A chance marriage binds struggling actress Summer Lane and Alexander Ford. As Alexander hides his true identity, he helps Summer rise above family troubles and industry rivals. When a plot threatens their love, Alexander's loyalty wins his family's acceptance, and Summer becomes the cherished star of his life.
Orphaned at ten, Freya grows up in her crush’s house, secretly in love with the Thorns’s heir, Byron, until his mother tears them apart. Five years later, he returns, and a welcome party turns into a one-night stand. When their secret feelings erupt, will they fight for each other or give in again?
Charlotte Grant, the heiress of Chanelle, grew up spoiled by her three brothers. She hides her identity for three years to support her boyfriend Jason, only to witness his betrayal with the help of Edward Hawthorne. She plans to take revenge on the wedding day, yet to her surprise, Edward seizes the moment to steal her away.
Left at the altar, Selah Carey takes drastic action to claim her inheritance by offering a reward for a child. The impeccable man she chooses, Winston Quinn, is actually the world's wealthiest man—and her ex-fiancé's uncle.
To save her grandmother, country girl Caroline Logan journeys to Sea Town. On the way, she rescues and tends to Howard Lewis, a powerful but injured gang boss. Grateful and captivated, he becomes her most devoted protector upon their arrival, launching a whirlwind and overbearing courtship.
A young romance turned tragic when Alex was diagnosed with brain cancer. To save him, Evelyn left alone bearing their child, Mia. Five years on, Lane fell ill and slipped into a vegetative state. Mia plays violin on the streets. Now the richest man in Capital City, Alex comes home to look for Evelyn and they finally meet again.
Three years after high school, Sophie Lane is shocked to see Henry Carter—the boy she secretly loved—back on campus. Now a refined and sought-after returnee, Henry gave up a top overseas offer just to find the girl who once watched him sleep in class. This time, he won't let her slip away again.
After six years of marriage, Shirley had become little more than a caretaker to Joshua, pouring herself into their relationship while losing her own identity. When Mia returned, Joshua even considered casting Shirley aside, prompting her to finally choose divorce. When they crossed paths again, Shirley had transformed into a confident, powerful woman, effortlessly commanding the negotiation table. Meanwhile, Joshua, the CEO of Ford Group, no longer seemed worthy of standing by her side.
Everyone knew Joanna Leighton was a girl who was never afraid to love or hate, including her brother, Blake Leighton, and her two childhood friends. Joanna even renounced her position as the Leighton family's heiress to marry an ordinary man. Joanna chose money over love, but it was not the same for her husband. For him, money could certainly buy love. He did not know Joanna's true identity and forced her to get a divorce so that he could be with the daughter of a rich family. Joanna was heartbroken, but a failed relationship could not stop her from starting a new life. After all, she had a secret.
Lola returns at 19, courageously standing up against her stepmother's false accusations, seeking simple happiness, and unexpectedly achieving legendary success.
After 18 years adrift, Chloe returns home-only to face family betrayal and contempt. Secretly a famous violinist, top designer, and brilliant medic, she hides her identities. Andrew dumps her coldly, then regrets and pursues her fiercely. When her shocking secrets unfold, they’re stunned: fate has long bound them.
Three months ago, Lia Silva dreamed she was pregnant with the Flying Snake God, Soren. As she sought to escape her foster parents’ abuse, Soren appeared to protect her, revealing her blood curse and true identity. Together, they battle an evil family. Their baby becomes the eternal bond of their love!
Lydia, discarded at birth, was saved by the Semystics Sect's head. To survive, she abducted Emperor Henry, who possessed the Purple Aura. After healing his legs, she rendered him infertile yet conceived twins. Six years later, her return to Sunvale sparked chaos—until Henry discovered a girl mirroring him, stunning the court.
In the 1970s famine years, little Benny gets found in the mountains by Olive, the village jinx. She raises him on her own and meets Ethan, a sickly but kind man. Through hardship, the three of them grow into a family, the curse fades, and Benny’s luck helps them rise to become the richest in the county.
Top assassin Maisie dies on a mission and wakes up as Karlee. After a one-night stand with River City's most powerful man, Jason, she gives birth to Evan. Five years later, Jason takes Evan away, and she goes undercover as his bodyguard to get Evan back. Love reignites, and the family reunites.
