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68,763	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69211}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	2504834516363669		Interested in difficult ethical questions about the world today? In Year 11-13 (or international equivalent)? Take part in our global ethics and responsibility competition! Deadline 8th January:<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk%2Fpractical-ethics-and-responsibility-competition&h=AT2h8BFRFc5T8dVHR9VkGnMqZ362LENUT7FEb4OTTRfv_iWfaMSOQ2GOmuUl9WQBojz24JAk2CLgJ6jkfA4VJ0iNA-gCGJ6fSXsKJTUjH8M_VtRlpFvSx61CYnLrTRMe0sgeRx6EWIPimFgv6EFa5QzX7nUdC__gpSdqnw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/practical-ethics-and-responsibility-competition</a>	MESSAGE_PAGE		578313285668155	Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics	https://facebook.com/OxfordUehiro	1,651	1	2,278,899,345,779,989	2023-12-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Send message	Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics	6459943216234			NONE	video				2023-11-30 06:10	https://scontent.ftpa1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404740367_24273171098964333_8239557174144620474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xiSfm5p54soAX9VBN0g&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-2.fna&oh=00_AfC0g-jp6oZAPmjbAyzSVDH59LZ-RP0K3-MG49OMBOHSZw&oe=65926F2B	person_profile	Oxford Uehiro Centre for Pract	https://scontent.ftpa1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404762723_737769617763930_191869049256612696_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=14DhRbC5Ce8AX8sBumh&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-2.fna&oh=00_AfCKd9wgnzyt2xOaKEnZCLvu3n0BCNYKgxmh0T2qs-X_Sw&oe=659159B1	3	Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics	2023-11-30 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,623	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67627}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	388186927107871	❤️‍🔥Love Born From A Contract	😍😍The Billionaire went abroad for treatment because of childlessness. But he saw a shrunken version of himself on the plane. He roared surprisingly, "where's your mom!"❤️‍🔥	LEARN_MORE	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k	131952903330419	Kalostv-short drama	https://facebook.com/61551551210077	4,993	1	734,768,688,554,365	2023-12-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Kalostv-short drama	120204137202440102	play.google.com		NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kwshortvideo.kalostv		2023-12-26 02:55	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412936262_878173723913621_8752449638457710345_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FnUXfY69AawAX96i4c-&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDhf8-QJbaFxmX_Kw3qc2MZoB4NR09BJJgagMQvKkfYYw&oe=65921999	person_profile	Kalostv-short drama	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414208857_639732981494038_6874847824083377792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hvkTS0ny_twAX_uuCCK&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfARgAiSytm0gYgp14RJp2J-stualRjnDxc6HvqmyGzdfw&oe=65922389	3	Kalostv-short drama	2023-12-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,563	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68515}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	729890321902343		IN HER ELEMENT. For the most-awaited April 2023 issue of #TatlerPhilippines (@tatlerphilippines), #NadineLustre (@nadine) stunned everyone again with her ethereal appearance that is as beautiful as a scenic view. This time, Nadine was really ‘In Her Element’ as she became vocal about the imperative role of everyone to teach the young about environmentalism’s significance in today’s world. Read an article excerpt from Nadine’s cover issue and heed her call to start saving the planet in our simple ways. <br /> <br /> Photographed by BJ Pascual @bjpascual <br /> Styling by Joanna Garcia @joannagee <br /> Hair by Paul Nebres @paulnebres <br /> Makeup by Jelly Eugenio @jellyeugenio <br /> Nadine wearing @ushisato & @lunabydrakedustin<br /> <br /> Grab a copy now of @tatlerphilippines April 2023 featuring #NadineLustre ✨	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/lunabydrakedustin	1054880307978117	LVNA By Drake Dustin	https://facebook.com/LunaByDrakeDustin	273,685	1	1,508,762,236,569,144	2023-12-06 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Visit Instagram profile	LVNA By Drake Dustin	120201440749690249	instagram.com		NONE	video		http://instagram.com/lunabydrakedustin		2023-12-04 13:23	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407687937_362629002916359_521187055794424269_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=it79EhYdBCgAX-QNMSW&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCmqRVU21AKOpkn0zfU6CRfTO43pHvcGCT97pktSsYmEg&oe=65916222	person_profile	LVNA By Drake Dustin	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407721979_1597657157709230_7686680800966949785_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-jU4cibldvUAX-i1Tby&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCs_KPV68Lo8je5w0119cG2iMHICeVNJQpvbuXUSlp8Ww&oe=6591F59D	3	LVNA By Drake Dustin	2023-12-04 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,669	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68678}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	380989554270562	❤️‍🔥Click to watch more about📜<Love Born From A Contract>📜	❤️‍🔥The Billionaire went abroad for treatment because of childlessness. But he saw a shrunken version of himself on the plane. He roared surprisingly, "where's your mom!"<br /> 👉Click to watch more about📜<Love Born From A Contract>📜	LEARN_MORE	https://website.kalostv.com/share/middle/s1zyyxshu	131952903330419	Kalostv-short drama	https://facebook.com/61551551210077	4,997	2	3,570,694,456,477,722	2023-12-05 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Kalostv-short drama	120200879004210773	website.kalostv.com		NONE	video		https://website.kalostv.com/share/middle/s1zyyxshudwq0tjet0qt2b0k?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}		2023-12-01 03:46	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407393257_3467409040238714_5988519937306100646_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oE7pBexjsSIAX-MnHw1&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBAYRvcY3zFrWDF44HgdjEpu8eeaKSFKL1D6nwg6XXNCg&oe=6593074C	person_profile	Kalostv-short drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407403630_934143908277828_6836896048264888137_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7LxagS9yOiIAX9kn7_i&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfATFz7bnADKW3Ay6vzbrw4k0ftg3Hs5p4iCdWbeOboLuw&oe=65926CCF	3	Kalostv-short drama	2023-12-01 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,419	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67449}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	330189903205950	👉Lire la suite 📜Le retour de son ex-femme inégalée📜	💔💥Après leur divorce, Bruce pensait que Joanna allait continuer à le harceler ou au moins faire une scène. <br /> De façon inattendue, le lendemain, Joanna a déménagé. Elle n'a emporté avec elle que ses papiers d'identité, pas même la carte bancaire qui contenait 100 millions de dollars.<br /> Et pendant ces quatre années, il n'y avait eu aucune nouvelle d'elle. Cela faisait quatre ans.<br /> Elle vient de disparaître complètement de son monde.<br /> Jusqu'à quatre ans plus tard, Joanna est revenue avec ses fils et un autre homme.<br /> Même s'ils étaient divorcés, Bruce se sentait toujours trompé et même trahi<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> Il était minuit et les gouttes de pluie martelaient la fenêtre.<br /> <br /> À l'intérieur d'une maison, un homme dit froidement: "Signe les papiers du divorce! En compensation, je te donnerai 100 millions de dollars de pension alimentaire."<br /> <br /> "Ai-je encore fait quelque chose de mal, Bruce?" demanda timidement Johanne Fontaine. Elle avait toujours été une humble servante devant lui.<br /> <br /> "Roxane est de retour, et elle ne veut pas te voir! Il est temps que notre mariage prenne fin. Alors tu dois partir!" dit Bruce Chevalier en croisant ses longues jambes et en s'adossant au canapé. Il était aussi beau qu'une sculpture grecque cltootshieique, mais son regard était toujours aussi froid.<br /> <br /> Les lèvres pâles de Johanne frémissent comme si elle était tombée dans l'eau glacée. Elle demanda avec surprise: "Tu divorces parce qu'elle est de retour? Notre mariage n'est-il qu'une plaisanterie pour toi?"<br /> <br /> "Tu n'étais pas celle que je voulais épouser au départ, et tu as fait fuir Roxane il y a deux ans avec tes sales coups. Maintenant qu'elle est revenue, je ne ferai pas la même erreur. Dépêche-toi de signer les papiers! Quatre-vingts millions de dollars pour deux ans de ta vie pathétique. Tu devrais considérer que c'est une bonne affaire". Bruce avait toujours été doué pour la blesser avec des mots.<br /> <br /> "Je... Que se ptootshieera-t-il si je ne les signe pas?" demanda amèrement Johanne.<br /> <br /> "Fais comme tu veux. J'ai des moyens de te faire disparaître. Légalement ou non, personne ne le remarquera."<br /> <br /> En tant qu'héritier de la famille la plus riche de la ville de Greyport, Bruce avait toujours été capable de faire ce qu'il voulait. Qui oserait lui tenir tête de toute façon?<br /> <br /> Il y a deux ans, la famille de Johanne a décidé de se lier à celle des Chevalier par le mariage.<br /> <br /> Cependant, lors du banquet de fiançailles de Bruce et Roxane, la demi-sœur de Johanne, l'homme a été drogué. Plus tard dans le salon, ce dernier a confondu Johanne avec Roxane, et ils ont couché ensemble!<br /> <br /> Le lendemain, le scandale de la relation entre la fille aînée du groupe Fontaine et son beau-frère fait la une des journaux.<br /> <br /> L'état mental de Roxane Fontaine s'est dégradé et elle a été envoyée dans une maison de repos à l'étranger pour y être soignée.<br /> <br /> Tout le monde a pris Johanne comme la briseuse de ménage la plus éhontée, la pointant du doigt pour avoir couché avec son beau-frère!<br /> <br /> Bruce la détestait encore plus et a décidé que c'était Johanne qui l'avait drogué et avait grimpé sur son lit.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, la famille Chevalier et la famille Fontaine partagent une amitié depuis des générations. Ce mariage devait d'ailleurs permettre d'approfondir ce lien.<br /> <br /> Ainsi, les aînés des deux familles, Raymond Fontaine et Marguerite Chevalier, ont insisté pour que Bruce et Johanne se marient.<br /> <br /> Les deux dernières années de mariage avaient été un enfer pour Johanne!<br /> <br /> Sa tolérance et son affection n'ont pas amélioré la situation. En retour, elle a eu droit à davantage d'humiliations et de tortures. Johanne est épuisée, tant mentalement que physiquement.<br /> <br /> Et si Bruce voulait divorcer? Elle en avait tootshieez de toute façon!<br /> <br /> "Bien, je les signerai, mais j'ai une demande à faire."<br /> <br /> "Crache le morceau alors!" Bruce croyait que Johanne pensait à plus d'argent!<br /> <br /> Après tout, c'est ce qui l'intéressait, elle, la femme intrigante.<br /> <br /> "Je veux que tu couches avec moi comme un vrai amoureux, pour une fois. Ces deux dernières années, chaque fois que tu as été avec moi, tu as prononcé le nom de Roxane. Oui, tu m'as fait sentir que j'étais la pire femme du monde, et j'en ai tootshieez! Je suis ta femme, et je veux que tu cries mon nom en faisant l'amour avec moi pour la dernière fois. Je suis Johanne, pas Roxane!" Pour la première fois, Johanne poussait des cris hystériques et tremblait de colère!<br /> <br /> À chaque fois au cours des deux dernières années, Bruce a délibérément prononcé le mauvais nom! Il avait des relations sexuelles avec elle uniquement pour la punir et l'humilier. Il n'y avait aucun amour là-dedans!<br /> <br /> "Oh, arrête tes bêtises. Quelqu'un m'attend en bas..."<br /> <br /> Johanne s'ébroua d'un rire moqueur.<br /> <br /> Alors c'était probablement Roxane qui l'attendait en bas!<br /> <br /> "Elle peut attendre encore un peu. Cela fait deux ans qu'elle attend, et je pense qu'elle peut être tootshieez patiente pour quelques minutes de plus. Fais ce que j'ai dit ou pas. C'est comme tu veux. Cela ne me dérange pas que les médias écrivent à nouveau des histoires sur moi!"<br /> <br /> Bruce détestait le plus être menacé. Ses lèvres fines se retroussèrent en un ricanement. Quelques secondes plus tard, il répondit: "Bien, je vais le faire. Mais ne le regrette pas, Johanne!"<br /> <br /> Bruce se redressa d'un coup, la saisit par le chemisier et la tira violemment.<br /> <br /> Et puis...<br /> <br /> Ses bas ont été déchirés...<br /> <br /> L'homme ne lui a même pas donné d'avertissement avant de lui faire du mal!<br /> <br /> "Ah!" s'écria Johanne en fermant les yeux de douleur!<br /> <br /> Bruce était aussi impitoyable que jamais, presque cruel.<br /> <br /> Il ne s'est jamais soucié de savoir si cela lui faisait du mal ou non. Ou peut-être que le fait de la voir souffrir lui plaisait tout simplement!<br /> <br /> Bien! Très bien!<br /> <br /> Elle s'en souviendrait, se remémorant la cruauté de cet homme à son égard pour le reste de sa vie.<br /> <br /> "Johanne. Ah, Johanne. Es-tu heureuse maintenant?"<br /> <br /> Il finit par l'appeler par son nom alors qu'il est sur elle.<br /> <br /> Bien que ce fût toute une humiliation, elle put enfin se débarrtootshieer de la dépression qui l'avait hantée pendant deux années entières.<br /> <br /> Johanne sentit des larmes couler sur ses joues alors qu'elle disait d'un ton navré: "Bruce Chevalier! Je ne t'aimerai plus!"<br /> <br /> Bruce avait entendu ce qu'elle avait dit mais avait choisi de l'ignorer. Il attrapa sa mâchoire avec mépris, baissa les yeux sur son visage et ricana!<br /> <br /> Elle était belle!<br /> <br /> Cette femme avait un visage si joli et si innocent, mais son esprit était rempli de saletés et de stratagèmes.<br /> <br /> C'était pourquoi son soi-disant amour pour lui ne ferait que le rendre malade.<br /> <br /> "Signe les papiers du divorce, prends l'argent, et quitte Greyport pour toujours!"<br /> <br /> Après avoir dit cela, Bruce est parti sans se retourner, la laissant allongée sur le sol, en mauvais état.<br /> <br /> Deux mois après...<br /> <br /> Dans un hôpital.<br /> <br /> "Félicitations, Mme Fontaine, vous êtes enceinte de plus d'un enfant. Mais je vous suggère d'abandonner un ou deux des fœtus, sinon il y aura trop de risques!"<br /> <br /> Abandonner?<br /> <br /> Non, elle n'enlèverait le droit de vivre à aucun de ses enfants!<br /> <br /> C'était ses bébés et seulement les siens! D'une manière ou d'une autre, elle allait les mettre au monde et les élever correctement...<br /> <br /> ..............................................................................<br /> Quatre ans plus tard!<br /> <br /> Dans l'unité de soins intensifs d'un hôpital.<br /> <br /> "Je suis désolé, nous avons tout essayé, mais Raymond ne va pas mieux. Vous devriez rentrer et lui dire adieu!"<br /> <br /> Shaun Fontaine fronce les sourcils, inquiet, et dit: "Doc, pourriez-vous essayer quelque chose d'autre? Si mon père ne peut pas survivre, tous les biens de la famille Fontaine seront légués au gouvernement... oh, que faire... aucun d'entre nous n'a vu Johanne au fil des ans. Bon sang, et mon père aussi. Nous ne savons pas à quoi il pensait. Comment a-t-il pu ignorer ses petits-fils qui l'accompagnent tous les jours tout en se souciant uniquement de cette misérable fille qui est la mienne!"<br /> <br /> Tout le monde dans la famille Fontaine était misérable ces jours-ci.<br /> <br /> Raymond, le père de Shaun, a rédigé un étrange testament sur son lit de mort.<br /> <br /> Il a laissé 51% du Groupe Fontaine à sa petite-fille aînée, Johanne. Quant aux autres membres de la famille Fontaine, ils n'hériteraient que de 10 %.<br /> <br /> Autrement dit, Johanne deviendrait la plus importante actionnaire du Groupe Fontaine.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, selon la condition supplémentaire du testament, si Johanne ne se manifeste pas avant la mort de Raymond, toutes les propriétés de la famille Fontaine iront directement à l'État.<br /> <br /> Ainsi, la famille Fontaine cherchait désespérément Johanne depuis quelques jours.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, c'était comme si Johanne avait disparu du monde!<br /> <br /> Personne n'a jamais entendu parler d'elle et ne l'a jamais vue une seule fois depuis qu'elle et Bruce ont divorcé.<br /> <br /> "De mon point de vue, cette fille fait tout simplement exprès de s'opposer à nous! Personne ne sait où elle est allée pendant toutes ces années!"<br /> <br /> La seconde épouse de Shaun, Ingride Fontaine, jurait furieusement, et son visage se tordit un peu.<br /> <br /> À l'époque, elle, avec les jumeaux dans le ventre, a expulsé la mère de Johanne et Johanne de la famille. Puis Ingride a donné naissance à son troisième fils, pensant que sa position dans la famille était absolument tootshieurée.<br /> <br /> Elle ne s'était jamais attendue à ce qu'elle n'aurait rien à la fin.<br /> <br /> De ses trois enfants, le vieil homme préférait toujours cette fille Johanne.<br /> <br /> "Papa, maman, grand-père est réveillé!