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68,640	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67323}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	883081379758473	{{product.name}}	{{product.brand}}	SIGN_UP	https://www.lucybloomyoga.com/pages/sisters-of-the	1212315052125863	Bloom Yoga	https://facebook.com/lucybloomyoga	579	0	578,034,837,813,761	2023-12-18 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Sign up	Bloom Yoga	120202184175590152	lucybloomyoga.com	NONE	dco	{{product.description}}	https://www.lucybloomyoga.com/pages/sisters-of-the-moon	2023-12-02 09:15	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407408643_837410284736203_1851550154123575769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TWcDRr2cc_cAX-AIZ11&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAU1Rzf8rP7guhAqXeF2GzHiUU52vGI8cVTlQPqCptX1g&oe=65915001	person_profile	B L O O M by Lucybloom Webb	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407376357_1411900529539306_5851288769850154800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Whmrcyx58KQAX9ogqpb&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBQODQWmXuRJp8jJjdUmOCcrQRizbc399bAS4TPRJQDCg&oe=65928728	3	Bloom Yoga	2023-12-02 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,725	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	902626484583487	{{product.name}}	{{product.brand}}	ORDER_NOW	https://function101.com/pages/button-remote-for-ap	1062991483741411	Function 101	https://facebook.com/function101	1,338	1	1,382,757,335,671,463	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Order now	Function 101	6534363867330	function101.com	NONE	dco	{{product.description}}	https://function101.com/pages/button-remote-for-apple-tv-landing-page	2023-12-14 00:16	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411198203_1066236854792036_8992360199001787206_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5xUT0HMFpCoAX_ySl85&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfBknff07jXStGKjGuuQcFSlzC8TyThV6u93VUZGw9tt7w&oe=659242D9	person_profile			3	Function 101	2023-12-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,628	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68434}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	312362591693839	30+ Illustrations Show The Reality Of Women	Nobody understands women better than these female cartoon artists	LEARN_MORE	https://thegigglezone.com/koen/nobody-understands-	101598762667562	Blanco entertainment	https://facebook.com/100084702515578	53	0	1,427,210,561,528,773	2023-12-06 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Blanco entertainment	120201401743190549	thegigglezone.com	NONE	image	In the colorful panels and witty punchlines of today's comics, female illustrators capture the essence of women's experiences with a vibrancy that resonates deeply. These artists bring to life the joys, struggles, and the often unspoken realities of womanhood with a deftness that's as empowering as....	https://thegigglezone.com/koen/nobody-understands-women-better-than-these-female-cartoon-artists	2023-12-03 14:41	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407823400_385872717438514_3627636120844193243_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PkRV5rNWf-MAX96e-n-&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBpHXlgwyFycg1o0836u1o20S17PRTXVe0KqIeWF7vc3Q&oe=65917DF3	person_profile	Blanco entertainment	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407987080_855024809651569_5035097820990203763_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sX69jcp5nCgAX-O_DQp&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCUH_8ggPwXTYDqhiAGjJ-u45KZ-3d2XX0kZzBAPWEanA&oe=6591E3B4	3	Blanco entertainment	2023-12-05 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,928	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":70107}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	859542049509731	🔞 Click to read on📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜	🌶🌶🌶After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/l2m0lxpbeeid1	101489936134366	OasisStory	https://facebook.com/100087803393468	2,960	6	1,052,649,839,206,433	2023-11-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120201683732620439	yumread.com	NONE	image	Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/l2m0lxpbeeid1m2nid2prnlf?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-11-22 00:53	https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404446809_1456519298258430_7467264730857590515_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qSyYge7R8-MAX9QBTGo&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAh1SfXAGtax4Jv0rWxcnBq5006DffbkeWjBhBtuWWQcA&oe=6591D03E	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent.fcxo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404385037_3347929725499092_7585450054617140184_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e1oBlUJTgMYAX-4eCLr&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxo1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBlWMFdvNEq4HRfpKFOmu5Hk5sp1f03LNV0PR46vLNFBw&oe=6592CC27	3	OasisStory	2023-11-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,877	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67388}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1685863198563763	🔞Click to Read more about📜The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife📜	After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed.<br /> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> -----------------------------------------------------------<br /> Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here!<br /> Install the APP to search for the title "<br /> The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife”🤩🤩	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/frvn5lvohvrth	110625302121558	LeNovel2	https://facebook.com/100095229736776	188	2	313,337,578,197,384	2023-12-13 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	LeNovel2	120205169359400427	www.yumread.com	NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/frvn5lvohvrthsitgifr1wsj?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-13 04:09	https://scontent.fcps3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409699305_325014423758079_6818913830596953645_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5b03_pQTuUUAX8tbymA&_nc_ht=scontent.fcps3-1.fna&oh=00_AfB20M6B6_sTckn4NfVmDgcs1JjhXOuOZIg31XIwqZ5xeA&oe=6592DB9F	person_profile	LeNovel2	https://scontent.fcps3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409699774_1342524206625795_7575472445143958285_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cbr70jkQ-VoAX-m9-aS&_nc_ht=scontent.fcps3-1.fna&oh=00_AfCqEOOn3K2pX4ov63EUrfdN8_gPHWaKJ_Vmki6POgp-8Q&oe=6591F6B1	3	LeNovel2	2023-12-13 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,526	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66514}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1440130366908602	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Let's get a divorce. I'm not giving her another blood transfusion." Joanna looked at his indifferent back and said calmly.<br /> "She's your biological sister. How can you say that? You just can't stand seeing her doing well, can you? Bradley stopped abruptly and opened his mouth. His tone was so harsh that it stabbed her heart.<br /> "This will be the last time. After today, don't ever come to me even if she dies."<br /> "If I had known you were such a ruthless woman, I would never have married you!"<br /> Hearing his cold and sarcastic words, Joanna sneered.<br /> "Congratulations. From now on, I will no longer be part of the Sutton family. I don't wanna be Mrs. Sutton or Miley's mobile blood bank anymore."<br /> Joanna looked at Bradley, who frowned deeply, and turned away.<br /> ————————<br /> "Where are you?"<br /> By the time Joanna received the fifth notification, Bradley Sutton, her husband, had run out of patience.<br /> Ring ring ring.<br /> Her phone kept ringing non-stop.<br /> Finally, on the fourth ring, Joanna picked up the phone.<br /> "Come to the hospital now. Miley needs blood!"<br /> His cold, hasty voice came over the phone. Joanna muttered, "I just gave her blood the day before yesterday..."<br /> "You got twenty minutes."<br /> "I'm not feeling well today..."<br /> Beep beep beep.<br /> Before she could explain, Bradley had mercilessly hung up.<br /> Joanna looked at the IV drip on her left-hand side and finally gave a wry smile on the bed.<br /> Due to giving Miley Reed 500ml of blood the day before yesterday, she passed out at home early this morning. If the maid hadn't contacted the family doctor in time, she would probably have died.<br /> Yet Bradley did not give any information about her, demanding her to do the blood transfusion again.<br /> It was no different from killing her!<br /> Joanna's tears fell on the phone screen, blurring the word "Hubby" on the contacts.<br /> *<br /> "Joanna, why are you still lying here instead of cleaning? Are you slacking off?"<br /> When Joanna opened her eyes, she saw Bradley's sister, Lorie Sutton, rushing into the bedroom. Lorie ignored the drip on her hand, pointed at her, and scolded her.<br /> "Do you have any idea what time it is? And it's drowning in trash downstairs! You didn't work yesterday, and you're still goofing around today?"<br /> "I'm not..." Joanna coughed and tried to deny it subconsciously.<br /> "I get it. You don't want to give Miley a blood transfusion, so you're pretending to be sick!" An idea struck Lorie. She folded her arms before her chest with a look of disgust and scorn.<br /> Because of Lorie's high volume, the maids outside began to whisper.<br /> Joanna held her dizzy head and tried to sit up, while Lorie continued with a sneer.<br /> "You don't want to save Miley, right? Trying to feign illness to get Bradley back? Nice try! He gives you at least 1.6 million dollars so that you can stay healthy and give Miley a blood transfusion. Stop acting to be so delicate! You get to marry into our family only because you and Miley both have Rh-negative blood. You're nothing but a shameless home wrecker!"<br /> Then Lorie looked at the maids outside and said, "Leave the chores to her. Since she didn't work today, she doesn't deserve to eat. Tell those in the kitchen not to prepare for her share today."<br /> With that, Lorie sneered and left.<br /> Joanna felt frustrated. A sense of sadness and embarrassment overwhelmed her.<br /> Lorie's words were like a sword that was thrust straight into her heart.<br /> She was Miley's mobile blood bank, and she had long accepted her fate. It was Bradley's condition of marrying her.<br /> Yet ... home wrecker?<br /> Of the ten years Joanna had known Bradley, she had a crush on him for seven and was married to him for three. Swallowing her pride, she served him and his family like a maid, always making compromises. Eventually, she even lost herself.<br /> All her sacrifices ended up in vain. At the end of the day, she was still considered a home wrecker.<br /> A bitter smile curved Joanna's lips.<br /> The marriage she worked so hard to maintain turned out to be a farce in the eyes of others.<br /> In this absurd marriage, she was spurned and reviled.<br /> She was nothing but a failure.<br /> Her phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen and froze in situ.<br /> "You bimbo! You think marrying Bradley makes him yours? Look carefully and see who he belongs to!"<br /> A photo was attached, in which Bradley and Miley were touching. It only captured his side face, looking cold and handsome, yet with a closer look, there was a hint of tenderness.<br /> She had never seen Bradley like this.<br /> Judging from the background and the watermark, the photo was taken last night in a hotel.<br /> Joanna felt suffocated.<br /> She stared at the cruel text and the photo, fighting back her tears.<br /> If it was a farce, she ought to put an end to it as soon as possible.<br /> She called Bradley, and he soon picked up.<br /> "You're late, Joanna!" It was the angry rebuke she had expected from him.<br /> She turned the volume on her phone to maximum and spoke calmly, "Bradley Sutton."<br /> It was the first time she had called him by his full name.<br /> "Joanna, you've got 800 thousand dollars already!" He was implying that she should be grateful.<br /> She could image the look on Bradley's face just by listening to his icy voice. His jaw must be set, his lips pressing into a thin line. He always had that expression when he was mad.<br /> As if didn't hear her, Bradley hissed again, "You..."<br /> "Bradley Sutton.<br /> "I'm not giving her another blood transfusion."<br /> "What do you want?"<br /> "What do I want..." Joanna tilted her head back to hold back her tears and removed the drip from her left hand.<br /> "I want her dead!"<br /> With that, she made a big decision.<br /> She said in a hoarse voice, "Meet me at the gate of the courthouse in twenty minutes.<br /> "Let's get a divorce."<br /> Then Joanna hung up the phone. She closed her eyes, covered her face, and burst into tears...