Reborn Billionaire Wife

The next morning, Eleanor woke up in an unfamiliar room, sun streaming through the window. Beside her, the man from last night was fully dressed, sipping coffee. His expression was cold. The vague memories of last night returned in snippets. “I didn't mean… I was drunk,” Eleanor stammered. Liam raised an eyebrow with a small sad smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Save it. You're not the first to try to seduce me.” Eleanor's anger flared. “I wasn't trying to seduce you! And I'm not some prostitute.” Liam's gaze hardened. “Well, I'm not here to judge you, but don't expect any more than that.” With that, he turned and left, leaving Eleanor stunned. ******* Eleanor's life instantly changed when she lost her job and got into a contract marriage with Liam Chase, a ruthless and possessive billionaire who agreed to pay off her debts. Life with Liam was a difficult one as he was cold to her. She found solace in the hands of his cousin and became pregnant for him. But what happens when she finds out that her billionaire husband is linked to her past? Will she easily let go or will her past hunt her forever? Will Liam's cousin come to her rescue or is she doomed forever? Dive into the book and find out more.

"Shying away from your wifely duties, little wife?" He questioned in a husky voice, lowering his face to hers. Ariel quickly turned her head away, "No, Mr. Chaz, you're misunderstanding me again," She voiced quietly. Aiden scoffed, not believing her. He looked down at his chest and found her slim hand still placed against it. "You're quite corny, Ariel. Saying you don't want me, yet you're hands are all over me," Aiden whispered in her ear. *** After overhearing her father and stepmother planning how they were going to marry her off in place of her Stepsister to the unsuccessful son of their debtor. That night, Ariel plans her run away, but that same night, Ariel mysteriously gets kidnapped. Waking up to discover she'd been kidnapped by the same people she was trying to run away from made her life seem like it had hit rock bottom. Now, she was going to be forced into a marriage with a man she didn't know and didn't love. But, would everything remain the same for her when she discovers that her new husband was the richest Billionaire in the country? Chaz Aiden was a successful billionaire with billions of businesses all over the world and zero interest in women, especially after his mother had divorced his father for a richer man. When his grandmother asked him to do him a favor by marrying the Hudson family's daughter, he knew it was for the sake of greed. He swore to make his new wife's life a living hell, making sure he reminded her that she would always be an object he purchased, contracted and never to be loved.

[Complete 1V1 Pure Romance] Zhong Xiaoxiao had transmigrated. When she opened her eyes, she found herself on her wedding night, "You might as well prepare to be a widow." Before she could understand what was happening, her cheap husband had fled, and she became the vilified and reluctantly married country bride. Life is like a dream, but one must carry on. So what if her reputation was in tatters? Rolling up her sleeves, she set to work with her whole family. When they met again, even if they couldn't get a divorce, acting as a fake married couple was still an option, right? However, as she continued to pretend, she actually fell... [New recommendation "Reborn Husband Tender Wife"] A different style, I hope everyone will support it! Additionally, there's a big fan group: 827327490

Jane Sampson always felt weak in the knees, timid, and frightened whenever she saw James Black before her rebirth. James Black asked, "When will you give me a child?" Jane Sampson replied, "When I become a movie star." Later, Jane Sampson became the youngest star to win two prestigious awards in history. A reporter asked, "What is the secret to your success, Ms. Sampson?" Jane Sampson covered her face and said, "It's still James Black." Before her rebirth, Jane Sampson wanted to divorce James Black. But in the end, they both died together. Even after her rebirth, Jane Sampson still wanted to divorce James Black. However, they still weren't divorced even after they grew old and gray.