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne... ma Johanne..." Raymond était dans le coma depuis plus d'une douzaine de jours. Ses heures étaient comptées.<br /> <br /> Et avant sa mort, sa seule préoccupation était pour sa petite-fille aînée, Johanne.<br /> <br /> Johanne avait disparu depuis quatre ans, et cela inquiétait tellement Raymond. Il soupçonnait même Ingride d'avoir en quelque sorte tootshietootshieiné sa petite-fille bien-aimée.<br /> <br /> "Papa, Derick, Rayan et Roxane ne sont-ils pas tous tes petits-enfants? Ton testament n'est pas juste! Tu ne leur laisses pratiquement rien! Ils pourraient tout aussi bien sortir dans la rue et mendier pour vivre si tu insistes pour tout donner au gouvernement!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne... Laisse-moi voir Johanne. Tu n'auras pas un sou avant ça..."<br /> <br /> Ingride a crié à voix btootshiee: "Cela fait quatre ans, Raymond! Qui sait où elle est allée? En plus, si elle tient vraiment à toi, comment peut-elle ne pas venir te voir pour la dernière fois?"<br /> <br /> Une pointe d'impatience traverse le regard de Roxane, et et elle ne peut s'empêcher de demander: "Bruce, sais-tu où est ptootshieée ma sœur?"<br /> <br /> Bruce s'est figé parce qu'il ne connaissait pas la réponse à cette question.<br /> <br /> Il y a quatre ans, après leur divorce, Bruce pensait que Johanne allait continuer à le harceler ou au moins faire une scène!<br /> <br /> Contre toute attente, le lendemain, Johanne a déménagé. Elle n'a emporté avec elle que ses papiers d'identité, pas même la carte bancaire qui contenait 8 millions de dollars.<br /> <br /> Et pendant ces quatre années, il n'y avait eu aucune nouvelle d'elle. Bien sûr, aussi fier que soit Bruce, il ne l'a jamais contactée non plus.<br /> <br /> Cela faisait quatre ans!<br /> <br /> Pourtant, Bruce ne croyait pas qu'elle se laisserait aller si facilement! Il avait préparé tant de plans pour se débarrtootshieer d'elle lorsqu'elle se présenterait. Pourtant, il s'est avéré qu'il n'avait besoin d'aucun d'entre eux!<br /> <br /> Elle a complètement disparu de son monde.<br /> <br /> "Johanne... Johanne!"<br /> <br /> "Oh, vas-y, grand-père est en train de mourir! Va chercher les médecins..."<br /> <br /> Le moniteur ECG a indiqué à tout le monde que le cœur de Raymond s'arrêtait de battre. En larmes, les membres de sa famille se sont rtootshieemblés autour du lit!<br /> <br /> Ils pleuraient, non pas la mort prochaine de Raymond, mais pour les biens qui allaient être légués!<br /> <br /> Tape, tape, tape...<br /> <br /> Du couloir de l'hôpital est venu le bruit des talons hauts!<br /> <br /> Craquer.<br /> <br /> La porte de la salle a été poussée.<br /> <br /> Celle qui est entrée portait un costume blanc fait sur mesure! Elle tenait dans ses mains une Hermès en édition limitée, et des lunettes de soleil surdimensionnées couvraient la majeure partie de son visage! Ses jambes fines sont déjà tootshieez longues, mais les chaussures à talons hauts les mettent encore plus en valeur!<br /> <br /> Elle est entrée avec le genre d'ambiance de beauté glacée, semblant faire baisser la température dans la salle!<br /> <br /> "Qui est cette femme? La connaissions-nous? Qui l'a autorisée à être ici?"<br /> <br /> "C'est moi. Je suis ici pour voir mon grand-père!" Johanne enleva lentement ses lunettes de soleil et se dirigea vers le lit!<br /> <br /> "Johanne!" Les autres haletèrent tous.<br /> <br /> Elle avait tellement changé!<br /> <br /> Ses longs cheveux noirs qu'elle avait l'habitude de garder lisses étaient devenus bruns bouclés. Il avait l'habitude d'atteindre sa taille, mais maintenant le bout dansait autour de son épaule. Elle avait complètement changé de la gentille fille d'à côté à une femme de carrière mature et sexy!<br /> <br /> Ce qui est encore plus remarquable, c'est que Johanne est apparue beaucoup plus mince qu'auparavant. Elle mesurait un mètre quatre-vingt-dix, mais semblait peser à peine quatre-vingt-dix kilos! Entre-temps, l'innocence de cette paire de grands yeux s'était également vidée. Il suffisait de la regarder dans les yeux pour comprendre qu'elle avait dû vivre beaucoup de choses ces dernières années!<br /> <br /> "Johanne? Oh, enfin, Johanne! La famille Fontaine sera ruinée si tu ne te montres pas..."<br /> <br /> Pour la première fois, tous les membres de la famille Fontaine étaient si heureux de revoir Johanne!<br /> <br /> "Je suis désolée, grand-père. Je suis désolée d'être en retard!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne," Raymond cria et ouvrit à peine les yeux," je suis heureux que tu sois saine et sauve. Oh, je peux enfin être soulagé..."<br /> <br /> Sur ce, Raymond tendit la main, mais la seconde suivante, sa main retomba faiblement sur le lit, sa tête pencha et ses yeux se fermèrent!<br /> <br /> Bip!<br /> <br /> L'ECG bipait, déclarant la mort de Raymond!<br /> <br /> "Grand-père? Grand-père!" cria Johanne, les larmes coulant sur ses joues.<br /> <br /> Elle savait que son grand-père était le seul Fontaine qui se souciait d'elle!<br /> <br /> "Ah, allez, arrête ces fausses larmes! Tu aurais été là depuis longtemps si tu t'étais soucié de ton grand-père! Maintenant qu'il est temps de parler d'héritage, tu es venu?" dit Derick, le fils aîné de Shaun. Le sarcasme dans son ton était évident.<br /> <br /> Il n'avait jamais pris Johanne comme sa sœur aînée, et maintenant qu'elle était la plus grande bénéficiaire de l'héritage de Raymond, Derick la détestait encore plus!<br /> <br /> "Ça suffit. Appelle quelqu'un et organise d'abord les funérailles", dit Shaun. Raisonnablement affligé, il tapote l'épaule de Johanne." Johanne, maintenant que tu es de retour, reviens à la maison!"<br /> <br /> Les lèvres d'Ingride se retroussèrent avec dédain, mais elle disait joyeusement: "C'est ça, viens vivre avec nous ! De plus, ton grand-père a fait un testament sur son lit de mort. Il veut que tu hérites de 51 % du Groupe Fontaine! La maladie a dû lui embrouiller le cerveau. Comment a-t-il pu laisser une entreprise aussi importante à une fille qui n'y connaît rien? Johanne, tu es encore jeune et naïve. Laisse ton père continuer à diriger l'entreprise!"<br /> <br /> Ingride a dit cela comme si Johanne était censée suivre ses instructions. Au fond d'elle-même, elle était convaincue que cette dernière était aussi stupide que sa salope de mère!<br /> <br /> Au moment où Johanne reviendrait dans leur maison, elle serait sous le contrôle total d'Ingride!<br /> <br /> Johanne est restée sans expression. Elle dit froidement: "Je ne veux pas penser à cela maintenant. Je veux juste m'occuper de grand-père d'abord!"<br /> <br /> "Oui, oui, tu as raison sur ce point. L'enterrement de Raymond est la chose la plus importante maintenant. Tout le reste peut être remis à plus tard!"<br /> <br /> ..............................................................................<br /> C'était en fin d'après-midi après que la maison mortuaire ait récupéré le corps de Raymond.<br /> <br /> Johanne est sortie de l'hôpital avec les autres!<br /> <br /> "Où habites-tu? Mon chauffeur te ramènera!" dit Bruce. Sa voix était un peu rauque parce que Johanne ne lui avait pas adressé la parole une seule fois avant cela!<br /> <br /> Johanne sourit poliment et serre les clés de la voiture dans sa main. "Merci, mais c'est moi qui ai conduit jusqu'ici!"<br /> <br /> Le regard indifférent sur son visage donnait l'impression qu'elle était simplement polie envers un parfait inconnu.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, Roxane a compris que Bruce était en train de draguer Johanne. Son visage s'est tootshieombri et, rapidement, elle a pris affectueusement le bras de ce dernier en lui disant: "Johanne, pourquoi ne reviendrais-tu pas vivre avec nous? Au moins, tu ne seras pas seule, et..."<br /> <br /> "C'est plus facile pour moi de rester dans un hôtel. Au revoir!" Johanne a poliment fait un signe de la main et s'est dirigée vers le parking souterrain!<br /> <br /> Bientôt, une Bentley argentée est sortie du parking et a démarré en trombe devant la foule!<br /> <br /> "Il semble que ma sœur ait bien vécu ces dernières années! Elle pouvait profiter d'une vie si riche sans aucune aide de la famille!"<br /> <br /> Bruce n'a pas répondu.<br /> <br /> Pendant les quatre années d'absence de Johanne, Bruce n'a pas épousé Roxane. De plus, pendant cette période, il s'est rendu compte que cette dernière n'était tout simplement pas celle qu'il lui fallait.<br /> <br /> La seule raison pour laquelle il n'a pas rompu avec Roxane était à cause de sa famille. La famille Fontaine était riche, mais ce n'était rien comparé à la famille Chevalier. Cependant, les aînés des deux familles étaient des amis proches! C'est pourquoi la famille Chevalier avait toujours pris soin de la famille Fontaine!<br /> <br /> À part cela, il y avait une autre raison cruciale. Il y a dix ans, Bruce a failli se noyer en nageant, et c'est Roxane qui l'a sauvé! Depuis lors, il a juré qu'il aimerait et protégerait cette fille pour le reste de sa vie!<br /> <br /> "Johanne a toujours fait des efforts depuis qu'elle est toute petite ! Elle est intelligente et douée avec les hommes ! Tu vois ses beaux vêtements et sa voiture ? Elle a dû se mettre en ménage avec un homme riche ! Contrairement à elle, Roxane, tu es toujours stupide et innocente, et les gens essaient tous de profiter de toi!" Ingride semblait faire l'éloge de Johanne, mais il n'était pas difficile de comprendre ce qu'elle sous-entendait.<br /> <br /> "Maman, de quoi parles-tu?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, je veux juste que tu apprennes de Johanne. Tu vois comme elle se débrouille bien? Les filles comme elle ne nous inquiètent jamais, où qu'elles aillent. Il n'y a plus beaucoup de filles aussi intelligentes qu'elle!"<br /> <br /> Bruce était en quelque sorte un peu contrarié." Ingride, Roxane, je dois y aller. J'ai une réunion importante ce soir."<br /> <br /> "Oui, bien sûr. Conduis prudemment, d'accord?" dit Ingride avec un sourire flatteur, de peur d'offenser le futur mari prometteur de sa fille!<br /> <br /> Bruce n'a rien dit de plus, s'est retourné et est monté dans une voiture...<br /> <br /> Après avoir vu la voiture de Bruce quitter les lieux, Roxane tape du pied de colère. Elle se plaint: "Tout est de ta faute, maman! Tu n'aurais jamais dû mettre cette salope de Johanne dans son lit il y a six ans! Il n'a plus jamais parlé de m'épouser! Et maintenant qu'elle est de retour, qu'est-ce qu'on va faire?"<br /> <br /> Ingride grince des dents. Ce dont sa fille se plaignait était ce qui lui faisait le plus de peine.<br /> <br /> Elle avait tout bien conçu il y a six ans.<br /> <br /> D'abord, elle a drogué Johanne. Puis elle a envoyé la jeune fille directement dans la chambre de Bruce, convaincue que ce dernier était trop ivre pour faire quoi que ce soit.<br /> <br /> Après cela, Ingride a informé un groupe de Paparazzi, leur suggérant d'écrire un drame sur la façon dont Johanne s'est jetée dans les bras de son beau-frère. Elle s'attendait à ce que cette fille soit privée de son droit d'héritage après avoir déshonoré la famille.<br /> <br /> Mais elle ne se doutait pas que cela se retournerait contre elle.<br /> <br /> Bruce a en fait couché avec Johanne.<br /> <br /> Et puis les choses lui ont échappé. Sous la pression de Raymond Fontaine et de Marguerite Chevalier, Bruce finit par épouser Johanne.<br /> <br /> En pensant à cela, Ingride dit: "Je l'ai fait pour toi, petite sotte. Bon sang, tout ça à cause de ton grand-père! Ce vieux con a toujours favorisé cette salope de Johanne! EEh bien, maintenant que le vieux est mort, voyons qui peut défendre la petite pute cette fois-ci!"<br /> <br /> "Mais maman..." Roxane était toujours inquiète.<br /> <br /> Même si Bruce avait été bon avec elle pendant des années, elle pouvait voir la frigidité dans ses yeux.<br /> <br /> L'homme a rarement souri depuis qu'il a divorcé de Johanne.<br /> <br /> Au fil des ans, il était devenu totalement un bourreau de travail. Il fallait parfois trois ou deux mois à Roxane pour le voir une fois.<br /> <br /> "Ne t'inquiète pas. Cette idiote de Johanne est aussi stupide que sa défunte mère! Nous sommes en train de nous éloigner d'elle. Pas avant qu'elle ne renonce d'abord à sa part d'héritage..."<br /> <br /> Dix jours plus tard, c'était l'enterrement de Raymond.<br /> <br /> Il pleuvait bruine. Tous les membres de la famille Fontaine étaient arrivés au cimetière sauf Johanne. En plus de cela, les meilleures personnes de Greyport se sont également présentées pour rendre hommage.<br /> <br /> Sans parler des journalistes qui se rtootshieemblaient devant le cimetière.<br /> <br /> Après tout, Raymond Fontaine était un gros bonnet à Greyport. Alors, bien sûr, ses funérailles étaient bien ciblées.<br /> <br /> "J'ai entendu dire que Raymond voulait que la fille aînée de la famille Fontaine hérite du Groupe Fontaine."<br /> <br /> "Oh, mon dieu, cette fille est vraiment astucieuse. Elle a séduit son beau-frère il y a six ans et a forcé sa sœur à partir. Puis elle est devenue celle qui s'est mariée dans la famille Chevalier à la place de sa sœur, et maintenant elle est la directrice du Groupe Fontaine. C'est impressionnant!"<br /> <br /> "Ha! Et alors? C'est juste une garce intrigante. Elle a été mise à la porte par la famille Chevalier, n'est-ce pas? Une telle femme est tout simplement dégoûtante!"<br /> <br /> Ingride était folle de joie en entendant les chuchotements de la foule. S'efforçant de maintenir le regard triste sur son visage, elle a dit: "Puis-je avoir votre attention s'il vous plaît? Tout d'abord, je voudrais tous vous remercier d'être venus aux funérailles de Raymond, et..."<br /> <br /> Un journaliste intervint: "Madame Fontaine , est-il vrai que Johanne va prendre la relève du Groupe Fontaine en tant que nouvelle dirigeante?"<br /> <br /> Ingride marqua une pause avant de répondre: "Je ne vais pas être dérangé par d'autres choses en ce jour extrêmement pénible. Mais pour une entreprise aussi grande que le Groupe Fontaine, la parole d'un seul homme ne peut faire effet. Nous avons besoin d'une réunion du conseil d'administration pour choisir le bon directeur exécutif!"<br /> <br /> "Madame Fontaine, pourquoi Johanne n'est-elle pas là un jour si important?"<br /> <br /> "Ha, c'est la question que vous devriez lui poser..."<br /> <br /> Pendant qu'elle parlait, à l'extérieur du cimetière vinrent soudain des bruits de moteurs.<br /> <br /> Une longue Rolls-Royce pénétrait dans le cimetière, suivie d'une flotte de Mercedes.<br /> <br /> "Regardez cette plaque d'immatriculation. Il semble que ce soit la voiture de M. Grimm!" Les journalistes sont tout excités et se précipitent vers la Rolls-Royce.<br /> <br /> Oui, cette Rolls-Royce appartenait à Jayden Grimm.<br /> <br /> Il y avait deux jeunes hommes riches bien connus à Greyport. L'un d'eux était Bruce Chevalier, et l'autre était Jayden Grimm.<br /> <br /> Deuxième fils du magnat des casinos de la ville de Venturas, il dirigeait également une société de divertissement appelée Starlight Media. Plusieurs nouvelles stars du showbiz étaient des artistes sous le contrôle de sa société.<br /> <br /> Contrairement à Bruce, qui gardait un profil bas, Jayden avait toujours été un homme de publicité.<br /> <br /> Les portes de la Rolls-Royce s'ouvrirent lentement et Jayden sortit le premier.<br /> <br /> "Wow, c'est vraiment M. Grimm!" La presse s'avance comme des mouches qui hument le sang.<br /> <br /> Après que Jayden soit sorti de la voiture, il s'est tourné de l'autre côté et a aidé une femme vêtue de noir à sortir de la voiture comme un vrai gentleman.<br /> <br /> "Est-ce...? Wow, c'est Johanne Fontaine!"<br /> <br /> "C'est une blague. Que faitGrimm avec une femme comme elle?"<br /> <br /> Comme ils étaient tous étonnés, un à un, sont sortis deux adorables gosses vêtus de minuscules costumes noirs.<br /> <br /> Les garçons doivent avoir entre 3 et 4 ans.<br /> <br /> Et cela a fait l'effet d'une bombe, suscitant l'intérêt de tous!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/5alnvv1llnjgl	101489936134366	OasisStory	https://facebook.com/100087803393468	2,960	1	299,501,563,081,966	2023-12-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120202766079530465	www.yumread.com		NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/5alnvv1llnjglcqjkzvf5kgr?