<br /> Joanna changed her clothes, took another look at the place where she had lived for three years, and came downstairs with empty hands.<br /> When she passed the living room, she saw Lorie sitting on the sofa. At the sight of Joanna, Lorie mocked, "Well, well. I guess someone is giving in eventually. Can't say no to money, huh?"<br /> Joanna ignored her and walked on.<br /> She didn't want to live like this anymore. Everything would come to an end today.<br /> "Hey! Are you deaf?<br /> "You'd better not come back! Or I'll make you pay!"<br /> Lorie's exasperated voice sounded behind Joanna. Joanna stopped in her tracks, turned back, and said, "Who cares?"<br /> Enduring the physical discomfort, Joanna left in Lorie's loud abuse and drove to the courthouse alone.<br /> At 10 a.m., Joanna sat alone in a corner of the packed courthouse and waited quietly.<br /> After 40 minutes, Bradley showed up.<br /> He strode forward and stood in front of her with anger and coldness. "What are you up to this time?" he asked in a low voice.<br /> Joanna looked up at him, her face pale. Since Bradley stood against the light, she found it hard to see his facial features clearly.<br /> Yet she knew that he was furious right now.<br /> She felt a little dizzy and slowly supported herself up with the handle of the chair.<br /> Regaining her balance, Joanna said, "I don't want to give her another blood transfusion."<br /> Bradley's cold face darkened, and there was a clear warning in his expression. "You've got the money, Joanna. Be sensible.<br /> "Don't tax my patience."<br /> "Then let's get a divorce. You don't have to put up with me."<br /> He said nothing.<br /> Seeing her so stubborn, Bradley was furious again. He tugged irritably at his tie.<br /> "You've tested my limits again and again. Joanna, I've let you get your way too frequently these days!"<br /> Joanna's heart trembled. She only realized now that she never meant anything to him.<br /> She stared at him with persistence, struggle, as well as deep grievances.<br /> "Yes, you're right. I'm being insensible.<br /> "Let's divorce now so that I won't waste your time."<br /> "OK! Good for you! You'd better not be sorry!" Bradley was so pissed off that he laughed.<br /> "It's probably the best decision I've ever made in my life," Joanna muttered to herself.<br /> When holding the divorce certificate in her hand, she froze in situ for a while. Those memories came back vividly to her mind.<br /> In the end, she felt relieved.<br /> Everything was over today.<br /> From now on, the name Bradley Sutton would no longer be her nightmare.<br /> "Even if you regret it now, it's too late. Go get Miley a blood transfusion now." Seeing Joanna standing where she was, Bradley figured she was repenting. With a sneer, he turned and walked straight on.<br /> Joanna looked at his indifferent back and said calmly.<br /> "This will be the last time. After today, don't ever come to me even if she dies."<br /> Bradley stopped abruptly and opened his mouth. His tone was so harsh that it stabbed her heart.<br /> "She's your biological sister. How can you say that? You just can't stand seeing her doing well, can you?<br /> "If I had known you were such a ruthless woman, I would never have married you!"<br /> Hearing his cold and sarcastic words, Joanna sneered.<br /> "Congratulations. From now on, I will no longer be part of the Sutton family.<br /> "I don't wanna be Mrs. Sutton or Miley's mobile blood bank anymore."<br /> Joanna looked at Bradley, who frowned deeply, and turned away.<br /> She thought, "You've used my blood for years, Miley. It's time to pay!"<br /> Bradley looked at Joanna's skinny and determined back in a daze. He suddenly found her strange.<br /> He thought, "Is that who she really is? What is the real her?<br /> "Is she a tender, considerate housewife like she used to be? Or that's just her pretense? She's actually aggressive, cold-blooded, and cruel like she is now?"<br /> Bradley's eyes gradually darkened. The feeling of her slipping out of his control distressed him.<br /> <br /> Joanna didn't know what Bradley was thinking. She drove straight to the hospital and went to Miley's room, knowing her way.<br /> Miley was in a wheelchair, and the nurse was about to take her to a checkup. Seeing Joanna, Miley sneered while saying warmly, "Joanna, you're here..."<br /> "You want to be Mrs. Sutton?"<br /> Joanna sounded cold.<br /> Before Miley could finish, Joanna grabbed her hair and ripped her out of her wheelchair, slamming her head against the wall.<br /> "What are you talking about... Let go of me!" Miley was struggling and screaming.<br /> Bradley quickly stepped forward and helped Miley to her feet.<br /> "Joanna, you're crazy!" His voice was tinged with irrepressible anger.<br /> She looked at the way he held Miley in his arms and wobbled.<br /> It turned out that he cared about Miley so much.<br /> She smiled at herself self-mockingly and silently squeezed her nails into her palms, forcing herself to stand up straight.<br /> Miley weakly leaned against Bradley's arms, holding her swollen forehead with one hand, and there were tears hanging from her eyelashes. She looked nothing but aggrieved. "Joanna, you got me wrong. I never want to be Mrs. Sutton..."<br /> Joanna sneered.<br /> "Miley, I know you too well."<br /> "Joanna, what are you talking about? I don't understand." Miley's pale face looked innocent, but with a closer look, there was also a hint of sarcasm and defiance.<br /> "Really?" Joanna asked calmly, with a chill in her eyes that was never seen before.<br /> Miley was slightly stunned when she saw the usually weak Joanna suddenly behaving so strangely.<br /> Before Miley could think further, Joanna had already tossed the phone in front of Bradley.<br /> Bradley saw the two people touching in the photo, and his face darkened immediately.<br /> Miley's heart skipped a beat. She didn't expect Joanna to be so bold as to show Bradley the photo and text just like that. Wasn't Joanna worried that Bradley might get furious?<br /> Seeing how gloomy Bradley was, Miley panicked finally. Yet she managed to calm down and spoke.<br /> "Joanna... This is?"<br /> "Can't you tell? The text says that I, Joanna Reed, don't get to be Mrs. Sutton. I'm a home wrecker.<br /> "Who do you think sent the text? And the attached photo. How come someone sent your intimate photo to me?<br /> "Do you want me to describe it to you? In the photo, there's a man and a woman at the hotel last night..."<br /> Joanna described expressionlessly. In the past, she might not have embarrassed Bradley to his face.<br /> There was a faint murmur of discussion in the distance around them.<br /> "Enough!"<br /> Bradley was not an idiot. Hearing Joanna's words, he knew that it was Miley who sent the photo.<br /> His face was cold and angry as never before, and the throbbing veins on his forehead showed that his patience had run out.<br /> This time, Joanna did nothing but stare at him without blinking, and she had no intention of dodging away.<br /> Then she looked at Miley calmly.<br /> "I'm not a home wrecker. I married into the Sutton family fair and square, and I will leave with an untainted reputation now. Since you want the title of Mrs. Sutton so badly, it's yours.<br /> "Remember. I don't want it!" Joanna said word by word.<br /> His chest heaved for a while. Just as he opened his mouth, Miley grabbed his arm with hers and said, about to cry, "Bradley... Trust me, OK? I didn't do that. I never want to be Mrs. Sutton.<br /> "I didn't take the photo, and I surely didn't send it. I bet it's Hailee. She never likes Joanna. I tried to talk to her so many times, but she just wouldn't listen. I swear it's her. You know I wouldn't do such a thing. If ... if Leonel was still with us..." Miley couldn't go on and burst into tears.<br /> Bradley remembered the dying words of Leonel Sutton, his brother, who had died young to save him. Then he slowly calmed down.<br /> "Doctor, get her checked out and get her ready for a blood transfusion."<br /> "Bradley, please talk to Joanna and talk things out. Don't fight because of me. I will no longer accept Joanna's blood. I will die before having her blood. Please! Don't fight ever again because of me."<br /> Miley grabbed Bradley's arm, refusing to let go. Coupled with her swollen forehead and tears, Joanna knew that she lost again.<br /> Every time, when Miley cried, she would definitely lose.<br /> He looked at Joanna and tried to say something, but Joanna turned to look at the doctor behind him.<br /> "Does she need blood for a sprained foot?"<br /> The doctor was caught off guard and was flustered for a second. Meeting Bradley's cold eyes, he hastily explained, "It's ... not like that. Ms. Reed fell upstairs last night and sprained her ankle, and her back was injured, too. She lost a lot of blood."<br /> "Is that so?" Joanna went forward slowly.<br /> "Yes..."<br /> "The operating room is ready, Mr. Sutton."<br /> "Joanna, we'll talk later. Go inside now," Bradley said while seeing Joanna approaching.<br /> "I'm done with you. Yet..."<br /> Without even looking at him, Joanna lifted Miley's clothes on her back neatly and quickly.<br /> Miley screamed.<br /> She tugged at her clothes hastily.<br /> Yet it was too late.<br /> Her back was immediately exposed to everyone's eyes. It was tender and fair without even a trace of bruising, let alone wound or blood loss.<br /> The ward fell silent at once.<br /> The doctor tried hard to stop his legs from trembling, and his lips quivered as he tried to explain, whereas Joanna sneered.<br /> "She hurt her back? More like she hurt her brain!"<br /> "Joanna... Bradley... It's not the case. I really fell off. The doctor got it wrong. I didn't hurt my back, I hurt my leg..." seeing Bradley's dark, suspicious gaze, Miley explained in a panic. She even rolled up her trouser leg to reveal her calf, which was bound with gauze.<br /> Yet Joanna had already lost the patience to play along. Joanna interrupted her, "No matter where you 'hurt' yourself, I don't care anymore. From now on, you won't be my sister, and you won't be the second daughter of the Reed family."<br /> Miley was surprised at what Joanna said, and then Miley's eyes flashed with sarcasm and disdain. She thought, "You're just a branch of the Reed family. Stop acting like you're so noble! Who cares?"<br /> Joanna continued, "And mobile blood bank? At least try it with someone else. I'm done!"<br /> Her voice echoed in the narrow corridor, calm and cold.<br /> With those words, Joanna looked at Bradley with an ironic smile and then turned away without stopping.<br /> After getting out of the hospital, she stopped at the door. It was higher than 30 degrees Celsius outside, but she felt no warmth.<br /> She could barely hold on. She was so weak that she fell on the hospital steps.<br /> She used her bloodless hands to shield her from the glare of the sun, and she felt dizzy. Tears ran through her fingers.<br /> Her three years as well as her obsession ended so ridiculously.<br /> She was such a failure.<br /> **<br /> In the luxurious and tasteful oversized room, Joanna woke up slowly.<br /> Looking at the familiar decorations in the room, she suddenly realized that the past was like a dream she had had. The dream was nothing but ridiculous and frustrating.<br /> Tears once again made her eyes red.<br /> "You're still a kid."<br /> A solemn voice with some vicissitudes sounded. Joanna looked back and saw a serious, loving old man standing at the door with his cane. She didn't know how long he had been waiting.<br /> Joanna choked again.<br /> "Grandpa..."<br /> The Reed family was a century-old family in South City, rich and prestigious.<br /> The man standing at the door was Payton Reed, the major head of the Reed family with the greatest power. Joanna was his granddaughter, and he had pampered her since she was a girl. Seeing that she was now so sad for a man, he was both angry and distressed.<br /> He couldn't bear to punish his granddaughter, and he wanted to take it all out on Bradley, the guy who hurt her so deeply. He wished he could take his cane to beat Bradley hard.<br /> Joanna had always been the apple of his eye, and he raised her all these years. Now that she was so aggrieved, of course, he was angry, yet he felt sorry for her more.<br /> Seeing Payton approaching her, she got out of bed and fell to her knees, crying so hard that she couldn't stop.<br /> "There, there. Good girl, Joanna. Stop crying...<br /> "I'll ask Jerold to deal with him! I won't stop till I kick him out of South City!"<br /> "Grandpa..." Listening to Payton's doting words and comfort, Joanna gradually stopped crying.<br /> Payton held her up and patted her on the head. "Don't cry. I know everything. Joanna, you won't have to suffer that kind of grievance ever again."<br /> Joanna knew that Payton was referring to the unfair treatment she had received from both the Sutton family and Miley.