Seeking vengeance, General Jesse Sullivan wakes up as noblewoman. With Crown Prince Fabian's aid, she uncovers a conspiracy while healing him. Her identity is exposed, leading to her demise as she breaks a fatal array. After Fabian clears her name, Jesse is revived three years later.
Mia Hawkin slept with Blake Shaw by accident and gave birth to children. However, due to the butler's mistake, he didn't know that Mia was the one he was looking for and instead kept misunderstanding her. In the end, the truth came to light and the family was reunited.
After betrayal by her fiancé and sister and losing her sight, Lila Bennett becomes a laughingstock. A fateful encounter with Sebastian Frost, The Carter Family's ruthless leader, sparks a passionate romance. Rumors spread of his devotion to his fierce, wild wife—no one suspects she will rise to power.
Nora gains campus fame for her striking beauty—until a student's phone scandal forces a PTA meeting. Unexpectedly, the guardian who arrives is Charles, her secret college crush. Now trapped as his cousin's teacher, how long can she hide her heart before this stolen love burns everything down?
After a hospital baby swap, Charlotte Evans faces hardship but rises at Grant Group. Betrayed by her foster mother and fake heiress Isabelle Stone, Charlotte, aided by heir Leon Grant, unveils her true identity. Justice wins, villains fall, and Charlotte and Leon's love sparks a hopeful family reunion.
Jasmine Winchester, a world-class dancer lost in time, lands in the 1980s, bound to the unyielding Major Lucas Vincent. Her modern charm clashes with his rigid world. As their forbidden passion ignites, will it spark a revolution or consume them both?
Lily, bullied by her aunt and cousin, is suddenly possessed by her ancestor, Charlotte, a general of Sumeria. Using her skills, she uncovers a hidden treasure to save the failing Linley family, and exposes her aunt’s crimes. She then rises as a relic expert, and trains her cousin to inherit the family business.
Sansa Lean, an orphanage-raised girl, met Enzo Keel while working at a café. Enzo, grandson of Valley State's richest man, fell for her instantly. They got engaged, unaware that Sansa's best friend, Jean, also loved Enzo. Consumed by jealousy, Jean hired an assassin to kill pregnant Sansa on her way to the airport.
เซียนแท้อู๋หมิงใช้วิชา หนึ่งปราณแยกร่างออกเป็นสามร่าง แต่เกิดข้อผิดพลาดตอนรวมร่าง จึงจำเป็นต้องผนึกดวงจิตเทพทั้งสามไว้ในอีกมิติ และร่างเดิมของเขากลับกลายเป็นคนธรรมดา แต่ทว่าภรรยาและลูก ๆ ของเขากลับต้องเผชิญหน้ากับภัยอันตราย!!.
Yvonne West and Archie Sheldon share a passionate love, but torn apart by fate. Years later, Yvonne is dating Sheldon's best friend, Zane Fisher, until Sheldon returns, entangling them in a storm of desire, loyalty, and buried feelings. As Yvonne fights to save her father, Sheldon bends the rules to lift her up, forcing all three to confront their pasts and emerge transformed.
Many years ago, Jason mistakenly thought Vera betrayed him and cursed the women in her clan to become animals. In modern times, Vera, the only girl in the family, joined the Galvin Group. She helped Jason and unexpectedly had a one-night stand with him. The curse came true, and Vera turned into a cat from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m...
Poppy Flynn had her appearance and identity stolen by her sister, Rachel Flynn. She was forced to impersonate her sister, becoming the consort of Lord Caden, who was once a close friend. Poppy's brother was hurt by Rachel, and her beloved was also taken away by Rachel. She vowed to reclaim her identity and expose this malicious woman!
At 3, Nina told fortunes to survive, abused by her uncle and aunt until rescued by her uncles. Now spoiled by four uncles and her mysterious dragon-king father, she's the world's happiest princess!
Police graduate Mabel Jolie infiltrates a cult’s 'Petal Bride' ritual to expose a human trafficking ring. Posing as a sacrificial bride, she outwits the village chief, rescues her sister and trapped women—unmasking the god’s wedding as a deadly scam.
Transmigrated into the body of Emily, a divorced woman, she shocks everyone by leading her impoverished family to prosperity with ingenious farming schemes. When her ex-husband, David, steals her cassava innovation and frames her for fraud, she is rescued by Edward, her admirer, and rises from prison to imperial honors.