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}		2023-12-15 22:53	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411388950_732591325080922_3640642186348620709_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZxTFw-KxjwYAX9P_9uV&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCBuoI8EEVjPN54pqz8miIzNUo-EEHr7a0rZoN4mlbvig&oe=6591AE5F	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411418613_263916916364448_5601478904939456656_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aGcwEGsLyIMAX_AAot9&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfC9BcjCnlcw71gHOaZcBmjykOIP-X8CVCXuRfnJbYYF2A&oe=65918F68	3	OasisStory	2023-12-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,178	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67820}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	281530841060227		I am thrilled to have the painting ’My Brazil’ selected as the winner in the @boynesartistaward in November 2023:) <br /> It’s my second Prize received from Chantal Boynes, as I won exactly a year ago with the painting ’Serene’. <br /> Both paintings are special to me. They portray my friend Renato and his partner Alex. <br /> The theme of November’s competition was Unity in Diversity. <br /> Congratulations to Laurin and Alexandra who also won the Boynes Monthly Art Award. <br /> <br /> #MonthlyArtAward #artisticexcellence #winners #boynesmonthlyartaward #winnerpainting #artistachivement #contemporaryart #Polishfigurativeartist #modernrealismart #polishartist	VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE	http://instagram.com/joannapilarczyk	1598210863727191	Joanna Pilarczyk Art	https://facebook.com/JoannaPilarczykArt	914	1	900,028,795,051,333	2023-12-13 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Visit Instagram profile	Joanna Pilarczyk Art	6517369214112	instagram.com		NONE	carousel		http://instagram.com/joannapilarczyk		2023-12-10 10:41	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408772192_267195189342268_8212370749743684102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AqaZAxL4bcwAX-7Df7D&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDKNhn8K2bCHYKXEwU-RfCDjHSr7g6FkoJ9UKQm3bdOcg&oe=6591E4D4	person_profile	Joanna Pilarczyk Art	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408768291_1128600394792355_4206297952672233817_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4_GK5R6utacAX-tuMrk&_nc_oc=AQnZxFU6hM8rNlvUdAJKD5a2S3dWb9OIJe3UaHz70w2sP5QfJR6MA3bVeEwEcaqWgKA&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDe_Y9wJqg5juUwpsoeFjyNqoS22vLzkSIFD2g0ksepFA&oe=65922D1E	3	Joanna Pilarczyk Art	2023-12-10 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,876	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68874}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1025657688704549	<Meu Marido Bilionário Secreto>	"Marido, eu não quero mais, me sinto péssima..." "Amor, seja boazinha, termine de tomar esse remédio."<br /> O homem bonito abraça a mulher em seus braços, acariciando-a delicadamente enquanto a alimenta com o remédio.<br /> Joanna Lawrence se depara com Ashton Heath, o herdeiro mais estimado de toda a cidade de Closia, e acaba passando a noite com ele. Depois que ele oferece benefícios em troca de seu casamento, a recém nomeada Sra. Heath de repente tem o poder de ter tudo o que sempre desejou.<br /> "Marido, eu dei um tapa na Rainha do Cinema Faye hoje, eu exagerei?"<br /> "Amor, sua mão está doendo? Deixe-me massageá-la para você."<br /> "Marido, eu estourei o limite do seu cartão de crédito, você está bravo?"<br /> "Amor, você está feliz com suas compras? Avise-me quando precisar de mais."<br /> "Marido, estou cansada hoje, não quero me mexer..."<br /> <br /> Clique para ler mais <Meu Marido Bilionário Secreto>	LEARN_MORE	https://dynamic.bestnovelapp.com/noah-ssg/wn/20230	100802715811938	Best APP to release stress	https://facebook.com/100079851744054	4,921	1	1,585,076,675,565,678	2023-12-01 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Best APP to release stress	120201140437530070	dynamic.bestnovelapp.com		NONE	image	Leia online！！	https://dynamic.bestnovelapp.com/noah-ssg/wn/202309192/27884910600562805+1+3+facebook?utm_source={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}		2023-11-29 02:34	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404776147_877585043901172_1316116495654571637_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=59unR4QnG0IAX_HQ16x&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCTl4rfXiPLgqgzhlqFpjTBGq_QpjIGscWThnjgVrC5fw&oe=6591B4E1	person_profile	Best APP to release stress	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404750107_313323351529139_965139659840395923_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OTUXsy-ffgUAX_rjkdw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAR-ut8jtRdNqy9FItUB0B8vZrxhx47WB5s_h9ZJBnoeA&oe=65925AE8	3	Best APP to release stress	2023-11-29 02:00	View Edit Delete
70,084	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":70060}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	719668686343025	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜	Bruce was pinning her arms to the wall, making it impossible for her to struggle. He was so tall and oppressive that Joanna could barely breathe.<br /> "Don't you love it when I do such things to you? I didn't expect that after four years, you would still like pretending to be an innocent girl." Bruce sneered, his big hands running wild over her body.<br /> "Bruce, we're divorced.I've figured it out just now that there are many men out there who are so much better than you! Divorcing you is the best thing that ever happened to me."<br /> And that succeeded in pissing Bruce off completely. He jerked his head down and shut her mouth with his furious kiss.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/isspj4ebdibgj	119061657800841	OasisFun	https://facebook.com/100091233910499	427	1	1,051,509,069,310,029	2023-11-21 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisFun	120201111817960243	www.yumread.com		NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/isspj4ebdibgj2u3abnmpdl3?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}		2023-11-21 02:02	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403606229_1073255970781917_7592557743465243059_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aUrPBfM2HCsAX_Gekrr&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfCrzhsazIIoE1WV86mZaf8l6k8-iqTGMn0OeoIu89Idig&oe=6591D85A	person_profile	OasisFun	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403603656_1564731260985625_1047185084548743206_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53abnxoSrnIAX-vQq0g&_nc_oc=AQlbBOWLmkZJ3ssN0VJNgNjpoH2NKimUqJzSEynOnpiNXvi_eBIFdyjaxcCkKsGSCrg&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBmdWt22pBC9w_JOXQTMMZYpv9ImHz3syko2X8Rz5XXXw&oe=6592A0DF	3	OasisFun	2023-11-21 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,244	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67278}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1046663926460848	Tatum O'Neal, de 60 anos, está agora a sofrer de várias doenças após anos de maus-tratos e hábitos mortais que aprendeu dos seus próprios pais, o falecido Ryan O'Neal e Joanna Moore. "Eu passei por muita coisa", disse Tatum. Aqui está mais...	Tatum O'Neal, de 60 anos, está agora a sofrer de várias doenças após anos de maus-tratos e hábitos mortais que aprendeu dos seus próprios pais, o falecido Ryan O'Neal e Joanna Moore. "Eu passei por muita coisa", disse Tatum. Aqui está mais para saber sobre Tatum.	NO_BUTTON	https://en.onechicagocenter.com/view/?id=tatum-one	108482371656615	Celebratized	https://facebook.com/100075750675644	7,585	0	293,870,426,454,473	2023-12-20 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	No button	Celebratized	120203143700200280	en.onechicagocenter.com		NONE	image		https://en.onechicagocenter.com/view/?id=tatum-oneal-facts-br-occ&src=facebook		2023-12-18 23:17	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410020309_243357215443722_5629172979757188871_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D_-FkIaOP6oAX_EH7C_&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCZVeKhb3QsqmOPd_6ifILDimyN_R_ywSx4VUWe9eozBQ&oe=65923A48	person_profile			3	Celebratized	2023-12-18 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,991	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67449}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	6896282143798065	👉Lire la suite 📜Le retour de son ex-femme inégalée📜	Après leur divorce, Bruce pensait que Joanna allait continuer à le harceler ou au moins faire une scène. <br /> De façon inattendue, le lendemain, Joanna a déménagé. Elle n'a emporté avec elle que ses papiers d'identité, pas même la carte bancaire qui contenait 100 millions de dollars.<br /> Et pendant ces quatre années, il n'y avait eu aucune nouvelle d'elle. Cela faisait quatre ans.<br /> Elle vient de disparaître complètement de son monde.<br /> Jusqu'à quatre ans plus tard, Joanna est revenue avec ses fils et un autre homme.<br /> Même s'ils étaient divorcés, Bruce se sentait toujours trompé et même trahi<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> Il était minuit et les gouttes de pluie martelaient la fenêtre.<br /> <br /> À l'intérieur d'une maison, un homme dit froidement: "Signe les papiers du divorce! En compensation, je te donnerai 100 millions de dollars de pension alimentaire."<br /> <br /> "Ai-je encore fait quelque chose de mal, Bruce?" demanda timidement Johanne Fontaine. Elle avait toujours été une humble servante devant lui.<br /> <br /> "Roxane est de retour, et elle ne veut pas te voir! Il est temps que notre mariage prenne fin. Alors tu dois partir!" dit Bruce Chevalier en croisant ses longues jambes et en s'adossant au canapé. Il était aussi beau qu'une sculpture grecque cltootshieique, mais son regard était toujours aussi froid.<br /> <br /> Les lèvres pâles de Johanne frémissent comme si elle était tombée dans l'eau glacée. Elle demanda avec surprise: "Tu divorces parce qu'elle est de retour? Notre mariage n'est-il qu'une plaisanterie pour toi?"<br /> <br /> "Tu n'étais pas celle que je voulais épouser au départ, et tu as fait fuir Roxane il y a deux ans avec tes sales coups. Maintenant qu'elle est revenue, je ne ferai pas la même erreur. Dépêche-toi de signer les papiers! Quatre-vingts millions de dollars pour deux ans de ta vie pathétique. Tu devrais considérer que c'est une bonne affaire". Bruce avait toujours été doué pour la blesser avec des mots.<br /> <br /> "Je... Que se ptootshieera-t-il si je ne les signe pas?" demanda amèrement Johanne.<br /> <br /> "Fais comme tu veux. J'ai des moyens de te faire disparaître. Légalement ou non, personne ne le remarquera."<br /> <br /> En tant qu'héritier de la famille la plus riche de la ville de Greyport, Bruce avait toujours été capable de faire ce qu'il voulait. Qui oserait lui tenir tête de toute façon?<br /> <br /> Il y a deux ans, la famille de Johanne a décidé de se lier à celle des Chevalier par le mariage.<br /> <br /> Cependant, lors du banquet de fiançailles de Bruce et Roxane, la demi-sœur de Johanne, l'homme a été drogué. Plus tard dans le salon, ce dernier a confondu Johanne avec Roxane, et ils ont couché ensemble!<br /> <br /> Le lendemain, le scandale de la relation entre la fille aînée du groupe Fontaine et son beau-frère fait la une des journaux.<br /> <br /> L'état mental de Roxane Fontaine s'est dégradé et elle a été envoyée dans une maison de repos à l'étranger pour y être soignée.<br /> <br /> Tout le monde a pris Johanne comme la briseuse de ménage la plus éhontée, la pointant du doigt pour avoir couché avec son beau-frère!<br /> <br /> Bruce la détestait encore plus et a décidé que c'était Johanne qui l'avait drogué et avait grimpé sur son lit.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, la famille Chevalier et la famille Fontaine partagent une amitié depuis des générations. Ce mariage devait d'ailleurs permettre d'approfondir ce lien.<br /> <br /> Ainsi, les aînés des deux familles, Raymond Fontaine et Marguerite Chevalier, ont insisté pour que Bruce et Johanne se marient.<br /> <br /> Les deux dernières années de mariage avaient été un enfer pour Johanne!<br /> <br /> Sa tolérance et son affection n'ont pas amélioré la situation. En retour, elle a eu droit à davantage d'humiliations et de tortures. Johanne est épuisée, tant mentalement que physiquement.<br /> <br /> Et si Bruce voulait divorcer? Elle en avait tootshieez de toute façon!<br /> <br /> "Bien, je les signerai, mais j'ai une demande à faire."<br /> <br /> "Crache le morceau alors!" Bruce croyait que Johanne pensait à plus d'argent!<br /> <br /> Après tout, c'est ce qui l'intéressait, elle, la femme intrigante.<br /> <br /> "Je veux que tu couches avec moi comme un vrai amoureux, pour une fois. Ces deux dernières années, chaque fois que tu as été avec moi, tu as prononcé le nom de Roxane. Oui, tu m'as fait sentir que j'étais la pire femme du monde, et j'en ai tootshieez! Je suis ta femme, et je veux que tu cries mon nom en faisant l'amour avec moi pour la dernière fois. Je suis Johanne, pas Roxane!" Pour la première fois, Johanne poussait des cris hystériques et tremblait de colère!<br /> <br /> À chaque fois au cours des deux dernières années, Bruce a délibérément prononcé le mauvais nom! Il avait des relations sexuelles avec elle uniquement pour la punir et l'humilier. Il n'y avait aucun amour là-dedans!<br /> <br /> "Oh, arrête tes bêtises. Quelqu'un m'attend en bas..."<br /> <br /> Johanne s'ébroua d'un rire moqueur.<br /> <br /> Alors c'était probablement Roxane qui l'attendait en bas!<br /> <br /> "Elle peut attendre encore un peu. Cela fait deux ans qu'elle attend, et je pense qu'elle peut être tootshieez patiente pour quelques minutes de plus. Fais ce que j'ai dit ou pas. C'est comme tu veux. Cela ne me dérange pas que les médias écrivent à nouveau des histoires sur moi!"<br /> <br /> Bruce détestait le plus être menacé. Ses lèvres fines se retroussèrent en un ricanement. Quelques secondes plus tard, il répondit: "Bien, je vais le faire. Mais ne le regrette pas, Johanne!"<br /> <br /> Bruce se redressa d'un coup, la saisit par le chemisier et la tira violemment.<br /> <br /> Et puis...<br /> <br /> Ses bas ont été déchirés...<br /> <br /> L'homme ne lui a même pas donné d'avertissement avant de lui faire du mal!<br /> <br /> "Ah!" s'écria Johanne en fermant les yeux de douleur!<br /> <br /> Bruce était aussi impitoyable que jamais, presque cruel.<br /> <br /> Il ne s'est jamais soucié de savoir si cela lui faisait du mal ou non. Ou peut-être que le fait de la voir souffrir lui plaisait tout simplement!<br /> <br /> Bien! Très bien!<br /> <br /> Elle s'en souviendrait, se remémorant la cruauté de cet homme à son égard pour le reste de sa vie.<br /> <br /> "Johanne. Ah, Johanne. Es-tu heureuse maintenant?"<br /> <br /> Il finit par l'appeler par son nom alors qu'il est sur elle.<br /> <br /> Bien que ce fût toute une humiliation, elle put enfin se débarrtootshieer de la dépression qui l'avait hantée pendant deux années entières.<br /> <br /> Johanne sentit des larmes couler sur ses joues alors qu'elle disait d'un ton navré: "Bruce Chevalier! Je ne t'aimerai plus!"<br /> <br /> Bruce avait entendu ce qu'elle avait dit mais avait choisi de l'ignorer. Il attrapa sa mâchoire avec mépris, baissa les yeux sur son visage et ricana!<br /> <br /> Elle était belle!<br /> <br /> Cette femme avait un visage si joli et si innocent, mais son esprit était rempli de saletés et de stratagèmes.<br /> <br /> C'était pourquoi son soi-disant amour pour lui ne ferait que le rendre malade.<br /> <br /> "Signe les papiers du divorce, prends l'argent, et quitte Greyport pour toujours!"<br /> <br /> Après avoir dit cela, Bruce est parti sans se retourner, la laissant allongée sur le sol, en mauvais état.<br /> <br /> Deux mois après...<br /> <br /> Dans un hôpital.<br /> <br /> "Félicitations, Mme Fontaine, vous êtes enceinte de plus d'un enfant. Mais je vous suggère d'abandonner un ou deux des fœtus, sinon il y aura trop de risques!"<br /> <br /> Abandonner?<br /> <br /> Non, elle n'enlèverait le droit de vivre à aucun de ses enfants!<br /> <br /> C'était ses bébés et seulement les siens! D'une manière ou d'une autre, elle allait les mettre au monde et les élever correctement...<br /> <br /> ..............................................................................<br /> Quatre ans plus tard!<br /> <br /> Dans l'unité de soins intensifs d'un hôpital.<br /> <br /> "Je suis désolé, nous avons tout essayé, mais Raymond ne va pas mieux. Vous devriez rentrer et lui dire adieu!"<br /> <br /> Shaun Fontaine fronce les sourcils, inquiet, et dit: "Doc, pourriez-vous essayer quelque chose d'autre? Si mon père ne peut pas survivre, tous les biens de la famille Fontaine seront légués au gouvernement... oh, que faire... aucun d'entre nous n'a vu Johanne au fil des ans. Bon sang, et mon père aussi. Nous ne savons pas à quoi il pensait. Comment a-t-il pu ignorer ses petits-fils qui l'accompagnent tous les jours tout en se souciant uniquement de cette misérable fille qui est la mienne!"<br /> <br /> Tout le monde dans la famille Fontaine était misérable ces jours-ci.<br /> <br /> Raymond, le père de Shaun, a rédigé un étrange testament sur son lit de mort.<br /> <br /> Il a laissé 51% du Groupe Fontaine à sa petite-fille aînée, Johanne. Quant aux autres membres de la famille Fontaine, ils n'hériteraient que de 10 %.<br /> <br /> Autrement dit, Johanne deviendrait la plus importante actionnaire du Groupe Fontaine.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, selon la condition supplémentaire du testament, si Johanne ne se manifeste pas avant la mort de Raymond, toutes les propriétés de la famille Fontaine iront directement à l'État.<br /> <br /> Ainsi, la famille Fontaine cherchait désespérément Johanne depuis quelques jours.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, c'était comme si Johanne avait disparu du monde!<br /> <br /> Personne n'a jamais entendu parler d'elle et ne l'a jamais vue une seule fois depuis qu'elle et Bruce ont divorcé.<br /> <br /> "De mon point de vue, cette fille fait tout simplement exprès de s'opposer à nous! Personne ne sait où elle est allée pendant toutes ces années!"<br /> <br /> La seconde épouse de Shaun, Ingride Fontaine, jurait furieusement, et son visage se tordit un peu.<br /> <br /> À l'époque, elle, avec les jumeaux dans le ventre, a expulsé la mère de Johanne et Johanne de la famille. Puis Ingride a donné naissance à son troisième fils, pensant que sa position dans la famille était absolument tootshieurée.