<br /> "Grandpa, I kicked Miley out of the Reed family..." She looked at him, her eyes red.<br /> "You did the right thing! I never wanted to recognize her from the beginning. An illegitimate child never deserves to be part of us! This kind of wicked woman is not worthy to be the Reed family's offspring!"<br /> Payton was furious at the mention of Miley.<br /> Seeing that Payton took her side without asking anything, Joanna felt even more bitter.<br /> Miley was brought here more than ten years ago after Joanna's mom died. At that time, seeing how weak and innocent Miley was, she pitied Miley and let Miley live in the front yard. She never allowed Miley to enter Payton's room. She had no idea that Miley had mistaken them for just a branch of the Reed family in South City. After Miley built a connection with the Sutton family, she did such an ungrateful thing.<br /> "Joanna, I gave you three years and promised that no matter what you did, I would stay out of it. It has been three years now. According to our agreement, you have to go back to the Reed Group to assume your share of responsibility. And since you're divorced, you might as well just be a part of the Reed Group directly. It's time you share your brother's burden."<br /> "I understand, Grandpa."<br /> The long-lasting dream was over. Now that she was awake, she had nothing left.<br /> She now ought to get back on track with her life.	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66,902	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1407380606834820	Premiere Plus Realty, Co.	Featured listings of the week.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FPremiereplusrealty.com%2F&h=AT00pYjo5TKqTar4nAB_wH2XLOqExC_7QnpgiQz8mhcBWc-UVSVrVF8FWvdC0D0nWBfta5HZwEm3jkwSAML9X5JAEARKS--pJtyt6s1FA6tFXyMQYLZRt1YGHtXMBO-LnapHbjSH1mpWs2RnmaUnujUIfK8L7cZ9Sj0B3SBDsic" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">Premiereplusrealty.com</a><br /> <br /> #Premiereplusrealty #featuredlistings #luxurylistings #southwestflorida	LEARN_MORE	https://www.premiereplusrealty.com/?utm_source=Soc	151616178212932	Premiere Plus Realty, Co.	https://facebook.com/PremierePlusRealtyCo	2,918	1	3,570,897,429,895,873	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Premiere Plus Realty, Co.	120205293859750020	https://www.premiereplusrealty.com/?utm_source=Soc...	NONE	carousel		https://www.premiereplusrealty.com/?utm_source=Social+Media&utm_medium=Campaign	2023-12-22 08:15	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412906715_385265837407738_728647371558495916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PXiTpQ3Vh2gAX_ezEI7&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC10s7cfUJCijjNVIk4DEqBInQWGKAX4oLVsHTys-3zqw&oe=6593278F	person_profile	Premiere Plus Realty	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414036007_703232545257783_6951478580050398753_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HpWtJgnQFP4AX9RbQg_&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA22Ej7IElkSKqsdP0DlSokECFdCjpChM1ZHVCEhIqs4A&oe=6591A080	3	Premiere Plus Realty, Co.	2023-12-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
70,040	/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	1411554422906792	Farmington Hills Special Services Department	Experience the Magic of Intimate Concerts at The Hawk Black Box Theatre - A Haven for Live Music Lovers! <br /> <br /> Are you tired of being lost in the crowd at big concerts and missing out on the true joy of live music? The Hawk Theatre is here to change the game! Immerse yourself in the intimate campfire-style concerts, where you can feel the warmth of the music and connect with the artist on a whole new level. <br /> <br /> #CampfireConcerts - Ready for an unforgettable night of live music? Our intimate indoor campfire-style concerts provide a unique live music experience. Tickets at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fthehawktheatre.com%2F&h=AT0K8S_fHf-YKcijl-1SqimZei2P-chjWRmLY8-5HB0R1NiB28qENajEStc22jroKfFKrV2B01vc_d8C4W5QwWP6akWeUAyEjXSKHW1aqJLplH7_pmCEXSPTjv-CQ3kdasDK-q4xXe0sTYXKBX8H4GACnmY" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">thehawktheatre.com</a>	GET_SHOWTIMES	https://www.fhgov.com/concerts?show=179911&utm_sou	307762560936	Farmington Hills Special Services Department	https://facebook.com/fhspecialservices	6,036	1	1,063,034,868,163,516	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Get showtimes	Farmington Hills Special Services Department	120200138058950452	fhgov.com	NONE	carousel		https://www.fhgov.com/concerts?show=179911&utm_source=localiq&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=customfb&scid=4512726	2023-11-21 09:20	https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402928328_696666392430501_2994921127641462450_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MbjCVfdNBlkAX_22c8Z&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCwRgKL__A5lqCuwbR_22u31J1Aqc5PeAoCHS7ZKlhCpA&oe=65922317	person_profile	Farmington Hills Special Svcs	https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402993028_224198507359003_1952460142110989749_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=co1fUCcMEe8AX8qD4tW&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDgG162g3bUWbp2JV1vybm_Neoqn6Ju1nnH4OvIMYaH_g&oe=6591FDDD	3	Farmington Hills Special Services Department	2023-11-27 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,414	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68916}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1039137783898803	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t s	LEARN_MORE	https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?languag	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	4	698,136,802,268,103	2023-12-01 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Fane Wood	120201123544050123	enjoyab.com	NONE	video		https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?language=en&timestamp=1699963857358&channelCode=NAENF1000047&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2023-11-24 06:12	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403622935_643957344598719_1785740631046101631_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MKZISNruCIoAX9Uxcnd&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAgO--6bF1DdTMffbXt1yiJZqi0tCrIFrDLrLweublevw&oe=65933C4B	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/403620223_6620292234760421_1354765551174543964_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FwtwoMJzd5cAX-Ua-ds&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDBsuIb0be44-G9JCrKLr7dP0sVFE8u4KdYz6Imo89VuQ&oe=6592FA5E	3	Fane Wood	2023-11-24 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,428	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67449}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	675575024703082	👉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	340,340,325,409,810	2023-12-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	OasisStory	120202765664870465	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 22:54	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410956505_676219714501107_6693514429802342267_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K5RHtu0MxnQAX879R4W&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD5KyIC2s45MD7nUzVNvIYeDK5oi5S2K0Onm2dr2KyjWw&oe=6592DB21	person_profile	OasisStory	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410923686_891319302232406_5148493079468079744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SEHuru1JAX0AX-A6oD8&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAdz9dogpF1Imr_jqaF_fURWR75q6Au41FPEXXQAsy6AA&oe=65914A57	3	OasisStory	2023-12-16 02:00	View Edit Delete
69,185	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":69177}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1059610598405726	Joanna Gaines Opens Up, Breaking Her Silence Before the World.	Long-Hidden Truths: Joanna Reveals Husband's Story and Behind-the-Scenes Finale.	LEARN_MORE	https://toppoptoday.com/fixer-upper-dark-downers-k	105559839220674	Day Magazine Name	https://facebook.com/100092990978966	86	0	1,014,218,529,862,332	2023-12-02 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Day Magazine Name	23862145435010740	toppoptoday.com	NONE	image	HGTV’s Fixer Upper is one of the most popular real estate reality TV shows of all time. Chip and Joanna Gaines have become super famous thanks to their roles presenting the super popular show, and celebs in their own right.But when their marriage began to unfold, the truth about the dark secrets b...	https://toppoptoday.com/fixer-upper-dark-downers-kd-ext/	2023-11-24 00:12	https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/404312839_2514208338746081_8552745789445159781_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u2GiA7WyNoUAX-kC_N_&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfC4-cquR3xL2QcCr3KZXtaXUg5nlxYb3h8jPqkl1iLjww&oe=659174DD	person_profile			3	Day Magazine Name	2023-11-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,472	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	1857994154619418	{{product.name}}	{{product.brand}}	SHOP_NOW	https://www.amazon.com/EcoQueen-Superhero-Reverse-	170297716163901	BookBaby New Releases	https://facebook.com/61553044875102	115	1	349,054,654,488,835	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	BookBaby New Releases	120201913669410379	amazon.com	NONE	dco	{{product.description}}	https://www.amazon.com/EcoQueen-Superhero-Reverse-Climate-Change/dp/1736598708/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joanna+kanow&qid=1619545752&sr=8-1	2023-12-06 11:03	https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/405441764_1711322396012019_1019064948199363942_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-9_s67wNZd0AX_P6ezt&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDkNlrIUe5jlT5gxhEH1133_Vvkj4xQ3Ay7QIgeCj_9iA&oe=65922F0E	person_profile	BookBaby New Releases	https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406988376_3789523494706833_466409700690327230_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F8C0STp117IAX-MQV1a&_nc_oc=AQmO7j32Lh5EeqIsbUVhTPK9kn17QxTzHvavYOJ6vXpBYkpqlioUj4k3PzQrsUdUefkTNaWIsxoZhGMk4DWMYSs_&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-2.fna&oh=00_AfD_Fb1zPZOXg4FJvEVQ8ECDQHDd5FVy9Q5y149ky_Pclg&oe=65925F56	3	BookBaby New Releases	2023-12-09 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,637	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	408624828158957	Love Born From A Contract	Please don't stop! She begs as I crawl on top of her. Her legs wrapped around my waist instinctively and I could feel a strong heat between my legs... I'm about to lose it...<br /> -------------------------------------------<br /> It's really good, I couldn't stop watching it in one sitting, it's worth watching many times!Love Born From A Contract	LEARN_MORE	https://api.joyreels.com/app/publicity-links/848?c	108401345691237	JoyReels	https://facebook.com/JoyReels01	91	2	1,607,244,790,012,564	2023-12-27 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	1	Learn more	JoyReels	120204676900380021	api.joyreels.com	NONE	video		https://api.joyreels.com/app/publicity-links/848?channel=facebook&ad_id={{ad.id}}	2023-12-26 00:30	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412722967_6991118837647762_7999341716004640355_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s1v86i7skksAX8avlzL&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBrJbXIdvp_qVkxvfZIhMhlXgElgflY-6Qfd7jw6lPgVg&oe=65924DEF	person_profile	JoyReels	https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/414440152_230774000064854_3595610247862624329_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fLVUb29YqQcAX81KtRP&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDa70gdzTy4YavOVLWxL49wyd1N-4agPLsIzoBCiAsg7w&oe=65922BE2	3	JoyReels	2023-12-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,930	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68916}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	671479131770011	The Return of the War Legate	After seven years of bloodbath, the most decorated soldier returns to the capital.“Whatever was taken from me, I will take back a thousand fold!”<br /> Chapter 1<br /> Swallowston, the biggest city in Navia.<br /> <br /> Something astounding happened.<br /> <br /> A private cruise ship appeared on the horizon of the Swallowston Sea. Hundreds of fighter jets escorted the ship from the air while an aircraft carrier sailed behind it. Cars pulled over and onlookers were stopped behind a yellow line. All to open up a path for a legend.<br /> <br /> The person was rumored to be a bigshot, the protector of Swallowston, bearing the title of “War Legate.”<br /> <br /> “Welcome back, War Legate!” a roar came from the pier where ten thousand soldiers were lined up, looking in high spirits.<br /> <br /> A young man disembarked from the ship. He looked majestic with his head held high. He had an air of confidence that could change the mood of wherever he went and seemed unbeatable.