---- Chapter 14 Jackson found Candida in a high-end jewelry store, admiring a diamond necklace. She was smiling, holding it up to her throat, a picture of carefree luxury. The sight of her, so calm and content after destroying his life, sent a fresh wave of rage through him. He strode up to her, his face a thunderous mask. Without a word, he ripped the necklace from her hands. It clattered to the glass countertop. "Jackson!" she shrieked, her hand flying to her throat. "What is wrong with you?" He didn' t answer. He threw a file folder onto the counter in front of her. It was the report from his assistant, detailing her and Leo' s entire conspiracy. The papers scattered, a photo of Leo sliding to a stop at her feet. "Explain this," he snarled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. She looked down at the papers, and the color drained from her face. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with a fear she couldn' t hide. But then, it was gone, replaced by a cold, defiant sneer. "So you know," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. ---- "Took you long enough, you idiot." The last of his control snapped. He grabbed her, his fingers digging into her arms. "Did you ever love me?" he demanded, his voice cracking. "Was any of it real?" She laughed, a sharp, ugly sound that echoed in the silent, opulent store. "Love you? Jackson, | have never felt anything for you but pure, unadulterated disgust." The words hit him harder than any physical blow. He stumbled back, his mind reeling. She advanced on him, her eyes glittering with a venomous hatred. "You don' t deserve love. You' re a monster. You destroyed my family. You took everything from me. Did you really think | would ever love you?" She gestured wildly. "The only person who ever truly loved you was Elena. And you threw her away. You tortured her, you humiliated her, for me. A woman who despised the very ground you walk on." He stared at her, the truth of her words a searing brand on his soul. "| did it all for revenge," she hissed. "And it was so, so easy." He lunged at her, his hands closing around her throat. "I' II kill you," he roared, his vision turning red. He pushed her to the floor, the feel of her skin beneath his ---- fingers making him sick. She clawed at his hands, her face turning a mottled purple. "Daddy, stop!" A small voice cut through his rage. He looked up. Joey was standing there, his small face pale with terror, tears streaming down his cheeks. The boy ran to him, pounding on his back with his small fists. "Let my mommy go! You' re hurting her!" Jackson' s grip loosened. He looked down at the boy, and for the first time, he saw him clearly. He saw the shape of his eyes, the curve of his mouth. He didn't see himself. He saw his driver. He saw Leo. He let go of Candida and stumbled to his feet. His phone rang. It was his assistant. "Sir, the company... there' s been a massive security breach. Our proprietary data has been leaked online. The stock is plummeting." Jackson' s world, already in ruins, began to burn. He looked at Candida, who was gasping for air on the floor, a triumphant, hateful smirk on her face. "That was me," she choked out, laughing. "A little parting gift." He stared at her, a cold, terrifying calm settling over him. He ---- knew what he had to do. He pulled out his phone and made a call. "| need a team at the flagship jewelry store on Rodeo Drive. Now." He turned back to Candida, his eyes devoid of any emotion. "You' re finished." He had his security team drag her away, screaming and cursing. He stood there for a moment, the weight of his actions, of his entire life, crashing down on him. Then he looked at the boy. The boy who was not his son. He made another call. "' m sending a child to your location. He' s an orphan. Find him a good home." He turned and walked out of the store, leaving the crying child behind without a backward glance. He had a company to save. He had a life to rebuild from the ashes. And he had to find Elena. As his men dragged Candida away, she screamed one last, parting shot. "You'll never have children, Jackson! | made sure of it! | poisoned you too! You're as barren as she is!" The words stopped him cold. Another layer of betrayal. Another piece of his future stolen from him. He didn't turn around. He just kept walking. 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. 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