Alia is a skilled thief who, in search of a legendary treasure, sneaks into a castle under the cover of night. However, she unexpectedly witnesses the castle’s owner, the handsome and cold-hearted billionaire Marcellus, murder his wife. In the chaos of her escape, Alia is discovered and killed by him. But death isn’t the end. Alia wakes up to find herself reborn a year earlier, this time in the body of the wife Marcellus had killed—Livia. Faced with the man who had once killed her, now acting outwardly kind but still harboring deadly intentions, Alia knows she must uncover the truth within a year and avoid the same tragic fate. Her plan? Escape the castle and steal the treasure. During her time in the castle, Alia discovers that Livia’s identity is far from simple, and she soon finds herself tangled in a deeper conspiracy. Marcellus’s younger brother, Elias, has a close, secret relationship with Livia, one that seems to involve hidden feelings. As Alia secretly investigates Marcellus’s true intentions, she is drawn to his conflicting mixture of gentleness and coldness. At the same time, the body of Livia compels her to develop feelings for Elias, whose tender care for her awakens a sense of warmth. Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, Alia realizes that every person’s motives are more complex than they first appear, and she must make difficult choices between truth, revenge, love, and survival. As the one-year deadline approaches, the conspiracy unfolds, and Marcellus’s true intentions toward Livia are exposed. Alia finally finds a chance to escape. But with emotions tangled and fate inextricably linked to the castle, will she choose revenge and freedom, or will she find redemption and true love within the deadly walls of the castle?

The footsteps sounded closer, and closer, and closer, until he faintly heard Siri's voice welcoming someone into the house, but before he could open his eyes to see who it was, he felt a large hand gripping his neck, his legs were locked tightly between much larger ones, and, he felt the cold metal of a gun placed directly on his...gun. Zeno quickly opened his eyes from instincts, ready to fight off his attacker, but the moment he did so, he was met with mesmerizing dark grey orbs, staring dangerously at him. The face of his attacker was too close, he couldn't make out his features, but he knew they were sharp, even from a closed look. He didn't bother fighting, he didn't want to lose his junior member down there, and his Nana still expected grandchildren from him. He couldn't disappoint her. "Who. Are. You?" The voice of his attacker was so deep, dark, and commanding. Zeno was a fighter, but he felt a chill run down his spine from the sound of the voice. The hand around Zeno's neck tightened, but he endured it, he was a fighter. Judging by his attacker's looks and actions of confidence, this was his boss. ~~~ After losing his parents and being faced with an unbelievable medical bill, Zeno Evander finds himself working as a Manny for a mysterious Billionaire, but it doesn't last long; after almost being killed by the Mafia billionaire, Zeno swore never to return to that place again. But after a week of escaping the Mafia billionaire, Zeno finds himself kidnapped and Blackmailed into signing a year's contract as the Mafia's Manny and bodyguard. Could Zeno escape his evil and monstrous boss? Or would he be consumed by him? Consumed by the forbidden passion he felt build up between them? Would he risk his life just to experience the burn of forbidden love? After the betrayal from his family, ex-wife, and friend five years ago, Sebastian Orion became a totally different being. He became cold, aloof, and dangerous as he rose to become the most feared Mafia king of the underworld, and everyone who heard his name shivered from fear. He distrusted everyone and hated any form of human relationships, building a thick wall around himself. But, not until his son's manny came into the picture. Zeno irritated him in every way, he hated the mere sight of his bodyguard and would have chosen to kill him if not for the sake of his son. Sebastian always tried to push Zeno away by treating him in the lowest way possible. But when the contract was coming to an end, were his feelings still the same? Or did he suddenly realize that it wasn't only his son that needed Zeno? ~~~ "What are you waiting for? Leave!" Sebastian snarled bitterly. He would have to speak with Butler Nicole to find out why he brought back this stupid clown to his house. He had just returned from yet another trip, just to find this nuisance in his house again. He hated Zeno so much; he was classless and looked extremely dangerous to be near his son; who knew if he was sent as a snitch by an enemy? "I'm sorry, boss, but I can't," Zeno said and stood his ground. Leaving would mean he wanted his Nana to die; no, he'd rather stay here and take all punches that came his way; he was used to it. "What?!" Sebastian couldn't believe that such stupid people were still existing in the world. "I can't leave," Zeno repeated.

Emily a little girl ,yearning for love by her parents,sold as a slave by her parents to a billionaire , falls in love with the billionaire's playboy son . Learn how Emily copes in a world full of hatred .