<br /> <br /> Elle ne s'était jamais attendue à ce qu'elle n'aurait rien à la fin.<br /> <br /> De ses trois enfants, le vieil homme préférait toujours cette fille Johanne.<br /> <br /> "Papa, maman, grand-père est réveillé!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne... ma Johanne..." Raymond était dans le coma depuis plus d'une douzaine de jours. Ses heures étaient comptées.<br /> <br /> Et avant sa mort, sa seule préoccupation était pour sa petite-fille aînée, Johanne.<br /> <br /> Johanne avait disparu depuis quatre ans, et cela inquiétait tellement Raymond. Il soupçonnait même Ingride d'avoir en quelque sorte tootshietootshieiné sa petite-fille bien-aimée.<br /> <br /> "Papa, Derick, Rayan et Roxane ne sont-ils pas tous tes petits-enfants? Ton testament n'est pas juste! Tu ne leur laisses pratiquement rien! Ils pourraient tout aussi bien sortir dans la rue et mendier pour vivre si tu insistes pour tout donner au gouvernement!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne... Laisse-moi voir Johanne. Tu n'auras pas un sou avant ça..."<br /> <br /> Ingride a crié à voix btootshiee: "Cela fait quatre ans, Raymond! Qui sait où elle est allée? En plus, si elle tient vraiment à toi, comment peut-elle ne pas venir te voir pour la dernière fois?"<br /> <br /> Une pointe d'impatience traverse le regard de Roxane, et et elle ne peut s'empêcher de demander: "Bruce, sais-tu où est ptootshieée ma sœur?"<br /> <br /> Bruce s'est figé parce qu'il ne connaissait pas la réponse à cette question.<br /> <br /> Il y a quatre ans, après leur divorce, Bruce pensait que Johanne allait continuer à le harceler ou au moins faire une scène!<br /> <br /> Contre toute attente, le lendemain, Johanne a déménagé. Elle n'a emporté avec elle que ses papiers d'identité, pas même la carte bancaire qui contenait 8 millions de dollars.<br /> <br /> Et pendant ces quatre années, il n'y avait eu aucune nouvelle d'elle. Bien sûr, aussi fier que soit Bruce, il ne l'a jamais contactée non plus.<br /> <br /> Cela faisait quatre ans!<br /> <br /> Pourtant, Bruce ne croyait pas qu'elle se laisserait aller si facilement! Il avait préparé tant de plans pour se débarrtootshieer d'elle lorsqu'elle se présenterait. Pourtant, il s'est avéré qu'il n'avait besoin d'aucun d'entre eux!<br /> <br /> Elle a complètement disparu de son monde.<br /> <br /> "Johanne... Johanne!"<br /> <br /> "Oh, vas-y, grand-père est en train de mourir! Va chercher les médecins..."<br /> <br /> Le moniteur ECG a indiqué à tout le monde que le cœur de Raymond s'arrêtait de battre. En larmes, les membres de sa famille se sont rtootshieemblés autour du lit!<br /> <br /> Ils pleuraient, non pas la mort prochaine de Raymond, mais pour les biens qui allaient être légués!<br /> <br /> Tape, tape, tape...<br /> <br /> Du couloir de l'hôpital est venu le bruit des talons hauts!<br /> <br /> Craquer.<br /> <br /> La porte de la salle a été poussée.<br /> <br /> Celle qui est entrée portait un costume blanc fait sur mesure! Elle tenait dans ses mains une Hermès en édition limitée, et des lunettes de soleil surdimensionnées couvraient la majeure partie de son visage! Ses jambes fines sont déjà tootshieez longues, mais les chaussures à talons hauts les mettent encore plus en valeur!<br /> <br /> Elle est entrée avec le genre d'ambiance de beauté glacée, semblant faire baisser la température dans la salle!<br /> <br /> "Qui est cette femme? La connaissions-nous? Qui l'a autorisée à être ici?"<br /> <br /> "C'est moi. Je suis ici pour voir mon grand-père!" Johanne enleva lentement ses lunettes de soleil et se dirigea vers le lit!<br /> <br /> "Johanne!" Les autres haletèrent tous.<br /> <br /> Elle avait tellement changé!<br /> <br /> Ses longs cheveux noirs qu'elle avait l'habitude de garder lisses étaient devenus bruns bouclés. Il avait l'habitude d'atteindre sa taille, mais maintenant le bout dansait autour de son épaule. Elle avait complètement changé de la gentille fille d'à côté à une femme de carrière mature et sexy!<br /> <br /> Ce qui est encore plus remarquable, c'est que Johanne est apparue beaucoup plus mince qu'auparavant. Elle mesurait un mètre quatre-vingt-dix, mais semblait peser à peine quatre-vingt-dix kilos! Entre-temps, l'innocence de cette paire de grands yeux s'était également vidée. Il suffisait de la regarder dans les yeux pour comprendre qu'elle avait dû vivre beaucoup de choses ces dernières années!<br /> <br /> "Johanne? Oh, enfin, Johanne! La famille Fontaine sera ruinée si tu ne te montres pas..."<br /> <br /> Pour la première fois, tous les membres de la famille Fontaine étaient si heureux de revoir Johanne!<br /> <br /> "Je suis désolée, grand-père. Je suis désolée d'être en retard!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne," Raymond cria et ouvrit à peine les yeux," je suis heureux que tu sois saine et sauve. Oh, je peux enfin être soulagé..."<br /> <br /> Sur ce, Raymond tendit la main, mais la seconde suivante, sa main retomba faiblement sur le lit, sa tête pencha et ses yeux se fermèrent!<br /> <br /> Bip!<br /> <br /> L'ECG bipait, déclarant la mort de Raymond!<br /> <br /> "Grand-père? Grand-père!" cria Johanne, les larmes coulant sur ses joues.<br /> <br /> Elle savait que son grand-père était le seul Fontaine qui se souciait d'elle!<br /> <br /> "Ah, allez, arrête ces fausses larmes! Tu aurais été là depuis longtemps si tu t'étais soucié de ton grand-père! Maintenant qu'il est temps de parler d'héritage, tu es venu?" dit Derick, le fils aîné de Shaun. Le sarcasme dans son ton était évident.<br /> <br /> Il n'avait jamais pris Johanne comme sa sœur aînée, et maintenant qu'elle était la plus grande bénéficiaire de l'héritage de Raymond, Derick la détestait encore plus!<br /> <br /> "Ça suffit. Appelle quelqu'un et organise d'abord les funérailles", dit Shaun. Raisonnablement affligé, il tapote l'épaule de Johanne." Johanne, maintenant que tu es de retour, reviens à la maison!"<br /> <br /> Les lèvres d'Ingride se retroussèrent avec dédain, mais elle disait joyeusement: "C'est ça, viens vivre avec nous ! De plus, ton grand-père a fait un testament sur son lit de mort. Il veut que tu hérites de 51 % du Groupe Fontaine! La maladie a dû lui embrouiller le cerveau. Comment a-t-il pu laisser une entreprise aussi importante à une fille qui n'y connaît rien? Johanne, tu es encore jeune et naïve. Laisse ton père continuer à diriger l'entreprise!"<br /> <br /> Ingride a dit cela comme si Johanne était censée suivre ses instructions. Au fond d'elle-même, elle était convaincue que cette dernière était aussi stupide que sa salope de mère!<br /> <br /> Au moment où Johanne reviendrait dans leur maison, elle serait sous le contrôle total d'Ingride!<br /> <br /> Johanne est restée sans expression. Elle dit froidement: "Je ne veux pas penser à cela maintenant. Je veux juste m'occuper de grand-père d'abord!"<br /> <br /> "Oui, oui, tu as raison sur ce point. L'enterrement de Raymond est la chose la plus importante maintenant. Tout le reste peut être remis à plus tard!"<br /> <br /> ..............................................................................<br /> C'était en fin d'après-midi après que la maison mortuaire ait récupéré le corps de Raymond.<br /> <br /> Johanne est sortie de l'hôpital avec les autres!<br /> <br /> "Où habites-tu? Mon chauffeur te ramènera!" dit Bruce. Sa voix était un peu rauque parce que Johanne ne lui avait pas adressé la parole une seule fois avant cela!<br /> <br /> Johanne sourit poliment et serre les clés de la voiture dans sa main. "Merci, mais c'est moi qui ai conduit jusqu'ici!"<br /> <br /> Le regard indifférent sur son visage donnait l'impression qu'elle était simplement polie envers un parfait inconnu.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, Roxane a compris que Bruce était en train de draguer Johanne. Son visage s'est tootshieombri et, rapidement, elle a pris affectueusement le bras de ce dernier en lui disant: "Johanne, pourquoi ne reviendrais-tu pas vivre avec nous? Au moins, tu ne seras pas seule, et..."<br /> <br /> "C'est plus facile pour moi de rester dans un hôtel. Au revoir!" Johanne a poliment fait un signe de la main et s'est dirigée vers le parking souterrain!<br /> <br /> Bientôt, une Bentley argentée est sortie du parking et a démarré en trombe devant la foule!<br /> <br /> "Il semble que ma sœur ait bien vécu ces dernières années! Elle pouvait profiter d'une vie si riche sans aucune aide de la famille!"<br /> <br /> Bruce n'a pas répondu.<br /> <br /> Pendant les quatre années d'absence de Johanne, Bruce n'a pas épousé Roxane. De plus, pendant cette période, il s'est rendu compte que cette dernière n'était tout simplement pas celle qu'il lui fallait.<br /> <br /> La seule raison pour laquelle il n'a pas rompu avec Roxane était à cause de sa famille. La famille Fontaine était riche, mais ce n'était rien comparé à la famille Chevalier. Cependant, les aînés des deux familles étaient des amis proches! C'est pourquoi la famille Chevalier avait toujours pris soin de la famille Fontaine!<br /> <br /> À part cela, il y avait une autre raison cruciale. Il y a dix ans, Bruce a failli se noyer en nageant, et c'est Roxane qui l'a sauvé! Depuis lors, il a juré qu'il aimerait et protégerait cette fille pour le reste de sa vie!<br /> <br /> "Johanne a toujours fait des efforts depuis qu'elle est toute petite ! Elle est intelligente et douée avec les hommes ! Tu vois ses beaux vêtements et sa voiture ? Elle a dû se mettre en ménage avec un homme riche ! Contrairement à elle, Roxane, tu es toujours stupide et innocente, et les gens essaient tous de profiter de toi!" Ingride semblait faire l'éloge de Johanne, mais il n'était pas difficile de comprendre ce qu'elle sous-entendait.<br /> <br /> "Maman, de quoi parles-tu?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, je veux juste que tu apprennes de Johanne. Tu vois comme elle se débrouille bien? Les filles comme elle ne nous inquiètent jamais, où qu'elles aillent. Il n'y a plus beaucoup de filles aussi intelligentes qu'elle!"<br /> <br /> Bruce était en quelque sorte un peu contrarié." Ingride, Roxane, je dois y aller. J'ai une réunion importante ce soir."<br /> <br /> "Oui, bien sûr. Conduis prudemment, d'accord?" dit Ingride avec un sourire flatteur, de peur d'offenser le futur mari prometteur de sa fille!<br /> <br /> Bruce n'a rien dit de plus, s'est retourné et est monté dans une voiture...<br /> <br /> Après avoir vu la voiture de Bruce quitter les lieux, Roxane tape du pied de colère. Elle se plaint: "Tout est de ta faute, maman! Tu n'aurais jamais dû mettre cette salope de Johanne dans son lit il y a six ans! Il n'a plus jamais parlé de m'épouser! Et maintenant qu'elle est de retour, qu'est-ce qu'on va faire?"<br /> <br /> Ingride grince des dents. Ce dont sa fille se plaignait était ce qui lui faisait le plus de peine.<br /> <br /> Elle avait tout bien conçu il y a six ans.<br /> <br /> D'abord, elle a drogué Johanne. Puis elle a envoyé la jeune fille directement dans la chambre de Bruce, convaincue que ce dernier était trop ivre pour faire quoi que ce soit.<br /> <br /> Après cela, Ingride a informé un groupe de Paparazzi, leur suggérant d'écrire un drame sur la façon dont Johanne s'est jetée dans les bras de son beau-frère. Elle s'attendait à ce que cette fille soit privée de son droit d'héritage après avoir déshonoré la famille.<br /> <br /> Mais elle ne se doutait pas que cela se retournerait contre elle.<br /> <br /> Bruce a en fait couché avec Johanne.<br /> <br /> Et puis les choses lui ont échappé. Sous la pression de Raymond Fontaine et de Marguerite Chevalier, Bruce finit par épouser Johanne.<br /> <br /> En pensant à cela, Ingride dit: "Je l'ai fait pour toi, petite sotte. Bon sang, tout ça à cause de ton grand-père! Ce vieux con a toujours favorisé cette salope de Johanne! EEh bien, maintenant que le vieux est mort, voyons qui peut défendre la petite pute cette fois-ci!"<br /> <br /> "Mais maman..." Roxane était toujours inquiète.<br /> <br /> Même si Bruce avait été bon avec elle pendant des années, elle pouvait voir la frigidité dans ses yeux.<br /> <br /> L'homme a rarement souri depuis qu'il a divorcé de Johanne.<br /> <br /> Au fil des ans, il était devenu totalement un bourreau de travail. Il fallait parfois trois ou deux mois à Roxane pour le voir une fois.<br /> <br /> "Ne t'inquiète pas. Cette idiote de Johanne est aussi stupide que sa défunte mère! Nous sommes en train de nous éloigner d'elle. Pas avant qu'elle ne renonce d'abord à sa part d'héritage..."<br /> <br /> Dix jours plus tard, c'était l'enterrement de Raymond.<br /> <br /> Il pleuvait bruine. Tous les membres de la famille Fontaine étaient arrivés au cimetière sauf Johanne. En plus de cela, les meilleures personnes de Greyport se sont également présentées pour rendre hommage.<br /> <br /> Sans parler des journalistes qui se rtootshieemblaient devant le cimetière.<br /> <br /> Après tout, Raymond Fontaine était un gros bonnet à Greyport. Alors, bien sûr, ses funérailles étaient bien ciblées.<br /> <br /> "J'ai entendu dire que Raymond voulait que la fille aînée de la famille Fontaine hérite du Groupe Fontaine."<br /> <br /> "Oh, mon dieu, cette fille est vraiment astucieuse. Elle a séduit son beau-frère il y a six ans et a forcé sa sœur à partir. Puis elle est devenue celle qui s'est mariée dans la famille Chevalier à la place de sa sœur, et maintenant elle est la directrice du Groupe Fontaine. C'est impressionnant!"<br /> <br /> "Ha! Et alors? C'est juste une garce intrigante. Elle a été mise à la porte par la famille Chevalier, n'est-ce pas? Une telle femme est tout simplement dégoûtante!"<br /> <br /> Ingride était folle de joie en entendant les chuchotements de la foule. S'efforçant de maintenir le regard triste sur son visage, elle a dit: "Puis-je avoir votre attention s'il vous plaît? Tout d'abord, je voudrais tous vous remercier d'être venus aux funérailles de Raymond, et..."<br /> <br /> Un journaliste intervint: "Madame Fontaine , est-il vrai que Johanne va prendre la relève du Groupe Fontaine en tant que nouvelle dirigeante?"<br /> <br /> Ingride marqua une pause avant de répondre: "Je ne vais pas être dérangé par d'autres choses en ce jour extrêmement pénible. Mais pour une entreprise aussi grande que le Groupe Fontaine, la parole d'un seul homme ne peut faire effet. Nous avons besoin d'une réunion du conseil d'administration pour choisir le bon directeur exécutif!"<br /> <br /> "Madame Fontaine, pourquoi Johanne n'est-elle pas là un jour si important?"<br /> <br /> "Ha, c'est la question que vous devriez lui poser..."<br /> <br /> Pendant qu'elle parlait, à l'extérieur du cimetière vinrent soudain des bruits de moteurs.<br /> <br /> Une longue Rolls-Royce pénétrait dans le cimetière, suivie d'une flotte de Mercedes.<br /> <br /> "Regardez cette plaque d'immatriculation. Il semble que ce soit la voiture de M. Grimm!" Les journalistes sont tout excités et se précipitent vers la Rolls-Royce.<br /> <br /> Oui, cette Rolls-Royce appartenait à Jayden Grimm.<br /> <br /> Il y avait deux jeunes hommes riches bien connus à Greyport. L'un d'eux était Bruce Chevalier, et l'autre était Jayden Grimm.<br /> <br /> Deuxième fils du magnat des casinos de la ville de Venturas, il dirigeait également une société de divertissement appelée Starlight Media. Plusieurs nouvelles stars du showbiz étaient des artistes sous le contrôle de sa société.<br /> <br /> Contrairement à Bruce, qui gardait un profil bas, Jayden avait toujours été un homme de publicité.<br /> <br /> Les portes de la Rolls-Royce s'ouvrirent lentement et Jayden sortit le premier.<br /> <br /> "Wow, c'est vraiment M. Grimm!" La presse s'avance comme des mouches qui hument le sang.<br /> <br /> Après que Jayden soit sorti de la voiture, il s'est tourné de l'autre côté et a aidé une femme vêtue de noir à sortir de la voiture comme un vrai gentleman.<br /> <br /> "Est-ce...? Wow, c'est Johanne Fontaine!"<br /> <br /> "C'est une blague. Que faitGrimm avec une femme comme elle?"<br /> <br /> Comme ils étaient tous étonnés, un à un, sont sortis deux adorables gosses vêtus de minuscules costumes noirs.<br /> <br /> Les garçons doivent avoir entre 3 et 4 ans.<br /> <br /> Et cela a fait l'effet d'une bombe, suscitant l'intérêt de tous!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/5alnvv1llnjgl	101489936134366	OasisStory	https://facebook.com/100087803393468	2,960	1	915,593,353,526,478	2023-12-14 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120202434527060465	www.yumread.com		NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/5alnvv1llnjglcqjkzvf5kgr?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}		2023-12-13 00:10	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410026727_1289504195070375_7315979488389460537_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PYVxc7HhcwEAX8p2ZTJ&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAnoqNPtYlj1An7a26WTjIjDIQ4KaRwJNFVcm5HWJ9M4A&oe=6592EDA3	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410170396_310136128241482_6633774063823640752_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ng8tFlislqIAX-RKAER&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDCWvPiZNMCk4q3W0P3IVsTvOZ-QF1uhdgt5UDaAYwAbw&oe=6591F494	3	OasisStory	2023-12-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,706	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66689}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1902937966769907	Hot promotion now! welcome to ord💖	🔥Now on sale, expansion screen clearance at low price! 