"From someone important?" Andrew muttered."William said they were from Ms. Buchan," Debra explained.Andrew looked away. "The medicine might be valuable, but I won't take anything from her."Just then, Barton entered with a bowl of oatmeal. Realizing they were talking, he decided to leave for now. "It's okay. I'm done here," Debra said, turning back to Andrew. "Take a good rest. I'll see you around."Andrew remained silent. After Debra left, Barton closed the door."Sir, the medicine is fine. William checked it, saying he could replicate it," Barton said."No need," Andrew said, tossing the pill into the trash. "In the future, don't show me anything from Theda.""But she meant well.""You know her aim."Barton fell silent, and Andrew added firmly, "My decisions are final. Even if I'm on my deathbed, no one else calls the shots.""Understood, sir," Barton said, bowing his head.Accepting Theda's medicine meant siding with her. Rejecting it meant having no way out.She was
Erica revealed, "Actually, Andrew didn't even pay attention to the gossip in Wrastow City."Debra was disappointed. She had been expecting drama."You don't know, but this thing spread all over Wrastow City; even people here in Seamar City heard about it. The thing is, Andrew hardly leaves the house, and he doesn't like reading the news. Even though the Potter family controls intelligence, he couldn't care less about all this gossip. Later, I don't know how it happened, but the story just grew bigger and bigger."Erica paused, clicking her tongue. "A few years ago, Ms. Buchan came to Seamar City and stayed for two days. She came to find Andrew, and they exchanged a few casual pleasantries, the sort we do at dinner parties. Some reporters saw and hyped it. Then rumors spread without Andrew even knowing.""So, nothing was going on between them?""Exactly. I thought I'd finally get to see him fall in love, but in the end, nothing happened. The love story I was expecting ended before
"When did that kidnapping happen?" Debra asked.Erica thought for a moment. "Well, I think it happened when I was around 12, just out of elementary school.""That was about 16 years ago.""Yeah, something like that."Andrew and Erica are the same age. Going through something like that at 12 was sad.Erica stretched and yawned. "Alright. I need to put on a face mask and get my beauty sleep.""Where are you sleeping tonight?""Me? In my room, of course.""I mean, since Marion won't be back tonight, why don't we sleep together?""Oh, I thought you meant me and Randy.""I get it."Debra gave her a knowing look. They were all adults, and things happened.But Erica still felt bad about sleeping with Marion's best friend.She blushed deeply. "Debra, I thought you were a sweet, innocent girl. How could you think of something so dirty?"Debra laughed, "Innocent? Me? Never. Maybe you should find a new word to describe me.""Forget the face mask. I'm going to bed."Just as Erica w
Erica revealed, "Actually, Andrew didn't even pay attention to the gossip in Wrastow City."Debra was disappointed. She had been expecting drama."You don't know, but this thing spread all over Wrastow City; even people here in Seamar City heard about it. The thing is, Andrew hardly leaves the house, and he doesn't like reading the news. Even though the Potter family controls intelligence, he couldn't care less about all this gossip. Later, I don't know how it happened, but the story just grew bigger and bigger."Erica paused, clicking her tongue. "A few years ago, Ms. Buchan came to Seamar City and stayed for two days. She came to find Andrew, and they exchanged a few casual pleasantries, the sort we do at dinner parties. Some reporters saw and hyped it. Then rumors spread without Andrew even knowing.""So, nothing was going on between them?""Exactly. I thought I'd finally get to see him fall in love, but in the end, nothing happened. The love story I was expecting ended before
"When did that kidnapping happen?" Debra asked.Erica thought for a moment. "Well, I think it happened when I was around 12, just out of elementary school.""That was about 16 years ago.""Yeah, something like that."Andrew and Erica are the same age. Going through something like that at 12 was sad.Erica stretched and yawned. "Alright. I need to put on a face mask and get my beauty sleep.""Where are you sleeping tonight?""Me? In my room, of course.""I mean, since Marion won't be back tonight, why don't we sleep together?""Oh, I thought you meant me and Randy.""I get it."Debra gave her a knowing look. They were all adults, and things happened.But Erica still felt bad about sleeping with Marion's best friend.She blushed deeply. "Debra, I thought you were a sweet, innocent girl. How could you think of something so dirty?"Debra laughed, "Innocent? Me? Never. Maybe you should find a new word to describe me.""Forget the face mask. I'm going to bed."Just as Erica w
Erica quietly opened Randy's bedroom door at the crack of dawn. She tiptoed toward her own room. Just as she thought she was in the clear, a voice rang out behind her."Erica, why aren't you wearing shoes?"Startled, Erica spun around to see Debra standing there.Erica hastily hid the high heels she was holding behind her back. "I didn't want to wake anyone up."Debra raised an eyebrow. "Got drunk again last night?""Me? No way," Erica exclaimed. "It was Randy. He drank too much. I helped him back to his room, but he wouldn't let go of me. I ended up falling asleep there."She waved it off and added, "I was just worried you'd overthink things. Didn't want to cause any misunderstandings.""So it is." Debra blinked knowingly.Erica grew flustered. "I'm serious.""Take it easy. I get it," Debra replied, her tone teasing.Erica realized Debra had misunderstood it. Worse yet, Debra's eyes were fixed on the men's shirt she was wearing.Erica panicked and explained, "I mean it. He
