Chester nodded. "This marriage contract was made by Mrs. Foley and my mother years ago. I thought it was just a joke and didn't pay attention to it. But guess what? Today I got a letter from Mrs. Foley," Chester said, rubbing his forehead helplessly. Yvonne quickly opened the paper and looked through it. Sure enough, it was about the marriage between the Foley and Larson families. "How dare the Foley family say such things? Everyone in Bryerton knows Harold came back alive, but he's in a wheelchair now and probably will be for life. "There were even rumors before that... Harold isn't capable. How can a man like that be worthy of Eunice?" Yvonne spoke angrily. She had carefully raised Eunice and wouldn't let a man like that ruin her. "Don't get all worked up." Chester remained calm. "How can I not be upset?" Yvonne huffed. "I will never agree to let Eunice marry a man like him. That would just ruin her." Just as Yvonne finished speaking, there was a crash. The two of them heard the sound of a cup hitting the floor. "Eunice." Yvonne felt a pang of worry when she saw Eunice standing at the door. "Eunice, when did you get here?" Yvonne quickly pulled her inside. "Mom, I don't want to get married. I'm still in school. I can't imagine getting married so soon. I can't stand the thought of leaving you guys." Eunice's face was pale, tears streaming down, making her look heartbreakingly pitiful. Eunice wondered, 'I don't want to marry a disabled man. There are rumors that Harold is unpredictable and tends to be aggressive. Plus, he's quite secretive—whenever he leaves Bryerton, nobody knows what he's doing. 'Now he's returned with a leg injury. A man like that isn't right for me. I certainly won't marry him.' Chester glanced at Eunice, his expression softening a bit. He had invested a lot in Eunice's upbringing, and now that she finally had the poise of a well-bred young lady, he wasn't about to let the Foley family have her easily. "Eunice, don't cry. Rest assured, I don't agree with this either," Yvonne said. She caught a glimpse of someone outside, a smile forming on her lips. She turned to Chester. "We don't have just one daughter, you know? We still have Sheila. When they made the engagement, it didn't say who had to marry." Deep down, she added, 'A plain girl with someone who's disabled. Isn't that just a fitting match?' Chester took a sip of coffee. He felt the same way. That was why he was acting different today and wanted Sheila to move upstairs. He wondered, 'It was surprising that Sheila was praised by the principal today, but after all, she grew in a small town. What future can she have? 'Eunice, on the other hand, has had a top-tier education from the start and is bound to marry a successful guy.' "Is this okay?" Eunice stopped crying and asked uncertainly. "Would Sheila agree to it?" "Why wouldn't she? Having someone willing to marry her is already good fortune," Yvonne scoffed. Eunice pursed her lips. "Thanks, Mom." Yvonne straightened Eunice's hair. "This way, we kill two birds with one stone. We haven't upset the Foley family, and we've also sent her away." The thought of no longer having to see Sheila's striking looks improved Yvonne's mood considerably. Sheila stood outside the study, her keen hearing catching every word inside.	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2,751,515	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751514}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	🔞🔥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. 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. And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years. She just disappeared from his world completely. Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man. Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window. Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony." "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him. "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. 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?" "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. "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly. "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice." 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? Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage. 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. The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper. Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment. Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law. Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed. Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection. Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married. The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna. 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. So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway! "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request." "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money! After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about. "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. 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! "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..." Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter. Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs! "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!" 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!" Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently. And then... Her stockings were ripped apart... The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her! "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain! Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel. He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him! Good! Very good! She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life. "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?" He finally called her name as he was on top of her. Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years. Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!" Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered! She was... beautiful! This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes. That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick. "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!" Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess. Two months later... In a hospital. "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!" Giving up? No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children! It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right... ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna Four years later. In the intensive-care unit of a hospital. "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!" 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!" Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days. Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed. 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%. In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group. 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. So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days. However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world! No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced. "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!" Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little. 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. She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end. Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl. "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!" "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered. And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. 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. "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!" "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..." 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?" A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?" Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question. Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene! 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. 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. It had been four years! 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! She just disappeared from his world completely. "Joann... Joann!" "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..." The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed! They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated! Tap, tap, tap... From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels! Creak. The door of the ward was pushed open. 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. She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few. "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?" "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed. "Joanna!" The others all gasped. She had changed so much. 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! 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! "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..." For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna. "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!" "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..." With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut! Beep! The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death! "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks. She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her! "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. 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! "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!" 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." 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! By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control. 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." "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed." ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body. Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others. "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. Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here." The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger. 