Theda's brow furrowed, but Debra's smile widened. "So, the medicine's fine, right?""The medicine's fine, but Andrew won't take it.""I figured he wouldn't.""Then why did you come? Just to figure that out?""Yes. Now I know how to handle the matter."Debra continued her way out of the café, but Theda called out again, "Are you going to let me take over?"Debra paused and turned back. "If I'm not mistaken, you're trying to pull a double-cross. You plan to buy the 45% shares I hold, right? If I sold them to you, you'd become the largest shareholder. When the time arrives, Melody will transfer her shares to you. Together with the other shareholders, you'd oust me and take full control of the company. It would be too late for Melody to stop you."Debra continued, "You've got it all figured out, but here's the question. If I'm willing to sell the shares, do you dare buy them?"Theda raised a brow. "Why wouldn't I?"Debra replied, "Sure, the Buchan family has grown under your leade
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?"
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.
"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
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
"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
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
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
For the most part, Debra was unbothered by the playful banter among the group.But the situation in Seamar City was far from simple. She was beginning to struggle with distinguishing friend from foe.Garland faltered, "To be honest, someone sent me here. I can't tell you who it was, but I promise I have no intention of betraying anyone here. As for Fermin showing up... I genuinely have no idea."Debra fell silent, unsure of what to do, but she couldn't bring herself to just believe him like that. Andrew had taught her to question everything, even if it pained her to doubt those closest to her."Alright," she said finally. "Words are just words. Let's check the surveillance footage. Then we'll know if you really passed out in the courtyard last night."Before he could react, he called the surveillance room. When the call didn't go through, she dialed Barton instead."Mrs. Houston, what's up?""I want to check the surveillance footage of the garden.""I'm sorry, Mrs. Houston. The
Debra led Garland into her room, and he panicked."I don't think I should go in since Marion isn't around," he said weakly.Debra sat down on the sofa. "Only Marion and I know your secret. This room is soundproof and safe for private talks.""O-Kay," Garland sighed in relief.Debra cut straight to the point. "Actually, I'm curious. Did Fermin come to Seamar City as well?""What? That's impossible." Garland was shocked.But then, he remembered the time he had been caught snooping around Debra's meals. Cornered, he had lied and claimed that Fermin liked her.Fermin's death was a closely guarded secret within the Eaton family. No one outside could know the truth. Even if Debra and Marion were his friends, he couldn't reveal it.Debra pressed, "Why not? How are you so sure?""He's always busy with work, and his trips have been handled by me," Garland explained. "Why do you ask?"Debra tossed an earpiece onto the table. "Remember this?""It's a Bluetooth earpiece. What about it?"
"Uh..." Garland interrupted. "Edgar's just a nobody, right? He's from Flesta. How could he possibly know anything about Seamar City's affairs?""I don't know," Debra replied, her tone clipped. "But for now, he's our only lead. Let's just hope he's still alive. Otherwise, we'll be back to square one."Garland's nerves tightened at her words. Back then, Juan had handed Edgar over to the Eaton family, and they'd discreetly stashed him overseas.If these people discovered Edgar was abroad, it wouldn't take much digging to trace it back to him. And if that happened, Juan's cover would be blown. But if Garland didn't hand Edgar over, the trail would go cold, leaving them stuck once again. As Garland frantically tried to think of a way to quietly send Edgar away without exposing himself, he suddenly felt the weight of several pairs of eyes on him. Looking up, he found everyone staring at him with suspicion."He wouldn't happen to be in your hands, would he?" Debra asked.Garland'
"Debra." Randy's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.Realizing everyone was staring at her, Debra blinked. "What?"In the living room, the group sat in a circle, deep in discussion.Erica spoke up. "We were talking about the current situation. Why are you zoning out again?""Yeah, that's the seventh or eighth time today," Randy echoed. "Oh, wait, where was I?"Erica reminded him, "You were talking about how Juan and Jordan have teamed up. They signed a five-year partnership agreement.""Right. Five years," Randy continued. "If they bring all that chaos and shady behavior from Orkgate to Seamar City, we're doomed."Drake shot him a cold glare, and Randy chuckled nervously, "Take it easy. I wasn't talking about you. Everyone knows how messy Orkgate is."Drake leaned back on the sofa. "I'm not from Orkgate. Say whatever you want."Even so, Randy toned it down. "Anyway, that's the situation. The two traitors are getting chummy. I bet they're both working for that mysterious per
"The sheep all died, and the boy never lied again," Debra said. "Are you comparing yourself to the boy?"Andrew sensed her lingering frustration but remained calm. "This story is meant to teach children not to lie, but I want to show you how to deceive the enemy."Debra's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?""When a person lies too often, it becomes impossible for others to discern the truth," Andrew explained. "Take my supposed weakness, for example. You never know when I might die. The first time I fell seriously ill, you believed me. But it was all a show. The second time, you were suspicious. After observing me, you concluded I was acting again, only to find out it was another layer of deception. By the third time, I played a smaller trick to convince you I was truly on the brink of death. You trusted me once more, only to discover I was orchestrating something far greater. Each time, you couldn't fully grasp my intentions. This blend of truth and lies will confuse your enemies."