💥<br /> 🛒 Elevate your workspace with our portable screen extender - one cable, three screens! Compact and powerful, it revolutionizes portable computing, easily extending data to two additional displays via a single connector.<br /> 🎁🎁Compatible with Mac, Windows and Android. Get rid of single-screen clutter and increase productivity. Step into the future of laptop computing.<br /> 💼✨ #PortableScreenExpander #ProductivityBoost	ORDER_NOW	https://bit.ly/3RbJQDm	123241615204129	Troupe 25eme Brazza Saint Joseph TPP	https://facebook.com/100069547543363	1,641	0	885,147,286,606,201	2023-12-25 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Order now	Christina Joanna	120203557795540335	bit.ly		NONE	video		https://bit.ly/3RbJQDm		2023-12-25 02:03	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414186907_409565638061267_1732802934211341380_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8vSTIqESu6UAX9DkNcf&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCYhWoiA1bE-zKUQKjQ6-btLdezlvLWHQHX-6C2GRgNXQ&oe=65933CAE	person_profile	Troupe 25eme Brazza Saint Jose	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412870653_896191058891796_3080748791807514494_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=STo1OTbIGM0AX8avzPu&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBV32X1J8yCi5HFiyZ_nlaPkGjBdOWDSki36p9lgzMuJQ&oe=65926598	3	Christina Joanna	2023-12-25 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,736	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69354}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	321001784045660	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> <br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t support her studies without the company.”<br /> <br /> Rue was anxious. “Sam, Celine is trouble. She won’t hand the company back to you and might even think of other ways to attack you.”<br /> <br /> “I have to try,” Samantha said.<br /> <br /> Rue stopped protesting because she knew Bailar was Samantha’s sweat and tears. “All right then, I’ll go with you. If there were more of us, she would be less likely to do anything.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, Sam, we’ll go with you!” Adaline chimed in.<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. If everyone went together, Celine probably would not get physically violent.<br /> <br /> If it was one life, it would not be that much of a problem. But if a whole family was involved, things might blow up.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “Sam, Mother, don’t worry. I’ll get Bailar back.”<br /> <br /> Samantha glanced at Adrian but did not say a word. She pretended to not hear what he said.<br /> <br /> <br /> Swallowston, Alyanz Chamber of Commerce.<br /> <br /> This was the city’s biggest chamber of commerce and a lot of the corporations and companies were under it, including Bailar.<br /> <br /> Devin was the reason Samantha had been kicked out of Alyanz. Together with Celine’s help, they managed to bankrupt Bailar.<br /> <br /> Samantha had been forced into giving away her company to Alyanz.<br /> <br /> Today was the first day of the takeover, so Celine announced a few days ago that there would be an agreement-signing event to take over the House of Bailar from Samantha in an attempt to gain more investments and partnerships.<br /> <br /> A crowd had gathered at Alyanz Tower, among which included executives from several corporations.<br /> <br /> After breakfast, Samantha, Rue, Adaline, and Adrian arrived at the crowded building.<br /> <br /> Samantha walked up to the door and spoke to the security guard, “Hello, I’m Samantha Cowell. I need to speak to Ms. Celine. Please let us in.”<br /> <br /> The guard was named Chris Tatum and was a relative of Celine’s. He was Alyanz Tower’s head of security.<br /> <br /> Chris turned to Samantha, then looked at her from head to toe with a perverted smile on his face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was beautiful. With her pencil skirt on, her long legs looked enticing. On top of that, she had a pretty face and an air of elegance. Chris was enjoying just ogling at her.<br /> <br /> “You’re Samantha Cowell? Did you see what the sign says?” Chris smirked and pointed at a warning sign not far from them.<br /> <br /> Samantha turned around and saw the sign that said, “Samantha Cowell and dogs are not allowed.”<br /> <br /> When Samantha read that, she was triggered. She felt sad and wanted to cry. Humans had dignity, but Celine had put hers on the same level as dogs.<br /> <br /> “Do you see it now? You have the same status as dogs. Do you think you can get in? Piss off.” Chris waved his baton at her.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath to suppress her anger, but Adaline was not going to let Chris humiliate Samantha. “You’re comparing Sam to a dog? You’re just a security guard. Who gave you the guts? Get out of the way!”<br /> <br /> “Oh? Throwing a tantrum are we?” Chris smirked.<br /> <br /> “What are you going to do? Bite me?” He challenged them.<br /> <br /> “I think what you need is a good beating.” Adrian was angry and slapped Chris in the face.<br /> <br /> Chris flew backward and the smug look on his face fell away. A few of his teeth flew out and he hit the ground.<br /> <br /> Adrian’s sudden outburst shocked Samantha and she went to stop him. “Are you crazy?!”<br /> <br /> Adaline and Rue were shocked too. Chris was a relative of Celine’s. Beating him up would mean trouble.<br /> <br /> “You… You hit me?” Chris shook as he shakily got back on his feet.<br /> <br /> Adrian frowned. “You best believe I’ll have you killed.”<br /> <br /> Chris wiped the blood off his face, picked up his baton, then yelled. “Trying to be smug, huh? Beat him up!”<br /> <br /> All the surrounding security guards rushed over. Chris took the lead, but before his baton could hit anyone, Adrian slapped him again.<br /> <br /> His skin broke and blood started oozing out. Adrian then took a step forward, picked him up, and punched him in the jaw.<br /> <br /> Crack!<br /> <br /> Chris howled in pain. His jaw cracked and he made a gurgling sound.<br /> <br /> The other guards who were rushing over immediately stopped in their tracks.<br /> <br /> Adrian let go and Chris fell to the ground and writhed in pain. He looked at Adrian with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Samantha, Rue, and Adaline were stunned as they watched the scene unfold. They knew that things had gone out of control.<br /> <br /> Snapping out of it, Samantha took a deep breath and yelled, “Adrian Xander, have you lost your mind?! Do you know that you just got us into a lot of trouble?!”<br /> <br /> “We need to leave now!” Rue was almost in tears and tried to pull Adrian away<br /> <br /> He had beaten up Celine’s men. She surely would not let this go.<br /> <br /> “Move!” Adaline yelled as tears fell because she saw that Adrian was refusing to leave. She was disappointed in him for being so impulsive.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at his family and saw that they were all shaking. He said, “Mom, Sam, this is nothing. I’ll get General Summers to settle this. Let’s head inside.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 7<br /> It was better if Adrian had kept silent.<br /> <br /> After he spoke, Samantha was outraged. She slapped him and anxiously said, “Do you think you’re the war legate? Ask General Summers to settle this. Who do you think you are?”<br /> <br /> Rue was crying, and Adaline turned around to hide her tears. If Celine found out that they were fighting at Alyanz Tower, she would surely not let Adrian get away.<br /> <br /> “Sam, put your trust in me,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> “Why should I?” She looked at him as tears welled up in her eyes. She never thought that Adrian would be so impulsive that he would start a fight here.<br /> <br /> There was no time to think. Samantha quickly said to Rue, “Mother, Ada, bring Adrian home. I’ll go in on my own.<br /> <br /> “I’m just one woman, I don’t think Celine will do anything to me.”<br /> <br /> She thought that was the only way out.<br /> <br /> Rue was nervous. “Sam, just let this go. Let’s all go home.”<br /> <br /> “Sam, we won’t be able to remain calm if you go in there alone. We should just give the company to them,” Adaline tried to advise.<br /> <br /> But the company was everything to Samantha. She shook her head. “No, I have to go. Take Adrian and go, I—”<br /> <br /> But before she could finish, Adrian started walking into the building.<br /> <br /> Samantha and Rue lost their minds.<br /> <br /> Adaline yelled, “Are you trying to get yourself killed? Come back here!”<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and continued walking. When Samantha saw this, she sighed and gave up. “Fine, let’s go in.”<br /> <br /> She had no other ideas. Her only hope was that during the event, Celine would listen to reason.<br /> <br /> Samantha, Adaline, and Rue followed Adrian into the building.<br /> <br /> <br /> The event venue was filled with people.<br /> <br /> Top executives of corporations in Swallowston were in attendance. It was a busy sight.<br /> <br /> This was the first time Rue and Adaline were attending such a grand event. They were overcome by nervousness.<br /> <br /> “Ladies, please take a seat. General Summers will be here soon,” Adrian said when he saw the three women trailing behind him.<br /> <br /> Samantha ignored him. She looked at the crowd and waited for Celine to join them so she could ask for her company back.<br /> <br /> Rue was anxious as she looked at her son. “Adrian, you just got back yesterday so you don’t know what’s been happening around here. Tell me, why are you so sure that General Summers will be here? Do you know the status he holds?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> She knew who he was. He was second to none in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Adrian replied, “Mother, he’s my right-hand man. He’ll be coming here to take care of Celine. Just wait and see.”<br /> <br /> His mother sighed again because she had not expected her son to make up such a huge lie. She thought that he changed. He was no longer the honest and down-to-earth Adrian who left for war.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a seat next to Rue and Adaline and did not say a word, but from her expression, it was obvious how annoyed she was. She did not believe that General Summers was going to show up or even help her take care of her problems.<br /> <br /> Soon after, there was a commotion and a woman in extravagant clothes and fine jewelry walked onto the stage.<br /> <br /> It was Celine Blanche.<br /> <br /> “The president is here?”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine, I’m from the Maple Group. You should consider a partnership with us!”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine, the Kara Group would also like to be one of your partners!”<br /> <br /> A buzz went through the venue. Top executives from various corporations came to speak to Celine. She was the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce, and Alyanz managed forty percent of the companies in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Now that she had taken over the House of Bailar, a lot of companies wanted a cut too.<br /> <br /> “Alas!” Adaline mumbled under her breath as she looked at Celine who was all smiles. This was the woman who had stolen Bailar from Samantha.<br /> <br /> Rue was just a lowly housewife, so when she saw Celine, she shuddered.<br /> <br /> Samantha, on the other hand, just sat there deep in thought.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Hello everyone,” Celine spoke as she raised her arms, “Please quiet down. I have an announcement.<br /> <br /> “I received news last night that the war legate will be attending the agreement-signing ceremony, so we are waiting for his arrival.”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked when they heard this.<br /> <br /> “The legate is coming?”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine is so well-connected!”<br /> <br /> “Was the legate the person who showed up at the port with aircraft carriers yesterday?”<br /> <br /> Everyone in Swallowston had heard of the legate, and the news of his aircraft carrier escort had spread throughout the city.<br /> <br /> When they heard the legate was coming, the three women were evidently shocked.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Sam, the… the legate will be coming, and we’re here to ask Celine about the company. What if we offend him?”<br /> <br /> “Sam, we should leave now. I heard that he’s a fierce man.” Adaline tugged at Samantha’s dress.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head. “It’s my company. Even the legate doesn’t have the right to take it away from me. As long as he doesn’t kill me, I’ll fight him till I get it back!”<br /> <br /> Samantha was stubborn and never backed down from a problem, even if someone held a knife to her neck.<br /> <br /> But Rue was worried about the family. “Sam, we can’t just do whatever we want. What are we going to use against the legate?”<br /> <br /> “I’m pretty sure he’s a reasonable man. I’m glad he’s coming. I can speak to him in person,” Samantha said.<br /> <br /> Rue stopped arguing the matter.<br /> <br /> Adrian spoke up, “Mother, don’t worry. I’m the legate.”<br /> <br /> “Adrian, why do you… Sigh!” Rue was disappointed. “Can you please stop lying?”<br /> <br /> Samantha looked at Adrian in disappointment but did not say anything.<br /> <br /> Adrian was speechless. He was telling the truth, but no one believed him. It was obvious that they had never met anyone of high status, so they did not believe him.<br /> <br /> Adrian did not say another word. He sat down and continued waiting.<br /> <br /> *<br /> Celine walked off stage and started shaking hands with the executives present, but Samantha caught her eye.<br /> <br /> “Why is she here?” Celine grumbled to herself as she walked toward Samantha.<br /> <br /> When she got to Samantha, she said, “Samantha Cowell, you’ve handed the company over to me. What are you doing here? Didn’t you see the sign that says ‘Samantha Cowell and dogs aren’t allowed?’”<br /> <br /> The place fell silent as everyone’s eyes turned to Samantha. Then, a chatter started up.<br /> <br /> Samantha replied, “Celine, you worked with your cousin, Devin, to frame me and force me to sign the agreement to give my company away. I’m here to reason with you.”	DOWNLOAD	https://excellentbf.com/wf_land_page/4410.html?lan	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	2	663,298,975,885,730	2023-12-19 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Download	Fane Wood	120203497701440404	excellentbf.com		NONE	video		https://excellentbf.com/wf_land_page/4410.html?language=en&timestamp=1700582161500&channelCode=WIENF1000016&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}		2023-11-30 09:24	https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406646128_1053790169040507_7509356515946298230_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5ozeJDydlA4AX8rx4oY&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCLa8FVVK2P27Okfq0jk8V0Bf8oqDEVLotjDvnmmKf5xQ&oe=6592BC82	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406654766_249487224556689_8317548710258892450_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cm3mW2-IRaMAX-n4hHc&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-1.fna&oh=00_AfC4xnVxtqA_s1YSW0E26vc0ZhdYNoUxGpOkslSD_XDSOw&oe=659315AE	3	Fane Wood	2023-11-30 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,860	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68775}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1417140739181853	After 22 Years, Chip & Joanna Gaines Make A Devastating Announcement	After 22 years together, Chip & Joanna Gaines come forward with heartbreaking news	NO_BUTTON	https://www.domesticatedcompanion.com/fixer-uppers	225900558306982	Lifestyle A2Z Magazine	https://facebook.com/lifestyle.a2z.magazine	665	0	818,827,209,997,595	2023-11-30 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	No button	Lifestyle A2Z Magazine	120201714817350520	domesticatedcompanion.com		NONE	image	Announcement that stunned fans.	https://www.domesticatedcompanion.com/fixer-uppers-chip-and-joanna-gaines-extraordinary-life-story/		2023-11-29 03:40	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406237676_1003362174071863_1033910792031400060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c0oDYsSxXjQAX8rohL_&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAf1EgRKPrrP59EaAWA-5WUbtiw4KBfEE6UfY-znGUF1Q&oe=65930BC6	person_profile			3	Lifestyle A2Z Magazine	2023-11-29 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,668	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	882152083543036	PARMA Artists Selected as 2023 Global Music Award Winners - PARMA Recordings	The results from this month's round of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/globalmusicawards">Global Music Awards</a> are in! We're honored to see PARMA artists <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Joanna-Estelle/100066700864475/">Joanna Estelle</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stangrillcomposer">Stanley Grill, Composer</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thechristopherjessup">Christopher Jessup</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kuhnchoir.cz">Kühnův smíšený sbor</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fanyalinpiano">Fanya Lin 林泛亞</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ian.gindes.pianist">Ian Gindes</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tjmesa90">Tommy Mesa, Cellist</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/michellecannpianist">Michelle Cann</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sunwrae.music">Sunwrae</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sjwallin">Sarah Wallin-Huff</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unlvdivisionofwindbandstudies">UNLV Division of Wind Band Studies</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chickcorea">Chick Corea</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SantiagoKodela">Santiago Kodela</a>, and more receive recognition for their work. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parmarecordings.com%2Fparma-artists-selected-as-2023-global-music-award-winners%2F&h=AT2F4f2iuP4h1QLijcqDvVt4ANbTX-fZBQsyJWdmeSrQNHydeKouO5N_r0e1v6zKB-vSpEIhZSiShBLPccgNOaf57y4gaNTCHwmjmBSt0tchS1KhPVXq-swAFTpo3ujydUWuWY_fLbPrjQoW-4UEMw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://www.parmarecordings.com/parma-artists-selected-as-2023-global-music-award-winners/</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://www.parmarecordings.com/parma-artists-sele	330511345659	PARMA Recordings	https://facebook.com/PARMArecordings	6,312	1	1,066,180,507,781,468	2023-12-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	PARMA Recordings	120202606376150156	parmarecordings.com		NONE	image	We’re proud to see the following PARMA artists honored in the 2022 Global Music Awards. Congratulations to all on these accolades!	https://www.parmarecordings.com/parma-artists-selected-as-2023-global-music-award-winners/		2023-12-14 13:20	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409804048_892946105768807_4001433898670391830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Yk0hIxGEZQYAX9kmsHg&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB4laCT8HWbrQjxPlUY88tLiu4RDGj905HYwaMfyEgGzg&oe=6592D4DB	person_profile			3	PARMA Recordings	2023-12-14 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,035	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67891}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	874656607702601	Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper Breaks Her Silence	Producers concealed this from the public for an extended period, but now Joanna not only broke her silence about her husband but also revealed the behind-the-scenes events that led to the show's conclusion.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.historyallday.com/renovation-revelatio	101517766011216	S Is For Serial	https://facebook.com/100084409758466	279	0	677,436,847,869,758	2023-12-15 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	S Is For Serial	120207707030550456	historyallday.com		NONE	image	History that inspires, intrigues and matters	https://www.historyallday.com/renovation-revelations-former-fixer-upper-clients-tell-all-about-their-experience-on-the-show/		2023-12-12 08:13	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410456516_1760163194429156_3234338792136871526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DFJ5VRolz3IAX8ef2Hi&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBKXKwHClVxltTdVLZe2EM5yRDfaFhaUFH9YkD9dl_YFg&oe=65918DFB	person_profile			3	S Is For Serial	2023-12-12 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,061	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69211}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1059214241890801	IDOL - Holiday For You (Official Music Video)	🎄IDOL Presents: “Holiday For You” OUT NOW!🎄<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FIgR7vkPG7nM%3Fsi%3Dl6XsouJ7Kd5Va8jQ&h=AT36TNg2cwOx-NWEcpRQUfJlHKojfOMUIt-3iQpSarA99yEcwm6Ker8SZ0wSaG4NwgqgN0MbZ-i2f7mil-Yq4nHufKagr4gcOIXarggZnafW-lXKp77ZHNA5MFeU3aqZQybDK7ztPZGIcZ9Dw9-njw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://youtu.be/IgR7vkPG7nM?si=l6XsouJ7Kd5Va8jQ</a><br /> <br /> IDOL is:<br /> Q Michael K-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuintonKufahlOfficial">Quinton Kufahl</a><br /> Shadow 1-Jacob Popowski<br /> Shadow 2-Maverick Nicolas<br /> <br /> Recorded/Mixed/Mastered: Derek Moffat of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/608studios">608 Studios</a><br /> <br /> Filmed: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diegolpedrozavisuals">DLP Visuals</a><br /> Photographed: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kelleycurranphotography">Kelley Curran Photography</a><br /> <br /> The Shadows:<br /> Jamie Beckman<br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jeff.kitzman.1">Jeff Kitzman</a> <br /> Steve Watson<br /> Eric Ostovich<br /> Bill Seaman<br /> Mason Bahr<br /> <br /> Characters:<br /> Josephine Red played by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kelley.crayon">Kelley Curran</a><br /> Conrad Dickard played by Mark Kufahl<br /> <br /> Extras:<br /> Chris Cauwels<br /> Irina Cauwels<br /> Dominic Grossi<br /> Joanna Grossi<br /> <span class="_39_n">Casey Sabinash</span><br /> Abigail Sabinash<br /> Paula Eileen<br /> Amy E Kopfmann<br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Lily-Black/pfbid02gpCT2kVuyADYoyVZZCSzhmfxpLbLXuqNHhLwdHWRLiSCpSAV1kh3pAqRzFsukfCPl/">Lily Black</a><br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Olive-Fritz/pfbid0421qjSNKCfv9pyMShQuBVCX6LUUtJbFnijfbhBwMZ8YYQU3XE4Uu8K5H1wQFJcNsl/">Olive Fritz</a><br /> Lana Stachowski<br /> <br /> Special Thanks:<br /> BD Greer<br /> <span class="_39_n">Nancy Kufahl</span><br /> Deb Hatcher<br /> Collin Kufahl<br /> Isabella Norante	MESSAGE_PAGE		122217117651549	IDOL - The Band	https://facebook.com/idoltheband	193	1	656,649,266,540,760	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Send message	IDOL - The Band	6541945952266			NONE	image	IDOL // HOLIDAY FOR YOU // SINGLE OUT NOWBuy/Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/idol7/holiday-for-youhttps://linktr.ee/thebandidolonlineIDOL Presents:...		{"type":"VISUAL_EDITOR","version":2,"landing_screen_type":"welcome_message","media_type":"text","text_format":{"customer_action_type":"ice_breakers","message":{"ice_breakers":[{"title":"Can I learn more about your business?","response":""},{"title":"Can you tell me more about your ad?","response":""},{"title":"Is anyone available to chat?","response":""}],"text":"Hi {{user_first_name}}! Please let us know how we can help you."}},"user_edit":false,"surface":"boosted_post"}	2023-12-20 23:04	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412913844_884830483234841_8272741493161641410_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b4NSkCZCb1UAX_UuO0_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAdJHPiz3Dp-QXR-oQjdnGt67iDbbKkD-VZLmWm51M4yw&oe=6592DCDB	person_profile	IDOL	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412947849_730623261931675_7867773573260795697_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lsRLuDeyQXcAX-3Hbou&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCcYOgkHdWRbxAUQxnhciAACDdSIke75XDtROCVRJN5ww&oe=65930007	3	IDOL - The Band	2023-12-20 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,740	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69354}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	382049381039079	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> <br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t support her studies without the company.”<br /> <br /> Rue was anxious. “Sam, Celine is trouble. She won’t hand the company back to you and might even think of other ways to attack you.”<br /> <br /> “I have to try,” Samantha said.<br /> <br /> Rue stopped protesting because she knew Bailar was Samantha’s sweat and tears. “All right then, I’ll go with you. If there were more of us, she would be less likely to do anything.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, Sam, we’ll go with you!” Adaline chimed in.<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. If everyone went together, Celine probably would not get physically violent.<br /> <br /> If it was one life, it would not be that much of a problem. But if a whole family was involved, things might blow up.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “Sam, Mother, don’t worry. I’ll get Bailar back.”<br /> <br /> Samantha glanced at Adrian but did not say a word. She pretended to not hear what he said.<br /> <br /> <br /> Swallowston, Alyanz Chamber of Commerce.<br /> <br /> This was the city’s biggest chamber of commerce and a lot of the corporations and companies were under it, including Bailar.<br /> <br /> Devin was the reason Samantha had been kicked out of Alyanz. Together with Celine’s help, they managed to bankrupt Bailar.<br /> <br /> Samantha had been forced into giving away her company to Alyanz.<br /> <br /> Today was the first day of the takeover, so Celine announced a few days ago that there would be an agreement-signing event to take over the House of Bailar from Samantha in an attempt to gain more investments and partnerships.<br /> <br /> A crowd had gathered at Alyanz Tower, among which included executives from several corporations.<br /> <br /> After breakfast, Samantha, Rue, Adaline, and Adrian arrived at the crowded building.<br /> <br /> Samantha walked up to the door and spoke to the security guard, “Hello, I’m Samantha Cowell. I need to speak to Ms. Celine. Please let us in.”<br /> <br /> The guard was named Chris Tatum and was a relative of Celine’s. He was Alyanz Tower’s head of security.<br /> <br /> Chris turned to Samantha, then looked at her from head to toe with a perverted smile on his face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was beautiful. With her pencil skirt on, her long legs looked enticing. On top of that, she had a pretty face and an air of elegance. Chris was enjoying just ogling at her.<br /> <br /> “You’re Samantha Cowell? Did you see what the sign says?” Chris smirked and pointed at a warning sign not far from them.<br /> <br /> Samantha turned around and saw the sign that said, “Samantha Cowell and dogs are not allowed.”<br /> <br /> When Samantha read that, she was triggered. She felt sad and wanted to cry. Humans had dignity, but Celine had put hers on the same level as dogs.<br /> <br /> “Do you see it now? You have the same status as dogs. Do you think you can get in? Piss off.” Chris waved his baton at her.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath to suppress her anger, but Adaline was not going to let Chris humiliate Samantha. “You’re comparing Sam to a dog? You’re just a security guard. Who gave you the guts? Get out of the way!”<br /> <br /> “Oh? Throwing a tantrum are we?” Chris smirked.<br /> <br /> “What are you going to do? Bite me?” He challenged them.<br /> <br /> “I think what you need is a good beating.” Adrian was angry and slapped Chris in the face.<br /> <br /> Chris flew backward and the smug look on his face fell away. A few of his teeth flew out and he hit the ground.<br /> <br /> Adrian’s sudden outburst shocked Samantha and she went to stop him. “Are you crazy?!”<br /> <br /> Adaline and Rue were shocked too. Chris was a relative of Celine’s. Beating him up would mean trouble.<br /> <br /> “You… You hit me?” Chris shook as he shakily got back on his feet.<br /> <br /> Adrian frowned. “You best believe I’ll have you killed.”<br /> <br /> Chris wiped the blood off his face, picked up his baton, then yelled. “Trying to be smug, huh? Beat him up!”<br /> <br /> All the surrounding security guards rushed over. Chris took the lead, but before his baton could hit anyone, Adrian slapped him again.<br /> <br /> His skin broke and blood started oozing out. Adrian then took a step forward, picked him up, and punched him in the jaw.<br /> <br /> Crack!<br /> <br /> Chris howled in pain. His jaw cracked and he made a gurgling sound.<br /> <br /> The other guards who were rushing over immediately stopped in their tracks.<br /> <br /> Adrian let go and Chris fell to the ground and writhed in pain. He looked at Adrian with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Samantha, Rue, and Adaline were stunned as they watched the scene unfold. They knew that things had gone out of control.<br /> <br /> Snapping out of it, Samantha took a deep breath and yelled, “Adrian Xander, have you lost your mind?! Do you know that you just got us into a lot of trouble?!”<br /> <br /> “We need to leave now!” Rue was almost in tears and tried to pull Adrian away<br /> <br /> He had beaten up Celine’s men. She surely would not let this go.<br /> <br /> “Move!” Adaline yelled as tears fell because she saw that Adrian was refusing to leave. She was disappointed in him for being so impulsive.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at his family and saw that they were all shaking. He said, “Mom, Sam, this is nothing. I’ll get General Summers to settle this. Let’s head inside.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 7<br /> It was better if Adrian had kept silent.<br /> <br /> After he spoke, Samantha was outraged. She slapped him and anxiously said, “Do you think you’re the war legate? Ask General Summers to settle this. Who do you think you are?”<br /> <br /> Rue was crying, and Adaline turned around to hide her tears. If Celine found out that they were fighting at Alyanz Tower, she would surely not let Adrian get away.<br /> <br /> “Sam, put your trust in me,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> “Why should I?” She looked at him as tears welled up in her eyes. She never thought that Adrian would be so impulsive that he would start a fight here.<br /> <br /> There was no time to think. Samantha quickly said to Rue, “Mother, Ada, bring Adrian home. I’ll go in on my own.<br /> <br /> “I’m just one woman, I don’t think Celine will do anything to me.”<br /> <br /> She thought that was the only way out.<br /> <br /> Rue was nervous. “Sam, just let this go. Let’s all go home.”<br /> <br /> “Sam, we won’t be able to remain calm if you go in there alone. We should just give the company to them,” Adaline tried to advise.<br /> <br /> But the company was everything to Samantha. She shook her head. “No, I have to go. Take Adrian and go, I—”<br /> <br /> But before she could finish, Adrian started walking into the building.<br /> <br /> Samantha and Rue lost their minds.<br /> <br /> Adaline yelled, “Are you trying to get yourself killed? Come back here!”<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and continued walking. When Samantha saw this, she sighed and gave up. “Fine, let’s go in.”<br /> <br /> She had no other ideas. Her only hope was that during the event, Celine would listen to reason.<br /> <br /> Samantha, Adaline, and Rue followed Adrian into the building.<br /> <br /> <br /> The event venue was filled with people.<br /> <br /> Top executives of corporations in Swallowston were in attendance. It was a busy sight.<br /> <br /> This was the first time Rue and Adaline were attending such a grand event. They were overcome by nervousness.<br /> <br /> “Ladies, please take a seat. General Summers will be here soon,” Adrian said when he saw the three women trailing behind him.<br /> <br /> Samantha ignored him. She looked at the crowd and waited for Celine to join them so she could ask for her company back.<br /> <br /> Rue was anxious as she looked at her son. “Adrian, you just got back yesterday so you don’t know what’s been happening around here. Tell me, why are you so sure that General Summers will be here? Do you know the status he holds?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> She knew who he was. He was second to none in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Adrian replied, “Mother, he’s my right-hand man. He’ll be coming here to take care of Celine. Just wait and see.”<br /> <br /> His mother sighed again because she had not expected her son to make up such a huge lie. She thought that he changed. He was no longer the honest and down-to-earth Adrian who left for war.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a seat next to Rue and Adaline and did not say a word, but from her expression, it was obvious how annoyed she was. She did not believe that General Summers was going to show up or even help her take care of her problems.<br /> <br /> Soon after, there was a commotion and a woman in extravagant clothes and fine jewelry walked onto the stage.<br /> <br /> It was Celine Blanche.<br /> <br /> “The president is here?”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine, I’m from the Maple Group. You should consider a partnership with us!”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine, the Kara Group would also like to be one of your partners!”<br /> <br /> A buzz went through the venue. Top executives from various corporations came to speak to Celine. She was the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce, and Alyanz managed forty percent of the companies in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Now that she had taken over the House of Bailar, a lot of companies wanted a cut too.