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..." "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking. Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd. "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." Bruce did not reply. 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. 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. 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. "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. "Mom, what are you talking about?" "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." Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight." "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be. Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car... 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?" Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most. She had it all well-designed six years ago. First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything. 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. Yet she did not expect that it would backfire. Bruce actually slept with Joanna. And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna. 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" "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried. Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes. The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna. Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once. "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..." Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral. 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. Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery. After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused. "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group." "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!" "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." 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..." A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?" 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." "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?" "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..." While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines. A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes. "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce. Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm. There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm. 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. Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity. The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first. "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood. 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. "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!" "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?" As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits. The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4. And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest. ----------------------------------------------------------- Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here! Install the APP to search for the title " The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife”🤩🤩	LEARN_MORE	https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/f0j	Novel Dreamscape Realm	https://www.facebook.com/61572423866367/	80	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	website.literiess.com	VIDEO		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/f0jefz24oggv4wh4qjjabrfz?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217268465560762&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480909442_623437500408227_443235969910844680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uK-EBBAQwxwQ7kNvgF-R1Bs&_nc_oc=AdjM4GBnlIVcmdzelyEFAgZ0ybDJywJqqhuJkGLUF_N7_ykLXCHoFitmVssyLEkbJW8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aj-uS12ImTFSiJGFwgIGvkc&oh=00_AYAEGKM_QP5XjNSptsQRCb1VChI15xoFqvZMQxGqQQzOrw&oe=67CBAA8F	PERSON_PROFILE	Novel Dreamscape Realm	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,751,022	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	❤️😍O que acontece a seguir👉Clique aqui para continuar lendo👉	— Eu disse que Joana era diferente dos outros e que você não deveria mexer com ela, mas você não o fez. — Lucas disse com raiva, e os movimentos de seus quadris tornaram-se muito mais intensos e impiedosos do que de costume, ignorando os meus ferimentos. Ele estava me tratando assim para vingar sua amante, Joana. Afinal, hoje, não era só eu que estava ferida, e no nosso casamento, ele nunca teve por mim nada além de desejo carnal... ... Lucas ouviu um grito agudo de uma garota vindo da escadaria ao lado, e seguiu o som e empurrou as portas da saída de emergência. Mariana estava caída no chão, seu rosto pálido contorcido de dor. — Lucas! — Joana gritou. Ela também tinha caído ao lado de Mariana. A voz de Joanna fez com que Lucas desviasse o olhar de Mariana e perguntou: — O que aconteceu? Joana olhou para ele, prestes a chorar: — Eu realmente não queria irritar Mariana, mas não sei por que ela ficou tão brava. — ela fungou e continuou com voz manhosa, — Você não fique bravo, tenho certeza que a Mariana não fez de propósito. — Mariana, o que tá fazendo? Eu nunca imaginei que você conseguisse fazer uma coisa dessas. — Após falar, ele pegou a Joana no colo. Joana inverteu todo o fato, e Lucas acreditou cegamente nela. De repente, a porta foi aberta com um chute e uma figura apressada desceu correndo. — Mariana! Paulo se agachou ao lado dela, com o rosto cheio de preocupação. — Como você tá? Onde se machucou? Mariana tinha mandado uma mensagem para este amigo de infância, mas não esperava que chegasse tão rápido. — Torci o tornozelo. — Mariana respondeu, enquanto se segurava as mãos do Paulo e tentava se levantar sozinha. Mas no momento seguinte, soltou um gemido de dor. Vendo isso, Paulo não hesitou mais e a pegou no colo para a levar ao médico. Quando viu Paulo pegando Mariana no colo, os olhos do Lucas pareciam facas afiadas, como se quisesse matar alguém. Joana, nos braços de Lucas, sentia o corpo dele rígido e sua aura fria e intimidante. E disse baixinho: — Lucas, tá doendo... Lucas abaixou finalmente o olhar para ela. Ao ver o rosto de Joana, toda a raiva e frieza dele desapareceram. Ele falou com voz suave: — Não tenha medo, vou te levar para ver um médico. ... E depois, Paulo mandou Marina para casa. Olhando para Mariana a cadeira de rodas, ele não pôde deixar de dizer: — Aquele Lucas é um canalha. Ainda não quer se divorciar dele? — Pau... O olhar do Paulo mostrou raiva: — Mariana, já se passaram três anos. Até uma pedra já teria derretido com tanto tempo, e ele? Neste momento, outro carro entrou no pátio. Era o Lucas. Paulo deu uma olhada e continuou: — Me promete que vai se divorciar dele, tá? Quando Mariana estava prestes a falar, a voz gélida de Lucas soou: — Sr. Paulo! Na minha casa, ameaçando minha esposa a se divorciar de mim. Quem você pensa que é? — Lucas. — Paulo o encarou com um olhar igualmente frio. — Se você fosse homem de verdade, deveria deixá-la livre. — Eu a deixar livre? Por que você não lhe pergunta... se ela realmente quer se divorciar de mim? — Você... — Paulo gritou furioso, e respirou fundo. E, de repente, ele acertou um soco no rosto de Lucas. Lucas reagiu muito rápido, e num instante os dois estavam brigando...	LEARN_MORE	https://xundada.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17551&	Casa dos livros	https://www.facebook.com/61558148557550/	25,296	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	xundada.com	VIDEO	🔥Mais grandes romances aqui🔥	https://xundada.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=17551&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481290020_2032922347206597_2522724069600937640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rmuf0Flf5MwQ7kNvgG5Z-6W&_nc_oc=Adj3BGvwVx6j9w5xs_YCyI60Ie75JLRxOqJIUEbebKzVv4qBFtDrvwwLgOjB_4tCkrI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AW8kKxAqrifDLFzvZYg4YTW&oh=00_AYDNFCvFKq1yI4Rnjj7Dcyo9usOUiRYX_CD4rIz96Cb-Hw&oe=67CB9204	PERSON_PROFILE	Casa dos livros	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,688	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2750683}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜	The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. *** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." *** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyz	Oasisread	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	1,190	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.yumread.com	VIDEO		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907467720751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481708585_1195166855273183_8108953118617196203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=spMKiltsC0EQ7kNvgE1L7PX&_nc_oc=Adir3IE-mBWvHMri2HvmRi9_-XOA1C-9SaQN8DUIkaqJ2h9swHuw5C9E1ChGpZvEQRM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A5A6LKgstMuhYyZckB2Vqer&oh=00_AYDJZC7xmk8KtyMBaBSH3QfgvS62_NuKywfd4RBhX9RV1A&oe=67CBB495	PERSON_PROFILE	Oasisread	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,894	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2751006}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Work smarter, not harder in 2025	Don’t miss the masterclass on March 5th You’ll leave with 👇 1. The exact steps to drastically reduce busywork 2. One tool to manage an overwhelming task list 3. A foolproof strategy to map your capacity Will you join us to burnout-proof your 2025?	