---- Chapter 21 "That was a pretty clear message," one of her artists commented, watching the security guard walk away with the gourmet meal. "Are you sure you don't want to tell us who your rich, persistent secret admirer is?" Ava just smiled and opened the container Liam had packed for her. The smell of his home-cooked stew filled the small office. "This is the only food I'm interested in," she said, sharing it with her team. "We're not dating. He's just... someone | used to know." Her team exchanged curious glances but didn't press the issue. They respected her privacy. The food from Liam was always simple, but it was made with care. It felt warm and nourishing in a way that Noah's expensive, impersonal offerings never could. Eating Liam's food felt like being hugged from the inside. Noah, however, was not one to take a hint. The lunches kept coming, day after day. And day after day, Ava gave them away. She sent him a single, polite text message from a friend's phone: "Please stop sending food. | will not eat it." There was no reply. But the deliveries continued. It became a strange, silent war. A daily battle of wills fought ---- with takeout containers. Noah's persistence was starting to go from annoying to unsettling. One afternoon, about a week into the lunch offensive, Noah took it a step further. He didn't just send the food; he came himself. Ava and her team were heading out for a coffee break when they saw him standing by the entrance of their building, holding a large, insulated food bag. He looked tired and grim. The sight of him standing there, looking so out of place, made the people walking by stare. "Ava," he said, his voice strained. "We need to talk." Ava sighed. She had hoped to avoid a public scene. "Noah, I've said everything | have to say." "Just five minutes," he pleaded. "Please." Just then, Scarlett pulled up to the curb in a flashy red convertible. She jumped out of the car, her face a mask of fury. "Noah! What the hell are you doing?" she shrieked, storming over to them. She looked Ava up and down with disgust. "Are you seriously still chasing after this... this nobody?" The public confrontation drew even more attention. Ava just wanted to disappear. "This has nothing to do with you, Scarlett," Noah said, his voice low. "It has everything to do with me!" she yelled. "You're ---- embarrassing me! You're embarrassing yourself! Chasing after your ex-girlfriend like a pathetic dog." She grabbed his arm, trying to pull him away. "Let's go. Now." Noah shook her off. His eyes were only on Ava, filled with a desperate, pleading look. The whole situation was a mess, a train wreck of his own making, and Ava was caught in the middle of it. Scarlett's public tantrum wasn't helping, it was just confirming what Ava already knew: Noah's life was nothing but empty drama. 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.