As the CEO of a billion-dollar film empire, Agnes thought marrying ex-stuntman Marvin in a secret contract would solve her problems—until real feelings got in the way. Now diagnosed with a terminal illness, she's torn between pride and longing, haunted by memories and hunted by betrayal. When enemies close in and her cold “husband” suddenly becomes her fiercest protector, Agnes must decide: can a contract built on convenience turn into a love worth fighting for?
When Simon Stone discovers he's infertile after a company health check, his once harmonious marriage with Mary Green is thrown into turmoil. As doubts about their child's parentage grow, financial pressures and family secrets ignite fierce arguments, forcing both to confront painful truths and the fragile trust between them.
Orphaned young, Aylin grows up with her sister Amelia, but Amelia is killed by Lexi. To avenge her sister, Aylin sets her sights on Lexi's fiancé, Evan. But as she seeks revenge, she catches the eye of Lexi's brother, Alan. A dangerous game of hearts begins.
Laureano, the powerful president of Synthara Group, was betrayed by his adopted son, Joe, who planned to kill him and seize control of his empire. Meanwhile, Sharif, a determined self-made entrepreneur, rose from humble beginnings to build a global business empire that captured the world’s attention. As Sharif embarked on his journey to challenge the corporate landscape, fate introduced him to Sharon, the woman who stole his heart at first but betrayed him later for money. Balancing his ambitions and newfound love, Sharif funded Sharon's education while navigating the high-stakes world of business and passion.
Felix Quincy, the former head of the Palace of Hell, was framed by traitors and later rescued by Sylvia. However, he mistakenly thought it was Bella, Sylvia’s older sister, who had saved him, and so he stayed by her side as a humble husband. After going through many trials, Felix eventually discovered the truth and reunited with Sylvia.
After Reina finds out her boyfriend cheated on her with her adopted sister, she hooks up with the first guy she meets — Grey, her ex’s wealthy uncle. To get revenge, she proposes a fake relationship with Grey, but their fiery chemistry soon makes things complicated.
While Ruby was in school, she was forced by her mother—who ran a bar—to work part-time. She served as a bartender at the family-operated bar, earning tips to supplement the family income. One night, her mother pressured her into drinking with customers; afterward, she was drugged by a hooligan who then followed her. Fortunately, Brian Sage, the heir to the Sage family, came to her rescue just in time. The two had a one-night stand, and after Ruby unexpectedly became pregnant, Brian took her back to his home. As time went by, their bond gradually deepened, and they slowly fell in love. Meanwhile, they jointly uncovered the mystery of Ruby's lineage.
One night. One mistake. Mia never expected to wake up next to her cold, by-the-book university professor, let alone end up pregnant. Just when she's on the verge of breaking down, Professor Carter stuns her with a proposal. Next thing she knows, they're living under one roof as husband and wife.
To cover the medical expenses for her mother's surgery, college student Nina sells her first sexual experience at a hefty price to a stranger named Ian. Shortly after, her mother's condition deteriorates, and she urgently needs an artificial kidney transplant. Evan, a suitor of Nina's, takes her to seek help from his uncle. Nina is shocked to discover that the uncle is none other than Ian, the man from that fateful night. In a panic, she attempts to run away, but Evan drags her back to Ian, revealing that only Ian's research conglomerate has the artificial kidney her mother needs. Biting back her pride, Nina pleads for Ian's assistance. However, Ian sets harsh conditions for the deal, determined to pull her back into the madness of that night...
After receiving a call saying his father is dying, Neil rides an electric bike to the hospital, only to be hit by a car. His blood flows into his watch; his soul enters Alien Supermarket, where he finds Rehab Capsule that can heal any injury. He buys it. At the same time his money is gone!
Princess Lexi woke up in the modern world as a starving girl who had been swapped at birth, unloved, and left to die. Furious, she left behind the man who had never cared for her and made the town's biggest loser her new dad. She was ready to turn trash into treasure.
Elizabeth disguises herself as a sex worker to deal with a date with a notorious chauvinist pig, set up by her evil stepsister. But she accidentally sits at the wrong table, leading to her chance meeting with the richest billionaire in town. Even more to her surprise, he proposes to buy her... "special services"?
