---- Chapter 31 Lia's smile widened. She didn't look shocked or disapproving. She looked thrilled. She pulled Ava into a gentle hug. "Oh, honey. That's wonderful news! I'm going to be an aunt!" She pulled back, her expression turning serious. "You're not to worry about a thing, you hear me? My brother will take care of you. And if he doesn't, he'll have to answer to me." Ava felt a wave of relief. "We weren't going to tell anyone yet." "Your secret is safe with me," Lia promised. "But now I'm going to be even more insufferable. You need anything, and | mean anything at all, you call me." The next week, however, the comforting bubble of their secret happiness burst. Liam was supposed to be in another city for a two-day business conference. He called her when he landed, promising to call again that night. But he didn't. Ava tried calling him, but his phone went straight to voicemail. She texted him. No reply. A knot of anxiety began to form in her stomach. It wasn't like him to be out of touch. The next day passed with complete silence. Ava's anxiety grew into a full-blown panic. She tried calling his hotel. They confirmed he had checked in, but they couldn't put her through ---- to his room. She called Lia. "| haven't heard from him either," Lia said, her voice tight with a worry she was trying to hide. "I'm sure he's just swamped, Ava. That conference is a huge deal for him." But Ava knew something was wrong. This wasn't just him being busy. This was a complete, unnerving silence. She felt helpless. She didn't know his business associates, his schedule, or who he was meeting with. She knew nothing about this part of his life. Lia's words from weeks ago came back to her: There are things in our family's past... things that are complicated. That evening, as she was leaving her office, her mind numb with worry, she saw a figure standing in the shadows across the street. Her heart leaped, thinking it was Liam. But as the figure stepped into the light of a streetlamp, her blood ran cold. It was Noah. He looked thinner, almost gaunt. His expensive suit hung off his frame. He looked like a ghost. Ava's first instinct was to turn and run, to get away from him as fast as she could. She started to walk quickly in the other direction. "Ava, wait!" he called out, his voice hoarse. He started walking quickly after her. ---- She ignored him, her pace quickening. She didn't want to talk to him. She didn't have the energy for his drama, not when she was so consumed with worry for Liam. "It's about Liam!" he shouted. His words stopped her dead in her tracks. She slowly turned around, her heart pounding a sick, heavy beat. "What about Liam?" she asked, her voice trembling. 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.