---- Chapter 27 Scarlett stared at Ava, momentarily stunned into silence by her calm, direct threat. She had expected tears, fear, or a screaming match. She hadn't expected this cool, rational woman who seemed completely immune to her brand of chaos. Ava' s words, "hurting me won't fix him," landed with the uncomfortable weight of truth. Scarlett knew she was right. "| understand," Scarlett mumbled, her anger deflating into a sullen resentment "Good," Ava said. She opened the car door and got out, not even looking back. She walked briskly down the sidewalk, pulling out her phone to call a ride-share. As she was waiting, she saw a familiar car pull up. It was Liam. He must have gotten worried when she didn't answer her phone. He got out of the car, his face a mask of concern that immediately softened when he saw she was safe. "Ava! | was so worried," he said, rushing to her side and pulling her into a hug. "| saw Scarlett's car drive off like a maniac. Did she hurt you? What did she want?" "I'm fine," Ava said, melting into his embrace. She felt the last of the tension from the encounter with Scarlett drain away, replaced by the comforting safety of his arms. "She's just... ---- desperate. It's over." From her car, Scarlett watched them. She saw the way Liam held Ava, the way Ava relaxed into his embrace. She saw him gently cup Ava's face and kiss her, a kiss of reassurance and deep affection Ava looked over Liam's shoulder and her eyes met Scarlett's for a brief moment. There was no triumph in Ava's gaze, no malice. Just a quiet finality. Ava gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, a gesture that was both a dismissal and, strangely, a kind of release. It was her final goodbye to that entire chapter of her life. Ava broke the kiss and said something to Liam. He nodded, then opened the passenger door of his car for her. As she got in, she turned back to Scarlett one last time. "He's not right for you, Scarlett," Ava said, her voice too quiet for Liam to hear, but Scarlett read her lips clearly. "| hope you find someone who is." It wasn't an insult. It was a genuine, if distant, wish. It was the last thing Scarlett had expected. She watched as Liam got into the driver's seat. He reached over and took Ava's hand, bringing it to his lips for a quick kiss before driving away. They looked like any other couple, happy and in love, leaving her and her drama behind in the rearview mirror. Scarlett sat in her car, the engine idling, and for the first time, she felt the true, crushing weight of her defeat. It wasn't just ---- that she had lost Noah to Ava. It was that Ava had moved so far beyond them both that she was no longer even playing the same game. Ava had found a different life, a better one, and Scarlett was left alone in the wreckage of the old one. She finally understood. Ava hadn't stolen Noah. Scarlett and Noah, with their toxic games and selfish desires, had simply driven her away. 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.