"Please, don't get me into this," Randy pleaded."I don't want to die," Erica echoed. "I'm still young."Debra peeked out. "Excuse me, is K that terrifying?"Randy and Erica nodded vigorously. When they realized plugging their ears wasn't helping, they finally put their hands down.Erica said, "Listen. Whatever this is about, let them handle it. As for K's identity, we have no idea.""And we're not curious about it," Randy echoed.Debra studied their expressions. "But you look curious."Marion chimed in, "We don't know K's identity, but Drake has been secretly working for K's organization all along. We couldn't find anything because they've been hiding their tracks."Randy frowned. "Hiding? How? Every listed company needs a business license and detailed records. All their information should be online."Debra explained, "When Marion mentioned hiding, he meant their identity was concealed. The company wouldn't be called 'K Group' out in the open. It's probably a conglomerate tha
Garland and Liza were brought to the Potter Mansion. They were both bewildered as they were pushed down onto the sofa.Randy and Erica leaned in, eyeing them with a mix of caution and suspicion."Why are you looking at me like that?" Liza huffed.Garland fidgeted. "Is something wrong?""Suspicious, very suspicious," Randy muttered, stroking his chin. "The son and daughter of the Eaton family are both here. Are you planning something big in Seamar City?"Erica chimed in, "I've heard Fermin Eaton is a big shot overseas. He's top-notch in every way and has a reputation for being decisive. How could someone like that wear cartoon pajamas?"Garland was wearing SpongeBob pajamas. He retorted, "I was sleeping when you brought me here. What's wrong with my clothes? These are limited editions. You can't even buy them."He stopped mid-sentence, sensing everyone's gaze on him.Randy asked, "We're curious. You and your sister didn't come to Seamar City just for sightseeing, right?"Before
Garland and Liza were dragged to the guest rooms on the third floor."Give me a minute. Your rooms will be ready soon," Erica said cheerfully, rushing to arrange things.Liza, dressed in her pajamas, glanced at Garland. "Are they holding us hostage here?""I'm not sure," Garland replied, glancing at Erica and Randy, who were enthusiastically directing the maids to clean up the rooms. "Probably not. They seem pretty friendly."Downstairs, Debra asked Marion, "Do you think the Eaton family is connected to K?""I'm not sure about the Eaton family," he replied, handing her a peeled orange slice. "But Garland and Liza? Definitely not."Debra took the orange and popped it into her mouth. "I don't know. It just feels strange that they came to Seamar City at a time like this. Garland, in particular, is acting like a different person from before.""Don't worry too much," Marion reassured her. "Now that they're here, Randy and Erica will keep tabs on them. Their every move will be under o
Joe never thought Juan would be so heartless.When they found Shelia's body, they figured out the details. Shelia was killed by a bullet rather than fire.It didn't take a genius to figure out that Juan was behind it.Even so, Shelia was still Juan's wife before she died. If her funeral wasn't properly arranged, it would raise suspicions and wouldn't be good for the Nichols family or Juan."Joe, should we listen to Mr. Nichols?" asked one of the guards.Joe thought for a moment. "Let's go back and consult Mrs. Nichols Sr."At the old house of the Nichols family, Melody listened to Joe's report and frowned. "Juan is being foolish. So are you? No matter what, Shelia was his wife. Even if they divorced after her death, the funeral must be grand. Make the arrangements.""Yes, Mrs. Nichols Sr."After Joe left, Melody asked Sophie to bring her a mirror. She looked at her aged, weary reflection and felt a bit down.She was no longer young and beautiful. That explained Bert's disinter
At the Potter Mansion, Debra watched the news coverage of Shelia's funeral on the TV.She glanced at Andrew and said, "Come on. Is this really necessary?"The volume was so loud it seemed like he had cranked it up just for her. She didn't know before that Andrew was so into gossip."Sorry, I just turned it on randomly," Andrew replied, deliberately turning the volume further up.The corner of Debra's lips twitched. "Is there something you want to say?""Strangely, Juan is not at the funeral," he replied, rewinding the footage a few times.Melody and others were present, but Juan was nowhere to be seen.Andrew added, "His wife's dead, and he doesn't even show up. Could the rumors be true? Did he kill her?""What are you talking about?" Debra was puzzled.Andrew turned to her and said, "You haven't heard? Maybe I shouldn't say more."Debra didn't buy his act. "Didn't you say that just for me to hear? Why don't you go ahead and tell me what is going on?"Andrew leaned back and
"Thank you for your kind offer, but I don't think it's necessary," Debra sighed, setting her glass down. "Honestly, whether the Nichols family stays intact or not doesn't matter much to me."She got up and headed toward the door.Andrew called after her, "I thought you weren't interested in the funeral.""I'll just take a look." Debra grabbed a mask and slipped it on.The funeral for Shelia was grand, and she could blend into the crowd easily.Andrew turned to Barton. "Give her my invitation.""Yes, sir." Barton pulled the funeral invitation from his pocket and handed it to Debra.She glanced at it and raised an eyebrow. "Now you can't deny you've planned this."Clearly, Andrew had been waiting for this moment.Without another word, Debra turned and left the house.Barton spoke. "Sir, it seems Mrs. Houston doesn't want to spread the rumors.""We'll help her," Andrew said.He had anticipated Debra's disinterest in such things. She wasn't the type to harm others. She always t
Debra paused. "I just saw Melody wearing a veil. Is she sick?""Well, not exactly," Sophie faltered. "She suddenly decided to have plastic surgery. Her face isn't quite presentable right now.""Plastic surgery?" Debra echoed."Yeah, something about anti-aging, tightening the skin, and removing wrinkles," Sophie recalled from her previous appointment booking.Debra couldn't help but laugh, recalling Melody's awful experience at the Eaton Mansion."Do you know which clinic she went to?" Debra asked."It's a pretty high-end place, costing six figures. I think it's called something like Victoria's." Sophie struggled to remember.She pulled out a business card from her pocket. "Here, this is the company."Debra took the card and glanced at it. The logo on it suggested that Victoria's Beauty was a subsidiary of the Lowe Group.She chuckled to herself, "Typical Drake's fraud business."She then said to Sophie, "Thanks. Can I keep this?""Yeah, but please don't let her see you here.