SIGN_UP	http://fb.me/	Workvivo	https://www.facebook.com/workvivo/	1,443	1969-12-31 18:00	Sign up	fb.me	IMAGE		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481083747_512367281970197_121059779629520885_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DcskZW0kNWoQ7kNvgGwT8Kd&_nc_oc=Adg_R7wyNzi5rtTk_JZ5KbCBV6PrqAHw5Q3n_PBffgW-bK4d9gLNvWLbRDvCTPnIvUA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aqez0R6i8AmDUS6QsGoUfgo&oh=00_AYCxFay26fxTouEcG6b2r3t9XMOC0LJySAO_i3puNPvQFg&oe=67CB9CD6	PERSON_PROFILE	Workvivo	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,750,675	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2750674}'	Yes	2025-03-03 10:45	active	2765	Click to read full story 👉	🔥😎 No longer hiding herself, her various identities were revealed one by one. She was a multi-billionaire, superb doctor, Genius girl, and renowned designer. ------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 1 The Return The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the desolate mountainside. The air was thick with tension as a middle-aged man approached the lonely grave. "Ms. Chapman, I'm here to take you back," he said, his voice polite but his face betraying his discomfort. He complained in his mind, 'This place is a mess. The roads are so tough that I almost tipped the car on the way here.' Sheila Chapman stood up from the tombstone, her eyes calm but cold. She was dressed in rough, plain clothes, but they were clean. There was something about her that didn't fit the poor, remote area. "Didn't Chester come to pick me up?" she asked, her voice as cold as the mountain air. "Mr. Larson is busy with work. He sent me instead. Everyone's waiting for you at home," the man replied, trying to hide his impatience. Sheila curled her lips into a cold laugh and thought, 'Clearly, work is more important than family in his mind, but I don't care. I have no feelings for that family anyway.' She glanced at the tombstone one last time. She was going back for one reason only: to find the person who had killed Nina Chapman, her mother, and get revenge. Even though Nina wasn't her biological mother, Nina had been kinder than any blood relative. Sheila picked up the tattered bag beside her. "Let's go." The man looked at the bag in Sheila's hand but didn't say anything. 'She's from a small town, and it shows,' he wondered. After they walked to the car, Sheila sat in the back seat, her slender fingers playing on an old-fashioned phone. It was a card game. Three hundred and sixty cards with the system picking numbers for her to draw. Sheila's error rate: zero percent. "Ms. Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Larson don't like people wasting time on games. You should put your phone away," the man said, trying to sound stern. Sheila looked up, her eyes flashing with a cold light. The man, seeing it in the rearview mirror, was startled. He thought, 'She's just a teenager, but her gaze is so terrifying.' "Shut up and drive," Sheila said coldly. Just then, she noticed something was wrong with the car's speed. "Hit the brakes," she shouted calmly. She knew the area well; speeding downhill could easily cause an accident. The man reacted and hit the brakes, but it was too late. "The brakes are failing," he yelled. With a howl, the car careened out of control. In three seconds, Sheila reacted swiftly, opening the door and leaping out. The car and the driver plunged into the valley. Sheila rolled on the ground, landing on a small platform. Her knees were scraped and bleeding through her pants, but she didn't even glance at them. She looked into the valley, her face cold. The man sent to pick her up was probably dead. As Sheila got up, she heard a muffled groan. She looked up and saw a man leaning against a tree, his head drooping, a pool of blood on the ground. He had a national emblem on his arm. Sheila concluded in her mind, 'He's a soldier.' She walked over, knelt beside him, and reached out to check his condition. Feeling someone touch him, the man, Harold Foley, opened his eyes immediately, a flash of wariness in them. With years of experience, he quickly grabbed Sheila's slender wrist. "Let go if you don't want to die. There are bullet fragments in the bone. If you don't get them out in time, you'll lose your leg at best. You could bleed to death," Sheila said. Harold knew how strong his grip was. If he tightened it a bit more, he could break Sheila's wrist, but she didn't react at all. Her calmness was terrifying. Harold coughed and released Sheila's wrist, knowing her analysis was accurate. Sheila took out a knife from her tattered bag, disinfected it, and swiftly cut open the wound. She used tweezers to remove the bullet fragments from the bone. The whole process took less than a minute. Sheila raised an eyebrow, a flicker of admiration in her eyes. 'The man hasn't even winced,' she thought. Harold noticed her gaze and felt a sense of helplessness. He had been through so many battles, with countless scars and bullet wounds. This time, he had been ambushed and ended up here. The pain was nothing to him. Sheila tore a strip of cloth from her clothes and wrapped it around Harold's thigh to stop the bleeding. "What's your name?" Harold asked. Watching Sheila's fluid movements, he had a feeling she was no ordinary person. Sheila's eyes narrowed slightly. "Mind your own business when it comes to names," she said. As she spoke, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. "Mr. Foley!" a voice called out, getting louder as it neared. Sheila knew Harold's people had arrived and he would survive now. She stood up and disappeared into the valley. "Mr. Foley, are you okay?" A group of special forces soldiers followed the trail of blood to find Harold. Harold looked at the spot where Sheila had vanished and slowly curled his lips into a smile. He glanced down to see a pink diamond necklace in his palm, which Sheila must have dropped when she bent over. 'We'll meet again,' he muttered inwardly. *** After a night of walking, Sheila put on a thin layer of a human-skin mask and rang the doorbell of the Larson residence. "Who are you looking for?" Linda Carter, a nanny, asked, wrinkling her nose at the sight of the ragged girl standing at the door. 'Where did this girl come from?' she thought. Sheila looked up lazily and replied, "I'm Sheila Chapman. You can call me Ms. Larson." "What a joke! Ms. Larson is upstairs playing the piano right now. I think you're some kind of scammer," Linda sneered, her lip curling in disgust. Sheila played with her old-fashioned phone and sneered, "And who are you?" "Me?" Linda raised her chin proudly. "I've been with the Larson family for two years, serving Ms. Larson personally." "Oh, so you're just another one of the Larson family's lapdogs," Sheila said nonchalantly. "What did you say?" Linda was instantly furious. "Who are you calling a dog?" "Whoever barks the loudest," Sheila retorted, her brows lifting slightly. She wasn't one to back down from a fight. If they wouldn't let her in, she had other ways. Just as Linda was about to start yelling, Sheila glanced at the keypad lock beside her. Her fingers moved swiftly, and in a few seconds, the lock clicked open. "You... you..." Linda's eyes widened in astonishment as the villa door swung open automatically. "How did you...?" Linda was so shocked that she could have swallowed an egg whole. The Larson residence's security system was top-notch, with state-of-the-art locks. However, in the blink of an eye, the door had opened by a stranger. "You're trespassing, you filthy beggar," Linda shouted. "What's all the fuss about?" Yvonne was about to leave the villa when she heard the commotion at the door and frowned. Linda quickly went to support her and explained, "Mrs. Larson, some beggar came out of nowhere claiming to be Ms. Larson. I'm going to drive her away right now." "Yvonne." A cold, clear voice reached Yvonne's ears. Yvonne looked in the direction of the voice, her perfectly maintained face showing a crack. 'Where did this ugly girl come from?' she thought. Just as Yvonne was about to have Linda throw the intruder out, Sheila slowly took out a pearl pendant and said, "Mrs. Larson, you should recognize this, right?" Chapter 2 The Outcast Yvonne stepped forward, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. "How... how do you have this?" Sheila let out a scornful laugh. "I've kept it since I was a kid. As far as I know, the Larson family gave it to me." "Aren't you supposed to be..." Yvonne's face drained of color. She took a step back but caught herself mid-sentence. The word "dead" hung in the air, unspoken. "What happened to me?" Sheila narrowed her eyes, pressing the question. The sight of Sheila's disfigured face nearly made Yvonne faint. She wondered, 'How could my daughter have ended up like this? After fifteen years apart, she looks unrecognizable, giving off the smell of a rough, small-town life.' "Linda, get her out of here now. I don't know her." Yvonne pointed at Sheila, trembling. She was desperate to rid herself of the embarrassing daughter. She thought, 'How could a high-society woman like me have such an ugly, vulgar child? It's impossible. I have only one precious daughter, Eunice.' Sheila stood her ground, her gaze icy and distant. She understood the car accident in the mountains wasn't an accident at all—it was intentional. There were people who wanted her gone for good. Just then, a warm voice broke the tension. "Sheila, my precious granddaughter, are you back?" Amanda appeared, leaning on her stick, her steps shaky. "Mom, why did you come out?" Yvonne quickly shifted her tone as she noticed Amanda. Amanda shot Yvonne a complicated look and said, "This is your own daughter." "Sheila, come here and let me see you," Amanda said, her eyes filling with tears. Sheila's icy demeanor softened a bit. It was Amanda who had sent for her. "Grandma." Sheila walked over and took Amanda's hand. "You've suffered so much these years," Amanda said, her voice shaking with emotion. "Come on, let's go inside." As Amanda led Sheila inside, Yvonne wanted to protest but held back, intimidated by Amanda's stern look. Inside the grand hall, Sheila looked around. The lavish foreign-style decor and the elegant spiral staircase were impressive, but that was all they were to her—nothing more. Sheila didn't care much about luxury. As long as she had a roof over her head, she was fine. Just then, Eunice Larson came down the stairs, and upon seeing the so-called "real" heiress, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She thought, 'The accident worked; Sheila was indeed disfigured. 