<br /> <br /> The man was a legend in the military and a hero of the country. He was given the title of “War Legate” and was only second to one other person. He founded the Blood Corps which was sharp as a sword and was undefeatable. <br /> <br /> This man was a legend. <br /> <br /> “General Summers, have you found out what happened?” Adrian Xander stopped in his tracks and turned to ask.<br /> <br /> Seven years ago, he left the Xander family behind in Swallowston. Adrian’s father, Henry Xander, was a merchant and had established the Paraiso Group, the biggest corporation in Swallowston. Unfortunately, his father passed away after catching an incurable disease. <br /> <br /> To ensure that Adrian takes over Paraiso, Henry arranged a fiancee for him so that he would wed and start his own family. But the day after his wedding to Samantha Cowell, Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Xander, used his position as his guardian to pull some strings so Adrian, who was not yet eighteen, was shipped off to the army base at the border.<br /> <br /> It was the most dangerous location to be at.<br /> <br /> What Harold hoped was that his grandson would not return from the border so he could obtain Paraiso and give it to his two other sons. He never expected Adrian to return. <br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Daniel Summers, the general, replied, “Your father’s company has been bought over by the Xander Group. Currently, your eldest uncle is running it. Your grandfather is the chairman.”<br /> <br /> “Just as I predicted. My father’s company is now theirs.” Adrian smirked. <br /> <br /> Harold’s favorite had always been Adrian’s eldest uncle, but Adrian never thought that his grandfather would go to such lengths for him.<br /> <br /> Daniel said, “It’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday today and there will be a party at Xander Manor. Your mother and sister will be in attendance. Do you plan on going?”<br /> <br /> “Tell him that the war legate will be personally attending his birthday celebration to wish him a happy birthday.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> That evening, at Xander Manor.<br /> <br /> It was Harold Xander’s seventieth birthday. There were three tables ladened with food in the dining area.<br /> <br /> Harold sat at the head of the table and was surrounded by his family.<br /> <br /> “Grandfather, this is a crystal statuette of Zeus I got for you. It’s worth four thousand dollars.”<br /> <br /> “Father, I got these tea leaves from the highlands, and they’re worth four thousand and five hundred dollars.”<br /> <br /> Everyone started presenting their gifts to him.<br /> <br /> Harold nodded. “Thank you all.”<br /> <br /> “Father, can you lend me some money, please? Adaline is in university and I need a bit more to pay her tuition.”<br /> <br /> Someone’s question ended the wholesome scene. Everyone looked toward the mother and daughter at the corner of the room.<br /> <br /> It was Adrian’s mother, Rue Blanchet. The woman in her twenties sitting next to her, was Adrian’s sister, Adaline.<br /> <br /> Rue had not planned on borrowing money from Harold, but her daughter got into a famous university and she needed more money for the tuition fees.<br /> <br /> “Rue Blanchet, did you bring your daughter along just to borrow money?”<br /> <br /> “It’s Father’s birthday today. Not only did you not bring a present, but you’re also asking for money?”<br /> <br /> “The family pays for all your food and lodging, and you’re asking for more money?” Cecilia White, the elder daughter-in-law spoke.<br /> <br /> Everyone frowned and looked annoyed too.<br /> <br /> “Rue, you don’t borrow money from someone on their birthday. You’ll ruin the celebration.”<br /> <br /> “Exactly, Rue. How much of our family’s money have you spent already?”<br /> <br /> Tears welled up in Rue’s eyes as she was assaulted by everyone’s angry taunts. She did not want to borrow money from them, but she was a single mother. She was not capable of paying the fees.<br /> <br /> Rue started crying and said, “Father, I beg you. Adaline tried so hard to get into a good university and Adrian is not around. I can’t let her down!” Rue begged and almost got to her knees.<br /> <br /> “Absolutely not. You’re such a killjoy!” Leonard Xander, the eldest of the Xander siblings, said in disgust.<br /> <br /> Everyone present was disgusted at Rue’s request, but they had forgotten that the Xanders would not have become who they were now if not because of Paraiso.<br /> <br /> “Father, I’m begging you. Please help me…” Rue’s face was covered in tears and she got on her knees.<br /> <br /> “Mother!”<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Adaline stepped forward to grab her mother and angrily said, “Why are you kneeling? Can you have some self-respect? If they don’t want to lend us the money, forget it. We don’t need their money.”<br /> <br /> Adaline was crying too.<br /> <br /> Ever since her father’s death, she no longer lived a lavish life. She had nothing left.<br /> <br /> Her brother, Adrian, disappeared seven years ago and could not be contacted. Her grandfather then stole her father’s Paraiso Group.<br /> <br /> Harold had always favored his two older sons. Following Henry’s death, he mistreated Rue and Adaline, so why would these two ask him for money?<br /> <br /> “Get up!” Adaline yelled out through her tears. She did not want to see her mother in such a situation.<br /> <br /> However, Rue refused to get up for the sake of Adaline’s education. She said, “Father, please. Henry is no longer with us, but Adaline is still your granddaughter.”<br /> <br /> <br /> Harold frowned.<br /> <br /> He took over Paraiso to make the Xander family stronger. He was afraid of Adrian’s return or Adaline doing well after she finished her studies. If either of them made it in life, they would surely take revenge on the Xanders.<br /> <br /> Harold knew that his two older sons were not particularly bright, so he had to lay things out for them.<br /> <br /> “We’ll talk about this another day. It’s my birthday today. I don’t want to deal with this.”<br /> <br /> Upon hearing that, Rue grew anxious and planned to continue begging.<br /> <br /> Adaline cried and said, “Mother, get up. Stop begging them. I’d rather not go to university than be treated like this!”<br /> <br /> Neither Leonard nor any of the other family members planned to help.<br /> <br /> Henry, the third son, was already deceased. His widow and daughter were looked down upon.<br /> <br /> But suddenly…<br /> <br /> “Father, good news, good news!”<br /> <br /> Harold’s second son, Wilfred Xander, ran in. “Father, I just got word that the war legate is coming to see you and will be here in ten minutes!”<br /> <br /> Chapter 2<br /> “What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe.<br /> <br /> There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him.<br /> <br /> The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today.<br /> <br /> “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.”<br /> <br /> “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?”<br /> <br /> “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?”<br /> <br /> The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him.<br /> <br /> “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!”<br /> <br /> Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate?<br /> <br /> The Xanders were overjoyed.<br /> <br /> <br /> “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline.<br /> <br /> Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.”<br /> <br /> Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated.<br /> <br /> When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.”<br /> <br /> Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown.<br /> <br /> Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish.<br /> <br /> “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose.<br /> <br /> Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party?<br /> <br /> He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter.<br /> <br /> <br /> But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face.<br /> <br /> “Argh!”<br /> <br /> The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying.<br /> <br /> Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor.<br /> <br /> “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled.<br /> <br /> “Take a good look and you’ll know.”<br /> <br /> The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him.<br /> <br /> “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned.<br /> <br /> Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago?<br /> <br /> No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him!<br /> <br /> “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed.<br /> <br /> “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.”<br /> <br /> “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face.<br /> <br /> There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died.<br /> <br /> “I’m alive,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded.<br /> <br /> After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.”<br /> <br /> He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face.<br /> <br /> Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!”<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.”<br /> <br /> Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him.<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked.<br /> <br /> Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!”<br /> <br /> “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap.<br /> <br /> That threw Leonard back to the floor again.<br /> <br /> Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man.<br /> <br /> Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore.<br /> <br /> Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.”<br /> <br /> Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone.<br /> <br /> Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?”<br /> <br /> Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.”<br /> <br /> Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.”<br /> <br /> Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare.<br /> <br /> “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 3<br /> After saying that, Adrian left Xander Manor with his mother and sister.<br /> <br /> There was no reason for him to stay any longer.<br /> <br /> <br /> Once they left, Cecelia said, “He thinks he’s so important after having been in the army for only seven years? He thinks he can tear down our family? What a joke.”<br /> <br /> Everyone burst out laughing.<br /> <br /> “Wilfred, can you find out when the legate will be arriving?” Harold put the matter aside and asked his son.<br /> <br /> “Yes, Father.” Wilfred nodded, then quickly called the person who had contacted him earlier.<br /> <br /> The Xanders started getting ready. The women put on makeup so they could present their best selves to the legate.<br /> <br /> After some time, Wildred turned to his father awkwardly. “Father, they said that he was here and just left.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Harold was worried.<br /> <br /> He came and left? Why?<br /> <br /> He turned to look at them and anxiously asked, “Did you see anyone come in?”<br /> <br /> “No one else other than Adrian.” Everyone shrugged.<br /> <br /> Harold took a deep breath. Did he miss his chance for a big break?<br /> <br /> “Father, my guess is that the legate got here, saw Adrian and his family, then left because he was upset,” Leonard said, still holding his face.<br /> <br /> “He must think that we’re a bunch of ruffians after seeing Adrian hit Leonard, so he left,” Cecelia and the others chimed in.<br /> <br /> Harold angrily thumped his chest and howled, “Adrian, you're a curse to this family!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian, Rue, and Adaline arrived home.<br /> <br /> The house was not very big—just a two-bedroom house. Even though it was old, it was spotless.<br /> <br /> “Mother, have you stayed here all this time?” Adrian asked as he looked around.<br /> Rue nodded. “Son, after you were shipped off, your grandfather took away Paraiso from us and tied it to the Xander Group. You know that I’m not good with business and don’t know much about culture, so your uncle, Leonard, took the house. He’s staying there now.”<br /> <br /> Henry, Adrian’s father, had left behind a mansion upon his death.<br /> <br /> Adrian took a deep breath. He was unaware that his mother and sister had a tough life.<br /> <br /> “Where have you been?” Rue asked.<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Rue was a woman, so she might not be able to accept that her son was the War Legate. He decided to bring up his real identity when he got a better chance in the future.<br /> <br /> Adrian said, “I couldn’t come back because Wellborough was under siege, but I’m back now. I won’t let you or Adaline suffer anymore.”