--- Ariana was rooted to the floor outside of Anthony’s door her heart raced in her chest, like something was preparing to break apart her ribs. She had not wanted to come to a halt, much less listen in on the conversation that was unfolding before her. But the sound of laughter that came from Rachel was not new to her ears which suddenly had her face the direction of the voice like a pupet. “…you’re so bad, Anthony,” Rachel whispered sexily. “I never lie to you,” Anthony countered sullenly then suddenly grew smarmy, “I’m only bad with you.” Reaching out Ariana braced her back against the wall and her mind whirled round with confusion. Glancing around the corner she stopped breathing as she saw them. Rachel resting on Anthony laps, having her hand resting on Anthony’s arm. He leered at her, and from even his bearing suggest that he wanted something more than friendship from her. “She has not realized it yet?” Rachel asked me in low tones as if Shareen was a hopeless case. Anthony chuckled. “He realized Ariana was smart, as well as trusting in his team. That’s her weakness.” Such words are a shock for Ariana as if someone slapped her. [His fists clenched.]His hands shook, and for a moment she considered; she felt that nausea could overcome herself. Trust. That was what she had delivered to them – what she considered they deserved. And now? Now they were laughing about it, about her . She wanted to rush into the room and meet them eye to eye, look them into the eyes and scold them for every single angry word that rises within her chest. But she didn’t move. Not yet. She held a strap of her bag so tightly her hands became gloved. Indeed, she retreated sensibly, her breathing becoming light. It was not so strange they did not notice her go ; of course they did not. Why would they, if they reckoned she did not know any better? And when she came to the door of the house, shutting herself out on the cold evening, when the wind caressed her cheek like a slate, then in her soul something leaped. The heartbreak was still there, but it was buried beneath a wave of something new,rage. But she paused and with her head held high she walked away leaving her legs give away from her. The frosty night’s darkness embraced her when she tripped outside, onto the campus and grass., but the freezing air was no match for the icy sensation in her chest. She began to ponder vigorously various questions, accusations and processes of retaliation in her mind. But she didn’t see the car. This blaring of the horn was too late. There was the pathetic squealing of brakes and a moment of unbearable agony that filled her from head to toe. The world staggered, and the last thing Ariana could make out before everything went black was the night sky above her. Everything went black. ---

Sophia Reed, a sharp and fearless 24-year-old PR strategist, is used to cleaning up messy reputations. But when she’s hired to save billionaire Damien Steele’s image, she realizes this job might be her toughest yet. Damien is cold, guarded, and infuriatingly handsome—a combination that’s as dangerous as it is distracting. As Sophia digs deeper into his world, she discovers a man haunted by secrets, his icy exterior hiding a fire she can’t resist. The more she tries to keep things professional, the harder it gets to ignore the pull between them. But with the media circling and enemies waiting for their chance to strike, every step closer to Damien puts her heart—and her career—on the line.

On the first day of their divorce, he said, "She'll be back before midnight." The second day, "She'll be back in three days. It's just one of her stunt to make me mad". The third day, "She cannot do without me so she'll be back in seven days." On the seventh day, "She'll definitely come back within two weeks." After a whole month... "Boss she's really doing it, she's kissed a stranger at the gala." "Catch her and bring her home." . . In her past life she was the good and enduring wife, in this life she became his little devious sin. A pain in the ass and his little ass kicker. "No one dared treat Mr Hamilton the way she did, do you think he would forgive her?" . . Harlow Blackwood was accused and wrongfully killed in her past life by her family and husbands family. But fate had other plans for her. When she returned, Harlow swore to take revenge on the people who killed her children and ended her life. But there was something else in this life. The husband who joined her enemies to attack her in her previous life turned out to dot on her more than ever before. In her past life Harlow was a mighty cook and would prepare food for the entire family, she turned into their slave to please them, yet no one liked her. But in this life... "I am useless hubby, I can't cook, clean, have kids or take care of you... Her hubby smiled. "None of those matters. I can cook, clean, take good care of you, and most importantly, give you children. How many are you willing to have?" In her current life, her husband has a huge secret too, what could that be? . . For more info on the book follow me on Instagram @Sspears and Facebook @kourtneysspears.

