when is hard knocks

Three months into her marriage with Xavier Hudson, the heir to a notorious gang family, Quinn Shelton is hit by tragedy when Xavier dies in a fatal car accident. At Xavier's funeral, factions within the Hudson family demand Quinn give up control of the family legacy. The unexpected return of Samuel, the second son, after years abroad, creates further discord, as some see him as a mere puppet fit to assume leadership. Surprisingly, Samuel mirrors Xavier in appearance but chooses to ally with Quinn, throwing his support behind her as she fights to retain authority.

When Quinn Sanders was just three years old, she was taken in by the Clark family to be raised alongside their son, Bobby, with the intention of them marrying in the future. Over the years, she faced mistreatment, until a chance reunion with her birth mother, Morgan Sanders,who had spent two decades searching for her.Bobby's proposal turned out to be a scheme for financial gain,but at the wedding, Morgan recognized Quinn, uncovering the truth behind her past. The people responsible were held accountable, and mother and daughter slowly began to rebuild their bond through fragmented memories.

As the most powerful man in Rivton City, Barlow Sapir hated the most when women threw themselves at him. However, the first time he met Elvira Ann, the latter solemnly declared, "I'm not interested in you, Barlow Sapir." The second time, she swore to God, "I won't sleep with you." Then there was the third time… the fourth time… But little did Elvira know, Barlow Sapir desired nothing more than her love. The more she tried to get rid of him, the more he yearned for her. What could she do?

Xandra Quinn has only ever had her grades. So when school heartthrob Robert Miller confesses publicly, she shocks everyone by saying yes. She knows it's a trap set by her jealous rival Amelia Moore, but why refuse? Xandra stops studying, openly wasting time with Robert, while Amelia celebrates her "victory." What she doesn't know—Xandra already has a Harbard offer. On exam day, Amelia mocks her, only to find Xandra revealed as the national top scorer—with a perfect score.

In her past life, Vivian Walker forced Isaac Lowe to marry her, only to live in loneliness and regret. On her deathbed, deceived by Isaac's first love, Gigi Smith, she died believing he had never cared for her. But when Vivian opens her eyes again, she's back forty years in the past—right at the moment she threw away her future for Isaac. This time, she doesn't think twice. With a deep breath, she tears up the withdrawal form, choosing herself and the life she deserves.

Dustin Jason used to give his all to his adopted family, but what he got in return was his wife and daughter suffering and himself being abandoned when he was seriously sick. After being reborn, he stopped being blindly filial and strived to change his fate. He protected his wife and daughter during repeated conflicts with the rest of the family, and eventually, he completely broke with the Jason family. In the end, Dustin achieved great success in his career, while the Jason family were deceived due to greed and got their retribution.

After graduating high school, Christi takes a job at a club to make ends meet. A one-night stand with Carlos Johnson leaves her unexpectedly pregnant, and she raises her daughter on her own. When her daughter gets injured and is taken to the hospital, Carlos's mother—a respected medical professor—recognizes their family heirloom. This leads Carlos to his child, and he steps in to care for both Christi and their daughter. As Christi faces false accusations and struggles with her complicated family ties, Carlos stays by her side, protecting her through it all.

Nancy, Aopper University's finance talent, gave up her studies to marry Leo Fay.Yet after seven years of marriage, her son's birthday wish was for a new mom. Leo's obsession with Nancy's sister cost her second child, leaving her heartbroken.Heartbroken, she left. Everyone believed she couldn't make it without Leo. But she rebuilt her empire and stayed away until their son,Mario,wanted her back. Later, when Leo finally reached out, Nancy was already holding her newborn.

Gifted with musical talent from a young age, Evelyn Pearson wins a newcomer's championship and receives a confession from her boyfriend Zac Parker. She then steps back from the spotlight to write songs for Zac's entertainment company. Later, when Zac grows tired of her and starts an affair with his new love interest Autumn Hopper, Evelyn is forced to break up with him. Having come to her senses, Evelyn decides to debut on her own merit. With Corey Simpson's help, she makes a comeback and rises to become a superstar.