<br /> <br /> Rue smiled happily. He was her son. There was finally a man in the house to support them.<br /> <br /> “I hope that you’re good enough,” Adaline said coldly, then stormed off to her room.<br /> <br /> “Adaline—”<br /> <br /> Rue wanted to call her back, but Adrian stopped her. He then said, “She hates me, so there’s no point arguing with her over it. I’ll explain to her over time.”<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. Her son had not been back in seven years. Only she as his mother would not hate him. Adaline held a huge grudge.<br /> <br /> <br /> “By the way, Mother, where’s Samantha?” Adrian suddenly asked.<br /> <br /> Samantha Cowell was his wife. She married him when she was nineteen, but the day after their wedding, Adrian was sent away to war and they lost contact.<br /> <br /> Samantha was from the Cowell family of Swallowston. Her grandpa, John Cowell, was close friends with Henry Xander.<br /> <br /> John and Henry were the ones who had arranged Adrian and Samathan’s marriage.<br /> <br /> “The child had it tough too,” Rue said, “Soon after your wedding, her grandfather passed away. I told her to remarry, but she said that she will stay loyal to her husband. She said that she’s your wife and that she will stay that way.<br /> <br /> “Her grandmother insisted that she remarry, but she rejected it. That made her family kick her out.”<br /> <br /> Adrian sighed. Samantha was a silly woman that had been waiting for him all this time.<br /> <br /> Rue continued, “After that, she started a company with her friend and it was doing quite well. Our lives got better, but something happened to her company recently, so she’s still at the office.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, go pick her up. She’ll be delighted to see that you’re back.”<br /> <br /> He nodded. She was someone he owed a lot to for being a single married woman for the past seven years. After their wedding, they spent only two short days together, so Adrian had not even touched her yet.<br /> <br /> These seven years must have been hard for her.<br /> <br /> <br /> That night, at the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> Bailar was a small fashion company that was co-founded by Samantha and her best friend, Joanna DuPont.<br /> <br /> Adrian got to the building and looked up, feeling excited. After seven years, he was not sure how to face Samantha.<br /> <br /> It was late at night and all the employees had left. The entire building was dark. Only the lights in one of the offices were still on.<br /> <br /> He guessed that it was Samantha’s office and that she was working overtime.<br /> <br /> “I’m here, Sam.” He was excited.<br /> <br /> When he stepped into the office, two men in suits suddenly walked out from the shadows.<br /> <br /> “The office is closed. Which department do you work in? Why are you here at this hour?” The men stopped him.<br /> <br /> Adrian paused, then looked at them.<br /> <br /> They seemed like good fighters and were not the building’s security. Rue had told him that the company was not capable of hiring security guards.<br /> <br /> “I’m here to see someone,” Adrian replied.<br /> <br /> The men looked at each other. One of them said, “At this hour? Here to see Samantha Cowell I presume? She’s the only one here, after all.”<br /> <br /> Adrian was surprised because the bodyguards seemed to be paying special attention to Samantha.<br /> <br /> “What do you mean?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> The bodyguards said, “She’s having a chat with Mr. Devin. The company is closed right now. No one is allowed to enter.”<br /> <br /> Adrian paused. How was this possible? Rue said that Samantha had been waiting for his return. Was it all just a show?<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian was annoyed because Samantha was not loyal to him.<br /> <br /> She was meeting a man so late at night?<br /> <br /> So much for Rue appreciating her.<br /> <br /> He took a deep breath and walked forward.<br /> <br /> “Are you deaf or do you want to get a beating?” The two men grew angry.<br /> <br /> They were Devin Williams’ bodyguards and had been instructed to guard the building entrance. They rushed over because Adrian insisted on going in.<br /> <br /> But in the blink of an eye, the two bodyguards were howling in pain as they fell to the ground.<br /> <br /> “I’m coming for you, Samantha Cowell.” Adrian stepped over the two men and continued walking.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> The two men said that Samantha and someone named Mr. Devin were spending time alone in her office. But from what Rue said, Samantha was a loyal woman.<br /> <br /> Why would a woman like that do what she was doing? Was there some sort of misunderstanding?<br /> <br /> Adrian went up to the office.<br /> <br /> <br /> CEO’s office, the Bailar Group.<br /> <br /> A beautiful woman sat in the office. She had long hair and a nice figure. She was elegant and had a pair of long, slender legs that were crossed under the desk.<br /> <br /> That was Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> Her company had been kicked out of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce because of sabotage from competitors, and she was accused of wrongdoing. To avoid going to jail, she was forced to give her company away.<br /> <br /> That night was her last night at the office. Years of hard work were going to disappear, so she was feeling upset.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, have you signed the agreement?”<br /> <br /> The door of her office opened and a middle-aged man walked in. He smiled and asked her after walking in.<br /> <br /> The man was Devin Williams, the owner of the Williams Group that was a part of Alyanz.<br /> <br /> He had always wanted Samantha for himself but she had rejected him multiple times. He had worked together with the cousin of Alyanz’s chairman to force Samantha into a corner.<br /> <br /> They made Samantha donate her company away.<br /> <br /> “Here’s the agreement. There’s no longer any debt between us.” Samantha stood up when she saw Devin enter and handed the agreement to him. “After midnight, the company will be yours.”<br /> <br /> “But before that, you need to leave!” she yelled as she pointed at the door.<br /> <br /> Devin did not leave, but instead walked over to the couch and took a seat.<br /> <br /> He lit up a cigarette. “Ms. Samantha, you know what I want isn’t your company. What I want is you.”<br /> <br /> Devin was obsessed with Samantha’s figure, and his kink was that he was into married women. He knew that Samantha was married and her husband used to be well-known in Swallowston.<br /> <br /> “I’ve given you what you want, so stop dreaming. Besides, I’m married.” Samantha stood up and packed her things.<br /> <br /> If he was not going to leave, she would. The man disgusted her.<br /> <br /> However, Devin said, “Your deadbeat husband is probably dead. Samantha, I’m showing you respect. If I don’t, you’d be nobody.”<br /> <br /> He blocked Samantha’s path of exit.<br /> <br /> Samantha wanted to ignore him and yelled, “Get out of my way!”<br /> <br /> Devin took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. “What if I don’t want to? What are you going to do? You’re not going to win this, Samantha Cowell.<br /> <br /> “I have connections throughout Swallowston. Even the legate who arrived today dined with me. There’s no one more powerful than me in this city.”<br /> <br /> Devin did not even wince as he lied. He never met the legate anyway.<br /> <br /> Samantha did not want to entertain him so she tried to push him away. However, before she could, a voice rang out.<br /> <br /> “The legate dined with you? I don’t remember doing that.”<br /> <br /> There was a bang and the door was kicked open. Adrian walked in.<br /> <br /> Devin saw him and immediately frowned. “Who are you? Have you met the man?”<br /> <br /> <br /> Adrian ignored Devin and walked up to Samantha.<br /> <br /> She saw someone enter and was curious about who it was, so she took a closer look at him. She could not recognize him as the last time she saw him was seven years ago, and she had only spent two days with him.<br /> <br /> Adrian recognized her though. He would always remember her face.<br /> <br /> “Samantha, do you remember me?” Adrian asked as he touched her face.<br /> <br /> Samantha was surprised. She took a good long look at him after he said that.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, a flash of recognition went through her mind and she froze. “A-Adrian?”<br /> <br /> Samantha recognized the healthy-looking face and familiar expressions. It was her husband, Adrian Xander!<br /> <br /> She started tearing up.<br /> <br /> “Sam, it’s me, I’m back.” Adrian excitedly said.<br /> <br /> Samantha was shocked. Her tears started falling and she covered her mouth. She could not believe her eyes. This was the man that she had been thinking about day and night.<br /> <br /> Seven years. It had been seven years!<br /> <br /> “Aren’t you ashamed to come back?” Samantha suddenly slapped him and said through her tears.<br /> <br /> Adrian felt a mix of emotions and did not know what to say. He felt guilty and blamed himself. Samantha had done a lot for his family, but he had suspected her of cheating on him.<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Sam,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Samantha took a deep breath. She thought that her life would pass just like that and that she would forever be a widow while taking care of her mother-in-law and making money to send her sister-in-law to university. She never imagined that her husband would one day return.<br /> <br /> “You think apologizing is good enough?!” she cried, “Adrian Xander, you’re nothing but trash! You owe me! You owe the entire family! I won’t forgive you! You left me for seven years! I will never forgive you!”<br /> <br /> Adrian never expected her to forgive him. He only hoped that he could use the rest of his life to repay her.<br /> <br /> He said, “Sam, go home. I’ll settle this and go home to you. You can then hit me and yell at me all you want. I won’t retaliate.”<br /> <br /> Samantha took a look at Devin, paused, then turned and walked out of the office. <br /> <br /> <br /> After she left, Adrian’s face fell. He turned to face Devin.<br /> <br /> Devin understood what was going on and smiled. “I know. You’re Henry Xander’s son, Adrian. Samantha’s husband.”<br /> <br /> “You want to sleep with my wife?” Adrian asked.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha!” Devin threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad you know. I’m part of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. I’m pretty powerful around these parts. We even managed to take Samantha’s company away from her, but what are you going to do about it?<br /> <br /> “I have an in with the war legate too. Your wife is lucky that I’m interested in her.”<br /> <br /> Devin had heard of Adrian. Ever since Henry’s passing, the family fell apart. Adrian was sent away to the army at the border and did not seem to have made any improvements since then.<br /> <br /> When Adrian heard Devin’s proud tone, he laughed. “The war legate huh? Sure. I’ll show you who the real war legate is.”<br /> <br /> He then pulled out his phone. “General Summers, bring some men to the Bailar Group.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 5<br /> Adrian hung up and sat down to wait.<br /> <br /> After Devin heard what Adrian said, he chuckled. He knew that Daniel was a big shot in Swallowston and that he was the general who worked under the legate. That meant that if he stomped his feet, the city would shake.<br /> <br /> Devin thought that Adrian was just pretending to call Daniel. It was probably a fake number.<br /> <br /> “Hahaha! Henry was a genius. Too bad his son isn’t.” Devin continued to laugh.<br /> <br /> He knew very well what happened to the Xanders since he was a local of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> Devin said, “Sure, I’ll wait with you. I’d like to see if you can really bring Daniel Summers here.”<br /> <br /> He then sat down on the couch, lit another cigarette, and crossed his legs.<br /> <br /> Adrian ignored him and closed his eyes to rest.<br /> <br /> Within ten minutes, just as Devin was arrogantly enjoying his cigarette, the door of the office was kicked open again and Daniel, who was in uniform, walked in. Devin was shocked.<br /> <br /> Behind Daniel was the richest man in Swallowston, Damien Holland, owner of the biggest bank in Swallowston, and some of the most affluent men in the city. There were more than a dozen people.<br /> <br /> “Get on your knees!” Daniel commanded and Devin fell to his knees in fright as his body shook.<br /> <br /> Daniel was the right-hand man to the strongest warrior. Swallowston was under the state of Dragonshire, and Dragonshire’s battle warrior was Lucas Jenner. Lucas was the protector of Swallowston.