'Dressed in shabby clothes and looking far from ideal, Sheila can't compete with me, not even in the slightest.' "Is it really Sheila?" Eunice asked sweetly, her voice dripping with false charm as she descended gracefully. Yvonne's face softened at the sight of her beloved daughter. "Eunice, why are you coming down? Did we disturb your piano practice? I'm so sorry." "No, Mom, I wanted to meet Sheila too." Eunice approached Sheila, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. She extended her hand and said, "Hi Sheila, I'm Eunice." Sheila studied her seemingly angelic sister. On the surface, Eunice looked gentle, but Sheila caught a flicker of malice in her eyes. "Sheila, Eunice is talking to you," Yvonne said, her irritation with Sheila's rudeness growing. "Oh," Sheila replied, nodding absentmindedly. Eunice's eyes swam with tears, making her seem almost pitiful. "Do you not like me, Sheila? I'm sorry. It's my fault for taking your place. If it weren't for me..." Eunice's voice trembled. "Please don't blame me, Sheila," she added, tightening her grip on Sheila's wrist. Feeling pain shoot through her, Sheila was about to shake Eunice off when suddenly, Eunice feigned a stumble, falling to the ground with a muffled groan. Tears streamed down her face. "Eunice," Yvonne yelled and dashed over, panic in her eyes. "My baby, are you okay?" "I'm fine, Mom. Don't blame Sheila. She's been through so much in that small town. It's only normal she'd be upset with me," Eunice said, playing the martyr. But Yvonne was having none of it. "Sheila, you lived in that small town for your health. This has nothing to do with Eunice. Don't take your frustrations out on her." "I didn't push her," Sheila said coldly, her gaze distant. "You didn't push her? So Eunice just fell on her own? I can't believe you're not just heartless but a liar too." Yvonne's disdain for Sheila deepened. 'Clearly, raising Sheila outside the family has been a huge mistake. She has no manners whatsoever.' Yvonne held Eunice close, patting her back and comforting her gently. "Yvonne, Sheila has just come back and isn't used to our lifestyle yet. Please watch your words," Amanda said firmly. Then, she beckoned Sheila closer. "Come here, Sheila. Let me get a good look at you." Just then, Chester walked in from work, surprised to see an extra person in the villa. "What's all the noise about? I could hear the commotion from outside. Who's this girl?" "Sheila, your daughter," Amanda huffed, her frustration clear. "She's been out there all this time, and you and Yvonne haven't even checked on her." Chester's expression shifted from surprise to concern. "She... how..." He nearly blurted out "ugly" but caught himself. He remembered the fire in that small town years ago. Sheila had barely survived. It was clear she had been through a lot, but her current appearance... it could damage the Larson family's reputation. "Dad," Sheila called softly, shifting her gaze. If she wanted to fit into the Larson family, she needed to play nice. Chester was the head of the family and had the final say. She couldn't afford to clash with him. Chester grunted in acknowledgment and nodded. "Since you're back, you might as well stay for now." "Chester, all the guest rooms are full. There's no space for her," Yvonne quickly jumped in, hoping to banish Sheila again. Chester frowned, "There must be an available room in this big villa." Yvonne pursed her lips and stayed quiet. Linda chimed in, trying to ease the awkwardness, "There's one in the basement." Deep down, she muttered, 'Everyone knows the basement is where the help stay—dark, damp, and messy. Perfect for someone like Sheila, who came from a poor, small town.' Yvonne nodded along. "Maybe she could stay down there for a few days while we clean up a guest room for her." Chester shrugged, feigning indifference. "Fine. Sheila, since you showed up out of the blue, how about you stay in the basement for now?" he said, trying to sound concerned. Sheila nodded obediently. "Okay." Chapter 3 She's A Pretty Good Doctor Eunice sneered, wondering how a girl from a small town thought she could compare herself to her. She thought, 'So what if she is the real daughter? She still has to stay in the basement.' "By the way... is it true that you never went to school, Sheila?" Eunice asked, pretending to be surprised. The question made Chester furrow his brows again. Sheila smirked. 'School? What's the big deal? Is it really necessary?' she wondered. "No, I never did," she answered honestly. Hearing that, Eunice sat up straighter, feeling a strange sense of pride. "How will you manage without schooling?" Amanda got worried from the side. She thought, 'After all, she's part of the Larson family. People might talk if they find out.' "Chester, make sure Sheila goes to the same school as Eunice, so they can support each other," Amanda suggested. Eunice chuckled softly, "Grandma, our school is the top one in Bryerton. Not just anyone can get in. Someone like Sheila... might find it a bit tough." "Yeah, she can't just get into Lynwood Academy through connections. They really focus on grades. Someone like Sheila, without a strong foundation, is going to have a tough time," Chester agreed. "But hey, there's a exam coming up at our school. If you pass, you could get a special invitation. Why don't you give it a try, Sheila?" Eunice suggested cleverly. It was just a trick. Eunice wanted Sheila to embarrass herself. 'Lynwood Academy's scores are announced for the whole school. Someone as clueless as Sheila is bound to be at the bottom. Getting in would be as hard as climbing Mount Everest,' Eunice thought. Sheila felt Lynwood Academy sounded familiar, like she had heard it somewhere before. "Sheila, what do you think? Are you going to take the exam?" Chester asked casually. Everybody knew the outcome would be the same either way. "Sure," Sheila agreed without hesitation. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely help Sheila," Eunice said with fake sincerity. Sheila glanced at Eunice with indifference. She wondered, 'Help me? Eunice just wants me to leave the Larson family sooner, so why would she offer any help?' Sheila knew very well that Eunice had too many schemes in her mind but couldn't be bothered to expose them. As long as Eunice didn't push her limits, Sheila could overlook it. * At night, the basement was cold and damp, with cockroaches crawling back and forth. Sheila sat in the corner, seemingly unconcerned. Only the movement in her eyes showed she was still awake. She had just taken out a black gadget when the room's door suddenly swung open. Hearing the noise, Sheila narrowed her eyes swiftly. "A bumpkin from a small town dares to compete with Ms. Larson? Just wait and see how I handle you." Linda's harsh voice echoed. As she entered, Sheila noticed a disciplinary cane in her hand. A cold glint flashed in Sheila's eyes as the disciplinary cane came down. Linda was stunned... she watched, wide-eyed, as the disciplinary cane broke into two pieces and fell to the floor at her feet. "You..." Linda was even angrier now. "You little brat, how dare you fight back? You'll see how I deal with you today." With that, Linda rolled up her sleeves, ready to use her hands. Sheila's lips curled into a cold smile. "You? Really? What a joke!" The next moment, before Linda could move, she found her legs wouldn't work. Sheila pushed her into the corner, bending down as spoke coldly, "Are you looking for trouble?" Linda shivered. For some reason, she suddenly felt Sheila's presence become overpowering. "What... what do you want to do?" Sheila held Linda's chin, speaking softly, "If you don't want any trouble, stay put and don't bother me. I'm in a bad mood. If I get upset, who knows what might happen?" Linda shook like a leaf when she heard that. She couldn't figure out why Sheila's gaze was cold as if it came from a nightmare, even though Sheila was so young. Linda felt as if the air around her was getting thin. Feeling like her jaw was about to be crushed, Linda quickly begged, "I'm sorry, Ms. Chapman. Please have mercy on me." Sheila gave a slight scoff, released her grip, and stood up. Then she took out a tissue to wipe her fingers, looking very disgusted, as if she had just touched something dirty. After breaking free, Linda took deep breaths of fresh air—it felt like she was alive again. "I'm staying in your room tonight," Sheila said casually and confidently headed toward Linda's room. Linda's room was spacious with soft cushions. Most importantly, it was quiet. Sheila sat on a chair and opened a sleek laptop, a model not seen on the market, small and light but incredibly fast. She glanced down at the messages. A group chat called "Love-Hate" had several new messages. Doofus: [Hey Puppy, there's a 25 million-dollar task on the site. Are you taking it?] Doofus: [This is your specialty. The surgery can get you 25 million in just a few minutes.] Doofus: [No one's taken it yet. Go for it, Puppy.] Sheila glanced at them and replied coolly, [Not taking it.] Doofus: [Seriously? Puppy, are you out of your mind? You're turning down 25 million dollars?] Sheila looked up and yawned. [Not interested.] Doofus: [Either you're crazy or I am. You're really turning your nose up at 25 million dollars?] Sheila rested her chin on her hand. [I don't need the money.] The group chat went silent. Everyone knew their boss only took tasks when she was in the mood. * "The miracle doctor isn't taking any cases," Troy Sawyer said, pursing his lips in frustration with an anxious look on his face. Meanwhile, Harold sat calmly in his wheelchair, holding a pink diamond necklace with an unreadable expression. "Harold, say something. The doctors said if you don't start treatment for your leg right away, it might be too late," Troy added, feeling irritated and running a hand through his hair. It was like one person staying calm while another panicked. "It's just a leg," Harold replied slowly. Troy was both confused and surprised. He asked, "Do you really not care about yourself? How are you going to settle down or have kids without a leg?" Harold smiled, though his charming eyes showed no hint of a smile. "Just being alive is a blessing. How can I ask for more? Besides, when did I ever say I wanted to get married?" Deep down, he muttered, 'I'm not interested in marriage, let alone having kids.' "I'm done talking to you. I'm going to find the doctor," Troy said, waving a hand and refocusing on the task of finding the doctor. Harold lowered his gaze, rubbing the pink diamond and thinking, 'She's a pretty good doctor. Just not sure where she is now. 'I've checked; not too many people live in the town, and only one person matches her age. She's Sheila Chapman, eighteen years old. Her mother died for unknown reasons, and now she's already left the town. 