“I will let you be on top from tonight, please don’t divorce me, darling!” ----- Evelyn’s fairytale life shattered when a stranger stormed in, claiming to be the real daughter of the Wright family with proof. Her enviable privileges? Stripped away. Her spotless reputation? Tarnished. Her four-year engagement? Abruptly annulled. But the worst betrayal came from her once-loving father, all set to marry her off to settle a business score—with a man twice her age! Everyone in the circle attended this scandalous wedding, eager to witness the downfall of the supposed fake heiress. Yet, the climax was not what even Evelyn had anticipated! Zevian Reign, the nation’s richest tycoon, known for being every woman’s fantasy and the nightmare of all his rivals, made a dramatic entrance. His arrival stunned the guests, but his brazen wish was even more startling! He casually demanded to replace the groom and marry the beautiful bride. No one dared to challenge, nor did anyone have the guts to disobey him. They were left with no choice but to watch the wedding unfold. And it was Evelyn’s time to smirk, for she was now the devil’s wife. And all those who had ruined her, they would pay back in tenfold! ++++ [Excerpt] "Why would I ditch my husband for a loser?" Evelyn chuckled, crossing her arms defiantly. "He is better than him in all the aspects." Her gaze drifted to her ex-fiancé nearby, and she continued with a smirk, "Actually, a lot better in bed." As Annabelle’s face flushed with disdain, Evelyn patted her back and leaned in to deliver another slap. "So, good luck with licking my leftovers, dear step-sister. He's a perfect match for you."

Mara and Maria-Isabel have always been best friends. But while Mara is happily married to Ethan, Maria-Isabel is trapped in an abusive relationship. When Mara and Ethan help her escape, they never expect what happens next. One night, Mara walks in on a moment she never should have seen her husband and her best friend, locked in an intense, lingering gaze. "Tell me it’s not what I think," Mara whispers, her voice shaking. Maria-Isabel looks away. Ethan stays silent. Their friendship was meant to save Maria-Isabel. Instead, it may have destroyed them all. A story of love, betrayal, and a choice that will change everything.

Emerald Greene, a teacher with a broken heart, is rescued from drowning by a mysterious man. They start a no-strings-attached fling, but Emerald's world turns upside down when she discovers he’s the father of one of her students. Torn between being a mistress or letting him go, Emerald faces a choice that’s even harder when she realizes she needs him for revenge against her ex. Will she stay for love or leverage?

Rosemary spent 18 years thinking she was a member of the wealthy Harris family, only to discover she was a fake rich girl. When the real heiress returned, Rosemary was cast aside and sent back to her poor hometown. But fate had other plans for her, as she soon discovered that her hometown was actually the most exclusive villa area in the country. In a single night, Rosemary went from a modestly wealthy girl to the true heiress of a top-tier elite family. Her biological parents showered her with love, handing her millions of dollars in pocket money, providing access to any car from their fleet, and letting her buy anything from the world’s top designers. As for school, the best institutions were at her fingertips, and if she didn’t feel like studying, she could play with the family company. But what shocked Rosemary the most was finding out she had an ex-fiancé. She couldn’t understand why he kept clinging to her, holding her hand, and trying to kiss her. “Who are you, sir?” Rosemary asked, annoyed. “Sweetheart, I’m your husband,” the ex-fiancé responded. “I don’t have a husband, only a former fiancé”

Marriage is like putting your hand into a bag of snakes in the hope of pulling out gold. Daniel Smith simply had it all, he possessed the refined beauty as powerful as his name, his wealth as of a billionaire and the sophisticated charm of seducing women. He was forced to get rid of his bachelor's status and get married to Regina Green, the sassy and stubborn heiress with innocent looks who would do anything to please her father. He hated her drastic and silly ways, he swore to make her life a living hell. She hated his principles and his unfathomable ego. In a life lasting marriage, many things are bound to happen and nothing can prepare them for the consequences. Would Regina Green endure the demeanor of Daniel Mills? Would she remain the Billionaire's Wife?

“You never loved me anyway, did you?” --------------- From the start, Lucy Grey knew her marriage was doomed to fall. She held onto her one-sided love for her husband for two years, but that was not enough to save their marriage. On the day Lucy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Landon stayed beside his first love at the hospital. Finally, she realized it was time to let go. On that same night, she signed the divorce agreement and left quietly. But fate dealt a cruel hand as Lucy found out she was pregnant! After three years of searching, Landon finally found her. However, when he stood in front of her doorstep, he never expected a child who looked exactly like him would adorably look up and ask, “Are you my daddy?” .... This novel currently participates in "Viral Book Call", a Webnovel contest. Show your support by adding this to your library and writing a review. Thank you! #Marriage #Whitemoonlight #Substitute #Baby #Winheratallcost #Faceslapping. #MLgrovelling #ObsessedML