<br /> <br /> “Alas!” Adaline mumbled under her breath as she looked at Celine who was all smiles. This was the woman who had stolen Bailar from Samantha.<br /> <br /> Rue was just a lowly housewife, so when she saw Celine, she shuddered.<br /> <br /> Samantha, on the other hand, just sat there deep in thought.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Hello everyone,” Celine spoke as she raised her arms, “Please quiet down. I have an announcement.<br /> <br /> “I received news last night that the war legate will be attending the agreement-signing ceremony, so we are waiting for his arrival.”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked when they heard this.<br /> <br /> “The legate is coming?”<br /> <br /> “Ms. Celine is so well-connected!”<br /> <br /> “Was the legate the person who showed up at the port with aircraft carriers yesterday?”<br /> <br /> Everyone in Swallowston had heard of the legate, and the news of his aircraft carrier escort had spread throughout the city.<br /> <br /> When they heard the legate was coming, the three women were evidently shocked.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Sam, the… the legate will be coming, and we’re here to ask Celine about the company. What if we offend him?”<br /> <br /> “Sam, we should leave now. I heard that he’s a fierce man.” Adaline tugged at Samantha’s dress.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head. “It’s my company. Even the legate doesn’t have the right to take it away from me. As long as he doesn’t kill me, I’ll fight him till I get it back!”<br /> <br /> Samantha was stubborn and never backed down from a problem, even if someone held a knife to her neck.<br /> <br /> But Rue was worried about the family. “Sam, we can’t just do whatever we want. What are we going to use against the legate?”<br /> <br /> “I’m pretty sure he’s a reasonable man. I’m glad he’s coming. I can speak to him in person,” Samantha said.<br /> <br /> Rue stopped arguing the matter.<br /> <br /> Adrian spoke up, “Mother, don’t worry. I’m the legate.”<br /> <br /> “Adrian, why do you… Sigh!” Rue was disappointed. “Can you please stop lying?”<br /> <br /> Samantha looked at Adrian in disappointment but did not say anything.<br /> <br /> Adrian was speechless. He was telling the truth, but no one believed him. It was obvious that they had never met anyone of high status, so they did not believe him.<br /> <br /> Adrian did not say another word. He sat down and continued waiting.<br /> <br /> *<br /> Celine walked off stage and started shaking hands with the executives present, but Samantha caught her eye.<br /> <br /> “Why is she here?” Celine grumbled to herself as she walked toward Samantha.<br /> <br /> When she got to Samantha, she said, “Samantha Cowell, you’ve handed the company over to me. What are you doing here? Didn’t you see the sign that says ‘Samantha Cowell and dogs aren’t allowed?’”<br /> <br /> The place fell silent as everyone’s eyes turned to Samantha. Then, a chatter started up.<br /> <br /> Samantha replied, “Celine, you worked with your cousin, Devin, to frame me and force me to sign the agreement to give my company away. I’m here to reason with you.”	DOWNLOAD	https://excellentbf.com/wf_land_page/4410.html?lan	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	2	1,386,780,572,215,710	2023-12-19 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Download	Fane Wood	120203497692670404	excellentbf.com		NONE	video		https://excellentbf.com/wf_land_page/4410.html?language=en&timestamp=1700582161500&channelCode=WIENF1000016&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}		2023-11-30 09:23	https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407265035_1716151202229876_61382779868905933_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FJ4EHPfLrN4AX9-eVVR&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCv65RK7yC_mXE0gzEWc2MehU9pzH7wyPCmlIlVBzFIlw&oe=659173E8	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent.ftpa1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406243666_247763948073735_1097626027319651152_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L7be2loihVkAX-Yd6J8&_nc_ht=scontent.ftpa1-1.fna&oh=00_AfDx5gAMJsmNJoYPqA4oWZK_hLUa1ykvGPwAEeP6H8Yh4w&oe=6592B766	3	Fane Wood	2023-11-30 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,743	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67741}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1030667094886215	{{product.name}}		SHOP_NOW	https://USWalldecor.com/	1625774737527434	USWalldecor.com	https://facebook.com/uswalldecor	4,208	0	0	2023-12-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	USWalldecor.com	120202327319430671	uswalldecor.com	68	NONE	dpa	Shop online for latest trends in wallcoverings by top designers such as Joanna Gaines, Thibaut, and Rifle Paper Co. Our easy peel and stick wallpaper and decals make a great addition to your walls at home, in your apartment, business, or classroom. Free shipping and samples available. Located in the...	https://USWalldecor.com/		2023-12-13 13:36	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410452038_872295524378996_6951093191659627857_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_N3ccRmFIrcAX_U_kv-&_nc_oc=AQnRoopjrc8EHGdwzlTjsjNNUktydN3SHpTt_URCCn5sOeuso6QKLOeL3THHiFLZM9r4cpm5DRZ0i2WsyHpYWM0a&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAN5tWKe9oOm-gCjYmjx2L9d8S114iPs1bmFVd3aFEk4g&oe=6592C0C1	person_profile	US Wall Decor	https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410419333_1569585713801941_2325324195316088238_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b_sJ_C8P2YMAX9TGIfO&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfB9_UQzYh7RIQwlk0z7MIHaV0npaSV_1j9JdxcD1KzwVg&oe=6592F97E	3	USWalldecor.com	2023-12-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,449	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"is_bh_simple_request":false,"simple_request_ratio":1,"is_bh_selenium":false,"selenium_ratio":1,"ratio_threshold":0.8}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	2630238743797812	👉Lire la suite 📜Le retour de son ex-femme inégalée📜	💔💥Après leur divorce, Bruce pensait que Joanna allait continuer à le harceler ou au moins faire une scène. <br /> De façon inattendue, le lendemain, Joanna a déménagé. Elle n'a emporté avec elle que ses papiers d'identité, pas même la carte bancaire qui contenait 100 millions de dollars.<br /> Et pendant ces quatre années, il n'y avait eu aucune nouvelle d'elle. Cela faisait quatre ans.<br /> Elle vient de disparaître complètement de son monde.<br /> Jusqu'à quatre ans plus tard, Joanna est revenue avec ses fils et un autre homme.<br /> Même s'ils étaient divorcés, Bruce se sentait toujours trompé et même trahi<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> Il était minuit et les gouttes de pluie martelaient la fenêtre.<br /> <br /> À l'intérieur d'une maison, un homme dit froidement: "Signe les papiers du divorce! En compensation, je te donnerai 100 millions de dollars de pension alimentaire."<br /> <br /> "Ai-je encore fait quelque chose de mal, Bruce?" demanda timidement Johanne Fontaine. Elle avait toujours été une humble servante devant lui.<br /> <br /> "Roxane est de retour, et elle ne veut pas te voir! Il est temps que notre mariage prenne fin. Alors tu dois partir!" dit Bruce Chevalier en croisant ses longues jambes et en s'adossant au canapé. Il était aussi beau qu'une sculpture grecque cltootshieique, mais son regard était toujours aussi froid.<br /> <br /> Les lèvres pâles de Johanne frémissent comme si elle était tombée dans l'eau glacée. Elle demanda avec surprise: "Tu divorces parce qu'elle est de retour? Notre mariage n'est-il qu'une plaisanterie pour toi?"<br /> <br /> "Tu n'étais pas celle que je voulais épouser au départ, et tu as fait fuir Roxane il y a deux ans avec tes sales coups. Maintenant qu'elle est revenue, je ne ferai pas la même erreur. Dépêche-toi de signer les papiers! Quatre-vingts millions de dollars pour deux ans de ta vie pathétique. Tu devrais considérer que c'est une bonne affaire". Bruce avait toujours été doué pour la blesser avec des mots.<br /> <br /> "Je... Que se ptootshieera-t-il si je ne les signe pas?" demanda amèrement Johanne.<br /> <br /> "Fais comme tu veux. J'ai des moyens de te faire disparaître. Légalement ou non, personne ne le remarquera."<br /> <br /> En tant qu'héritier de la famille la plus riche de la ville de Greyport, Bruce avait toujours été capable de faire ce qu'il voulait. Qui oserait lui tenir tête de toute façon?<br /> <br /> Il y a deux ans, la famille de Johanne a décidé de se lier à celle des Chevalier par le mariage.<br /> <br /> Cependant, lors du banquet de fiançailles de Bruce et Roxane, la demi-sœur de Johanne, l'homme a été drogué. Plus tard dans le salon, ce dernier a confondu Johanne avec Roxane, et ils ont couché ensemble!<br /> <br /> Le lendemain, le scandale de la relation entre la fille aînée du groupe Fontaine et son beau-frère fait la une des journaux.<br /> <br /> L'état mental de Roxane Fontaine s'est dégradé et elle a été envoyée dans une maison de repos à l'étranger pour y être soignée.<br /> <br /> Tout le monde a pris Johanne comme la briseuse de ménage la plus éhontée, la pointant du doigt pour avoir couché avec son beau-frère!<br /> <br /> Bruce la détestait encore plus et a décidé que c'était Johanne qui l'avait drogué et avait grimpé sur son lit.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, la famille Chevalier et la famille Fontaine partagent une amitié depuis des générations. Ce mariage devait d'ailleurs permettre d'approfondir ce lien.<br /> <br /> Ainsi, les aînés des deux familles, Raymond Fontaine et Marguerite Chevalier, ont insisté pour que Bruce et Johanne se marient.<br /> <br /> Les deux dernières années de mariage avaient été un enfer pour Johanne!<br /> <br /> Sa tolérance et son affection n'ont pas amélioré la situation. En retour, elle a eu droit à davantage d'humiliations et de tortures. Johanne est épuisée, tant mentalement que physiquement.<br /> <br /> Et si Bruce voulait divorcer? Elle en avait tootshieez de toute façon!<br /> <br /> "Bien, je les signerai, mais j'ai une demande à faire."<br /> <br /> "Crache le morceau alors!" Bruce croyait que Johanne pensait à plus d'argent!<br /> <br /> Après tout, c'est ce qui l'intéressait, elle, la femme intrigante.<br /> <br /> "Je veux que tu couches avec moi comme un vrai amoureux, pour une fois. Ces deux dernières années, chaque fois que tu as été avec moi, tu as prononcé le nom de Roxane. Oui, tu m'as fait sentir que j'étais la pire femme du monde, et j'en ai tootshieez! Je suis ta femme, et je veux que tu cries mon nom en faisant l'amour avec moi pour la dernière fois. Je suis Johanne, pas Roxane!" Pour la première fois, Johanne poussait des cris hystériques et tremblait de colère!<br /> <br /> À chaque fois au cours des deux dernières années, Bruce a délibérément prononcé le mauvais nom! Il avait des relations sexuelles avec elle uniquement pour la punir et l'humilier. Il n'y avait aucun amour là-dedans!<br /> <br /> "Oh, arrête tes bêtises. Quelqu'un m'attend en bas..."<br /> <br /> Johanne s'ébroua d'un rire moqueur.<br /> <br /> Alors c'était probablement Roxane qui l'attendait en bas!<br /> <br /> "Elle peut attendre encore un peu. Cela fait deux ans qu'elle attend, et je pense qu'elle peut être tootshieez patiente pour quelques minutes de plus. Fais ce que j'ai dit ou pas. C'est comme tu veux. Cela ne me dérange pas que les médias écrivent à nouveau des histoires sur moi!"<br /> <br /> Bruce détestait le plus être menacé. Ses lèvres fines se retroussèrent en un ricanement. Quelques secondes plus tard, il répondit: "Bien, je vais le faire. Mais ne le regrette pas, Johanne!"<br /> <br /> Bruce se redressa d'un coup, la saisit par le chemisier et la tira violemment.<br /> <br /> Et puis...<br /> <br /> Ses bas ont été déchirés...<br /> <br /> L'homme ne lui a même pas donné d'avertissement avant de lui faire du mal!<br /> <br /> "Ah!" s'écria Johanne en fermant les yeux de douleur!<br /> <br /> Bruce était aussi impitoyable que jamais, presque cruel.<br /> <br /> Il ne s'est jamais soucié de savoir si cela lui faisait du mal ou non. Ou peut-être que le fait de la voir souffrir lui plaisait tout simplement!<br /> <br /> Bien! Très bien!<br /> <br /> Elle s'en souviendrait, se remémorant la cruauté de cet homme à son égard pour le reste de sa vie.<br /> <br /> "Johanne. Ah, Johanne. Es-tu heureuse maintenant?"<br /> <br /> Il finit par l'appeler par son nom alors qu'il est sur elle.<br /> <br /> Bien que ce fût toute une humiliation, elle put enfin se débarrtootshieer de la dépression qui l'avait hantée pendant deux années entières.<br /> <br /> Johanne sentit des larmes couler sur ses joues alors qu'elle disait d'un ton navré: "Bruce Chevalier! Je ne t'aimerai plus!"<br /> <br /> Bruce avait entendu ce qu'elle avait dit mais avait choisi de l'ignorer. Il attrapa sa mâchoire avec mépris, baissa les yeux sur son visage et ricana!<br /> <br /> Elle était belle!<br /> <br /> Cette femme avait un visage si joli et si innocent, mais son esprit était rempli de saletés et de stratagèmes.<br /> <br /> C'était pourquoi son soi-disant amour pour lui ne ferait que le rendre malade.<br /> <br /> "Signe les papiers du divorce, prends l'argent, et quitte Greyport pour toujours!"<br /> <br /> Après avoir dit cela, Bruce est parti sans se retourner, la laissant allongée sur le sol, en mauvais état.<br /> <br /> Deux mois après...<br /> <br /> Dans un hôpital.<br /> <br /> "Félicitations, Mme Fontaine, vous êtes enceinte de plus d'un enfant. Mais je vous suggère d'abandonner un ou deux des fœtus, sinon il y aura trop de risques!"<br /> <br /> Abandonner?<br /> <br /> Non, elle n'enlèverait le droit de vivre à aucun de ses enfants!<br /> <br /> C'était ses bébés et seulement les siens! D'une manière ou d'une autre, elle allait les mettre au monde et les élever correctement...<br /> <br /> ..............................................................................<br /> Quatre ans plus tard!<br /> <br /> Dans l'unité de soins intensifs d'un hôpital.<br /> <br /> "Je suis désolé, nous avons tout essayé, mais Raymond ne va pas mieux. Vous devriez rentrer et lui dire adieu!"<br /> <br /> Shaun Fontaine fronce les sourcils, inquiet, et dit: "Doc, pourriez-vous essayer quelque chose d'autre? Si mon père ne peut pas survivre, tous les biens de la famille Fontaine seront légués au gouvernement... oh, que faire... aucun d'entre nous n'a vu Johanne au fil des ans. Bon sang, et mon père aussi. Nous ne savons pas à quoi il pensait. Comment a-t-il pu ignorer ses petits-fils qui l'accompagnent tous les jours tout en se souciant uniquement de cette misérable fille qui est la mienne!"<br /> <br /> Tout le monde dans la famille Fontaine était misérable ces jours-ci.<br /> <br /> Raymond, le père de Shaun, a rédigé un étrange testament sur son lit de mort.<br /> <br /> Il a laissé 51% du Groupe Fontaine à sa petite-fille aînée, Johanne. Quant aux autres membres de la famille Fontaine, ils n'hériteraient que de 10 %.<br /> <br /> Autrement dit, Johanne deviendrait la plus importante actionnaire du Groupe Fontaine.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, selon la condition supplémentaire du testament, si Johanne ne se manifeste pas avant la mort de Raymond, toutes les propriétés de la famille Fontaine iront directement à l'État.<br /> <br /> Ainsi, la famille Fontaine cherchait désespérément Johanne depuis quelques jours.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, c'était comme si Johanne avait disparu du monde!<br /> <br /> Personne n'a jamais entendu parler d'elle et ne l'a jamais vue une seule fois depuis qu'elle et Bruce ont divorcé.<br /> <br /> "De mon point de vue, cette fille fait tout simplement exprès de s'opposer à nous! Personne ne sait où elle est allée pendant toutes ces années!"<br /> <br /> La seconde épouse de Shaun, Ingride Fontaine, jurait furieusement, et son visage se tordit un peu.<br /> <br /> À l'époque, elle, avec les jumeaux dans le ventre, a expulsé la mère de Johanne et Johanne de la famille. Puis Ingride a donné naissance à son troisième fils, pensant que sa position dans la famille était absolument tootshieurée.<br /> <br /> Elle ne s'était jamais attendue à ce qu'elle n'aurait rien à la fin.<br /> <br /> De ses trois enfants, le vieil homme préférait toujours cette fille Johanne.<br /> <br /> "Papa, maman, grand-père est réveillé!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne... ma Johanne..." Raymond était dans le coma depuis plus d'une douzaine de jours. Ses heures étaient comptées.<br /> <br /> Et avant sa mort, sa seule préoccupation était pour sa petite-fille aînée, Johanne.<br /> <br /> Johanne avait disparu depuis quatre ans, et cela inquiétait tellement Raymond. Il soupçonnait même Ingride d'avoir en quelque sorte tootshietootshieiné sa petite-fille bien-aimée.<br /> <br /> "Papa, Derick, Rayan et Roxane ne sont-ils pas tous tes petits-enfants? Ton testament n'est pas juste! Tu ne leur laisses pratiquement rien! Ils pourraient tout aussi bien sortir dans la rue et mendier pour vivre si tu insistes pour tout donner au gouvernement!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne... Laisse-moi voir Johanne. Tu n'auras pas un sou avant ça..."<br /> <br /> Ingride a crié à voix btootshiee: "Cela fait quatre ans, Raymond! Qui sait où elle est allée? En plus, si elle tient vraiment à toi, comment peut-elle ne pas venir te voir pour la dernière fois?"