---- Chapter 16 Upon hearing Emilio's voice, Lachlan froze. His face turned unsightly instantly. "What are you doing here?" Though Emilio hadn't been physically present recently, his influence was palpable. His people had been relentlessly encroaching and had won over many shareholders within the Begum Group and forcefully taken over many projects. Lachlan had to announce the bankruptcy of the Begum Group. It no longer existed and had been completely absorbed by the Moore Group. Emilio took in the scene at the doorway and walked straight to Nicola. He smiled and said to Lachlan, "Of course, I'm here to deliver the good news to Nicola that the Begum Group is bankrupt." Lachlan's face turned pale, and he looked at Nicola involuntarily. "Nicola, he's not a good guy. His tactics in the business world are ruthless. Don't let your anger with me drive you closer to him. You know he's always been the Begum Group's archenemy. How could he possibly have any good intentions?" ---- Emilio couldn't help but laugh upon hearing Lachlan's words. "Are you overestimating your importance?" He lowered his gaze to Nicola. "In fact, Nicola knows very well that | indeed have intentions." Listening to Emilio's meaningful words, Lachlan finally realized something was amiss. Numerous images flashed through his mind suddenly. Now he understood why Emilio had always been his adversary and constantly targeted the Begum Group. Yet, every time Nicola personally negotiated, she managed to secure deals smoothly. Whenever Nicola was invited to attend gatherings, Emilio would be there. Now, Lachlan knew why Emilio harbored such hostility towards Lachlan. He stared intensely at Emilio. "So you've always wanted to take Nicola away from me." Emilio admitted openly and confidently, "That's right. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me. Nicola loved you for so many years. If you hadn't broken her heart, she wouldn't have noticed me." Lachlan's chest heaved with regret and anger, but he was ---- unwilling to give up. "She's loved me for so many years and never once looked at you. | don't believe Nicola would choose to have a relationship with you." Lachlan's heart was filled with a sense of crisis, but he clung to a sliver of hope. Nicola had loved him for so many years. How could she suddenly stop loving him? Emilio wouldn't stand a chance. Nicola felt a headache as she listened to their conversation. She frowned at Emilio. "You are the esteemed head of Moore Group. Why do you have quite a lot of free time here? Has the Moore Group gone bankrupt, too?" She turned to walk inside, and Emilio naturally followed. "I've been away for a week. And | want you to see me. When | heard there were unwanted guests bothering you, | had to hurry back to deal with him." Nicola chuckled. "! didn't realize you were a problem solver." Emilio wasn't offended by her teasing. "Do you like it?" Nicola was momentarily speechless. Emilio had quite the thick skin. The two chatted and laughed and walked into the house side by side. They appeared very familiar with each other. ---- Lachlan watched their backs and grew increasingly anxious. He wanted to follow them inside, but he was stopped by Nicola's bodyguards. He shouted in desperation, "Nicola!" Nicola paused and turned to look at him. "Lachlan, go back. I've received your apology, but | don't want to forgive you. | don't want to see you again." With that, she entered the house with Emilio and then closed the door behind them. Lachlan's hands clenched at his sides. "No... | refuse to let you go. Not far away, Cassie sat inside a car. Her face was swollen as she gazed at Nicola's home full of jealousy. Why was it that men like Lachlan and Emilio all loved Nicola? She wasn't inferior to Nicola in any way, but she ended up being toyed with and beaten. Why did Nicola always come out on top while she suffered? She wouldn't accept it. She absolutely wouldn't accept it. Title: A Princess? No! I'm the Female General! In "A Princess? No! I'm the Female General!" by CrushReel, Adela Taylor, a noble family's daughter, disguises herself as her brother to secure their Duke title by joining the army. Despite facing obstacles, she achieves remarkable success. However, upon her triumphant return, her brother betrays her, setting off a chain of events that will test her resolve and reveal hidden truths. This captivating novel delves into themes of secrets, reincarnation, revenge, murder, and drama. Adela's journey from deception to betrayal is filled with intrigue and suspense as she navigates through a world where power dynamics and family loyalties collide. What sets this story apart is its strong female lead who defies expectations and challenges societal norms in a quest for justice and redemption. Experience the riveting tale of Adela Taylor online at CrushReel and witness the transformation of a princess into a formidable female general.