[SLOW BURN} (CHECK OUT MY NEW MAFIA ROMANCE. OUT NOW!) "You can't hurt me anymore, Ace. I'm not that crybaby you used to know," she warned, taking a step back. "Who said anything about hurting anyone, darling? There's only one place I need to cry for me. One very," his eyes trailed down her body, and stopped between her thighs. "Very moist place." He took two steps forward, and closed the gap between them. Ace is the legitimate heir to the Atticus dynasty, but there's a condition. Grandpa before his death says he cannot fully inherit everything until he gets married, and stays married for at least a year. Quick to think, he finds a solution to his dilemma; A contract marriage. With the help of his personal assistant, Grant, He finds Fay Landon. Dainty Fay that cries a lot, and can talk a storm. He vows it's only a marriage of convenience, until the redhead let's her hair down, and shows him the woman behind the tears. She falls first, but he falls harder. In the middle of the war for a billion dollar empire, heartless Ace Atticus will learn that to come out victorious, he needs a Fay up his sleeve. THIRD MONTH OF WIN-WIN. PLEASE SUPPORT ME WITH YOUR VOTES, COLLECTIONS, REVIEWS, COMMENTS, AND GIFTS. THANK YOU.

Suzanne Mackenzie agreed to marry billionaire Andrei Runt for just one reason; she must exact her revenge on him. Andrei Runt was responsible for her sister’s death, and she would never let it slide, even if he hides himself behind his wealth. She goes on to marry him and begins to search for the one thing that would bring his whole empire down. In the meantime, she realizes Andrei is not as bad as he seemed and may have some redeemable qualities. Romantic feelings and desires ensue between them, but she must pretend for as long as she could until she gets the secret that would destroy him. Suzanne finally finds the one secret that would forever destroy him, but now she is confronted by her growing affection for him and her loyalty to her family. Would she abandon her family’s ambition and need for revenge for love? Would she honor her late sister’s memory and finally bring the man to justice? Would she abandon love, the one thing that she had ever discovered for herself, for her family duty? It’s a roller coaster of emotions that only you would want to discover.

Following her grandmother’s wishes, Oh Ha-na inherits a matchmaking agency. However, the agency caters only to a very specific clientele – wealthy bachelors with commitment issues. Enter billionaire jewellery tycoon and third-generation chaebol heir, Cha Ji-hoon. A notorious bachelor and workaholic who feels dating is a frivolous distraction from his responsibilities. Numerous attempts by his family to get him married have failed because he throws himself into work to avoid emotional connection. Despite this, women flock to him, drawn to his wealth and handsome looks. With a reputation for being ruthless in business and aloof in relationships, Ha-na takes on the challenge of finding Ji-hoon a perfect match. Can she melt his icy heart and find his perfect match? Or will she realize that she has been his ideal match all along? ~~~ [WSA 2025 Entry] [Note: This book is a clean, slow-burn romance. Character relationships will be explored more on emotional connection and less on physical attraction. Reader discretion is advised.] We'll have two side couple romance apart from our main couple storyline. Their stories will be shown simultaneously along with the lead couple, but in lesser frequency. Main: Boss Lady FL X Bigshot ML (First Love/High School Sweethearts) Side A: Hopeless Romantic FL X Single Dad ML (One-night Stand) Side B: Paralyzed FL X Celebrity ML (Second Chance First Love/High School Sweethearts)

[Mature Content.] “Afraid? Oh, dear, I can burn the world and no one will blame me as long as I have my husband’s money in my pocket.” — Irene Russell’s hard work for years was turned into junk when her boyfriend stole her work and gave it to her wicked step-sister. The public immediately recognizes her step-sister as a genius, while Irene must bear huge losses. Her boyfriend dumped her and declared he had been cheating on Irene’s step-sister since the beginning. After drowning herself in bottles of red wine, a piece of cake suddenly fell from heaven. Her boyfriend’s boss suddenly asked her to marry him to clean his name from a nasty scandal. Desperate to earn money, Irene accepted his offer. However, after she read their marriage contract, she realized every point in the contract was intended to spoil her to the root. — “You’re the perfect candidate to be my future wife.” Irene, “A woman like me can give you a headache, Mr. Delacroix.” “Oh, it’s such a coincidence,” Sebastian told her with playful intonation. “I like troubles.” — With the help of Sebastian Delacroix’s money, Irene could climb the ladder of success. At the end of the day, would her ex-boyfriend and her step-sister cry the blood of tears after betraying her? — Contact me Instagram: @zenanicher

Declan divorced his wife for cheating on him and making a fool of him. Heartbroken, she leaves town but after some years, she is back. Declan realizes that maybe he might have misunderstood some things years ago.

