Chapter 18 For the next two weeks , Ariana immersed herself completely in the remaining performances , leaving no mental space to dwell on Luigi Maggiore or their unsettling reunion . As the final curtain fell on their Boston engagement , she welcomed her first real break in months , planning a solo road trip along the New England coastline Just as she was comparing rental cars on her phone , an unfamiliar number lit up her screen . Against her better judgment , she answered . Miss Collins , Michaels voice was tight with barely suppressed urgency . Theres been an incident with Mr. Maggiore . Hes in a bad state . Please if you could just come to the estate- Having survived three years of Luigis elaborate manipulations , Ariana immediately recognized the familiar pattern of another manufactured emergency . Im not qualified to handle whatever crisis Luigis created for himself , she replied evenly . That stopped . being my job when he arranged my death . Before Michael could launch into whatever script hed prepared , she ended the call and promptly blocked the number , dropping her phone into her bag with a mixture of irritation and finality . Twenty minutes later , settled in the back seat of an Uber , Ariana gave the driver the address of the rental agency before closing her eyes for a much needed power nap . She awoke disoriented some time later to the driver announcing their arrival . Still groggy , she paid through the app and stepped out , only to find herself standing before the imposing iron gates of the Maggiore estate instead of the rental car office . Realization hit with a jolt of anger . Either the driver had deliberately ignored her instructions , or someone had intercepted and changed her ride details remotely . Just as she pulled out her phone to order another Uber , the estates massive entry doors swung open . Davis , the Maggiore familys long serving butler , emerged with several staff members , their faces lined with evident relief . Miss Collins ! Davis hurried down the steps . Thank God youve come . Please its urgent . Before she could articulate her protest , she found herself efficiently escorted through the marble foyer she had once called home . Stepping back into this space sent an unexpected wave of déjà vu washing over her . Her hasty death had left everything preserved exactly as it had been her dance theory books still stacked on the side The Rack Swans Final Revenge Pirouette : The 99th Gl table , her favorite cashmere throw draped over the sofa arm , even the half finished cup of tea shed left on the mantle the morning of the fire , now long since evaporated . The effect was deeply unsettling , like walking through a museum exhibit dedicated to her former life Davis hovered anxiously at her elbow , explaining the situation as he guided her toward the grand staircase . Maggiore hasnt been … functional … since encountering you at the hospital , the older man explained in hushed tones . Hes refused all food for days , fired his medical team , and has been drinking continuously . The business is in freefall . The butlers voice dropped even further . I know I had no right to bring you here under false pretenses , miss , but hes been talking about- he hesitated , -permanent solutions . I feared what might happen if I didnt intervene . As they ascended the marble stairs , Ariana struggled to maintain her emotional detachment . Part of her insisted this was just another performance designed to manipulate her back into Luigis orbit . Yet another part the part that had once loved him beyond all reason couldnt help wondering if his apparent self destruction might be genuine . But if he truly loved her now , how could he have orchestrated three years of methodical humiliation then ? How could love and such calculated cruelty possibly coexist within the same person ? Davis paused outside the master suite , his hand hesitating on the ornate handle before gently pushing the door open . Immediately , the overpowering stench of bourbon and unwashed male assaulted her senses . The once immaculate room lay in near total darkness , heavy blackout drapes drawn against the afternoon sun . In the dim light , she could just make out a figure slumped against the foot of the bed , surrounded by empty bottles and what appeared to be shattered picture frames . She remained firmly in the doorway , turning to Davis with a coldly composed smile . Well , hes clearly still alive . I dont see how my presence is required or helpful The butlers eyes widened in alarm as she pivoted to leave . Sir ! he called desperately toward the darkened room . Miss Collins is here ! At this announcement , the disheveled figure on the floor stirred , lifting his head with visible effort . Luigi squinted toward the doorway , struggling to focus through what was clearly several days worth of intoxication . When recognition finally penetrated the alcoholic haze , he scrambled to his feet with desperate energy . staggering across the room toward her . Ariana ! Her name emerged as a broken plea . Proustte The Sahd Before she could step back , he had engulfed her in a clumsy embrace , his body radiating feverish heat and the sour smell of prolonged self neglect . You came back , he mumbled against her hair , his voice cracking . Please dont leave again . Im so sorry . Ill do anything . Anything . Just dont disappear . I cant I cant do this without you . Mistaking her rigid posture for acceptance , he cradled her face in unsteady hands , leaning in with desperate intent . Torgive me . Please forgive me . Ill spend the rest of my life making it up to you- The crack of her palm against his cheek echoed through the room like a gunshot . Taking advantage of his stunned immobility , Ariana shoved him forcefully away , putting several feet between them . What the hell is wrong with you ? she demanded , her carefully maintained composure finally fracturing . 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.