"You should've told me last night.""I didn't get the chance."Randy and Erica were on the verge of a full-blown argument when Debra interjected, "Exactly, no time. Randy came back and passed out. How could he even bring up the wedding?"Erica realized she had let something slip. She bolted in a panic."Erica!" Randy rushed after her.They fought in the last second and made up in the next. Yet they were still hiding their relationship.Before Debra could reflect further, Marion hugged her from behind. "The sun isn't even up yet, and you're here catching cheaters?"Debra rolled her eyes. "Give me a break. I was trying to sleep, but the racket next door was too much."Until now, she hadn't realized Randy could be so exhausting. In this aspect, he and Marion were evenly matched."Looks like we'll need to live farther away from them," he chuckled, ruffling Debra's hair. "Our wedding is half a month away. Are you ready to become my bride?""I'm always ready," Debra replied, smilin
The teacup on the coffee table slipped, and Andrew tumbled to the ground.Barton entered the room and rushed over. "Sir, are you okay? You can't try to walk like that."Barton reached out to help him, but Andrew raised a hand to stop him.Sweat had already beaded on Andrew's forehead. He gasped and propped himself up with the help of the coffee table."I know I'm disabled. No need to remind me.""Sir, that's not what I meant."Andrew looked down at his legs. He wasn't completely unable to walk, but he couldn't walk like an ordinary person.As the head of the Potter family, he couldn't appear before others in this state. The wheelchair was the last line of his dignity."Debra and Marion are getting married. The gift list I made should be modified. Also, bring back the rehab equipment," he said.Barton frowned. "Sir, your legs aren't suitable for rehab anymore."Andrew had been confined to a wheelchair for more than ten years. He could no longer walk like a normal person. Even
"You think I'm scared of being caught?" Drake tried to pull his arm away, but Debra held on tightly.In the end, Drake snapped, "Fine! I won't go."The police were already closing in. Running now would only make things worse. Being dragged back in cuffs wasn't exactly appealing.Debra let go of him and smiled cheerfully, "Thank you for your cooperation."Pedro personally led the operation. Within minutes, the officers subdued the six thugs and loaded them into the vans.Pedro glanced at Debra and pointed at Drake. "About Mr. Lowe..."Debra explained, "Mr. Lowe is a witness. He's cooperating with us to clear his name and assist in solving this case. Isn't that touching, Mr. Hardy?""Thank you, Mr. Lowe. Much appreciated," Pedro said gratefully.But then he scratched his head and added, "Well, since Mr. Lowe is a witness, he'll need to come to the station for a statement. I know it's inconvenient, but I'm sure a generous and upright person like Mr. Lowe won't mind, right?"Befor
"I'll talk. It was Matthew Ledger. Please, spare me, Mr. Lowe," Silas said, terrified.He was just a small-time worker running errands for the bigshots.Drake narrowed his eyes, not expecting Matthew to be so bold."Boss, what should we do with these people?" Kale asked."Bind them all up." Drake glanced at the boat. "Stuff them in there, along with the machines, and send them to the West Factory. We'll go meet Matthew.""Yes, boss." Kale gave orders to cram those men into boxes.Among the group, six men suddenly pulled out their guns. "Don't move!"Debra saw it and opened the car door.Looking nothing special, these people had blended into the crowd and acted only at the critical moment.Debra knew that the shipment of so many machines couldn't go unsupervised. She hadn't noticed anyone hidden earlier, but it turned out they'd been embedded within the group.Clearly, whoever was behind this had infiltrated Drake's company."Stand back!" The six men grouped, scanning their s
Presumably, Silas had smuggled out countless machines and made a fortune over the years.Drake pulled out a bank card and said, "There's not much in here, but it's got 300-500 thousand dollars. I'd appreciate it if you guys could help carry all the machines down. Consider this a tip."Everyone was excited to hear that. It was easy money to make.The leader quickly ordered his men to unload the cargo. Drake handed the card over and glanced at his watch.Then he looked over at the car parked 100 meters away from the dock.Inside, Debra rolled down the window but had no intention of stepping in. She was simply enjoying the show.The men brought down the boxes, emptying the cargo ship.Drake nodded and said, "Thanks, everyone."The leader laughed, "No worries. You've already paid us."Drake smirked, "It's for carrying the evidence down."Before those men could react, Kale and his team sprang from their hiding spots.Realizing it was a trap, the men tried to flee, but Kale's peop
