"Haven't I?" Theda sneered. "If I'm right, you probably aimed to use Lester's scandal to bring down my company, but that was within my expectations. How much he earns or loses doesn't matter. The Nichols Group is what I'm aiming at.""I can tear up the contract, but you can't hurt Erica or my other friends," Debra said.Theda smiled, "Sure thing. I'm a person of my word. If you don't trust me, we can sign an agreement and make it official.""A deal it is. The Nichols Group is all yours, but don't celebrate so soon. Even without this company, I can still take you down," Debra said.Theda shrugged. "We'll see."She watched Debra leave in defeat and smiled.Garland grabbed Juan and pulled him into the corner.He demanded, "Explain yourself. Who are you helping?"Instead of answering his question, Juan swatted away his hand."Answer me. Who are you helping? Don't tell me you've fallen for Theda," Garland pressed."This is not your concern. And remember, we've never met," Juan rep
In their bedroom, Debra asked Marion, "How did Hunter die?" "Erica didn't kill him," he replied. "She took over his company but let him stay as a nominal president. He was deeply in debt because of project issues. Most of it was Erica's doing. When he found out that all his assets had been transferred to Erica's account, he lost it and jumped from the building."Debra zeroed in on the key point. "Did he jump on his own, or was he forced into it by Erica?""This is the key. Everyone asked the same question." Marion walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and touched the glass. "Erica gave Hunter two choices. The first was for Hunter to jump from the window, and in exchange, she would pay off his debts. The second was for Hunter to sever ties with her and let the debt collectors kill him."Debra nodded. "Both options led to death. That's Erica for you.""Hunter chose to jump," Marion elaborated. "Erica softened, trying to save him, but he intended to push her down. In the end, he los
Years apart, Randy thought Erica had forgotten about the past.But she lost control as soon as Juan brought it up. This matter had never ceased to haunt her.Erica looked at Randy and remembered the old days."Caleb always preferred to let us fend for ourselves," she said. "He's like an old wolf, wanting his descendants to struggle and survive on their own. When I first returned, he avoided me to test my abilities. If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have been able to make Hunter pay for what he did.""No matter what happens, I'll support you unconditionally. Even if the whole world is against you, I will be by your side," Randy said.Erica laughed, "You're talking like Marion, but you're not him. He grew up in a wolf's den, while you grew up in a sheepfold. You're sweet, but I can't let you do those dangerous things for me.""I am serious," Randy said. "Like Marion, I'd risk my life to protect the woman I love.""Bah! What nonsense are you talking about?" she snorted, pokin
Erica shoved Randy out of the room and slammed the door in his face.Debra came out of her room and bumped into the scene.She raised an eyebrow as she noticed Randy's flushed face. "Got drunk again?"Randy was frustrated. "In films, the heroine always looks at the hero lovingly, but why does my heroine hit me?""Wrong approach, maybe," Debra replied. "I think you need to make another proper confession.""Confession? I've confessed a hundred times, but she only sees it as a joke. What can I do?""I mean a formal confession," Debra said. "You're too casual all the time. No girls would take you seriously with the way you talk. The situation is a bit awkward. Think carefully about how to confess and make her accept you.""Right." Randy nodded. "I'll make a plan."Debra shook her head as Randy rushed out in the middle of the night. Then she turned to knock on the door. "Erica, it's me."Erica cautiously opened the door. In the room, only a desk lamp was on.Debra stepped inside a
"No," Erica muttered, "I can't.""That's right," Debra said, standing up. "I heard Randy has something special planned for you. Well, he may appear carefree, but he's serious about relationships. People like him can be hurt easily. If you reject him, he probably won't come near you again. You should think about it carefully."With that, she stepped out of the room, giving Erica some space to think.There was only a thin veil between Randy and Erica, but afraid of her rejection, he could only approach her cautiously. Erica, on the other hand, was afraid of the awkwardness and kept backing away.That was normal since they were childhood friends. Starting a romantic relationship was a lot to adjust to.It was a matter between the two people. Debra couldn't help them much.The next morning, the news of the partnership between the Buchan Group and the Nichols Group was all over the headlines. Theda's new role was highlighted.In the conference room, several shareholders were present,