When kitchen novice Nick Chapman inherits his grandfather's struggling restaurant, he's desperate—until the Ultimate Chef System turns him into a culinary prodigy. With elite skills and rare ingredients, Nick's dishes become sensations. Just as he nears a million-dollar breakthrough, rivals strike with slander and sabotage.
Wade’s daughter needs a fortune to survive, but he loses it all to a scam. He suddenly gains the power to stop time for 60 seconds and gets the money back, but also runs into a casino war. He fights with gambling, breaks the criminal group, saves his daughter and renews his life with love and family.
After having a spiked drink, Lucien Roberts spent the night with Cecelia Payne. Assuming Cecelia was behind it, he had been cold to her after he married her at his grandpa's request. Five years later, Cecelia voluntarily divorced Lucien. Only then did he realize how wrong he was about her and how much she had done for him.
"Mic, do you want a wife? Just say yes, and I'll get you one." Modern engineer Mic Ford wakes up as a rogue in chaotic times, crossing paths with a noblewoman on the run. Armed with blade and bow, he vows to carve a path through the turmoil. He's bound to protect his newfound family and survive.
Perhaps the thing Eliza regretted the most was selling her virginity to Eric, only to end up becoming his maid by a twist of fate. From that moment, fate took an irreversible turn. One night of passion left him craving more, and with such close proximity, their bond deepened.
Evelyn entered into a whirlwind marriage with a stranger named Vincent to escape her jerk ex-boyfriend, Tyler. She expected her married life to be mundane and uneventful, but to her surprise, this stranger turned out to be from an ultra-wealthy family!
Charles Cook, after conquering martial arts elites, became the best. Honoring his mother's wish, he wed Nancy Miller for three years. Yet, when Nancy's lover David reappeared, she realized she couldn't be without her understanding husband.
On her birthday, Emma was imprisoned by her adoptive parents and bled like livestock—only to discover she had been raised as a living blood bank. When the couple escalated to selling her organs, she fled. She was saved by Lucien, the mafia don who had come to dismantle the trafficking ring, but, mistaking his lethal justice for murder, she ran again. Cornered by her foster parents a second time, she was rescued by an elderly London earl—London’s richest—who revealed she was his long-lost granddaughter. Overnight, Emma became the crown jewel of British high society.
Rosa, a lowly maid in a mafia family, suffers constant mistreatment—especially from Max, the heir, who always punishes her for no reason. Everything changes when Rosa learns she's the heiress of a rival gang, and Max is the one who killed her mother. She returns home, ready for revenge.
Aria, a divorce lawyer, is betrayed by her husband Leon and Bianca, who also covets her property. When client George hires her to investigate Bianca's affair, complex entanglements arise between them. George sets traps to counterattack, and Aria discovers his obsession stems from a childhood bond. Finally breaking free from marriage, she chooses to face the future with George, exploring human redemption under betrayal and self-reconstruction.
Drugged by scheming classmates, Sophie awakens entangled with Samuel, her bestie's enigmatic uncle. Though she flees, determined to erase the night, his obsession only deepens. When a rival emerges, he abandons restraint, launching a relentless pursuit, and Sophie gradually falls for him.
1) Becca's summer fling with Tally's father James takes an unexpected turn, entangling her in a whirlwind of forbidden passion. As she navigates the line between desire and deceit, will her secrets unravel everything she holds dear? 2) Becca enjoys a hot Miami summer with her best friend Tally when Tally's dad James joins them. James and Becca give in to their desire for each other. However, Becca's decision to take her best friend's dad as her lover has dangerous consequences. 3) Becca needed the break after a rough year attending Yale and a break-up with her boyfriend. She didn’t expect for her summer of fun to include sleeping with James, the Italian Stallion–her best friend's father. Knowing it’s wrong, she allows James to pull her into a vortex of pleasure that has her breaching the surface of reality and grasping for survival. Can Becca endure this pleasure without Tally finding out? Or will her secrets cause her world to crash around her?
Jack Lee time-leaps to his confession day—but shocks everyone by pursuing Claire Gordon, his classmate's mother. A mysterious system grants him power, yet a hotel banquet turns his victory into a scandal. When even Claire doubts him, Jack reveals his true strength. The ice queen finally speaks—and nothing will be the same.