Melody spoke earnestly, but no one seemed to believe her.Drake asked, "Is that so?""Yes, it is.""Well, that's a shame."Drake's sudden appearance and cryptic words sent Melody's heart racing.Debra observed the scene with equal confusion. It was hard to guess Drake's real intention.Sophie said, "Well, I'll head over to greet the guests now."Debra nodded.Once Sophie walked off, Debra pulled on a mask, adjusted her appearance, and strolled in a direction where Drake would see her.Sure enough, he spotted her in the crowd. "Kale, we've done what we came for. Let's go.""Yes, boss," Kale replied.Without so much as a goodbye to Melody, Drake turned on his heel and walked away.Melody was confused. Drake's visit had no apparent purpose, yet he left almost as quickly as he arrived.Debra blocked his path when Drake stepped out of the hall. "Mr. Lowe."Drake glanced at her, taking in her understated appearance. She wore a black mask and a casual cap. Her hair was left loos
Debra understood what Andrew was saying.Juan never talked about his parents. In her past life, Debra had tried hard to learn about Juan's past.After Juan's parents passed away, he became the focus of the Nichols family's grooming.Debra said, "I still don't quite understand. The Buchan family is just the maternal home of Claudia. They can't just send someone to take over the Nichols Group."Andrew asked, "Are you aware of their relationship with Melody Nichols?"Debra thought about Melody's possessiveness over the Nichols family, Juan, and his father. She controlled even their marriages.Claudia was the daughter of Melody's cousin.Andrew said, "Melody has absolute control over the Nichols family. She'd never let it fall into your hands. My sources tell me she has sent people to notify the Buchans. They're expected to find someone to replace Juan."Debra was taken aback. "But I've never heard they have any suitable heirs of this generation.""But they have an heiress. Her na
In the afternoon, Debra returned to the Potter Mansion. The living room The maids were cleaning up the messy living room.Debra raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did we get robbed?"With the Potter family's level of security, it didn't seem likely.The maid hurried over. "Mrs. Houston, you're finally back. Mr. Andrew Potter wants you to see him in the study. He has something important to discuss with you."Debra nodded and quickly headed upstairs. When she opened the door, she found Barton holding a stack of bills in his hand.He asked, "Cash or credit card?"Debra was puzzled. "Is this why you want to see me?"Seated at his desk, Andrew replied, "Rules are rules, even for friends. Someone has to pay for what Marion smashed."Debra slapped her hand against her forehead. "I'll go with the card."All of Marion's assets, including his bank cards, were in her possession.She pulled one out and felt a tiny sting in her heart when the money was deducted.Determined to confront Mario
At the Nichols family's old house, Melody turned over a table. "Debra, how dare she do this? Control the media now. Don't let this blow up.""It's too late," Joe faltered. "The news is all over the place. An agency called New Age is behind it. I tried to negotiate with them, but they refused to take down the story.""New Age? Who are they to cross us?" Melody fumed.She had never heard of this news agency.Joe looked worried. "The news is spreading fast. It's unfavorable for Mr. Nichols. We need to find him and get his side of the story. If he was framed, we could hold a press conference to clear things up."Melody agreed, "Then what are you waiting for? Go.""Yes, Madam," Joe said, rushing out.Melody sat down, her mind racing. She couldn't let the family empire crumble."Sophie, call the Buchans. If something happens to Juan, we must stand strong.""But they..." Sophie hesitated."Just do as I say," Melody insisted.Meanwhile, Debra arrived at the ruined Nichols Mansion,
Debra was too smart to fool.Marion sighed, "Can I lie?""No, you can't," Debra replied firmly.Marion pulled out his phone and showed her the call log. On the top of the list was a call from an unknown number from last night.But to Debra, that number was all too familiar. "Juan self-directed that show?"...Barton stepped into Andrew's room, clearly troubled. "Sir, you have to step in and do something.""He told her himself," Andrew replied blandly. "I didn't force him.""But Mr. Houston is going to destroy everything in the house."Andrew rubbed his temples, regretting bringing these people to his house."Take me to him.""Yes, sir."Barton wheeled Andrew to the hallway, and they saw Marion sitting in the living room.Darts were thrown at a glass vase worth five figures. A second later, the vase shattered into pieces.As Marion went on to pick up a knife from the table, Barton rushed up to stop him. "Mr. Houston, you can't throw that.""Who said I was going to throw i
