CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs - Chapter 562: Keeping secrets

The older young Lisko woke up and found that he had become an American. He took over his father’s ranch and began to live in the United States.

- Description from novelbuddy

Facing extinction, humanity seeks salvation in the Astral Verge, a dangerous dimension accessed via portals that threatened to wipe out the entire planet.Few years later, aspiring recruit Daniel Vance enters the Verge for his final assessment, hoping to Awaken a Talent and secure his future. While others gain common abilities, Daniel secretly Awakens the mythical SSS-Grade Talent: [Soul Assimilation]. This allows him to absorb essence, enhancing gear, gaining stats and EXP from slain creatures, and crucially, absorbing attributes and skills from fallen Awakened.Witnessing the swift death of the arrogant Jaxon Rex, Daniel makes a grim choice: he assimilates Jaxon, gaining his first skill, [Kinetic Pulse]. This sets his path: scavenging the aftermath of others’ battles. He enhances gear and, after achieving his first kill on an injured beast, waits patiently to assimilate two more fallen recruits, acquiring [Quick Step] and the invaluable passive [Aura Sense].Starting as average, Daniel rapidly gains power in secret, enhanced gear, multiple skills, and boosted stats , far exceeding his peers while remaining outwardly unremarkable. He navigates the lethal Verge alone, using its inherent dangers to fuel his growth, wrestling with the moral cost of his unique, overwhelming power.

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel.Excerpt:She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him.Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights.Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly,“ You are my wife.”She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. “I have given you time to gather your emotions.”Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them.“Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb.”“Yes...” Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her?”It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?“ He continued.”Yes,“ Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning?Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality.But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, ”Kiss me.“

“You shouldn’t be so self-centered. You’re lucky that Mr. Mu wants to marry you. You have no right to turn him down!” Bei Shuo felt cold on the inside after hearing what her father said. Having gone missing when she was a child, Bei Shuo was found a month ago. Before she found her biological parents, she always thought she’d have a loving family. However, when she finally returned home, she realized they had adopted another girl long ago. After more than a decade, the girl had replaced her completely. Her parents, her brother, and her fiance…

The Bei family never showed her any form of affection. On the contrary, they wanted her to marry Mu Ci for their own benefit after she had just returned. Everyone in the city knew that Mu Ci wouldn’t live long. Besides, he had an aggressive personality. Anybody who offended him would suffer badly. Bei Shuo would probably end up dead without even knowing what caused it. Hence, when she married Mu Ci, everyone in Empire City waited for news of the horrible ending. To everyone’s surprise, she actually cured him, and he even ended up pampering her! At the same time, it was revealed that Bei Shuo was actually the disciple of a miracle doctor, a top-tier hacker, a champion racer, and the founder of an international fashion brand…

On top of that, wealthy tycoons, talented directors, and e-sports professionals all spoke fondly of her. “Everyone, please allow us to introduce our favorite junior!” The man who was rumored to be cold and violent pressed his head against Bei Shuo’s shoulder when he found out about her countless identities. “How many more identities do you have?” he asked with a pout. Bei Shuo ran her fingers through his hair and smiled. “There’s only one left, and it’s the most important one. I’m still Mrs. Mu!”