---- Chapter 34 Noah watched her walk away, her back straight, her stride confident. She was right. He had always seen her as someone who needed him, someone fragile. He had never seen the steel in her spine. He picked up the ring box and slipped it back into his pocket. It felt heavy, like a small stone of regret. Ava finally got permission to see Liam the next morning. She was escorted to a large, impersonal conference room. Liam was sitting at the long table, looking tired but unharmed. When he saw her, his face broke into a relieved smile. He stood up and rushed to her, pulling her into a tight hug. "Ava. You shouldn't be here. The stress... the baby..." "We're fine," she said, her voice muffled against his chest. "I had to see you." They were only given a few minutes. They talked quickly, quietly. He assured her it was a set-up, that his lawyers were working on it. She told him she loved him, that she wasn't scared. As she was leaving, she ran into Noah again in the hallway. He was talking to a group of men in expensive suits-his lawyers. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice sharp. ---- "I'm trying to help," he said. Just then, a woman with sharp features and an even sharper suit walked up to them. "Noah, darling," she said, completely ignoring Ava. "I've been looking all over for you. Your father is expecting us at the luncheon." "So that's what this is about," Ava said, realization dawning. "This isn't about helping Liam. This is about you currying favor with your father, proving you can handle a crisis." The woman, whose name was apparently Susan, looked Ava up and down with disdain. "And who is this?" "She's no one," Noah said quickly, a flicker of his old arrogance returning. "I'm his fiancée," Ava said, her voice ringing with clarity. She held up her left hand, the delicate sapphire on her ring finger catching the light. "And the mother of his child." Susan's perfectly plucked eyebrows shot up. Noah's face turned a mortified shade of red. Ava smiled, a cold, sharp smile. "So if you'll excuse me," she said, walking past them, "| have to go clear my fiancé's name. I'll leave you to your... luncheon." She walked away, feeling a surge of power. She wasn't just fighting for Liam anymore. She was fighting for her family, for her future. And she was not going to lose. 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.