'That's all the information available; nothing else could be found.' Harold let out a laugh. "Sheila..." Harold murmured, "Well hidden, but... shouldn't be hard to find." He wondered, 'For anyone I want to find, I always can.' Chapter 4 Want To Hit Him The annual major exam at Lynwood Academy began. Sheila shoved her hands into her pockets, confidently walking through the campus with a straight back. Her deep eyes were mesmerizing. Judging by her posture, she was impressive, but her face... "Wow, where did such an unattractive woman come from?" "Seeing someone like that is sure to give me nightmares. Oh my... she's really not attractive." "Even though she has a pretty good figure, her plainness is quite unforgettable." "She's not here to take the exam, right? We better not end up in the same room, or it'll just ruin our concentration." The students around Sheila openly expressed their disdain. Sheila pretended not to hear and walked with confidence toward her exam room. The exam seating was open. Those who arrived early could pick their seat. Sheila scanned the room and planned to go for a seat in the second row. A girl quickly stood up, saying, "This seat is reserved." "This one's reserved too." "Hey, move to the back. Don't ruin our vibe here." The sound of taunts filled the room. Sheila looked up, her face blank. She eventually moved to a seat in the corner in front of the trash can. She had just set her backpack down when a hefty boy approached and flipped the desk. "Who let you sit here? Piss off. You're blocking my view." It was Chad Leach, and he wasn't much to look at himself. He had a temper and used his family's wealth to bully others. He happened to want to sit next to Sheila and was bothered by the sight of someone he found unattractive every time he turned his head. As Sheila watched her things being scattered all over the place, a cold glint appeared in her eyes. She looked up, her gaze as icy as frost. "Wow, your appearance is really something else. How do you even have the nerve to show up? And you dare take the Lynwood Academy exam," Chad shouted and exaggeratedly pretended to gag. "Just leave already," Chad added, pointing toward the door. Unfazed, Sheila replied coolly, "I'm here for the exam. If I bother you, deal with it." Chad was surprised that Sheila dared to talk back. He stomped on Sheila's backpack, hands on his hips arrogantly. "Girl, what makes you think you can sit next to me? You aren't even worthy of being near me." Everyone who witnessed that couldn't help but burst into laughter. Sheila looked up with disdain. It had been a long time since her last fight, mainly because no one had dared to provoke her for a long while. Seeing Chad acting so annoyingly made her want to hit him. Sheila rolled up her sleeves, and in the next second, she kicked Chad. The voice of Chad's scream echoed through the classroom. He was kicked right into the trash can, covered in garbage, and a foul odor filled the room. Everyone was dumbfounded. Someone thought, 'This unfamiliar girl actually took down Chad. And what's more... I didn't even see her move. She was so fast. I have no clue what just happened.' "How dare you?" Chad shouted, clutching his stomach in embarrassment and anger. "Do you even know who my mom is? You dared to hit me? I'm warning you, you're in big trouble now," Chad added, struggling to get back on his feet. Eunice walked in just at the right moment to catch the entire scene. She paused briefly and then got the full story from her neighbor at the desk. Eunice grinned slightly and thought, 'Well... Sheila's in trouble. She hasn't started school yet already caused a huge mess. There's no way she'll get into Lynwood Academy now.' * Sheila casually picked up her backpack from the floor and set the desk upright. "Your mom can do whatever she likes, but let me ask you this—can I sit here or not?" Sheila was a polite girl and didn't intend to offend. Chad looked at Sheila's stern expression and was taken aback. Remembering the kick from earlier, he felt a bit uneasy. He trembled and said, "You're just a weirdo. I won't let this slide." With that, he rushed out of the classroom like he was escaping. The commotion came to an end. Sheila lowered her eyes and repeatedly wiped the desk. She had a strong dislike for germs, particularly disliking things touched by others and considering them dirty. * Meanwhile, at the Foley Manor, Harold quietly painted with a brush in hand, as warm amber light cast gentle shadows on his handsome face. But... it was just an illusion. The painting depicted various types of bullets. The last one was the one lodged in his bone, which was why he was now using a wheelchair. There was a cold glint in Harold's eyes as he remembered his final mission: to be the first to find Nightingale and acquire the cutting-edge weapon manufacturing techniques. But unexpectedly... he was ambushed halfway by foreign Celestians. He fought off a dozen men alone. Eventually, he escaped, but... not without some injuries. A man in black said respectfully, "Mr. Foley, we've found out. Sheila Chapman is from the Larson family. When she was three, she was constantly sick, so the Larsons saw her as a bad omen and abandoned her in a small town. "Now, her grandmother wants to restore her to her rightful place and has sent someone to bring her back." 'Larson family?' Harold thought and narrowed his eyes. 'Who would have thought someone so remarkable would emerge from the Larsons? It must be the culmination of good deeds earned over generations.' "Where is she now?" Harold set the paintbrush aside. "At Lynwood Academy. Ms. Chapman is taking the exam." Harold slightly squinted, a faint smile appearing on his lips. 'Still in school? Quite young. It's only right to repay her for saving my life. I should go myself,' he thought to himself. * Thirty minutes into the third test, the classroom door suddenly swung open. "Who's messing with my son?" a heavyset woman demanded angrily. Everyone looked up at the door. The proctor was briefly taken aback, then smiled and quickly walked over. "Mrs. Leach, what's happening? Who's bothering Chad?" Joanna pulled Chad in front of her, frustrated. "I should be the one asking you what happened. Chad got hit by some weird kid, and I'm going to make sure he gets the fairness he deserves today." The proctor felt a nervous sweat on her forehead as she watched Joanna's domineering attitude. Joanna had just been promoted to dean of students and was said to be well-connected in the school—certainly not someone an ordinary teacher could confront. "Mrs. Leach, don't worry. I'll take care of this right away," the proctor quickly reassured Joanna. Then, with a serious expression, she looked at the students taking the test. "Who did it? Stand up right now." Sheila glanced at her test paper; there was just one question left. She thought, 'What bad timing. Some clueless people have shown up, and I won't be able to finish it now.' Sheila extended her long legs, stood up at a leisurely pace, and lazily leaned against the white wall, her big eyes lifting slightly. "Looking for me?" she asked. Chapter 5 Teaching Him Some Manners Joanna glanced over to the corner. Seeing the face that displeased her, she pretended to gag. "How could you show your face in public like that?" she said. Sheila shot her a sharp look and snorted, "You're one to talk, acting like you're superior. We're both not perfect..." Joanna's face turned red with fury. "How dare you insult me?" she shouted. She was furious about the comment on her weight. With the whole class watching, she needed to handle the situation if she wanted to maintain her authority at school. "So, it was you who hit my son, wasn't it?" Joanna narrowed her eyes, a flash of ferocity crossing her face. Sheila barely lifted her gaze and replied, "I was just teaching him some manners." "How dare you? You've got the nerve to upset my son? I'll teach you a lesson," Joanna said, rolling up her sleeves and picking up a wooden stick nearby. "Mrs. Leach, please calm down. Let me call Mr. Emerson to handle this," the proctor said, worried about how things were escalating. If something really happened in her testing room, it would be a disaster. Joanna shot an annoyed look at the proctor. "What? Do I need Mr. Emerson's approval to discipline a student now?" "That's not what I meant at all," the proctor replied, almost in tears. "Get out of my way." Joanna pushed the proctor aside and walked straight toward Sheila. Sheila stood calmly in place, not moving at all. If someone was so eager to get into trouble, she was more than happy to watch it happen. "How dare you mess with my son? You're going to regret it today." Joanna stood in front of Sheila, her angry expression obvious. Chad was all smiles, knowing that with Joanna around, he didn't have to worry about anything. 'That rude girl dared to hit me, huh? My mom is definitely going to teach her a good lesson,' he thought. "Mom, beat her up and make her regret it," Chad said as he casually picked up some sunflower seeds and settled in to watch. The other students watched with a similar attitude, since they didn't like Sheila either. 'She looks so odd that just looking at her for a moment longer might haunt my dreams,' someone thought. Joanna swung the stick down hard toward Sheila's body. Sheila remained unfazed. Just as the stick nearly brushed her hair, Sheila's eyes narrowed, and the stick snapped in mid-air. One piece fell to the ground while the other stayed in Sheila's hand. She turned the stick and gave Joanna a firm smack on the backside. The whole sequence of moves was so smooth and fast that it left everyone stunned. Even those close to Sheila couldn't catch it clearly—she was moving so quickly that there were afterimages. Joanna let out a loud scream, completely losing her cool. The instigator, Sheila, smirked with a hint of disdain in her eyes. She thought, 'Is that all she's got? What gives her the nerve to act so arrogantly in front of me?' She folded her arms and looked down at Joanna. "You... you actually dared to hit me," Joanna said, clutching her butt. It hurt so much... She was sure it was swollen, but that spot was just too embarrassing. Sheila nodded calmly. "You were trying to hit me, so why shouldn't I hit back? I'm not stupid." Sheila was speechless, feeling Joanna was not only useless but also stupid and slow-witted. Joanna's face turned red with anger. It was the first time she'd encountered a student brave enough to stand up to her. "You're finished. Don't even think about getting into our school. We don't accept students who aren't up to standard," she shouted furiously. Sheila's gaze turned piercing. She curled her lips and spoke coldly, "What? Planning to throw your weight around?" Getting into the academy would be a breeze on Sheila's own merit. But if Joanna started playing dirty, things could get complicated. Sheila might actually miss out on her spot. Joanna glared at Sheila with gritted teeth. "As long as I'm here, I'll make sure you never step foot in our school. Let me tell you, I have a lot of influence at Lynwood Academy." "I see." Sheila nodded thoughtfully. "So you think you're more important than the principal?" Just then, a middle-aged man strolled over. "Who's calling for me?" The man was Charles Emerson, the principal of Lynwood Academy. He was one of the key figures in Bryerton, had considerable influence, and his role as principal was well-deserved. Beside Charles was Harold in a wheelchair. His eyes were deep and intense, and his striking features carried a hint of chill. Even with a wheelchair, his impressive presence was hard to overlook. Sheila glanced over and then casually looked away. 