---- Chapter 36 "| can't believe it's over," Ava said, sinking into the plush couch in their hotel suite. The media frenzy had died down, and they were finally alone. Liam sat down beside her, pulling her into his arms. "I can't believe you," he said, his voice full of awe. "You were incredible. You're my hero, you know that?" She smiled, a tired but happy smile. "We're a good team." Later that evening, Lia joined them. She brought champagne for herself and Liam, and sparkling cider for Ava. "To the happy couple!" she toasted. "And to the smartest sister-in-law a girl could ask for." They talked for hours, filling in the gaps. Liam explained that the rival company was owned by a distant, estranged branch of their own family, which was why the betrayal had been so complicated and personal. "Our father," Lia said with a sigh, "made a lot of messes in his younger days. Liam and | have been cleaning them up for years." She looked at Ava. "That's the 'mess' | warned you about. Our family isn't as perfect as it looks from the outside." "No family is," Ava said gently. "Mine certainly isn't." ---- Lia smiled, a genuine, warm smile. "Well, you're part of this messy family now. And we are so, so lucky to have you." As Lia was leaving, she pulled Ava aside. "| saw Noah at the hotel," she said, her voice low. "He looked... lost." "He is," Ava said. She felt a brief, distant pang of something that might have been pity, but it was fleeting. His fate was his own making. "He asked me to give you this," Lia said, handing Ava a small, folded note. Ava took it, her fingers hesitating. She didn't want any more contact, any more drama. But Lia's expression was curious, so she unfolded it. The note was short. Ava, | get it now. | was wrong. About everything. I'm sorry. Not because | want you back, but because you deserved better. Be happy. You've earned it. - Noah Ava read the note twice. It was the first honest, selfless thing he had ever said to her. It was an apology without an agenda. It was a surrender. She folded the note and tucked it into her pocket. It wasn't a reconciliation, and it wasn't forgiveness. It was just... an ending. A quiet, final closing of a door that had been left ajar for far too long. ---- "Is everything okay?" Liam asked, coming up behind her. She turned and smiled at him, a bright, unburdened smile. "Everything is perfect." She stood on hertiptoes and kissed him. "Let's go home." 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.