<br /> <br /> What did Devin do to offend such an important person? His face fell as he looked up with fear in his eyes.<br /> <br /> Daniel walked over to Adrian and said, “What are your orders, Legate?”<br /> <br /> “What? Legate?”<br /> <br /> No way.<br /> <br /> Devin was devastated and started falling apart. He cried and knocked his head on the floor repeatedly. “Le-Lagate, I’m so sorry for offending you! Please spare me!”<br /> <br /> His skull almost cracked open. He had no clue that Adrian was the war legate, and he had actually lied to Adrian about having a meal with him.<br /> <br /> “From now on, this person will cease to exist in Swallowston,” Adrian said to Daniel as he stood up.<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir,” Daniel replied.<br /> <br /> Adrian meant to have Devin killed. Why would he let off the man who tried to sleep with his wife while he was not around?<br /> <br /> Devin lost his mind and knocked his head on the ground so hard he started bleeding. “Please spare me, Legate. I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed through his tears, his voice filled with regret.<br /> <br /> Daniel ordered Devin pinned down to the floor and Adrian did not pay him any attention. He said to Daniel, “Procure the Bailar Group. I’ll tell you what to do with it later.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Adrian walked out without saying another word.<br /> <br /> Daniel and the influential people of Swallowston all bowed and said, “Goodbye, Legate!”<br /> <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, after exiting the building, Samantha paused at the doors.<br /> <br /> She was worried about Adrian, but when she remembered how he had left her for seven years, her heart broke. That was why she did not stay and went straight home.<br /> <br /> If he could not even take care of Devin Williams, what was the point of him coming back?<br /> <br /> Bailar would no longer belong to her anyway.<br /> <br /> “You’re home, Sam. Come, wash your hands, and have some food.”<br /> <br /> Rue had food ready for her when she got home.<br /> <br /> Samantha shook her head and said, “I’m not hungry, so I won’t be eating. I’m really tired. I'm going to take a shower.”<br /> <br /> Her mind was filled with the thought of Adrian and could not cheer up. On top of that, Bailar was going to be taken over. She was about to lose her income and company. She would be like a worm trying to get by.<br /> <br /> How could she cheer up?<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she did not know what to say.<br /> <br /> Adaline, who was sitting on the couch, stood up and spoke to Samantha. “Sam, have you seen Adrian? He went to the office to find you.”<br /> <br /> Samantha nodded. “I did, but I don’t want to deal with him.”<br /> <br /> She then went into her bedroom to get her clothes and got into the shower.<br /> <br /> Adaline did not say anything because she felt the same way.<br /> <br /> <br /> Soon after that, Adrian returned.<br /> <br /> When he saw Rue and Adaline in the living room, he asked, “Mom, is Sam back?”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded. “Yes, she’s asleep.<br /> <br /> “Adrian, she may hate you for disappearing for years, but don’t hold it against her.”<br /> <br /> Rue knew that her daughter-in-law had been through a lot and had paid for Adaline’s studies and their spending with her earnings from Bailar.<br /> <br /> What woman would do such a thing? Who would be willing to help her husband’s sister? Any other woman would probably have remarried.<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled and said, “She must feel terrible after losing Bailar, but it’s fine. Things will improve now that I’m back.”<br /> <br /> Rue nodded.<br /> <br /> However, Adaline glared at Adrian and then scoffed. “If you really had power, you would have gone to Celine and gotten the company back. Otherwise, shut up!”<br /> <br /> “Celine? Who’s that?” Adrian did not know this person.<br /> <br /> Rue chided Adaline. “Don’t say that, Ada. Celine is a busy woman. Don’t get your brother in trouble.”<br /> <br /> Adaline scoffed and rolled her eyes.<br /> <br /> Adrian looked toward Rue and asked her who Celine was.<br /> <br /> Rue replied, “Celine Blanche is the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce. Alyanz is the biggest chamber of commerce in Swallowston. She’s also Devin Williams’s cousin. She was the one who worked with Devin to bankrupt Samantha’s company.<br /> <br /> “Celine has planned for an agreement signing event tomorrow. I’m guessing that Sam will attend it because, based on her personality, she won’t accept defeat.”<br /> Rue sighed. “However, Alyanz is very powerful. There’s no way to win against them.”<br /> <br /> After hearing that, Adrian understood what happened.<br /> <br /> Devin wanted to teach Samantha a lesson, so he got help from Celine to tear down Bailar.<br /> <br /> Adrian nodded. “All right, I will destroy Alyanz by tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “What’s the point of saying that? I haven’t seen you achieve anything in the past seven years,” Adaline said with a disgusted look on her face. She then got up and went to her room.<br /> <br /> Rue said, “Ada, Adrian’s your older brother. You can’t say that.”<br /> <br /> “It’s fine. This is all my fault,” Adrian said.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed. She did not know what to say. She spoke to Adrian a little, then cleaned up the dishes in the kitchen.<br /> <br /> Adrian made a call. “General Summers, inform the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce that the war legate will be attending their agreement signing event tomorrow.”<br /> <br /> “Yes, sir.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6<br /> Adrian gave a few more instructions before hanging up the call.<br /> <br /> “Celine Blanche… You’ll pay with your life.”<br /> <br /> *<br /> The next day, Adrian got up early and prepared breakfast.<br /> <br /> When Rue woke up and saw what he had done, she was shocked. “Adrian, why did you…”<br /> <br /> He smiled. One of the reasons he came home was to try and lessen her burden.<br /> <br /> “Breakfast is ready. Could you wake Ada and Sam for breakfast please?” he asked.<br /> <br /> Rue sighed because she no longer recognized her son. However, she was relieved that he was back. She did not plan to ask for more.<br /> <br /> Soon after, Adaline and Samantha stirred and walked out of their rooms.<br /> <br /> Upon seeing that Adrian had made breakfast, Samantha was surprised, but it soon turned into disappointment. She was disappointed because she thought that was the only thing he planned to do upon his return.<br /> <br /> “Sam, have some breakfast,” Adrian said to her.<br /> <br /> Adaline walked over and sat down on the couch. “If all you learned these past seven years was to cook, you’re pretty much useless. Is this all you’re capable of?”<br /> <br /> Adrian smiled sadly but did not say anything in return.<br /> <br /> Samantha sat down and spoke to Rue. “Mother, I’ll be heading to Alyanz later to find Celine. I want to get my company back. Ada will be going off to university soon. We can’t s	LEARN_MORE	https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?languag	100293226489497	Fane Wood	https://facebook.com/100095108408459	2,255	1	3,465,422,420,454,537	2023-11-29 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	Fane Wood	120200685799220123	enjoyab.com	NONE	video		https://enjoyab.com/nr_land_page/4224.html?language=en&timestamp=1699963857358&channelCode=NAENF1000047&bid=21000205112&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2023-11-15 07:01	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/401002409_1447878682608252_6342164575096879067_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sf5wu2VRzNAAX_RvPFu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDkueEus0yyw8e2dUi171PDq6S6IHroUVbk-yOKKeHRvg&oe=659269A9	person_profile	Fane Wood	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/402344519_1335828550628406_2091806208911085822_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xyVBiaoCqokAX_Qenh2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfANxwDwpXmZjHopRdTroaatx4NuWWmUX4Vtq9XDd5dXaA&oe=659303B3	3	Fane Wood	2023-11-28 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,936	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66967}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	371886965313989	Tatum O'Neal, 60, now has multiple diseases after years of being mistreated and deadly habits, which she learned from her own parents, the late Ryan O'Neal and Joanna Moore. "I've been through a lot," Tatum said. Here's more to know about her.	She ate dog food to survive after being locked in a garage while her mom and late father, Ryan O'Neal, indulged in deadly habits and had fun. Tatum, now 60 and badly sick, paid tribute to her dad, saying, "has always been my hero." Here are more facts about Tatum O'Neal.	NO_BUTTON	https://en.apptrigger.com/view/?id=tatum-oneal-fac	101351691906645	The Primary Market - News	https://facebook.com/100067894593207	7,447	0	191,500,664,048,035	2023-12-24 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	No button	The Primary Market - News	120202829710990756	en.apptrigger.com	NONE	image		https://en.apptrigger.com/view/?id=tatum-oneal-facts-apt&src=facebook	2023-12-21 20:48	https://scontent-hou1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412245351_1525851681535175_6482378805252949989_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5Qmngrs6JrgAX8Loq7z&_nc_ht=scontent-hou1-1.xx&oh=00_AfA52g0YvShvU04gGq6dBAvfD3ZRVNvd7rwMMLJluf0i4g&oe=659217DC	person_profile			3	The Primary Market - News	2023-12-22 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,859	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66856}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	742613053905193	✨Up to 20% Off Sitewide!✨	We are so excited to share that our collection of Ruggable washable rugs are on SALE! Save on our fun AND functional rugs during their End of Year Sale. 🌈	SHOP_NOW	https://ruggable.com/discount/EOY23?redirect=%2Fco	969967079721584	The Home Edit	https://facebook.com/thehomeedit	410,736	0	893,629,202,253,685	2023-12-26 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Shop now	The Home Edit	120202967024940018	ruggable.com	NONE	image	We teamed up with experts and best friends, Clea & Joanna, to put the fun in functional. Meet Ruggable x The Home Edit.	https://ruggable.com/discount/EOY23?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fthe-home-edit-rugs	2023-12-22 20:49	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412888114_7035958693158285_4278619833518091581_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FOe5OHMAcvMAX99O-NZ&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDJrzbpfLmbMZUSSKQxhJE4knEvq36AJeQNe3qH8aa7RQ&oe=6591D291	person_profile	THE HOME EDIT ®	https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/412878390_1029457648359539_7889435742762184001_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=88VrePMRFmUAX-Oqsgc&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBX89rFHdWhacC1uY4st71Xga8X2h3O0uwJjZRoDblTGw&oe=6592E441	3	The Home Edit	2023-12-26 02:00	View Edit Delete
66,980	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":66967}'	No	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	332716616199902	Tatum O'Neal, 60, now has multiple diseases after years of being mistreated and deadly habits, which she learned from her own parents, the late Ryan O'Neal and Joanna Moore. "I've been through a lot," Tatum said. Here's more to know about her.	She ate dog food to survive after being locked in a garage while her mom and late father, Ryan O'Neal, indulged in deadly habits and had fun. Tatum, now 60 and badly sick, paid tribute to her dad, saying, "has always been my hero." Here are more facts about Tatum O'Neal.	NO_BUTTON	https://en.apptrigger.com/view/?id=tatum-oneal-fac	120766401101493	BioBursts	https://facebook.com/100095312214573	5,440	0	3,232,914,363,680,266	2023-12-23 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	No button	BioBursts	120202829672380756	en.apptrigger.com	NONE	image		https://en.apptrigger.com/view/?id=tatum-oneal-facts-apt&src=facebook	2023-12-21 20:46	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/411532370_3244327099194137_7988257233821687837_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gyXmY3zl4a8AX-SLIN1&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDwKJ6TZ_bcq0Acf-3azHEWuDUpw4H1uB2OmIuWf3GfwA&oe=6592737A	person_profile			3	BioBursts	2023-12-21 02:00	View Edit Delete