Debra pulled up to the East Dock.To avoid being recognized, she stayed in the car and motioned for Drake to go ahead.Drake glanced at the row of thugs standing on the dock. His expression darkened. "Why didn't you tell me there'd be so many people?"Debra shrugged. "Relax. Most of them are your people. You show up, and they'll fall in line."Drake was speechless but got a picture of the situation. Many of the thugs bore distinctive tattoos of the Lowe Group. They were undoubtedly traitors who had infiltrated his ranks.Selling his machines without his permission was a serious offense.He got out of the car and made a quick call before heading toward the group.The leader of the thugs was a burly man in his forties. Both of his arms were tattooed. He frowned at the sight of Drake. "What is your boss thinking? Sending one guy to pick up the goods?"The shipment was an entire boatload of machines. The unloading work alone would need at least 20 workers.Drake had pulled a cap
"Yeah." Debra nodded."Huh? Aren't you a spoiled rich lady? I thought you were like my sister, never lifting a finger for anything," said Garland.Liza grumbled, "Says who? I can make chocolate.""Right, if melting chocolate and putting it into a mold counts," Garland scoffed.Andrew suddenly lost his appetite. He put down his fork and knife. "Barton, pack the food and send it upstairs. It's too crowded down here. I can't eat like this."Randy protested, "Wait. If you take the food away, what are we going to eat?""Didn't you and Erica already eat at the hotel? You probably don't have room for a second dinner," Andrew replied blandly.Randy blushed when their date was exposed. He jumped up and rushed up the stairs.Erica casually whistled as she strolled upstairs.Liza and Garland were puzzled.Debra watched Andrew leave and sighed. 'Sure enough, it's not easy to pacify him.'Marion saw her frustrated expression. "Did you upset him?"Debra explained what had happened during
Five dishes and a soup were spread across the table. That was the best Debra could manage in two hours.Andrew glanced at the pots and pans scattered across the kitchen. "I bet the kitchen never expected all four stoves to be used at the same time."Debra took off her apron and replied, "Good thing you have four stoves. Otherwise, it would've taken me all day."Just as she turned back toward the kitchen to get something else, Marion winked at Randy, who quickly got up. "Let me help you."Erica chimed in, "Me too."Marion fetched the rice and placed it on the table.Debra got the bowls for Marion and Andrew."Here is your bowl, Andrew."Erica leaned toward Randy and whispered, "Don't you think the vibe is a bit awkward?""A little, yeah," Randy muttered back. "Are we really supposed to eat?""What else can we do? Look at Marion's face. If we don't eat, it'll look like we're not appreciating Debra's effort. If you do that, he'll definitely teach you a lesson.""Woe is on me. S
"Really?""Yeah. Spitting it out would be uncivilized.""Good to hear.""Is there anything else?""Not really.""Uh...""Has he had dinner yet?"The sudden question puzzled Barton. "Not yet.""Perfect. None of us have eaten yet. I'll invite him to join us in the dining hall.""Er...""I'll cook."An apology should come with sincerity. Besides, Erica had told her earlier that Andrew was tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Persistence was the key."You don't have to trouble yourself.""It's no trouble. None of us have eaten anyway." Debra dismissed him with a wave and hurried downstairs.Randy and Erica came back from their candlelight dinner. Debra grabbed them and sat them down in the living room."What's going on?" Randy asked, confused. "Isn't your wedding banquet still a few days away? Are you throwing a feast early?""Something like that. I'll cook for us."Erica chimed in, "But we already ate.""One more meal won't hurt." Debra dashed off toward the kitc
Erica gave Debra a thumbs-up and hurried to catch up. "You're gutsy!"Having been in Seamar City for so long, she had never seen anyone speak so boldly in front of Andrew.Erica was impressed. Debra was truly one of a kind."Do you think Andrew might try to get back at me?" Debra muttered, suffering from the aftershock.Andrew was a tough nut to crack. Even Marion couldn't handle him.If he weren't lenient enough, she would be in great trouble."I'm not sure. But I do remember the last person who was rude to him. They were exiled," Erica replied, clicking her tongue. "Well, that person wasn't as bold as you. So, I can't imagine the consequences."Debra threw up her hands. "Do you think it's too late to apologize now?""If you're sincere enough, maybe it'll work," Erica said. "But Andrew has a terrible temper. You'll probably need to soften him up a bit."Debra was a little upset, but she didn't regret her actions. If she hadn't forced him, he never would've taken the medicine.
Erica gaped at Debra."That was fast. Less than an hour.""Where's Andrew?""In the study."Erica didn't know what Debra was up to, but her expression suggested something serious.Debra marched straight to Andrew's bedroom. The maid cleaning the room froze when she saw Debra enter."Mr. Andrew Potter is in the study. You can find him... there."Debra didn't respond, just rummaging through drawers and cabinets.The maid was baffled. "Mrs. Houston, what are you looking for?""The medicine that was here earlier," Debra said, pointing to the coffee table.The maid recalled. "I think he threw it away.""What? Where?"The maid glanced at the trash can, and Debra reached into it without hesitation.Erica arrived just in time to witness the scene. She was puzzled. "What are you doing, Debra?"Debra found the medicine and rushed out without a word."Debra, wait," Erica called out, quickly following her.Barton was briefing Andrew on work when the door burst open."Who's there?"