Before Garland could voice the question in his mind, heavy footsteps echoed from outside the door.Moments later, Marion came in. His clothes were covered in dirt, and his face was etched with exhaustion.Debra rushed over, her concern evident. "What happened?""It's nothing," Marion replied, shaking his head."Nothing?" Randy interjected. "Look at yourself. And you've been out of contact all night."Marion looked up and saw Barton coming down the stairs. "I got ambushed on my way back from the office.""It must have taken quite a few people to stall you," Randy mused.It was the first time Marion had been delayed for so long, without even a chance to answer his phone.Marion's gaze remained fixed on Barton. "Four vans. About 100 men."Randy gasped, "Crazy! Luckily, you managed to fight your way out of that."Marion didn't respond, but Debra frowned. "They came after us not long ago, and the second wave came so fast. How did you get out of there?"She wasn't surprised that M
Andrew, who had appeared frail earlier in the day, now showed no trace of his earlier pallor.He muttered, "Tonight was dangerous, but at least the show went off without a hitch.""Sir," Barton said cautiously, "since Mrs. Houston has started thinking for herself, it proves your training has paid off. Should we pull back our people from Mr. Houston's side?"Andrew leaned back in his wheelchair. "Let them fight a bit longer. His anger needs to burn off.""But our men are taking a beating.""They won't die. Double their bonuses."...Outside the Houston Group headquarters, on a closed-off street, four vans surrounded Marion.Wielding an electric baton, he fended off one wave of attackers, but another lunged at him immediately after.Three hours later, the bodyguards were utterly spent. Marion's face was dark with fury."Still not getting lost?""Mr. Houston, we're just following orders. You can't go back right now."One guard wanted to reason with him, but Marion delivered a
Juan glanced at the people standing behind Debra, realizing she had secured control over the Potter and Houston families.What was at stake there wasn't just connections. It was the balance of power in Seamar City.The united force of the Four Great Families was a formidable entity, and with Fermin's involvement, the situation had become even more precarious.Juan could only mutter, "Withdraw."Joe hesitated for a moment before raising his hand to signal the retreat.Before leaving, Juan warned Debra, "You may win today, but this isn't over."Debra's response was equally cold. "Don't worry. We'll fight this to the end until one side can no longer stand."With his ally gone, Jordan signaled for his men to retreat as well.Soon, the hall was empty except for Debra's people. The guards quickly brought Liza out. "Told you my brother would come to save me," Liza snorted, striding proudly toward Debra.But as she scanned the room, Garland was nowhere to be seen. "Where's my brot
"Bullshit!" Randy spat.In his mind, Juan was nothing but a backstabber.Debra had let Juan off the hook before, but he didn't appreciate it. Now he was working with their enemies against them.Jordan spoke up. "Miss Eaton is only staying with us for a few days. She'll be fine. Everyone, go home. If you don't, we may as well have a little competition and see who has more say in Seamar City.""I'd like to see about that," Debra's voice came from outside the hall.Then she came in with a group of people. Jordan recognized their uniforms and frowned."You have Andrew's seal?""We're not done yet."Debra raised her hand, and a new group of bodyguards armed with batons stormed into the hall. Wearing the Houston family emblem on their chests, they quickly spread out."If you're not convinced, we can fight it out," she declared. "Juan, the Nichols family has gone through three transitions. You must be pretty drained, right? Jordan, how are you handling the resources of the Lowe famil