Liza grinned cheekily, "My allowance has gone up every year, but don't lose heart. I'll tell Dad to raise your allowance too."She looked at Garland's sullen face and patted his shoulder. "Cheer up. I'm off shopping."She leisurely hummed a song and skipped away.Far away in Seamar City, Robert was reporting his duties to Theda."These past few days, most of the McKinney Group's clients have jumped ship and joined us. Now that their artists are on hiatus, we can grab their endorsement deals. Within a month, we'll swallow up all the resources they're holding onto," he said."Is Debra doing nothing about this?" Theda asked."She did," Robert replied. "Michael has been working around the clock. Debra's trying to use him to salvage the situation. But it's not working.""Michael may be their ace, and Debra's relying on him to secure only luxury brand endorsements. But if she doesn't care about the smaller deals, we'll take them," Theda said, tapping her chin. "Without clients or reso
Marion leaned down to kiss Debra. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, taking them aback.They turned to see Randy standing in the doorway.Realizing what he'd walked in on, Randy awkwardly cleared his throat and glanced upward. "Weird, huh? Where'd everyone go in the middle of the day? Guess I'll check downstairs."Before leaving, he added, "Oh, by the way, top trending news. Buchan Entertainment's A-lister Lester Ashford just assaulted a fan."Debra immediately grabbed her phone. Sure enough, the top trending topic was #LesterHitsFan, and the story had gone viral across the internet.She tapped into the headline and saw a video shot by a fan.In the video, fans greeted Lester at the airport as he got off the plane. A group of female fans held banners and chanted, "Lester, we love you."The airport wasn't overcrowded, and everything seemed orderly.But as soon as Lester heard the chant, he smashed his water bottle to the ground and yelled, "Idiots! Does no one want you at ho
Randy was amazed. "It hasn't even been a few days. Debra's plan works fast.""It's a mind game. They were nobodies, and in less than a month, they rose to stardom. Naturally, their egos are inflated. With all that pressure, it's no surprise they'd lose control of their emotions," Debra explained, hooking her arm around Marion's and leaning her head on his shoulder. "Marion taught me all this. Pretty impressive, right?"Both Erica and Randy were speechless.Garland came downstairs and greeted them. "What's the occasion today? You've prepared so much food."Erica replied, "We're celebrating our first victory. Buchan Group is going down.""Really?" Garland raised an eyebrow.Debra smiled, "It's just the start. There's more fun ahead."Far away at the Buchan Group Headquarters, Robert reported, "Today, the 17th advertiser has pulled out. Even the previous endorsers are terminating their contracts with Lester. We can afford the penalties, but it means all the money we made before is
Robert watched Lester leave. "Ma'am, should I stop him?""Let him go," Theda said, leaning back in her swivel chair and closing her eyes. "The penalty fees alone are more than he can afford. He'll have no choice but to come crawling back."She hadn't expected Lester to mess up at such a critical time. Back then, he had promised her that he would rise to the top of the industry. But now, just as things were getting started, he caved under pressure."What's the plan now?" Robert asked."There are plenty of other artists," Theda replied, stretching her arms. "Split Lester's resources among them. If he doesn't want wealth, there are plenty of others who do."She stood up and added, "I'm feeling a bit tired. Go tell them to get ready for an all-out fight. If they pull this off, I'll make sure they're well rewarded.""Understood." Robert left the office and headed to the lounge.Inside, a group of exhausted artists slumped over the tables. When Robert walked in, one of them asked eage
Robert glanced at everyone in the room and turned to leave.For three straight days, Lester was frozen out, while operations continued as usual.Far away on a beach, Debra took off her sunglasses and stood up from her lounge chair.Garland, who had been playing on the sand, looked up and asked, "Are you heading back already?""Yeah, it's time to go." Debra casually tossed her sunglasses aside.In the distance, Marion pulled up in a car. He walked over to Debra, draped a jacket over her shoulders, and said, "I've booked the tickets. Mrs. Houston, your vacation's over.""Are you going back to Seamar City? Wonderful!" Garland jumped up for joy.He'd been stuck here, dealing with all the expenses while the artists and staff lived it up.Finally, he could go back and continue to slack off at the Potter Mansion.Debra scanned the staff, who were still goofing around. "Guys, it's time to head back. There's a ton of work waiting for us. Let's get back on track and stay focused."The