Despite being seen as a jinx for her accurate prophecies, Bella, blessed with good luck, meets the Governor's lost wife, Yana, while foraging. Yana takes her home, and since then, Bella has flawlessly averted a string of bad luck.
Weighing 250 pounds, housewife Maddy's dumped after catching her husband Luke cheating with Olivia. Determined to reclaim her life, she transforms into a stunning new woman. With the help of Felix, her billionaire childhood friend and longtime admirer, Maddy launches the ultimate revenge against Luke, Olivia, and Luke's mother.
In her last life, Lilah was deceived by Kade and lost everything. Given a second chance in life, she sheds her past as a doormat. Now, she becomes stronger, crushing his fragile ego and exacting her revenge. And fate's gifts arrive unheralded.
After a wild night with Brian Lee, her boss and CEO of Lee Group, Cindy Johnson fled in a hurry, accidentally leaving her friend Jane Lynn's resume in the room. Brian mistook Jane for Cindy and took her to his villa. Known for her poor makeup skills, Cindy was considered a bumpkin by colleagues and supervisors, so she decided to do her work well as an intern. Unexpectedly, Brian promoted her to his secretary. Forced to work closely with Brian while hiding her identity, Cindy gradually won his heart. Meanwhile, Jane, desperate to maintain her position, she tried everything to seduce Brian and secretly stabbed Cindy in the back. Using her wits and luck, Cindy overcame various crises and uncovered Jane's betrayal. In the end, Jane's true nature was exposed, justice prevailed, and Cindy and Brian found happiness together.
Once a bullied high school outcast, Alexandra reinvents herself as "Lexi" with the help of her childhood friend Dan. She returns to expose her former tormentors, reclaim her dignity, and discover whether true love can survive her carefully crafted disguise.
Lilah, a modern botanist, wakes up in the Stone Age and nearly becomes a tiger's food! Luckily, Derek, the fierce chief of Oracle Clan, saved her and claimed her as his woman. She’s pampered, protected, and ready to build a thriving tribe with her wild mate… until danger stirs beyond the jungle.
Long overlooked and undervalued, Nancy endures relentless bullying from her mother-in-law and her husband Ethan’s admirer. Diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer, she seizes control, rejecting her old life of submission for self-empowerment. As Nancy transforms, a remorseful Ethan fights to regain her love. But has he realized his mistakes too late?
In order to embezzle the inheritance, Summers family imprisoned Eva in their house. Eva set up a trap on purpose so Cain could take her away. Cain was prepared to serve as Eva's instrument of retaliation. And over time, Eva developed feelings for Cain. At last, Eva exacted revenge on the whole Summers family!
After losing her family and being kicked out of the James Family, Bella James finds herself with nowhere to turn and ends up living in Master Miles' home. To her surprise, four years later, she becomes the apple of his eye and his beloved treasure. After countless misadventures, Master Miles only has one thing to say, "As long as Bella is happy."
Echo was forced by her adoptive parents to marry Nikola, the founder of the Venture Group, as she was merely a "blood bag" for her sister's transfusions, and Nikola was already a "old man." After the marriage, Echo was shocked to find that Nikola was actually young and kind, with the sole exception of not allowing her to touch the coffin placed in his bedroom. A bloodstain on Echo's body awakened Nikola's identity as a vampire, which would also draw Echo into a whirlpool of deep passion and danger...
An ER nurse is forced to sign a contract with a powerful mafia boss, launching a whirlwind romance that evolves from coercion to destiny as their worlds dramatically collide.
Just before the wedding, Lucas Brooks is unexpectedly asked by his fiancee’s mother to bring more dowry. In a fit of anger, he breaks off the engagement.
Kevin Hunt' s family got kicked out because his uncle stole, and his father took the fall for him. Transmigrating into his body, the hero activates the trading system and trades with it for all kinds of amazing things. Starting with fishing, he makes a lot of money for his family and lives a great life in Qualand.
After a devastating accident, Alice wakes up to a life she doesn't recognize - a ruthless billionaire husband, a marriage filled with distrust, and a rival who wants her gone. Stripped of her past but armed with newfound courage, she must untangle the truths and reclaim the fragments of what once were hers.
Despite her simple-mindedness, Yara had exceptional talent. After becoming a master of swordsmanship and overcoming bullying and repression from all sides, Yara turned the tide in despair, helped her family, the Nyes, rise once again, and used her blade to rule the world.