<br /> <br /> Une pointe d'impatience traverse le regard de Roxane, et et elle ne peut s'empêcher de demander: "Bruce, sais-tu où est ptootshieée ma sœur?"<br /> <br /> Bruce s'est figé parce qu'il ne connaissait pas la réponse à cette question.<br /> <br /> Il y a quatre ans, après leur divorce, Bruce pensait que Johanne allait continuer à le harceler ou au moins faire une scène!<br /> <br /> Contre toute attente, le lendemain, Johanne a déménagé. Elle n'a emporté avec elle que ses papiers d'identité, pas même la carte bancaire qui contenait 8 millions de dollars.<br /> <br /> Et pendant ces quatre années, il n'y avait eu aucune nouvelle d'elle. Bien sûr, aussi fier que soit Bruce, il ne l'a jamais contactée non plus.<br /> <br /> Cela faisait quatre ans!<br /> <br /> Pourtant, Bruce ne croyait pas qu'elle se laisserait aller si facilement! Il avait préparé tant de plans pour se débarrtootshieer d'elle lorsqu'elle se présenterait. Pourtant, il s'est avéré qu'il n'avait besoin d'aucun d'entre eux!<br /> <br /> Elle a complètement disparu de son monde.<br /> <br /> "Johanne... Johanne!"<br /> <br /> "Oh, vas-y, grand-père est en train de mourir! Va chercher les médecins..."<br /> <br /> Le moniteur ECG a indiqué à tout le monde que le cœur de Raymond s'arrêtait de battre. En larmes, les membres de sa famille se sont rtootshieemblés autour du lit!<br /> <br /> Ils pleuraient, non pas la mort prochaine de Raymond, mais pour les biens qui allaient être légués!<br /> <br /> Tape, tape, tape...<br /> <br /> Du couloir de l'hôpital est venu le bruit des talons hauts!<br /> <br /> Craquer.<br /> <br /> La porte de la salle a été poussée.<br /> <br /> Celle qui est entrée portait un costume blanc fait sur mesure! Elle tenait dans ses mains une Hermès en édition limitée, et des lunettes de soleil surdimensionnées couvraient la majeure partie de son visage! Ses jambes fines sont déjà tootshieez longues, mais les chaussures à talons hauts les mettent encore plus en valeur!<br /> <br /> Elle est entrée avec le genre d'ambiance de beauté glacée, semblant faire baisser la température dans la salle!<br /> <br /> "Qui est cette femme? La connaissions-nous? Qui l'a autorisée à être ici?"<br /> <br /> "C'est moi. Je suis ici pour voir mon grand-père!" Johanne enleva lentement ses lunettes de soleil et se dirigea vers le lit!<br /> <br /> "Johanne!" Les autres haletèrent tous.<br /> <br /> Elle avait tellement changé!<br /> <br /> Ses longs cheveux noirs qu'elle avait l'habitude de garder lisses étaient devenus bruns bouclés. Il avait l'habitude d'atteindre sa taille, mais maintenant le bout dansait autour de son épaule. Elle avait complètement changé de la gentille fille d'à côté à une femme de carrière mature et sexy!<br /> <br /> Ce qui est encore plus remarquable, c'est que Johanne est apparue beaucoup plus mince qu'auparavant. Elle mesurait un mètre quatre-vingt-dix, mais semblait peser à peine quatre-vingt-dix kilos! Entre-temps, l'innocence de cette paire de grands yeux s'était également vidée. Il suffisait de la regarder dans les yeux pour comprendre qu'elle avait dû vivre beaucoup de choses ces dernières années!<br /> <br /> "Johanne? Oh, enfin, Johanne! La famille Fontaine sera ruinée si tu ne te montres pas..."<br /> <br /> Pour la première fois, tous les membres de la famille Fontaine étaient si heureux de revoir Johanne!<br /> <br /> "Je suis désolée, grand-père. Je suis désolée d'être en retard!"<br /> <br /> "Johanne," Raymond cria et ouvrit à peine les yeux," je suis heureux que tu sois saine et sauve. Oh, je peux enfin être soulagé..."<br /> <br /> Sur ce, Raymond tendit la main, mais la seconde suivante, sa main retomba faiblement sur le lit, sa tête pencha et ses yeux se fermèrent!<br /> <br /> Bip!<br /> <br /> L'ECG bipait, déclarant la mort de Raymond!<br /> <br /> "Grand-père? Grand-père!" cria Johanne, les larmes coulant sur ses joues.<br /> <br /> Elle savait que son grand-père était le seul Fontaine qui se souciait d'elle!<br /> <br /> "Ah, allez, arrête ces fausses larmes! Tu aurais été là depuis longtemps si tu t'étais soucié de ton grand-père! Maintenant qu'il est temps de parler d'héritage, tu es venu?" dit Derick, le fils aîné de Shaun. Le sarcasme dans son ton était évident.<br /> <br /> Il n'avait jamais pris Johanne comme sa sœur aînée, et maintenant qu'elle était la plus grande bénéficiaire de l'héritage de Raymond, Derick la détestait encore plus!<br /> <br /> "Ça suffit. Appelle quelqu'un et organise d'abord les funérailles", dit Shaun. Raisonnablement affligé, il tapote l'épaule de Johanne." Johanne, maintenant que tu es de retour, reviens à la maison!"<br /> <br /> Les lèvres d'Ingride se retroussèrent avec dédain, mais elle disait joyeusement: "C'est ça, viens vivre avec nous ! De plus, ton grand-père a fait un testament sur son lit de mort. Il veut que tu hérites de 51 % du Groupe Fontaine! La maladie a dû lui embrouiller le cerveau. Comment a-t-il pu laisser une entreprise aussi importante à une fille qui n'y connaît rien? Johanne, tu es encore jeune et naïve. Laisse ton père continuer à diriger l'entreprise!"<br /> <br /> Ingride a dit cela comme si Johanne était censée suivre ses instructions. Au fond d'elle-même, elle était convaincue que cette dernière était aussi stupide que sa salope de mère!<br /> <br /> Au moment où Johanne reviendrait dans leur maison, elle serait sous le contrôle total d'Ingride!<br /> <br /> Johanne est restée sans expression. Elle dit froidement: "Je ne veux pas penser à cela maintenant. Je veux juste m'occuper de grand-père d'abord!"<br /> <br /> "Oui, oui, tu as raison sur ce point. L'enterrement de Raymond est la chose la plus importante maintenant. Tout le reste peut être remis à plus tard!"<br /> <br /> ..............................................................................<br /> C'était en fin d'après-midi après que la maison mortuaire ait récupéré le corps de Raymond.<br /> <br /> Johanne est sortie de l'hôpital avec les autres!<br /> <br /> "Où habites-tu? Mon chauffeur te ramènera!" dit Bruce. Sa voix était un peu rauque parce que Johanne ne lui avait pas adressé la parole une seule fois avant cela!<br /> <br /> Johanne sourit poliment et serre les clés de la voiture dans sa main. "Merci, mais c'est moi qui ai conduit jusqu'ici!"<br /> <br /> Le regard indifférent sur son visage donnait l'impression qu'elle était simplement polie envers un parfait inconnu.<br /> <br /> Pourtant, Roxane a compris que Bruce était en train de draguer Johanne. Son visage s'est tootshieombri et, rapidement, elle a pris affectueusement le bras de ce dernier en lui disant: "Johanne, pourquoi ne reviendrais-tu pas vivre avec nous? Au moins, tu ne seras pas seule, et..."<br /> <br /> "C'est plus facile pour moi de rester dans un hôtel. Au revoir!" Johanne a poliment fait un signe de la main et s'est dirigée vers le parking souterrain!<br /> <br /> Bientôt, une Bentley argentée est sortie du parking et a démarré en trombe devant la foule!<br /> <br /> "Il semble que ma sœur ait bien vécu ces dernières années! Elle pouvait profiter d'une vie si riche sans aucune aide de la famille!"<br /> <br /> Bruce n'a pas répondu.<br /> <br /> Pendant les quatre années d'absence de Johanne, Bruce n'a pas épousé Roxane. De plus, pendant cette période, il s'est rendu compte que cette dernière n'était tout simplement pas celle qu'il lui fallait.<br /> <br /> La seule raison pour laquelle il n'a pas rompu avec Roxane était à cause de sa famille. La famille Fontaine était riche, mais ce n'était rien comparé à la famille Chevalier. Cependant, les aînés des deux familles étaient des amis proches! C'est pourquoi la famille Chevalier avait toujours pris soin de la famille Fontaine!<br /> <br /> À part cela, il y avait une autre raison cruciale. Il y a dix ans, Bruce a failli se noyer en nageant, et c'est Roxane qui l'a sauvé! Depuis lors, il a juré qu'il aimerait et protégerait cette fille pour le reste de sa vie!<br /> <br /> "Johanne a toujours fait des efforts depuis qu'elle est toute petite ! Elle est intelligente et douée avec les hommes ! Tu vois ses beaux vêtements et sa voiture ? Elle a dû se mettre en ménage avec un homme riche ! Contrairement à elle, Roxane, tu es toujours stupide et innocente, et les gens essaient tous de profiter de toi!" Ingride semblait faire l'éloge de Johanne, mais il n'était pas difficile de comprendre ce qu'elle sous-entendait.<br /> <br /> "Maman, de quoi parles-tu?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, je veux juste que tu apprennes de Johanne. Tu vois comme elle se débrouille bien? Les filles comme elle ne nous inquiètent jamais, où qu'elles aillent. Il n'y a plus beaucoup de filles aussi intelligentes qu'elle!"<br /> <br /> Bruce était en quelque sorte un peu contrarié." Ingride, Roxane, je dois y aller. J'ai une réunion importante ce soir."<br /> <br /> "Oui, bien sûr. Conduis prudemment, d'accord?" dit Ingride avec un sourire flatteur, de peur d'offenser le futur mari prometteur de sa fille!<br /> <br /> Bruce n'a rien dit de plus, s'est retourné et est monté dans une voiture...<br /> <br /> Après avoir vu la voiture de Bruce quitter les lieux, Roxane tape du pied de colère. Elle se plaint: "Tout est de ta faute, maman! Tu n'aurais jamais dû mettre cette salope de Johanne dans son lit il y a six ans! Il n'a plus jamais parlé de m'épouser! Et maintenant qu'elle est de retour, qu'est-ce qu'on va faire?"<br /> <br /> Ingride grince des dents. Ce dont sa fille se plaignait était ce qui lui faisait le plus de peine.<br /> <br /> Elle avait tout bien conçu il y a six ans.<br /> <br /> D'abord, elle a drogué Johanne. Puis elle a envoyé la jeune fille directement dans la chambre de Bruce, convaincue que ce dernier était trop ivre pour faire quoi que ce soit.<br /> <br /> Après cela, Ingride a informé un groupe de Paparazzi, leur suggérant d'écrire un drame sur la façon dont Johanne s'est jetée dans les bras de son beau-frère. Elle s'attendait à ce que cette fille soit privée de son droit d'héritage après avoir déshonoré la famille.<br /> <br /> Mais elle ne se doutait pas que cela se retournerait contre elle.<br /> <br /> Bruce a en fait couché avec Johanne.<br /> <br /> Et puis les choses lui ont échappé. Sous la pression de Raymond Fontaine et de Marguerite Chevalier, Bruce finit par épouser Johanne.<br /> <br /> En pensant à cela, Ingride dit: "Je l'ai fait pour toi, petite sotte. Bon sang, tout ça à cause de ton grand-père! Ce vieux con a toujours favorisé cette salope de Johanne! EEh bien, maintenant que le vieux est mort, voyons qui peut défendre la petite pute cette fois-ci!"<br /> <br /> "Mais maman..." Roxane était toujours inquiète.<br /> <br /> Même si Bruce avait été bon avec elle pendant des années, elle pouvait voir la frigidité dans ses yeux.<br /> <br /> L'homme a rarement souri depuis qu'il a divorcé de Johanne.<br /> <br /> Au fil des ans, il était devenu totalement un bourreau de travail. Il fallait parfois trois ou deux mois à Roxane pour le voir une fois.<br /> <br /> "Ne t'inquiète pas. Cette idiote de Johanne est aussi stupide que sa défunte mère! Nous sommes en train de nous éloigner d'elle. Pas avant qu'elle ne renonce d'abord à sa part d'héritage..."<br /> <br /> Dix jours plus tard, c'était l'enterrement de Raymond.<br /> <br /> Il pleuvait bruine. Tous les membres de la famille Fontaine étaient arrivés au cimetière sauf Johanne. En plus de cela, les meilleures personnes de Greyport se sont également présentées pour rendre hommage.<br /> <br /> Sans parler des journalistes qui se rtootshieemblaient devant le cimetière.<br /> <br /> Après tout, Raymond Fontaine était un gros bonnet à Greyport. Alors, bien sûr, ses funérailles étaient bien ciblées.<br /> <br /> "J'ai entendu dire que Raymond voulait que la fille aînée de la famille Fontaine hérite du Groupe Fontaine."<br /> <br /> "Oh, mon dieu, cette fille est vraiment astucieuse. Elle a séduit son beau-frère il y a six ans et a forcé sa sœur à partir. Puis elle est devenue celle qui s'est mariée dans la famille Chevalier à la place de sa sœur, et maintenant elle est la directrice du Groupe Fontaine. C'est impressionnant!"<br /> <br /> "Ha! Et alors? C'est juste une garce intrigante. Elle a été mise à la porte par la famille Chevalier, n'est-ce pas? Une telle femme est tout simplement dégoûtante!"<br /> <br /> Ingride était folle de joie en entendant les chuchotements de la foule. S'efforçant de maintenir le regard triste sur son visage, elle a dit: "Puis-je avoir votre attention s'il vous plaît? Tout d'abord, je voudrais tous vous remercier d'être venus aux funérailles de Raymond, et..."<br /> <br /> Un journaliste intervint: "Madame Fontaine , est-il vrai que Johanne va prendre la relève du Groupe Fontaine en tant que nouvelle dirigeante?"<br /> <br /> Ingride marqua une pause avant de répondre: "Je ne vais pas être dérangé par d'autres choses en ce jour extrêmement pénible. Mais pour une entreprise aussi grande que le Groupe Fontaine, la parole d'un seul homme ne peut faire effet. Nous avons besoin d'une réunion du conseil d'administration pour choisir le bon directeur exécutif!"<br /> <br /> "Madame Fontaine, pourquoi Johanne n'est-elle pas là un jour si important?"<br /> <br /> "Ha, c'est la question que vous devriez lui poser..."<br /> <br /> Pendant qu'elle parlait, à l'extérieur du cimetière vinrent soudain des bruits de moteurs.<br /> <br /> Une longue Rolls-Royce pénétrait dans le cimetière, suivie d'une flotte de Mercedes.<br /> <br /> "Regardez cette plaque d'immatriculation. Il semble que ce soit la voiture de M. Grimm!" Les journalistes sont tout excités et se précipitent vers la Rolls-Royce.<br /> <br /> Oui, cette Rolls-Royce appartenait à Jayden Grimm.<br /> <br /> Il y avait deux jeunes hommes riches bien connus à Greyport. L'un d'eux était Bruce Chevalier, et l'autre était Jayden Grimm.<br /> <br /> Deuxième fils du magnat des casinos de la ville de Venturas, il dirigeait également une société de divertissement appelée Starlight Media. Plusieurs nouvelles stars du showbiz étaient des artistes sous le contrôle de sa société.<br /> <br /> Contrairement à Bruce, qui gardait un profil bas, Jayden avait toujours été un homme de publicité.<br /> <br /> Les portes de la Rolls-Royce s'ouvrirent lentement et Jayden sortit le premier.<br /> <br /> "Wow, c'est vraiment M. Grimm!" La presse s'avance comme des mouches qui hument le sang.<br /> <br /> Après que Jayden soit sorti de la voiture, il s'est tourné de l'autre côté et a aidé une femme vêtue de noir à sortir de la voiture comme un vrai gentleman.<br /> <br /> "Est-ce...? Wow, c'est Johanne Fontaine!"<br /> <br /> "C'est une blague. Que faitGrimm avec une femme comme elle?"<br /> <br /> Comme ils étaient tous étonnés, un à un, sont sortis deux adorables gosses vêtus de minuscules costumes noirs.<br /> <br /> Les garçons doivent avoir entre 3 et 4 ans.<br /> <br /> Et cela a fait l'effet d'une bombe, suscitant l'intérêt de tous!	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/5alnvv1llnjgl	101489936134366	OasisStory	https://facebook.com/100087803393468	2,960	1	183,651,531,441,011	2023-12-17 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120202765836770465	www.yumread.com		NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/5alnvv1llnjglcqjkzvf5kgr?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}		2023-12-15 22:52	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411152746_399099645774447_4710114145492107724_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t-eVApzKW4IAX-6DAsE&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfClw_-XQG12y_EBYct2MiTjNu5hTVVob4MUOFgccmTIHQ&oe=659282EF	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411114262_1061934248222528_6916316336255880542_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7ZllejpmjZQAX8zo-Vp&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDj3CFd6CeTxdu5deBSbV5uv-wpKXGJhePJDsELSy6B-A&oe=6591A277	3	OasisStory	2023-12-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,923	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68916}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1271649616797304	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t s	DOWNLOAD	https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?languag	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	1	311,118,961,806,516	2023-11-29 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Download	Fane Wood	120201210412510123	enjoyab.com		NONE	image	A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.	https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?language=en&timestamp=1699963857358&channelCode=NAENF1000047&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}		2023-11-28 05:43	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404744090_1320479941989115_9010157741518293746_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zeR2bI72Yf4AX-E-ftl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA32xeHkMC8E3M-P296GUJ_qw3Krq-HjxIK1KG9m7Z18A&oe=6592DD91	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404679384_2346772642181450_8579970152742610141_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OtaeBxHKM-YAX8toNgW&_nc_oc=AQm-sq_IdW-qws8Fx_YNqDiZYuH4ISHz_W_fyuH3nKsc4dyvO0zBTbvebhgi_lClpbzvjf2cbJU3zGRsyRLGaKeJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDGKjP0Hfv8KkikpA0cf2ru8eXjUC_07VJtk-3WaJ2_jw&oe=6591783B	3	Fane Wood	2023-11-28 02:00	View Edit Delete

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