"How so?" Debra retorted. "When you took all the advertisers from me, did you show any mercy?"The air in the room grew tense. None of those shareholders dared to intervene.Debra leaned in and whispered to Theda, "If I'm right, you signed a betting agreement with Runestone Bank. They invested two billion dollars in Buchan Entertainment's rise in Seamar City. But if you can't make four billion dollars in three years, you lose the bet. And if you lose, you know what the consequences are, right?"If she lost, she'd have to repay the four billion. If she couldn't, everything she had pledged would go to Runestone.Debra had figured out the motives behind her sudden cut with the Buchan Group and her eagerness to take over the Nichols Group, and Debra had obtained more information on her through Marion.Debra continued, "What do you think Melody would say if she found out? Would she still want you to take charge of the Nichols Group?""Not your concern," Theda spat.Her bet with Runes
Debra could have waited for more days before Buchan Entertainment's artists collapsed from overwork.Then she could swoop in and steal all their artists."Isn't the current situation good enough? I don't make things too hard for others, especially women. If I did that, you'd not only face the consequences of losing the bet but also those sky-high penalty fees from the advertisers. That would drive you to your grave," Debra replied nonchalantly.Theda was confused. In her mind, people like them never held back when dealing with enemies, but Debra was an exception."But having a kind heart doesn't always lead to a good outcome," Theda muttered. "I was seriously trying to take down the McKinney Group."Debra shrugged. "I felt no pressure."Her confident look made Theda frown, but deep down, Theda knew she could never achieve that goal.It wasn't because Debra was running the McKinney Group so well, but because Andrew was standing behind her.Theda smiled bitterly, "Luck is really
Debra paused, and Juan added, "I know you and Marion are getting married, so happy wedding.""Thank you," she replied without looking back.Juan shook his head and smiled bitterly as she walked away without hesitation.Theda came up, surprised to see the agreement in his hand. "She just gave it to you like that?""She never cared about this stuff," Juan replied, handing it to her. "The Nichols Group's future depends on you now.""I'll do my best," Theda replied. "But if Debra knew taking over the company wasn't in her best interest, would she thank you for disrupting everything?"Juan remained silent, and she lamented, "What a shame! She probably sees you as a traitor now."Before leaving, Juan glanced at her. "Just focus on your issues here."Theda wasn't offended. The shares were in her hands now. That was all that mattered.Outside, Debra got into Marion's car. He said, "I saw someone go in.""Who was it?" Debra asked with feigned ignorance.Marion turned his head away. "
Josh had booked the most expensive presidential suite.When Debra walked in with him, Josh went over to the table and asked, "Want a drink? I noticed you haven't really had much to drink tonight.""No thanks." Debra sat down on the couch and took off her other earring, placing it on the table. "I'll buy you for the night. You don't have to do anything. Just stay in this room and don't go out."Josh was puzzled. "What do you mean?""I mean, you can go to sleep now," Debra replied. "I don't like sleeping on the couch, so you'll be sleeping there tonight."Josh gaped. "You're spending all this money just for me to sleep on the couch?"He couldn't believe his ears. The rich ladies usually lined up to date him. Yet Debra wanted nothing from him."Not really," she replied, walking over to him. "Take off your shirt."Josh paused and complied.His figure was seductive. Debra smiled, clearly pleased with what she saw.Josh thought she was just playing hard to get, so he leaned in towa
It wasn't surprising that Debra took a liking to Josh.Josh followed her out of the club, his steps a little hesitant.Debra raised a hand, and for some reason, that simple gesture made Josh feel like a nervous rookie on his first day of work."What's wrong? Don't know how to offer your arm to a lady?" she said.Her voice had a teasing lilt to it, but she wasn't mad.Josh quickly held out his arm, and Debra smiled with satisfaction."Where do you wanna go?" he asked eagerly, unable to resist Debra.Her entire presence was magnetic. Different from the other female customers, she had a glow that made people stop and stare."Let's go to a hotel," she replied.Josh swallowed hard. For a split second, he even thought about paying for the room."I have a car. I'll drive you," he blurted."Let's just walk." Debra gestured ahead. "There is a five-star hotel straight down this road.""You wanna walk in those heels? Won't your feet hurt?" Josh asked with concern.He had always been
When they heard that one earring cost 100 thousand dollars, the six escorts began to grab the wine.Debra leaned back on the couch and scanned the room, enjoying herself.Sure enough, happiness could be bought with money. Being rich was indeed wonderful.Soon, her attention was drawn to a guy sitting in the corner.He was wearing a simple white hoodie, pale-skinned, and his features looked a bit youthful compared to the others.But his eyes were deep and captivating. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and he looked a bit tense.When he looked up and met Debra's eyes, he panicked and quickly lowered his head.Debra raised an eyebrow and beckoned to him. The young man hesitated, not fitting in with the atmosphere."What's your name?""Miss, my name is Troy Phelps.""Troy..."Debra repeated his name, clearly liking it, and her gaze shifted to the others at the table.They paused, sensing her interest in Troy.The one who had interacted with Debra earlier was not happy.