Noah Lambert is teleported to a system where he is a blind Erhu-based martial arts practitioner. Prince Edward usurps the throne and plunges the realm into chaos when Noah meets Princess Yvette Larson. A struggle over the imperial seal between different powers starts, during which Noah makes himself an elite martial arts master.
Evelyn's mistake? Taking money from Henry after their one-night stand. She'd loved him secretly for 8 years. Their toxic affair burned hot at night, cold by day. When Henry got engaged, Evelyn tried to leave. But he dragged her back. Now he keeps protecting her. She thinks he doesn't care. Really, he can't let her go.
A Father and a Son. One built a billion-dollar company at a young age, the other is a laid-back security guard. The son is ambitious and bets big on new energy, while the father warns him not to be so reckless. The son doesn't understand: Why his dad doesn't care about cars or villas and doesn't know how to enjoy life! The father is puzzled: Why does his son work day and night for money? When will it ever end? Finally, the business world turns, and the son's company collapses in an instant. Just when things seem hopeless, the father steps in and turns the tide! The son is shocked, "Are you the richest?" The father scoffs, "I am your dad!"
Brave general Winona Yale, honored by the Emperor, defended her sister Yvonne Yale at her wedding, battling betrayal. After aiding her sister's divorce and arranging her marriage to Duke Matias, Winona confronted their parents who had abandoned them, vowing to make them regret forever.
Fifteen years ago, Lila risked her life to save young Steve, leaving only a crescent moon necklace. Years later, he married her after a whirlwind one-night stand but mistakenly believed Clara was his savior. Cold to Lila, little did he know—his true white moonlight was his wife all along.
After a one-night stand with Bryan, the powerful CEO of a luxury group, boutique clerk Sofia discovers she's pregnant. Bullied at work and exploited by her family, she struggles alone—until Bryan steps in to protect her. Drawn to Sofia's strength, he eventually proposes, and the two build a future together.
When her friend's job is on the line, ordinary employee Nora dons a disguise as a man to pose as billionaire Charles' date. Amidst the chaos of fake dates, office intrigue, and a web of misunderstandings, an unexpected romance blossoms. But when feelings get real, can love really cross the class divide?
After years of quiet devotion as a CEO’s assistant and secret lover, all Pearl got in return was news of his engagement to a wealthy heiress. Heartbroken and humiliated, she tried to walk away—but life had other plans. A surprise pregnancy. Her father’s crushing debts. No one to turn to. For the first time, Pearl swore she wouldn’t go crawling back to the man who broke her... But Henry isn't ready to lether go, and neither is the world that binds them together.
Vivian, a retired Mahjong legend who swore off gambling, is forced back when her son loses everything to the casino Sky Palace. Facing her senior Derek, she engages in a final high-stakes duel, exposing his crimes and proving the truth that those who gamble for a long time will surely lose.
Zoe Chapman, heiress of Fredonia's richest family, suffers from anorexia, leaving top chefs helpless. Her sister turns to Ryan Lancaster, a humble vendor who reveals the lost skills of a legendary Cooking God. As a chef competition nears, culinary masters keep falling one after another, begging for Ryan's return.
When exiled heir Chris Alden walks out of prison disguised as a beggar and impulsively marries indebted waitress Olivia Cooper to save her from a forced engagement, their unexpected romance begins. Chris has secretly loved her for years, but with Olivia’s memories lost, he must hide his true identity to stay by her side. Yet as danger closes in and the truth surfaces, one question remains—can their love survive once his secret is exposed?
Francis Jarvis, a former clerk, faced rejection and societal scorn. Post-apocalypse, he activates the Divine Refund System, gaining vast returns on resources spent on women. With limitless supplies and superpowers from Awakening Fruits, he transforms from zero to hero, attracting women in droves.
Sean, a parallel world traveler, inhabits the role of the adopted son of the Sampson family. Tasked with getting ousted, he wreaks havoc to be sent away. Surprisingly, his antics lead to forgiveness from his sisters, paving the way for a carefree life in this alternate reality.
In her past life, Jade was her family's punching bag, enduring endless cruelty and meeting a tragic end. But fate gave her a second chance. Sent back in time, she rose from the ashes, building a life of brilliance and independence. As she soared, her family came to realize what they'd lost—but it was far too late.