Debra sighed, "Just drive normally. I won't ask anymore.""Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Houston," Barton said.The car ride smoothed out after that."Thanks, honey," Marion said."Just shut up." Debra glared at him, and he quickly zipped his mouth.When they arrived at the Potter Mansion, Debra helped Marion out of the car.The hall was empty except for a maid cleaning."Barton, do you know where Erica and Randy are?" Debra asked."They went out for a meal last night and never came back. Maybe they stayed out," Barton replied."Stayed out?" Debra muttered.Just then, a voice echoed from upstairs. "You're finally back. Where were you all night? Why is no one here?"Garland looked down, surprised to find Marion injured.Remembering Juan's visit last night and his talk of disappearing for a while, Garland had a chilling thought. 'Eventually, Juan made a move against his rival in love.'It was understandable. No men could stand their loved ones being with someone els
Juan was never one to run from a fight. Yet Barton looked all serious."If you don't believe me, you can go and ask the police. Juan has fled. Mr. Andrew Potter has sent people to track him down. As long as he doesn't leave Seamar City, everything is still in control.""Honey, is the car here yet?" Marion limped into view behind her.Barton fought back the urge to laugh and said, "Mr. Andrew Potter has instructed me to escort you both home.""Oh, much appreciated," Marion replied, tossing his cane to Barton.He grabbed Debra's arm and said, "Walking is hard for me. Be my crutch, honey."She glanced at his hand. "Behave yourself. Don't make me slap you."Knowing she was still mad at him, Marion turned back to Barton. "She's not in a great mood. Don't mention anything that'll upset her. Go bring the car around."Once Barton left, Marion leaned heavily on Debra, his voice soft and dramatic. "I'm really too weak to walk."Debra sighed and helped steady him. "Juan being picked up b
Garland jumped in fright and almost tumbled down the stairs.His jaw dropped when he saw Juan standing there. "You got caught too?"Barton glanced at them before sensibly stepping away to give them space. His actions further confirmed Garland's guess.He dragged Juan to a quiet corner and bombarded him with questions. "How did you walk into their trap? What do they plan to do with you? What's your situation now? Are they going to lock you up with me? Should we pretend we don't know each other?"Though he'd only been in this house for a few days, he had realized that every single resident was shrewd and cunning.Outmaneuvering them was just mission impossible.Juan said calmly, "No one can know I'm here, especially not Debra. Got it?""Why not? Didn't you come back for her? Why do something good and keep it a secret?" Garland leaned in and whispered, "And about that wife-killing thing... Is it true or false? It's all over the news. I don't want to believe it, but knowing your tem
Late at night, Barton brought Juan to Andrew's study.The mansion was quiet, with no one on guard. Andrew was seated there at ease, and Juan asked, "Aren't you worried about being found out?Erica, Randy, Garland, and Liza were all staying there. And if Debra and Marion came back, his meeting with Andrew would be exposed.Andrew casually replied, "Marion is in the hospital getting treated. They won't be back anytime soon.""What about Garland and Liza?""Isn't Garland your sidekick? You think he'll rat you out?"Andrew always seemed to have everything under control, and it was hard to read his mind.Barton invited Juan to sit down and poured him some tea.Andrew said, "Debra must hate you to the core because of your actions. With all this media attention, you would have to step down. Are you really fine with that?""I've wanted to quit for a long time," Juan replied. "I don't believe you don't want to retire."The burden of the Potter family would crush anyone else within thr
Once they were gone, Debra asked, "Is Juan in the interrogation room?""Yes, he's being questioned right now," Pedro replied. "It's not a good time for visitors."Debra fell silent. She had rushed from the hospital to find out why Juan had acted like that.He wasn't the type to lose control or try to kill someone so recklessly. Something was not right."Then I'll wait here until he's done," she said, sitting down in a nearby chair.Pedro faltered, "Well, the interrogation could take all night, and I heard Mr. Houston is injured. Shouldn't you take care of him? I'll let you know the results first thing tomorrow morning."Debra was indeed worried about Marion's injuries. If the police station weren't so close to the hospital, she wouldn't have taken the time to come here.Now that waiting seemed pointless, she stood up and said, "Alright, please keep me posted. I'll be next door at the hospital.""Of course, I'll send someone to handle that," Pedro replied.Once Debra was gone,