Sophia Miller, a hardworking and kind-hearted young woman, struggles to support her ailing mother. Her life turns unexpectedly when she crosses paths with Ethan Blackwood, a cold and powerful billionaire known for his ruthless demeanor. Ethan is under pressure from his family to settle down, and a sudden twist of fate leads to Sophia being roped into a contract marriage with him. What begins as a business arrangement quickly becomes complicated. Sophia’s warmth and resilience start to melt Ethan’s icy exterior, while she faces the challenges of navigating his glamorous yet treacherous world. From jealous rivals to scheming ex-fiancées, Sophia is caught in a whirlwind of drama and high-society intrigue.

The novel explores the strained relationship between a struggling, working-class single father and his estranged daughter, who unexpectedly becomes a billionaire through her tech startup. The story dives into the emotional complexities of reconciling their past, the societal pressures of extreme wealth, and the philosophical question of whether money can repair broken bonds. As the father navigates the opulent world his daughter now inhabits, he is forced to confront his own insecurities, her childhood sacrifices, and the sacrifices he made to give her a better life. The daughter, meanwhile, must decide how to wield her newfound influence and whether she can let go of past grievances for the sake of their shared future.

Book is under development

Adelaide Wade, a 22 year old business owner. Having just inherited her late parents bakery and bookstore, The Bookish Bites, coupled with the news of her having a betrothed who she has to marry to save the cafe, felt like the weight of the world had been saddled onto her shoulders. Never had she felt so lost, both of her parents had been the only offsprings of their parents also. And now that they were dead, their only wish for her before their death was for her to meet her betrothed and get hitched. And now it was time to do so. Ezekiel Steel, a 32 year old CEO. Being described as the most successful bachelor, who has managed to infiltrate and plant the roots of his Steel Corporations, even into the world's harshest economy, and still amassing billions of profits. Considered to be ruthless, cold and even sociopathic, but mostly detached. His ruthless ways incites fear in the hearts of his rivals, now determined to marry the woman of his dreams through a betrothal.

Cheng Xiao has worked for Xu Kai as his secretary for 7 years, but lately she feels that she has moved away from her goal. Applied for a designing position but was hired as his secretary. She decides that it is time to follow her dream and plans to quit, but Mr. Xu has gotten too used and won't allow her to leave him. He realizes that he has been in love with her and plans to make her his.

Akeelah Rose, the seemingly ordinary woman who lives with the Insufferable CEO, Mr Andrè Stilts, a hot male specimen who has the hots for another. He is a very cold man to his wife, Akeelah, although contractual wife. He finds his first love and ends up divorcing Akeelah. They say getting burnt on a spot makes that spot immune. A burnt Akeelah is going to fez up and claim what belongs to her. But what happens to Mr Andrè's fate when he discovers that Akeelah was never the simple woman he thought her to be...

"If given the chance, she would do everything in her power to never associate with those who destroyed her life and drove her to the brink of death. She would live a peaceful life and achieve her dreams," were her words before she succumbed to the darkness, embracing her demise. ***** Eveline Miller, a simple, kind, and loving girl, loved Gabriel Winston, her childhood sweetheart, all her life. However, all he did in return was hate her. One fateful night, she ended up finding herself sleeping next to him and he ended up declaring her a lair who took advantage of his intoxicated state. Though married for three years, Eveline tried her best to prove her innocence and pave her way to his heart, only to learn that her husband was having a secret affair. The days she decided to confront him was the day she was push to death by none other than her best friend, Tiffany. It was then she realized the woman her husband was cheating her with was her so called friend. But what next? The moment she thought her life was over, she woke up in the time when she wasn't married and from that moment on, she swore to make her life worth it and ignore those who didn't deserve her love. But wait, why is Gabriel suddenly being interested in her when he didn't even blink the time she was pushed to death. Come and join me in the journey of Eveline and Gabriel and enjoy the twist and turn they face along. PS: The photo cover doesn't belong to me. Credit to the respected owner.