'What a coincidence. I didn't expect to see my patient here,' she thought. Sheila was somewhat bad with faces and usually didn't bother remembering people. She remembered Harold probably because his exceptional features made him stand out from others, leaving a lasting impression. At the same time, Sheila noticed Harold's gaze. She wondered, 'He probably hasn't recognized me; after all, I now have a noticeable scar on my face. 'However, whether he recognizes me or not doesn't matter. He's just a passerby anyway.' Sheila lowered her head without any further reaction. Harold played with the ring on his thumb, his smile growing wider. 'That scar is quite intriguing,' he thought to himself. Joanna beamed when she saw Charles. "Mr. Emerson, this... uh, this candidate maliciously hurt others. I wanted to give her a talking-to, but she even hit me. A student like this should be immediately disqualified from the exam and banned from entering Lynwood Academy forever." Joanna was quick to accuse, acting like the victim. She wondered, 'I'm the dean of students, so Mr. Emerson has to show me some respect. As for that plain student, well... she's in real trouble.' Joanna let out a cold laugh, thinking that she would definitely stop Sheila from entering the school since Sheila dared to hit her. Charles stood there, not saying a word—his presence alone was enough to make everyone feel the weight of the moment. He was waiting for Sheila to speak. Sheila showed respect to Charles. She raised her head, her expression gentle but her voice strong and determined. "I just want to take the exam peacefully, but her son insulted me and doesn't want me sitting here." "She's making it up." Joanna immediately denied it. "My son is so well-mannered. How could he have insulted her? I think she is just jealous of my son and is fabricating this on purpose." Sheila scoffed, "Jealous of an idiot? He failed math in sophomore year, was caught cheating in a foreign language the next year, and was disqualified from competitions. Without a supportive mother, he wouldn't even be in school right now. Do you think I'd be jealous?" Sheila spoke quickly without making a mistake. Even the students nearby were surprised. Someone wondered, 'This girl isn't from our class, so how does she know everything so well? 'Moreover, Joanna has already brushed the cheating incident under the rug long ago. Very few people know about it.' When Joanna heard Sheila state the facts accurately, she panicked a little. "Mr. Emerson, don't listen to this girl talking nonsense. You... you know, my son always follows the rules." Chapter 6 In Return Charles rubbed his forehead and replied, "What's this about the fight then?" Sheila stood her ground confidently. "I did hit her, but she deserved it. You can check the surveillance camera footage and see who's right and who's wrong." As soon as Sheila finished speaking, Harold handed his electronic tablet over to Charles. Sheila's eyesight was quite good, and she could see the image on the screen clearly. It was exactly what had just happened in the classroom. She was curious about why Harold was helping her. A few minutes later, Charles finished watching the video, and his expression immediately turned serious. "Mr. Emerson, let's handle this later. We shouldn't interrupt the students' tests." Joanna, realizing she was at a disadvantage, tried to smooth over the issue. But Sheila wasn't going to just let it go. If Joanna managed to bluff her way out, Sheila might really lose her chance to enroll in the school. "I heard your school is known for being fair. Whether it's the principal or a staff member, if they make a mistake, they're held accountable. Is that true?" Sheila straightened up, staring directly at Charles, her eyes filled with resolve. She was young, yet when facing someone as important as Charles, she showed no fear—in fact, she seemed to have the upper hand in presence. Harold had been watching the whole time. 'The look in her eyes matches the one she had that day,' he thought. 'This girl is anything but ordinary. She's a hidden gem.' Charles was taken aback too. He had noticed Sheila's plain looks and thin frame, figuring she'd be the shy, meek type. But she wasn't holding back at all. Charles nodded. "What you said is indeed one of our school's rules. I just watched the video, and it's clear that Chad was at fault first. Chad, now apologize." With a serious expression, Charles turned to Chad. Chad's eyes widened in frustration. He didn't want to apologize. With the dean of students as his mother, he always got his way, so he didn't feel he had to back down. Chad remained defiant. Joanna gave a slight grin. "It's just a small issue. Let's not blow it out of proportion." Joanna naturally took her son's side. "And anyway, that girl just hit me, and I haven't even addressed that yet," Joanna spoke with confidence because she had someone backing her up. She didn't even notice she was being disrespectful to Charles. "Joanna." Charles's expression changed at Joanna's boldness. "Chad was the one who started the issue, and you went too far with your words earlier; you should apologize." Joanna rolled her eyes. "I didn't do anything wrong, so I'm not going to apologize." Joanna blatantly ignored Charles's authority; after all, he couldn't kick her out over something so trivial. Sheila remained calm and walked over to Joanna. "Mrs. Leach, are you so confident because you have some strong support behind you?" "What are you talking about?" Joanna reacted as if she'd been startled, almost jumping in surprise. Sheila shrugged her shoulders, pretending to be helpless. "I just happened to overhear some juicy gossip." With that, she played a recording. "Mr. Lennon, I just want the position of dean of students. Isn't that something you can arrange with a few words?" "Sure, as long as you keep me happy tonight. Not only will you secure that spot, but your son's graduation will be guaranteed." Before Sheila arrived, she had already unearthed all the secrets of the top executives, just in case. But who would've thought... the first test would lead to this? She felt quite helpless. The info she had just found came in handy. Meanwhile, Harold's expression changed. He thought, 'Every top executive at Lynwood Academy has some real skills, and their information is so well-encrypted that even hackers can't access it. Yet, how did she manage to have such a clear recording?' Harold pressed his lips together, suddenly feeling like things were getting more interesting. At first, he was just curious about her, but now he wanted to know more. "Turn it off. Turn it off now!" Joanna lunged at Sheila, desperately trying to snatch the recorder, but before she could reach Sheila, she tumbled to the ground, landing awkwardly at Sheila's feet. "These are all fake. I didn't say any of it." Joanna loudly defended herself. Sheila handed the recording directly to Charles. His face grew darker; he could tell if the recording was real or fake. "Well, Joanna, I never expected you to team up with the vice principal. From today on, the school will terminate both you and Shawn. You are no longer qualified to teach at Lynwood Academy," Charles declared firmly. "Mr. Emerson, I've been wrongfully accused. I—" Joanna hadn't finished her sentence when she saw a woman angrily marching toward her. The woman, Shawn Lennon's wife, yelled, "Well, well, so that's why Shawn's been coming home with a woman's hair on him. Turns out you're trying to seduce him? "If Shawn had been dating a nice girl, I wouldn't be this upset. Just look at you, not much in the looks or figure department, what exactly does he see in you?" Shawn's wife stood there, hands on her hips, furious. Her mocking words echoed in Joanna's ears. Before Joanna could respond, she felt a chill run up her spine as Shawn's wife started pulling her hair. "You shameless homewrecker, just watch how I'll teach you a lesson today for daring to flirt with my husband." Shawn's wife wasn't someone to be trifled with. Grabbing Joanna's hair, she slapped her face repeatedly, each slap sounding loud. Charles had already fired Joanna, so technically she was no longer part of their school, meaning he had no authority to intervene in what happened now. 'Everything is a result of Joanna's own choices,' he thought. Sheila listened to the screams, her expression unchanged; she was used to it. Those who got on her bad side always ended up the same way. "Thank you for helping me gather evidence," Charles said as he approached Sheila, genuinely expressing his gratitude. Sheila wasn't hesitant; she nodded slightly. "Glad to help." Charles was a bit surprised; he didn't think it was the typical response from a student. Nonetheless, he didn't say much, considering she wasn't a student at Lynwood Academy just yet. Charles turned back to Harold. "Mr. Foley, let's discuss the investment in my office." Harold nodded. "Sure, I'll meet up with you later." "Sounds good. I'll be waiting in my office," Charles said and left ahead. Sheila toned down her intensity, her expression becoming calm. As she passed by Harold, she caught a faint whiff of tea, which seemed to calm her nerves and ease her irritation a bit. Curious, Sheila deliberately slowed her pace and finally stopped. "Thanks for before," Sheila said with a neutral expression. Harold's help was obvious, so Sheila wanted to show her appreciation. A soft chuckle escaped Harold's throat. "A little something in return." "What?" Sheila tilted her head in confusion, not getting what he meant by those words. "I couldn't just stand by while so many were picking on you," Harold said softly. Sheila gave a slight smile. 