As Debra and Marion were chatting up ahead, Garland squeezed his way out of the crowd.It was his first time experiencing such fan enthusiasm, and he couldn't handle it. "No, I'm not your idol, just a passerby."But no matter how hard he tried to explain, the fans weren't letting him go.Garland was cute and sunny. Anyone would assume he was a celebrity.Erica and Randy were having an even worse time. Erica's mature, confident vibe attracted a lot of male fans, while Randy's handsome face and playboy look did their part in attracting attention.It took the entourage a full 20 minutes to leave the airport."My God, I've never seen anything like this. These female fans are crazy," Garland muttered, wiping the lipstick off his face."The male fans are no better. They called me Wifey.""They called you what?" Randy got worked up. "Which bastard did that?""Get lost. Stop hovering around me," Erica grumbled, pushing him away.With so many people crowding the airport, Randy had bee
Even though Liza didn't fully grasp the tangled web of rivalries among elite families in Seamar City, she knew that Theda had been targeting Debra relentlessly.The impromptu trip overseas was all thanks to Theda.Debra stepped forward and took the invitation. "Since they have struck a deal, we might as well see what this is about."By evening, the Royal Hotel was buzzing with activity.Everyone was aware of the Buchan Group's rise in Seamar City. On top of that, the rumors about Theda taking over the Nichols Group were everywhere.Even though the Buchan Group had suffered a setback with Lester's recent scandal, the problems would be nothing if they secured a partnership with the Nichols Group.Erica stepped out of the car, her eyes taking in the extravagant scene outside the hotel.She clicked her tongue. "Wow. Theda knows how to put on a show. I've never seen a banquet this fancy here before."Seamar City didn't have many hotels of this caliber, and few people had the clout t
As Erica, Randy, Marion, and Debra entered the banquet hall, they immediately drew everyone's attention. Many people approached them to say hello.Liza tugged at Garland's arm, looking displeased. "These people are shallow. Doesn't anyone recognize us?"As the daughter of the Eaton family, she was usually surrounded by flattering people. But in Seamar City, she was reduced to second fiddle."Calm down. At our place, Debra was treated the same way. It's just home-court advantage," Garland soothed her.Liza pouted. "True. But I should get the respect I deserve. Just open a branch here and make it better than the McKinney Group."Garland smiled wryly. 'That's a fool' talk. The McKinney Group is backed by the Four Great Families. Any one of them is no small matter. It will take our entire family to compete with them.'"I'll try," he said, glancing at "Just work harder," Liza muttered, glancing at Theda, who was walking toward Debra.Theda wore a polite smile, but there was undenia
"Let him go. Whoever contacted him will likely do so again," Debra said, turning to Robert. "You're still in touch, right? Next time they reach out, I want to know the time and place of your meeting. If it's online, I want a recording. Any objections?"Robert glanced up at Debra, realizing that she intended to use him as bait. She was smart enough to figure out their contact mode."Alright, I'll do it, but I have one condition.""You have no leverage here. Your lives are in my hands."Debra never went easy on her enemies. If she did, it was only because they were still useful.Robert struggled to his feet and knelt before her. "Mrs. Houston, please grant my wish. In return, I'll do anything for you."The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned.The scene reminded Debra of her capture by Drake. He had asked her if she wanted dignity or life. She had chosen dignity.But later, she realized that for people like Drake and Robert, dignity was a luxury. They only sought it when surviv
As soon as Marion stepped into the room, he saw Debra with a head injury. His brows furrowed, and the next second, he kicked Robert hard in the knee.The pain caused Robert to kneel on the floor.Marion grabbed a baton from one of his men and was about to strike when Randy rushed forward to stop him.Randy exclaimed, "You can't use that. He'll die."The baton hung high in the air, showing Marion's desire to kill. But at Randy's words, he put it down and handed it over to Debra."He's all yours. Do whatever you want to vent your anger," he said.Without hesitation, Debra took the baton and walked behind Robert. It swung down on his head, and blood streamed.Theda cried out, "We had a deal.""Yes, we did," Debra replied, dropping the baton to the ground. "We also agreed that it was fine as long as I didn't kill him. I've been merciful enough."Robert was still conscious, but the injury was heavy.Theda walked to his side. "To the victor go the spoils. We've lost. I just want to
The impact was brutal, sending Robert reeling backward.Marion said, "To be honest, I can't beat you in a fair fight. Too bad, you don't know how to use your brain."Robert was reeling from the pain, unable to utter a sound.Marion turned to his men. "Cuff him and take him back in the trunk."His men quickly restrained Robert....At the Potter Mansion, Erica looked at Debra's head injury.She huffed, "Robert went too far. We need to teach him a lesson."Randy reassured her, "Don't worry. Marion probably has beaten him to a pulp."Erica turned to look at Theda, who had been silent the entire time."It was your order, wasn't it?" she snapped. "Debra showed you mercy, but you kidnapped her. How low can you get?"Theda shrugged. "It was. What are you going to do about it?"Erica was enraged, ready to strike. Debra chimed in, "It wasn't her.""Come on. I know you're kind, but we don't have to be soft on her. People like her stab others in the back.""It really wasn't her.""
