Within a Hollow Heart - Chapter 156: Volume 2, : "Threads of Fate"

“I don't share my possessions, Mr. Campbell. Your wife stole from me and now I want something back. You should know I always collect what I'm owed,”When Liam Campbell's wife steals from his wealthy female boss and disappears, he's left to face the music. But his boss, Lady Isabella Ashworth, has other plans for repayment—plans that involve keeping the handsome man for herself.Everyone thinks they know the score: young guy becomes a rich woman's plaything. What they don't know is that Liam's got more weapons than just his looks. Behind his perfect face lies a ruthless mind that turned him from a nobody into a rising star.Now, trapped in Isabella's world of luxury and power, he'll play her game—but by his rules. His main goal is to dominate her as much as she wants to dominate him.But who's really taming who?

The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis.With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach.

【Time Travel + Workplace Competition + No Lazing Around + Ambitious Female Lead】Overachiever Shen Wei traveled through time and found herself as the lowest-ranking maid in the grand residence of the Yan Prince.The Yan Prince held a prestigious position, but his consorts were all content to live dull lives. The noble-born princess consort was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum; the concubine sought a life of monogamy; the reincarnated woman was utterly disillusioned with the Yan Prince and had given up on striving for anything; and the other timid concubines dared not make a move…The queen of workplace competition, Shen Wei, declared: Don’t stop me! I’m going to outwork these unambitious slackers!…The Yan Prince had grown accustomed to the stagnant atmosphere in his harem, until a particularly skilled courtesan appeared.This concubine was stunningly beautiful, adept at both literature and dance, hardworking, and always brought him fresh excitement. The Prince couldn’t help but take a second, then a lifetime-long, look at her.Years later, Shen Wei became the all-powerful Imperial Noble Consort, with children and the emperor’s exclusive favor.Meanwhile, the princess consort remained as tranquil as ever; the concubine was aging and had yet to experience a monogamous life; and the reincarnated woman was still eating simple meals in her modest abode…After half a lifetime of striving, Shen Wei finally reached retirement and revealed her true nature, fully embracing a life of leisure. The retired emperor interjected: “You competed for favor just to retire?”Shen Wei snacked on melon seeds: “What else?”Living is all about retirement!The retired emperor was even more surprised to find, in midlife, that other men were vying for his wife’s affections!

In her past life, Qin Ruan was deeply embroiled in a family feud, framed, and died with unfulfilled desires.Having been reincarnated, she returned armed with a pregnancy report and made her way to the gate of the prestigious Huo Family in Capital City, one hand on her lower back.It was rumored that Huo Sanye, the legitimate grandson of the Huo Family, was decisive and ruthless, endowed with an aloof sophistication, unpredictable mood swings, and was utterly unfeeling and heartless.Sanye was about to take a wife, an illegitimate daughter located and brought back by the Qin Family.This news exploded throughout Capital City!No one believed that an illegitimate daughter could securely hold the position of the Huo Family Head's wife; everyone was waiting for their divorce.Leveraging her reincarnated mystical abilities, Qin Ruan set up shop under Tianqiao, stirring up the major power dynamics within Capital City.The fourth-generation golden grandson of the Huo Family even crawled out from Qin Ruan's belly.As her true identity gradually revealed itself, no one dared to belittle her anymore.Year after year passed by, not only did Qin Ruan and Huo Sanye not divorce, they flaunted their love daily.Everyone was frustrated to the point of smashing their bowls, they had their fill of this sickening sweetness!——Mini-theater:Qin Ruan: “Young man, you have a peach blossom curse, and you are likely to encounter a blood disaster soon.”The famous movie star scorned her remark and turned to leave.That evening, the movie star, disheveled, begged Qin Ruan, “Miss Qin, save me!”Qin Ruan: “Sir, I see a dark aura surrounding you, you're likely in grave danger.”A tycoon in the business world nearly upturned her stall in anger.But two days later, the big shot knelt before Qin Ruan, pleading for his life!From then on, everyone from newly established nobility to members of the prestigious and powerful families all treated Qin Ruan as a respected guest.