'This guy seems different. Everyone else seems to dislike me, but he thinks I'm worth helping?' she wondered. "Oh," Sheila responded coolly. Harold watched Sheila walk away with a hint of resignation and a smile on his lips. He felt the school was really holding her back. Chapter 7 I Helped You Again Sheila took a few steps and then suddenly stopped. Harold slowly raised his eyes, wondering what had made her change her mind this time. "The medication you're using might be expensive, but it has some serious side effects. "It can ease the pain for a while, but eventually, your leg muscles might weaken, making it hard for you to walk again," Sheila said calmly. She figured it was her way of repaying his earlier kindness. "Oh?" Harold smiled. "Do you know about medicine?" "Not really. I'm just guessing," Sheila replied and then continued walking toward the nearby small grove. It was a faster route. Harold pondered this, surprised that Sheila could identify the medication just by its smell. When he looked up again, she was already out of sight. But in the next moment, Harold's expression suddenly sharpened. The small grove was always a bit sketchy. * "Hey there, all by yourself?" A guy with red hair whistled, checking Sheila out. He thought, 'Her face isn't the best, but... as long as her figure is good, I can just ignore the face later.' "Get out of my way," Sheila said coldly. "Wow, pretty feisty. What are you gonna do if I don't let you go?" The red-haired guy looked at Sheila's body with a creepy grin. "Hey girl, how did you manage to have such a different face and body?" The guy's tone was becoming more inappropriate. The group of guys behind him couldn't help but laugh. "Boss, can you actually go for someone you find unattractive?" "Let's see," the red-haired guy said, swallowing hard. Sheila listened to their crude remarks, her expression growing colder. She'd been disillusioned with men her whole life, especially those who couldn't think beyond their impulses. "I'm telling you again, move aside," Sheila said, giving them a chance. But if they blew it, well, it would be their problem. The red-haired guy, fueled by Sheila's challenge, got even more hyped. "You want me to move? Maybe I've been too easy on you?" he said, stepping forward and trying to grab Sheila. He wondered, 'The girl isn't very attractive, but her exposed arms... her skin looks soft and inviting to touch.' He swallowed again, even more tempted. But before he could reach out to Sheila, Sheila's lips curled into a chilly smile. Just a few inches from her, she suddenly raised her hand, and with a sharp snap... the red-haired guy's wrist hung limply. It was broken. The guy was shocked, his eyes wide open. Her speed was so fast; he didn't even realize it until he felt his wrist snap. "Boss!" The guys behind him immediately got fired up, seeing their leader in trouble. "Come on, everyone. Let's get her back for what she did to the boss. She dared to break his wrist. Let's teach her a lesson," someone said. "Never mind me. Just restrain her first," the red-haired guy said, furious. He had never been put in his place by a girl. Sheila calmly wiped her fingers. As the group rushed at her, she didn't even bat an eye. In the next moment, Sheila's hair moved a little as a guy's fist swung straight at her face. If that punch connected, she'd definitely be in trouble. Sheila quickly moved her feet, dodging out of harm's way. She narrowed her eyes, a chilly glint at the corners. 'Five guys at once? That's really low,' she thought. "You've got some moves," one of the guys admitted between breaths after a few exchanges, surprised they couldn't handle a single girl. Harold, who had just arrived, paused at a short distance when he saw the scene, squinting slightly as he kept his eyes on Sheila. Her speed was amazing. But then he noticed a man in the distance holding a knife and running toward Sheila from behind. "Look out," Harold shouted and quickly steered his motorized wheelchair toward Sheila. Just as the knife was about to reach her, he grabbed her, pulling her safely into his arms. Sheila lost her balance and ended up sitting on Harold's lap. He grunted but quickly turned his wheelchair, stretching out his good leg and knocking two men to the ground. Seizing the moment, Sheila flicked two silver needles from her hand, dropping two more men to the ground. Throughout the entire episode, they didn't exchange a single word, but their teamwork was flawless. The men were sprawled on the ground, unable to rise. Sheila shot a cold glance at them. "Want to try again?" The guys exchanged looks. The red-haired one gestured at them. "You just wait. One day, I'll settle this score," one of the guys declared, and after that, they shuffled away, leaning on each other. Harold looked down, a smile playing on his lips. "Hey girl, seems like I helped you again." That familiar scent hit Sheila once more, her eyes darkening slightly. She stood up, masking her unease with a calm demeanor. "Thank you." "This time it was a life-saving favor," Harold remarked, twisting the ring on his thumb with a smile. Sheila furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment before she slowly said, "I can fulfill one request for you." "Anything I want?" Harold asked, intrigued. Sheila let out a small sigh, casually saying, "Yes." She thought, 'In this world, there's nothing I can't accomplish. Plus... I'm somewhat interested in this man. When I was sitting on his lap, I confirmed once more that his scent actually had a calming effect on me. 'My mania has become quite severe. If it continues, it will start affecting my sleep and that's troublesome. But this guy... he can help calm me down.' "Alright," Harold nodded, his smile widening when he saw Sheila. "I'm Harold Foley. How about we exchange numbers on WhatsApp? That way, I can get in touch with you." Sheila nodded, thought for a moment, and then said slowly, "I don't have a smartphone with internet access." It sounded like she was making an excuse, but it was true. She was almost completely disconnected from the outside world. When she received assignments, they were always via a private network. "But unless something unexpected happens, I'll be taking classes at this school, so you can find me here," Sheila added, realizing her previous words might have seemed a bit distant. Harold gave a slight smirk. "Okay." Sheila brushed the dust off her clothes and looked down. "I've got some things to take care of, so I'm leaving now." "Don't take this route next time. It's not safe," Harold advised her from behind. Hearing the voice momentarily distracted Sheila, but she quickly pulled herself together and walked away. "Hey Harold, what are you doing here?" Troy had asked around before finally finding Harold. "Seriously, did you come here alone for a walk in this small grove?" Troy's lips curled slightly. He was confused. He muttered in his mind, 'This place is clearly a popular spot for young couples on a date. What is Harold, a single guy, doing here? I just can't figure it out.' Harold raised an eyebrow, feeling pretty good. "I ran into an interesting girl." "Interesting? Girl? I can't believe I'm hearing you say something like that." Troy was amazed. Harold chuckled quietly but didn't continue talking. The gem he discovered himself didn't need to be widely advertised. "Why are you looking for me?" Harold asked. Troy slapped his forehead. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Mrs. Foley's heart problem flared up again. She asked me to get you to come back home." Harold's brow twitched a couple of times. He thought, 'It's the third time this month. This excuse has been worn out.' He sighed, "Heading back now." Chapter 8 Sheila's The Hero Sheila walked to the door with her backpack. She didn't have the keys to the villa yet, but as she reached the entrance, the lock automatically recognized her face, and the door swung open. She had already modified the lock's system, so it could recognize any of her features. For her, it was a breeze. As Sheila reached the hallway, she heard voices coming from inside. "When Sheila was about to hit him, I wanted to stop her, but I didn't get the chance," Eunice sighed. "Sheila was too impulsive. That was the son of the dean of students; it would have been fine to just let it go." "What? She dared to hit the son of the dean of students, huh?" Yvonne frowned immediately. "Of course, she's a kid from a small town, no sense of decorum at all. It's only her first day at school, and she's already causing such trouble." "Mom, don't be upset. I bet Sheila didn't do it on purpose. She grew up in a small town, never got a proper education, and spent time with tough kids. It's no wonder she'd be influenced," Eunice said, sneaking a glance at Yvonne's reaction. Seeing the disdain on Yvonne's face, Eunice was in a great mood. Just then, Sheila walked in looking expressionless. "Hold it right there," Yvonne said angrily when she saw Sheila come in without greeting anyone. Sheila stood tall, her posture perfect. Even the noticeable scar on her face didn't take away from her presence at all. "What happened at school today?" Yvonne asked with a tense face. Sheila lifted her eyes, her clear gaze mesmerizing to anyone who looked, but Yvonne already had a poor view of Sheila, dismissing everything about Sheila. Sheila looked at Eunice. "Didn't Eunice already tell you everything about what happened at school? Do I really need to go over it again?" Sheila's cold demeanor only made Yvonne's anger grow. 