67,600	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":67891}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	717650563683171	Joanna Gaines From Fixer Upper Breaks Silence	Producers tried to keep this from the public for the longest time, but now, not only did Joanna break silence about her husband but we also learned what happened behind the scenes that ended the show.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.historyallday.com/renovation-revelatio	1914785225460488	History All Day	https://facebook.com/historyallday	884,195	1	168,283,889,709,226	2023-12-16 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	History All Day	120201852683090185	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/	2023-12-14 05:55	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/409921250_770582618235380_3902231432078750751_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YSdkdcWd3qgAX_8Egjm&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAPpw_KtHExX2JPUcIMU3kxz323hE9-a7EEcTMZJ4fbFA&oe=65919C9A	person_profile	HistoryAllDay	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/410089389_283690540844211_125745260849760313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z77wbUN1T3kAX8uFWXJ&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfDCj-DbJtM1Lbs64w_C3b83GAHQ03non0Q-_cpEFV6Ekw&oe=65916B77	3	History All Day	2023-12-15 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,258	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":68434}'	Yes	2023-12-28 04:42	active	67	312467715084309	30+ Illustrations Show The Reality Of Women	Nobody understands women better than these female cartoon artists	LEARN_MORE	https://thegigglezone.com/koen/nobody-understands-	108258998739587	I Did not know	https://facebook.com/100087007873665	8,217	1	1,107,902,426,877,208	2023-12-10 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	I Did not know	120204382438770288	thegigglezone.com	NONE	image	You know how sometimes a cartoon perfectly captures a complicated feeling? That's exactly what these talented female comic artists do. We found them all on Instagram, and they immediately made us hit the Follow Button. Take the Illustrator of Curves, who celebrates the diversity of women's bodies, J...	https://thegigglezone.com/koen/nobody-understands-women-better-than-these-female-cartoon-artists	2023-12-08 10:42	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/407987961_311877121756936_348162455555950368_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bzLYmepLZIUAX_o8Mg6&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfCpy1skKFb1pajtte-LS7t3mdMwhbS3jIYqY_mZtuOSKg&oe=659225F5	person_profile	I Did not know	https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/408027455_2404424563088774_8997193801990067645_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=77Bf-uN9sAgAX9JzhaY&_nc_oc=AQmGwUEV-pcBQlSvFes-GFHpWpfbJcMoMnZ7hHgCgHmgxDQCCtmvliImOj1ihB4v3pk&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfBBwB2I9otBn1rkxDptWvEaBbJF9IP_pk2fefg11g8orw&oe=659301D8	3	I Did not know	2023-12-10 02:00	View Edit Delete
68,404	/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	1443260403067074	🔥🔥🔥HOT BOOK 😍😍😍📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜	💔💔💔After their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene.<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. It had been four years.<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> Until four years later, Joanna came back with her sons and another man.<br /> Even though they were divorced, Bruce still felt cheated on and even betrayed....<br /> --------------------------------------------------<br /> It was midnight, and the raindrops were pounding the window.<br /> Inside a house, a man said coldly, "sign the divorce papers! As compensation, I will give you 100 million dollars in alimony."<br /> "Did I do something wrong again, Bruce?" asked Joanna Haynes timidly. She had always been a humble servant in front of him.<br /> "Roxy's back, and she doesn't want to see you! It's time for our marriage to end. So you have to go!" Bruce Everett said, crossing his long legs and leaning back on the couch. He was as handsome as a classical Greek sculpture, but the look on his face was as cool as ever.<br /> Joanna's pale lips quivered as if she had fallen into the icy water. She asked with shock, "You're divorcing me because she's back? Is our marriage nothing but a joke to you?"<br /> "You were not the one I wanted to marry in the first place, and you drove Roxy away two years ago with your dirty tricks. Now that she's back, I won't make the same mistake. Hurry up and sign the papers! 100 million dollars for two years of your pathetic life. You should consider it a bargain." Bruce had always been good at hurting her with words.<br /> "I... What will happen if I don't sign them?" Joanna asked bitterly.<br /> "Suit yourself. I have ways of making you disappear. Legally or not, no one will notice."<br /> As heir to the richest family in the Greyport city, Bruce had always been capable of doing whatever he liked. Who would dare to stand up to him anyway?<br /> Two years ago, Joanna's family decided to get connected with the Everetts by marriage.<br /> However, at the engagement banquet of Bruce and Roxanne, Joanna's step-sister, the man was drugged. Later in the lounge, Bruce mistook Joanna for Roxanne, and they slept with each other.<br /> The next day, the scandal of the Haynes group's eldest daughter hooking up with her brother-in-law was all over the newspaper.<br /> Roxanne Haynes' mental state broke, and she was sent to a nursing home abroad for treatment.<br /> Everyone took Joanna as the most shameless homewrecker, pointing fingers at her for sleeping with her brother-in-law.<br /> Bruce hated her even more and decided that Joanna was the one who drugged him and climbed onto his bed.<br /> Yet, the Everett family and the Haynes family shared a friendship for generations. Moreover, this marriage was meant to deepen the connection.<br /> Hence, the elders of both families, Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, insisted on Bruce and Joanna getting married.<br /> The past two years of marriage had been a living hell for Joanna.<br /> Her tolerance and affection did not make it any better. In return, she got more humiliation and torture. Joanna was exhausted, both mentally and physically.<br /> So what if Bruce wanted a divorce? She'd had enough anyway!<br /> "Fine, I'll sign them, but I have a request."<br /> "Spit it out then!" Bruce believed that Joanna was thinking about more money!<br /> After all, that was what she, a scheming woman, could only care about.<br /> "I want you to sleep with me as a real lover does for once. For the past two years, every time you've been with me, you've called out Roxanne's name. Yeah, you've made me feel like I'm the worst woman in the world, and I've had enough! I'm your wife, and I want you to call out my name while sleeping with me for the last time. I am Joanna, not Roxanne!" For the first time, Joanna was screaming hysterically and trembling with anger.<br /> Each time in the past two years, Bruce would deliberately call out the wrong name! He had sex with her simply to punish and humiliate her. There was no love in it at all!<br /> "Oh, stop the nonsense. There's someone waiting for me downstairs..."<br /> Joanna snorted with self-mocking laughter.<br /> Then it probably was Roxanne who was waiting for him downstairs!<br /> "She can wait a little longer. She's been waiting for two years, and I think she can be patient enough for another few minutes. Do what I said or not. Suit yourself. I don't mind the media writing stories about me again!"<br /> Bruce hated being threatened the most. His thin lips curled into a sneer. A few seconds later, he replied, "Fine, I'll do it. But don't you regret it, Joanna!"<br /> Bruce jerked to stand up, seized her by the blouse, and pulled her over violently.<br /> And then...<br /> Her stockings were ripped apart...<br /> The man did not even give her a warning before hurting her!<br /> "AH!" Joanna cried, shutting her eyes in pain!<br /> Bruce was as ruthless as ever, almost cruel.<br /> He never cared if it hurt her or not. Or maybe watching her suffer simply pleased him!<br /> Good! Very good!<br /> She would remember this, remembering the man's cruelty to her for the rest of her life.<br /> "Joann. Oh, Joann. Are you happy now?"<br /> He finally called her name as he was on top of her.<br /> Though it was quite a humiliation, she could finally get rid of the depression that haunted her for two whole years.<br /> Joanna felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she said in a heartbroken tone, "Bruce Everett! I won't love you anymore!"<br /> Bruce had heard what she said but chose to ignore it. He caught her jaw contemptuously, looked down at her face, and sneered!<br /> She was... beautiful!<br /> This woman had such a pretty and innocent face, but her mind was filled with filth and schemes.<br /> That was why her so-called love for him would only make him sick.<br /> "Sign the divorce papers, take the money, and leave Greyport forever!"<br /> Having said that, Bruce left without looking back, leaving her lying on the floor in a mess.<br /> Two months later...<br /> In a hospital.<br /> "Congratulations, Ms. Haynes, you are pregnant with more than one. But I suggest you give up one or two of the fetuses, or there will be too many at risk!"<br /> Giving up?<br /> No, she would not take away the right to live from any of her children!<br /> It was her baby and hers alone! One way or another, she was gonna give birth to them and raise them right...<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 2 The Return Of Joanna<br /> Four years later.<br /> In the intensive-care unit of a hospital.<br /> "I'm sorry, we tried everything we could, but Raymond isn't getting any better. You should go inside and bid farewell to him!"<br /> Shaun Haynes frowned worriedly and said, "Doc, will you please try something else? If my father can't make it, all the properties of the Haynes family will be bequeathed to the government... oh, what to do... none of us have even seen Joanna over the years. Damn it, and my father, too. We don't know what he was thinking. How could he ignore his grandsons who keep him accompanied every day while only caring for that wretched daughter of mine!"<br /> Everyone in the Haynes family was miserable these days.<br /> Raymond, Shaun's father, drafted an odd will on his deathbed.<br /> He left 51% of the Haynes Group to his eldest granddaughter, Joanna. As for the other members of the Haynes family, they would inherit only 10%.<br /> In other words, Joanna would become the largest shareholder of the Haynes Group.<br /> Yet, according to the additional condition to the will, if Joanna did not show up before Raymond's death, all the properties of the Haynes family would go straight to the government.<br /> So, the Haynes family had been looking for Joanna desperately for these days.<br /> However, it was like Joanna had disappeared from the world!<br /> No one ever heard from her and saw her even once since she and Bruce got divorced.<br /> "The way I see it, that girl is simply going against us on purpose! No one knows where the hell she has been for all those years!"<br /> Shaun's second wife, Ingrid Haynes, was cursing furiously, and her face twisted a little.<br /> Back then, she, with the twins in her belly, kicked Joanna and Joanna's mother out of the family. Then Ingrid gave birth to her third son, thinking that her position in the family was absolutely secured.<br /> She had never expected that she would have nothing in the end.<br /> Of all three children of hers, the old man still favored that Joanna girl.<br /> "Dad, Mom, Grandpa's awake!"<br /> "Joann... my Joanna..." Raymond had been in a coma for more than a dozen days. His hours were numbered.<br /> And before his death, his only concern was for his eldest granddaughter, Joanna.<br /> Joanna had been missing for four years, and that worried Raymond so much. He even suspected that Ingrid might have somehow murdered his beloved granddaughter.<br /> "Dad, aren't Rick, Ryan and Roxy all your grandchildren? Your will is not fair! You basically leave nothing to them! They might as well just go out on the street and beg for a living if you insist on donating everything to the government!"<br /> "Joann... Let me see Joann. You won't get a penny before that..."<br /> Ingrid shouted in a low voice, "It's been four years, Raymond! Who knows where she's gone? Plus, if she really cares for you, how can she not show up to see you for the last time?"<br /> A hint of impatience crossed Roxanne's eyes, and she couldn't help but ask, "Bruce, do you know where my sister has been?"<br /> Bruce froze because he did not know the answer to this question.<br /> Four years ago, after their divorce, Bruce thought Joanna was going to keep harassing him or at least make a scene!<br /> Unexpectedly, the next day, Joanna moved out. She took nothing with her but her IDs, not even the bank card that had 100 million dollars in it.<br /> And in these four years, there had been no news of her at all. Of course, as proud as Bruce was, he never contacted her either.<br /> It had been four years!<br /> Still, Bruce didn't believe she would let go so easily! He had prepared so many plans to get rid of her as long as she showed up. Yet it turned out that he didn't need any of them!