"Because here..." Marion continued, tapping his temple, "you're not as good as me."Robert's sharp instincts quickly picked up on something unusual. The area around the courtyard had been surrounded. Given the footsteps, he could roughly tell their number. There were at least a hundred people.He couldn't believe Marion had mobilized such a force just to rescue Debra."As I said," Robert continued, "as long as I'm here, no one gets through."His eyes glinted with cold determination."Sir, we've found Mrs. Houston and Ms. Buchan," someone reported.Robert snorted, "That's impossible. Stop bluffing.""They're in the basement of the Buchan Mansion," Marion smirked. "You like playing tricks, and I play along. Truth be told, I came here for you."Robert was still holding the detonator, but it was no longer a threat.Marion had figured out the game. At first, they hadn't found Debra and Theda in the basement because Robert had moved them. Later, when they were gone, Robert brought t
Debra felt dizzy. "Why are you telling me this?""Because you and I are alike," Theda replied. "Despite our differences, I envy your life. I know Robert can't beat Marion. If Robert fails tonight, I beg you to show mercy and spare his life.""He didn't show any mercy when he hit me. Why should I spare him?""We're all businesspeople. Name your price. If it's within my power, I'll do it. Just spare his life.""Fine, remember your promise. I'll spare his life, but I need to hit back.""Deal. Just don't kill him."In the courtyard, Robert opened a can of cat food and fed the stray kittens. They seemed familiar with him, purring and rubbing against his hand.Robert smiled, but his expression changed as he heard a noise outside. The kittens arched their backs, hissing at the disturbance.Robert patted their heads. "Go on. Don't get hurt."But the kittens refused to leave, licking their paws and sitting behind him.Robert didn't chase them away. He waited until Marion and his men a
"She can't take your call right now," Marion replied.Drake shot up from the sofa. "What do you mean by that?""Robert took her.""Robert?"Marion hung up the phone and headed straight to the courtyard where Robert used to live.Kale came into the hotel suite with a cup. "Boss, what would you like for dinner?"Drake muttered with a heavy tone, "Debra is taken by Robert."Kale froze, wondering about Robert's motives.Drake took a deep breath. He had warned Debra before, but she wouldn't listen. Now the situation was grave.He knew Robert all too well. The man was a cold-blooded killing machine, dealing with anyone who posed threats to Theda."Get the car. Search the entire city. Find Robert.""But this is not Orkgate. Our people operate in the shadows here. If Marion's men discover them, all our efforts over the years will be wasted.""I said, find him. No excuses. Get moving."Drake was irritated. He had always known Debra would cause trouble for him, but he hadn't expecte
"Kidnapped? Really?" Erica muttered."It's got to be fake," Randy replied. "This is Seamar City. Who would dare kidnap Debra right under Marion's nose? Unless they have a death wish."Erica nodded thoughtfully. "You're right."But then she realized something was off. "Wait. You left out Robert, that desperado who doesn't care about consequences. Debra went out to meet Theda.""Damn! How could I forget him?" Randy panicked. "What do we do? I'll gather people and head to Buchan Mansion.""We're running out of time," Erica said urgently. "Hurry up and call Marion."She whipped out her phone and started making calls. Randy started rallying people too....Meanwhile, Garland and Liza had just landed and were eagerly entering the Potter Mansion with their luggage in tow."Guys, I am back!" Garland laughed, hands on his hips.Liza tilted her head. "Where is everyone? Why isn't anyone here to welcome us?""Yeah. Why is the living room empty?" Garland wondered.Suddenly, two figures
"I don't care. I'll make them return everything to you," Robert said.Theda was at a loss for words. She stepped forward and propped up the unconscious Debra.She said, "The shares don't matter to me at all. You didn't have to go this far. The situation in Seamar City is treacherous. I overestimated myself. We should take Debra back to them and end everything."She reached for her phone to call Andrew, but Robert grabbed her wrist."What are you doing?" she sulked. "I've decided to stop fighting them. What you're doing is pointless and dangerous.""It's not pointless," Robert said firmly. "I don't want to see you lose. To me, you'll never lose to anyone."Without waiting for her response, he carried her over his shoulder and pocketed her phone."This is all my idea," he said. "Even if I fail, it has nothing to do with you. I've cut the phone lines in the house and locked the front door. Without the password, you can't leave. Just stay here and wait for my good news. I'll get the
"It's simple. The Nichols Group's shareholders aren't clean either. Drake has dirt on them, so they have to do what he says."Theda laughed, understanding the whole thing. That explained why the mention of Drake's name alone had influenced those shareholders' decisions during the last meeting. It was because Drake had their secrets."Alright, I lost fair and square. Actually, I hold no personal grudge against you. That's why I warned you that getting those shares wouldn't be good for you. The person behind this wouldn't let you go.""You know who's behind this, don't you?""Even if I do, we're destined to be enemies. I lost to you, but next time, someone even more formidable will come after you. You won't be so lucky then."Theda poured Debra a cup of tea and continued, "We're alike. We've both been through things others can't understand. You're lucky, with so many people around you, helping you, but the path ahead is harder for you. Not something enviable."Debra didn't get it.