Any woman would be amazed to see these handsome guys.Debra stepped into the middle of the group. Michael stood off to the side, one hand in his pocket and the other making a phone gesture by his ear.She knew he was signaling for her to have fun and call him afterward.The club was loud and chaotic.One man, dressed in an open-collar black suit, approached her. His deep, captivating eyes sparkled with an intriguing desire. He raised his drink and gestured toward her with an inviting hand.Debra glanced at his drink and smiled. His wine was not up to standard.She made the usual nightclub gesture, ordering ten drinks and another most expensive bottle on the menu.Her move caught the attention of those around her. Before long, she became the center of attention.A group of exotic beauties wearing bikinis and holding lighted signs danced around the club. Then they brought the wine to Debra's booth.She grinned and raised her hand again.The waitresses were all stunned.Debra r
Michael was driving a convertible, and Debra sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery outside.Even this late at night, the city was alive with bright lights, bustling streets, and neon flashing everywhere.The wind brushed against her face as Michael picked up speed.She closed her eyes, letting the rush of the ride wash over her. Compared to everything she had been through, this was nothing.After a while, she opened her eyes. "You've circled this area for half an hour. Think it's about time we head back?"Michael slowed down. "Feeling better?"Debra nodded. "A little. Probably not as fun as bungee jumping, though."She used to be terrified of heights. But after everything she had faced over the past two years, extreme sports seemed almost childish compared to real life-or-death situations.Michael chuckled, "I'll take you somewhere fun.""Sure," Debra nodded, "if it helps me unwind.""Buckle up." Michael stepped on the gas, and they sped through the city.Soon, the
Michael held an umbrella, shielding Debra from the wind and snow.Once they got in the car, Debra leaned against the window, not saying a word.Inside the house, Marion sat on the couch, silent.Randy and Erica had been trying to reach him nonstop, but he ignored every call.As evening approached, Erica booted open the door and stormed into the house."You jerk!" She swung a punch at his face. "Why weren't you answering our calls? What's going on? Randy and I came all the way from Seamar City. Don't tell us you don't know.""Erica, calm down," Randy tried to soothe her."Calm down?" Erica glared at him. "You knew about his condition, didn't you?""I thought he was fine," Randy muttered weakly.Erica turned back to Marion. "Although I'm not part of the Houston family, I am still your cousin. Why didn't you tell everyone? You could keep it from me, but why hide it from Debra? Weren't you aware of the consequences? Now that it's exposed, not only will the company have problems, b
Debra hesitated for a moment before answering the call.There was a moment of silence before Michael started, "Are you okay?""I'm fine," she replied, her voice hoarse.She had been lying in bed doing nothing all day."I'm outside," he said.Debra froze for a second before slowly getting out of bed and walking over to the window.She lifted a corner of the curtain and saw Michael standing outside.He was wearing a white shirt, neat and clean. Probably to avoid being recognized, he had put on a mask."If you don't want to stay here, I'll take you away," he added."Okay," Debra agreed without hesitation.She hung up the phone, but her eyes dimmed.Outside, Marion saw a glimmer of hope when he heard the door opening."Debra, please listen to me...""Mr. Houston, please don't block the way."Marion's smile froze on his face. Debra had never been so different to him like that."What did you call me?""Mr. Houston. I told you before. I trust you, but if you ever deceive me, I
"Do you want a brother or a sister?" Marian Eaton asked.Fermin placed his hand on her belly and thought for a moment. "A sister."Marian laughed, "Smart boy, knowing it's a girl before she's even born."Bert walked over, concerned about her health.Marian asked, "What should we name your sister?""Liza." Fermin crouched down, pressing his ear to Marian's belly.He closed his eyes and whispered, "She's my long-awaited little sister."His thoughts drifted back to the present.Fermin remembered the warmth of that dream, but he also knew how cruel reality was.He hadn't been lost in that dream because there were more important things to take care of.He smiled at the sleeping Liza, carefully removed the face mask, and tossed it into the trash.Before leaving, he left the lamp on. Liza couldn't sleep well in complete darkness.Outside the room, his smile faded, replaced by his usual coldness.The maid stood nervously by the door."Keep an eye on Liza. Don't let her run off."
Fermin ruffled her hair and spoke softly. "You've grown up."Liza tilted her head and looked at him. "Stop fighting with Dad. Can't we just be together as a family, like we used to?""Of course." Fermin nodded. "Once I've handled these things, we'll all be back together and live happily as a family."Liza lowered her eyes. "Debra is a friend I treasure, and you're my brother. You're both smarter than me. If you two could work together, there's nothing you can't handle. We're already so rich; there's no need to get involved with the..."Fermin reached out and covered her mouth. "I think I've told you before. You're not allowed to say that word."Liza blinked, silently agreeing not to speak any further.Fermin withdrew his hand. "I have my path to follow, and you have yours. Everyone has a role in this world and a choice to make. I just want you to live happily. No matter how spoiled or bratty you get, no one will dare say anything. Even if you make the worst mistake, I'll make it