<br /> She just disappeared from his world completely.<br /> "Joann... Joann!"<br /> "Oh, come on, Grandpa's dying! Go get the doctors..."<br /> The ECG monitor told everyone that Raymond's heartbeat was stopping. In tears, his family members all gathered around the bed!<br /> They were crying, not for Raymond's approaching death, but for the properties that were about to be donated!<br /> Tap, tap, tap...<br /> From the hospital corridor came the sound of high heels!<br /> Creak.<br /> The door of the ward was pushed open.<br /> The one who came in was wearing a custom-made white suit! A limited-edition bag was in her hands, and the oversized sunglasses covered most of her face. Her slender legs were long enough, but the high-heeled shoes brought them out even more.<br /> She walked in with the ice-cold-beauty sort of vibe, seeming to cause the temperature in the ward to drop a few.<br /> "Who is this woman? Did we know her? Who allowed her to be here?"<br /> "It's me. I'm here to see my grandpa!" Joanna took off her sunglasses slowly and walked towards the bed.<br /> "Joanna!" The others all gasped.<br /> She had changed so much.<br /> Her long dark hair that she used to keep straight had become curly brown. It used to reach her waist, but now the end of it was dancing around her shoulder. She had changed completely from the next-door sweet girl to a mature, sexy career lady!<br /> What was even more remarkable was that Joanna appeared to be much fitter than before. Meanwhile, the innocence in that pair of eyes had also been emptied. By simply looking into her eyes, one could tell that she must have experienced a lot in the past years!<br /> "Joanna? Oh, finally, Joanna! The Haynes family will be ruined if you don't show up..."<br /> For the first time ever, all the members of the Haynes family were so glad to see Joanna.<br /> "I'm sorry, grandpa. I'm sorry I'm late!"<br /> "Joann," Raymond called out and hardly opened his eyes, "I'm glad that you are safe and alive. Oh, I can finally be relieved..."<br /> With that, Raymond reached out, but the next second, his hand fell back on the bed weakly, his head tilted, and his eyes shut!<br /> Beep!<br /> The ECG was beeping, declaring Raymond's death!<br /> "Grandpa? Grandpa!" Joanna called out, tears rolling down her cheeks.<br /> She knew that her grandpa was the only Haynes that ever cared about her!<br /> "Ah, come on, stop those fake tears! You would have been here long ago if you ever cared about grandpa! Now that it's time to talk about inheritance, you came?" said Shaun's eldest son, Derick. The sarcasm in his tone was obvious.<br /> He had never taken Joanna as his elder sister, and now that she was the biggest beneficiary of Raymond's legacy, Derick hated Joanna even more!<br /> "Enough of that. Call someone and get the funeral arranged first!" said Shaun. Reasonably grieving as he patted Joanna on the shoulder. "Joann, now that you're back, move back home!"<br /> Ingrid's lips curled in disdain, but she was saying merrily, "That's right, come and live with us! Also, your grandfather made a will on his deathbed. He wants you to inherit 51% of the Haynes Group. The illness must have confused his brain. How could he leave such a large enterprise to a girl who knows nothing about it? Joann, you're still young and dumb. Just let your father continue to run the business."<br /> Ingrid said it as if Joanna was meant to follow her instructions. Deep down, Ingrid was convinced that Joanna was just as stupid as her mother!<br /> By the time Joanna moved back to their house, she would be in Ingrid's full control.<br /> Joanna was expressionless. She said coldly, "I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to take care of grandpa first."<br /> "Yeah, yeah, you're right on this. Raymond's funeral is the most important thing now. Everything else can be postponed."<br /> <br /> ##Chapter 3 Jaydon Grimm<br /> It was late afternoon after the mortuary house picked up Raymond's body.<br /> Joanna walked out of the hospital with the others.<br /> "Where do you live? My driver will give you a ride!" Bruce said. His voice was kind of hoarse because Joanna had not spoken to him once before this.<br /> Joanna smiled politely and shook the car keys in her hand. "Thanks, but I drove here."<br /> The indifferent look on her face made it look like she was simply being polite to a total stranger.<br /> Yet Roxanne took it that Bruce was hitting on Joanna. Her face fell, and quickly, she held Bruce's arm affectionately, saying, "Joann, why don't you move back in with us? At least, you don't have to be alone, and..."<br /> "It's easier for me to stay in a hotel. Bye!" Joanna waved politely and headed for the underground parking.<br /> Soon, a silver Bentley pulled out of the parking lot, and it roared off while in front of the crowd.<br /> "It seems that my sister has been living a good life these years! She could enjoy such a rich life without any help from the family."<br /> Bruce did not reply.<br /> During the four years when Joanna had been gone, for various reasons, Bruce did not marry Roxanne. Moreover, with these four years, he realized that Roxanne was simply not the one for him.<br /> The only reason that he did not break up with Roxanne was because of his family. The Haynes family was a wealthy one, but it was nothing compared with the Everetts. However, the elders of both families were close friends. That was why the Everett family had always been taking care of the Haynes family.<br /> Except for that, there was another crucial reason. Ten years ago, Bruce nearly drowned while he swam, and it was Roxanne who saved him. Ever since then, he swore that he would love and protect this girl for the rest of his life.<br /> "Joann has always been striving since she was just a kid. She is smart and good with men, too. See her fancy clothes and car? She must have hooked up with some wealthy fellow again. Unlike her, Roxy, you are always stupid and innocent, and people all try to take advantage of you." Ingrid seemed to be praising Joanna, but it was not hard to recognize what she was implying.<br /> "Mom, what are you talking about?"<br /> "Oh, I just want you to learn from Joann. Do you see how good she's been doing? Girls like her are never for us to be worried about wherever she goes. There aren't many girls as smart as her anymore."<br /> Bruce somehow was a little upset. "Ingrid, Roxy, I must go now. I have an important meeting tonight."<br /> "Yeah, sure. Drive safe, alright?" said Ingrid with a flattering smile, afraid of offending her daughter's promising husband-to-be.<br /> Bruce said nothing more, turned around, and got into a car...<br /> Having watched Bruce's car disappear, Roxanne stamped her foot in anger. She complained, "It's all your fault, Mom! You should never have put that bitch Joanna in Bruce's bed six years ago. Bruce never mentions marrying me again. And now that Joanna's back, what are we gonna do?"<br /> Ingrid gritted her teeth grumpily. What her daughter complained about was what Ingrid regretted the most.<br /> She had it all well-designed six years ago.<br /> First, she had Joanna drugged. Then she sent the girl straight to Bruce's room, convinced that Bruce was too drunk to do anything.<br /> After that, Ingrid informed a group of Paparazzi, suggesting they write a drama about how Joanna threw herself in her brother-in-law's arms. Ingrid did so because she was expecting that once Joanna had brought dishonor to the family, the girl would be deprived of the right of inheritance.<br /> Yet she did not expect that it would backfire.<br /> Bruce actually slept with Joanna.<br /> And then things got out of her hands. Under the pressure of Raymond Haynes and Margaret Everett, Bruce ended up getting married to Joanna.<br /> Thinking of this, Ingrid said, "I did it for you, silly girl. Damn it, all because of your grandfather! That old shit has always favored that Joanna. Well, now that the old man's dead, let's see who can stand up for her this time"<br /> "But mom..." Roxanne was still worried.<br /> Even though Bruce had been good to her for years, she could see the frigidity in his eyes.<br /> The man seldom smiled ever since he divorced Joanna.<br /> Over the years, he had totally become a workaholic. Sometimes it took three or two months for Roxanne to see him around once.<br /> "Don't worry. That idiot Joanna is just as stupid as that dead mother of hers. We are falling out with her right now. Not until she gives up her share of the inheritance first..."<br /> Ten days later, it was Raymond's funeral.<br /> It was drizzling rain. All members of the Haynes family had arrived at the cemetery except for Joanna. On top of that, the finest people in Greyport also showed up to pay their respects.<br /> Not to mention the reporters that were gathering outside the cemetery.<br /> After all, Raymond Haynes was quite a big shot in Greyport. So, of course, his funeral was well-focused.<br /> "I heard Raymond willed the eldest daughter of the Haynes family to inherit the Haynes Group."<br /> "Oh, my god, that girl is really shrewd. She seduced her brother-in-law six years ago and forced her sister to leave. Then she became the one marrying into the Everett family instead of her sister, and now she's the director of the Haynes Group. That's impressive!"<br /> "Ha! So what? She's just a scheming woman. She was kicked out by the Everett family, wasn't she? Such a woman is simply disgusting."<br /> Ingrid was overjoyed when hearing the whispers of the crowd. Trying hard to maintain the sad look on her face, she said, "May I have your attention, please? First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming to Raymond's funeral, and..."<br /> A reporter cut in, "Mrs. Haynes, is it true that Joanna is going to take over the Haynes Group as the new leader?"<br /> Ingrid paused before replying, "I'm not gonna be disturbed by other things on this extremely distressing day. But for a company as big as the Haynes Group, one man's word alone can't take effect. We need a board meeting to pick the right executive director."<br /> "Mrs. Haynes, why isn't Joanna here on such an important day?"<br /> "Ha, that's the question you should ask her..."<br /> While she was saying, outside the cemetery suddenly came the sounds of engines.<br /> A stretch limo was making its way into the cemetery, followed by a fleet of Mercedes.<br /> "Look at that license plate. It seems to be Mr. Grimm's car!" The reporters went all excited and rushed towards the Rolls-Royce.<br /> Yes, that car belonged to Jaydon Grimm.<br /> There were two well-known wealthy young men in Greyport. One of them was Bruce Everett, and the other was Jaydon Grimm.<br /> He was the second son of the casino magnate in Venturas City, and he also ran an entertainment company called Starlight Media. Several new top stars in the showbiz were all artists under his company's control.<br /> Unlike Bruce, who kept a low profile, Jaydon had always been a man of publicity.<br /> The doors of the Rolls-Royce were opened slowly, and Jaydon stepped out first.<br /> "Wow, it's really Mr. Grimm!" The press swarmed forward like flies smelling blood.<br /> After Jaydon got out of the car, he turned to the other side and helped a woman who was dressed all in black out of the car like a real gentleman.<br /> "Is this...? Wow, it's Joanna Haynes!"<br /> "You gotta be kidding. What is Grimm doing with a woman like her?"<br /> As they were all astonished, one by one, came out two adorable kids wearing tiny black suits.<br /> The boys should be at the age of 3 to 4.<br /> And it was like a bomb, igniting everyone's interest.<br /> --------------------------------------------------------<br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 📜<The Return Of His Unrivaled Ex-Wife>📜<br /> (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqd	112577815117180	YummyRead	https://facebook.com/100091152813550	570	1	227,446,100,379,478	2023-12-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	0	1	Learn more	YummyRead	120201997290940476	www.yumread.com	NONE	video		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/p2twq1zp4ltqdhayeb4s5ssv?ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	2023-12-07 03:18	https://scontent.fhyw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406865969_691555219747393_4878979426708103936_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7L2C81teYrsAX-A9Fnb&_nc_ht=scontent.fhyw1-1.fna&oh=00_AfC1zX8S0RsYwMt6A2AsrZJJs7KXuOys6PFpna6RMHaWMw&oe=65926539	person_profile	YummyRead	https://scontent.fhyw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/406868092_1354567575420825_2240110471762841578_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tuK9qfObpQ4AX9merT3&_nc_ht=scontent.fhyw1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCXJaHW1EsE9obLsiKnbHVnnUUIxdxRid1uhZ7Myj3fgw&oe=65928B24	3	YummyRead	2023-12-07 02:00	View Edit Delete

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