Ryan Moregard and Jennie Grant have been married for five years but never officially registered their marriage. When Jennie's first love, Julian Pierce, returns to the country, they reconnect. Encouraged by her friends and feeling stirred emotions, Jennie begins to waver between her husband and her former flame, repeatedly crossing boundaries. Eventually, Ryan becomes completely disillusioned and decides to accept a transfer back to headquarters, leaving Jennie behind. Only then does Jennie realize her true feelings and attempt to repair their relationship, but it's too late for regrets.

Chloe Summers had it all: stellar grades, a bright future…until a vicious bullying campaign tore her world apart. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse—toxic work drama, a lying ex—in walks James Walton. He looks her dead in the eye and says, "Use me. My connections, my name, my resources—consider them yours. Step up, climb higher. I'll make sure you get everything you ever wanted. Your dreams? Consider them done."

At five, Nina donated bone marrow to Quinn, saving her life. Tragically, Nina's parents died in a car accident, and she was rescued by a disabled scavenger, becoming Annie. Excelling in school, she interned at a major company, where she faced jealousy and bullying from fellow intern Angela. Unbeknownst to them, Angela was the adopted sister of CEO Quinn, who had long sought to repay the family that saved his life. When Quinn learned the truth—that the girl he'd favored was not the real Nina, but her bully—his world turned upside down.

To escape her father's meddling, Molly Jones entered a whirlwind marriage with her best friend's uncle, Hayden Griffin. However, before they could talk things through, Hayden abruptly left for an overseas trip. Years later, fate brought Molly to work at Hayden's hospital—but neither of them recognized the other. Molly even became Hayden's secretary. As the twists and turns unfolded, Molly found herself falling for her boss—and husband—Hayden. What will happen when the truth finally comes out? Don't miss this captivating story!

To repay a single act of kindness, he spent ten years as an invisible husband, pouring his heart and strength into her success. When betrayal and humiliation drove him to the brink, he chose to "die," severing every tie to the past.Years later, he returned as a powerful figure standing high above the world. The debt of gratitude repaid and the old wounds cut clean, he faced his kneeling, repentant ex-wife with a heart already healed. Having found his own happiness, he rose from the ashes—reborn, untouchable, and no longer bound by the love that once defined him.

After the divorce, Ella Blaine's ex-husband, John Jones, asked, "We were married for a year. Did you ever love me?""No!" Ella replied, walking away without a hint of hesitation.Later, a manipulative friend revealed a pregnancy involving John's child. Ella responded by exposing his infertility secret.Years later, when questioned about Ella's decision to marry the seemingly perfect Zac Smith, Ella, with unwavering confidence, declares, "If I can't be his bride, I'll be his new mother. Will he dare not to marry?"

In her past life, Vivian Walker forced Isaac Lowe to marry her, only to live in loneliness and regret. On her deathbed, deceived by Isaac's first love, Gigi Smith, she died believing he had never cared for her.But when Vivian opens her eyes again, she's back forty years in the past—right at the moment she threw away her future for Isaac. This time, she doesn't think twice. With a deep breath, she tears up the withdrawal form, choosing herself and the life she deserves.

Annie Clark arrives at Joel Ford's house intending to make his parents dislike her, but instead, she wins them over. At a banquet, Judy Lowe exposes Annie as Joel's hired companion, but Joel's mother refuses to believe it. Later, Joel reluctantly admits the truth, and his father decides to play matchmaker and keep it a secret. When Judy's accusations lead to Annie being kicked out, Joel's mother secretly helps bring them closer together. With his parents' support, Joel finally realizes his feelings and pursues Annie.

Five years ago, Nina Wade was betrayed by her own family, leading to an unexpected pregnancy with Joe Holt. She raised their son, Ben, in secret. But now, five years later, her world is shattered when Ben is diagnosed with leukemia. Desperate to save him, Nina plans to sell the precious jade that Joe left to her back then. Meanwhile, the Holts begin a city-wide search for Ben. In the midst of this chaos, Nina finds herself working as Joe's secretary at Holt Corp. As they spend more time together, their relationship begins to heat up in ways neither of them expected.