'Anyone could see her lack of manners,' Yvonne thought. "Sheila, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I just talked to Mom about this and hoped she could help you find a way to get back to school," Eunice said, her voice shaking a little as if she was nervous talking to Sheila. "Eunice, you don't need to say all that to her." Yvonne pulled Eunice's hand, with a look that made it clear Eunice was her real daughter, while Sheila was like a stranger. Sheila had seen through the distant family bond long ago, so she didn't mind anymore. "Sheila, Eunice only said those things for your own good. Otherwise, we would still be in the dark. How can you be so uncaring, blaming Eunice like this?" Yvonne glared at Sheila, speaking with frustration. Chester had just returned from work, already in a bad mood. Hearing the commotion made him even more agitated. "What's going on here? Why is everyone shouting?" he asked. "Chester, perfect timing! Your wonderful daughter is the reason for this mess. She offended the dean of students during a test today. Let's see how you plan to handle this." Yvonne crossed her arms, coldly staring at Sheila. Whenever Yvonne saw that face, she felt embarrassed. She wondered, 'I'm quite attractive, so how did I end up with a daughter like this? Not as sweet and sensible as Eunice.' "Is that true?" Chester furrowed his brows, questioning further. Sheila kept a straight face, her eyes downcast. "It was the son of the dean of students who started it first." Chester's tone grew more serious. "Sheila, I wanted you to take the exam to get into the school, but now, with all this trouble, how will you manage?" "With her grades, it would have been tough for her to get in even without all this," Yvonne said sarcastically. "I didn't agree with her taking the exam in the first place. Isn't she just bringing shame to the Larson family?" Chester gave Yvonne a glance. "Say a bit less. Remember, she's our daughter." Yvonne went silent. She wouldn't admit that Sheila was her daughter, and she would look for another chance to send Sheila back to her small town. "Sheila, what you did was wrong. Go apologize to the dean of students right now," Chester said, as he was about to take Sheila out. Sheila didn't move. Just as Chester was about to scold her, his phone suddenly rang. Chester pressed his lips together. "It's a call from Mr. Emerson." Yvonne hurriedly leaned in. "It must be about Sheila. She's just returned and already caused such a big issue." Eunice stood by, enjoying the show. She didn't have to do much, just waiting for the right moment to stir things up. Chester gave Sheila a deep look before answering the phone. Sheila slumped her head; her emotions were hard to read, but her whole demeanor gave off a "don't bother me" vibe. "Hi, Mr. Emerson. Is Sheila in trouble? I'm... I'm currently having a talk with her about it." Chester quickly tried to cover for Sheila after picking up the call. But to his surprise, Charles's voice was unexpectedly warm. "I wanted to thank Sheila on behalf of our school." When everyone in the living room heard that, they were shocked. 'Mr. Emerson himself is thanking Sheila? What for?' Chester wondered. Charles's voice came through again. "Thanks to Sheila, we found out about a lot of hidden stuff. The vice principal was taking advantage of his position, doing things I didn't know about. Sheila is a real hero for our school." Chapter 9 The Marriage Contract Chester looked at Sheila, his face puzzled. Sheila stood there quietly, seeming distant yet calm. Chester gave a nervous smile. "Mr. Emerson, are you sure you're talking about Sheila?" "Absolutely, it's the girl you just brought back from that small town," Charles replied, his voice confident. "I just sent some awards from the school to the Larson residence. They should get there soon. Make sure to sign for them," Charles added politely. "Okay," Chester replied with a smile. After some more small talk, he hung up the phone. He turned to Sheila, his expression softening. "Sheila, why didn't you tell us about the great thing you did at school?" Sheila responded calmly, "I thought it was no big deal. I didn't expect Eunice would tell you all about it." Yvonne's expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing. "I didn't know what happened next," Eunice said innocently. "Sheila, you're amazing for taking down the vice principal." Yvonne snorted, "Eunice, there's no need to show off. Just focus on your piano practice. You're a high-class lady around here. No need to copy Sheila." "Okay, Mom. My piano teacher praised me again, saying I'm picking things up quickly. I'm sure I can win first place at the next piano competition," Eunice bragged, lifting her chin proudly. Yvonne beamed with delight, glad to have such an ambitious daughter. As they chatted, the gifts Charles had sent arrived. There was a banner with Sheila's name on it and some rare herbs. Sheila's eyes lit up as she thought, 'This principal knows how to give gifts. I love these things.' "What kind of mess is this?" Yvonne couldn't help but cover her nose, showing her distaste for the smell of the herbs. "Dad, just put these in the basement and I'll deal with them," Sheila said. The basement was dark and perfect for storing the herbs. "Okay." Chester nodded. He was slowly warming up to Sheila. As for the future, he'd just have to see how things go. "The room upstairs is all set, Sheila. You can move in," Chester said calmly. "Chester, the rooms upstairs are already being used," Yvonne said, feeling a bit uneasy at the sight of Sheila, not wanting her to move in upstairs. Chester looked at Yvonne and replied, "What use could they really have? The villa is huge. Surely we have an extra room. If word got out, what would people think?" Yvonne was momentarily at a loss for words. "Dad, if there's truly no room, I can keep sleeping in the basement," Sheila said politely, her head lowered. Yvonne curled her lips, thinking that Sheila was already fortunate to be sleeping in the basement. "I make the decisions in this family. Sheila will move upstairs tonight," Chester declared before heading straight to his study. "Yvonne, come in. I have something to tell you," Chester added, walking directly into his study. After they left, Sheila's expression turned a bit colder. She snorted in her mind, 'It's just a place to sleep.' *** "Chester, what's going on with you today? Why are you standing up for Sheila all the time? She's just a small-town girl. Can't she stay somewhere else?" Yvonne crossed her arms, speaking with annoyance. Chester sat in the chair and tossed aside the paper he was holding. "This is the marriage contract between the Foley and Larson families." "Foley family? You mean the most influential Foley family in Bryerton?" Yvonne asked in surprise. "Yeah." Chester nodded. "This marriage contract was made by Mrs. Foley and my mother years ago. I thought it was just a joke and didn't pay attention to it. But guess what? Today I got a letter from Mrs. Foley," Chester said, rubbing his forehead helplessly. Yvonne quickly opened the paper and looked through it. Sure enough, it was about the marriage between the Foley and Larson families. "How dare the Foley family say such things? Everyone in Bryerton knows Harold came back alive, but he's in a wheelchair now and probably will be for life. "There were even rumors before that... Harold isn't capable. How can a man like that be worthy of Eunice?" Yvonne spoke angrily. She had carefully raised Eunice and wouldn't let a man like that ruin her. "Don't get all worked up." Chester remained calm. "How can I not be upset?" Yvonne huffed. "I will never agree to let Eunice marry a man like him. That would just ruin her." Just as Yvonne finished speaking, there was a crash. The two of them heard the sound of a cup hitting the floor. "Eunice." Yvonne felt a pang of worry when she saw Eunice standing at the door. "Eunice, when did you get here?" Yvonne quickly pulled her inside. "Mom, I don't want to get married. I'm still in school. I can't imagine getting married so soon. I can't stand the thought of leaving you guys." Eunice's face was pale, tears streaming down, making her look heartbreakingly pitiful. Eunice wondered, 'I don't want to marry a disabled man. There are rumors that Harold is unpredictable and tends to be aggressive. Plus, he's quite secretive—whenever he leaves Bryerton, nobody knows what he's doing. 'Now he's returned with a leg injury. A man like that isn't right for me. I certainly won't marry him.' Chester glanced at Eunice, his expression softening a bit. He had invested a lot in Eunice's upbringing, and now that she finally had the poise of a well-bred young lady, he wasn't about to let the Foley family have her easily. "Eunice, don't cry. Rest assured, I don't agree with this either," Yvonne said. She caught a glimpse of someone outside, a smile forming on her lips. She turned to Chester. "We don't have just one daughter, you know? We still have Sheila. When they made the engagement, it didn't say who had to marry." Deep down, she added, 'A plain girl with someone who's disabled. Isn't that just a fitting match?' Chester took a sip of coffee. He felt the same way. That was why he was acting different today and wanted Sheila to move upstairs. He wondered, 'It was surprising that Sheila was praised by the principal today, but after all, she grew in a small town. What future can she have? 'Eunice, on the other hand, has had a top-tier education from the start and is bound to marry a successful guy.' "Is this okay?" Eunice stopped crying and asked uncertainly. "Would Sheila agree to it?" "Why wouldn't she? Having someone willing to marry her is already good fortune," Yvonne scoffed. Eunice pursed her lips. "Thanks, Mom." Yvonne straightened Eunice's hair. "This way, we kill two birds with one stone. We haven't upset the Foley family, and we've also sent her away." The thought of no longer having to see Sheila's striking looks improved Yvonne's mood considerably. Sheila stood outside the study, her keen hearing catching every word inside.	LEARN_MORE	https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle/f10scp	Meet Novel	https://www.facebook.com/61566015190762/	4	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	website.metronovel.com	VIDEO		https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle/f10scp25niho5thtqbkk1hao?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481259289_1380352922960416_2747217739391320453_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u0QUkZ8qLeMQ7kNvgEuKjT2&_nc_oc=Adi5UZqf648tIDj-goI8O4KWY_B9KdRoDrLi_3LSCjaUOIlSc4DdUWjBDyb6s7VmHrs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZ_X30Zn_cG_3WVA6yCPqZP&oh=00_AYDafA9UH9oOZU1a54KZrBK1trf0lkKkjQzLX0XnhpgTGg&oe=67CBB5EA	PERSON_PROFILE	Meet Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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