"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. "
"12 outfits? Are we hosting a flowing banquet?" Debra was astounded.Marion smiled indulgently, "Then we won't change.""You can't skip that part." Caleb's voice suddenly came, and he hobbled in with his cane.The attendants quickly stepped aside.Caleb smiled and walked over to Debra. "That's not too many. Marion's mother did the same at her wedding. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you'll have the best of everything.""Well, this is my second.""There wasn't even a ceremony. It doesn't count."Debra was amused, and Marion chimed in, "Changing outfits takes time and energy. She looks great without changing anyway.""What do you know?" Caleb almost poked his cane in Marion's face. "It's the custom. No negotiation."With that, he signaled for the attendants to bring the dresses.Soon enough, they brought a wedding dress for Debra. "This is a designer piece with a five-meter-long train.""How long?" Debra thought she had misheard.One of the attendants replied, "Five-m
Just as Debra and Marion were locked in a tender gaze, Erica's voice suddenly echoed from the doorway.She rushed inside and admired Debra's wedding dress. "I've never seen such a gorgeous wedding dress in my life. It's making me want to get married too."Halfway through her words, she suddenly realized Randy was standing behind her.She cringed and corrected herself. "I mean, I want to wear a wedding dress, not get married."Randy imagined Erica in a wedding dress and blushed."Erica, what brings you here?" Debra asked."Me? Randy told me Caleb asked me to come," Erica replied, glancing around. "But I don't see him anywhere."Debra explained, "He was here but left a moment ago.""Left? Then why did he ask me to come?""Probably to try on the bridesmaid dress."Debra winked at the attendant, who immediately stepped forward. "That's right, Miss Mathis. Mr. Houston Sr. wanted you to try on your bridesmaid dress. And Mr. Osborne, your groomsman suit is ready too. Everything's up
Marion was equally astonished.Debra asked him, "So, you've been setting up the venue abroad?""I don't know." Marion frowned in doubt.This wasn't his plan. He had chosen a domestic hotel as the wedding venue."Caleb pulled a fast one, as usual," Erica chimed in, coming downstairs in her bridesmaid's gown. "He probably wants to give you an unforgettable wedding."Walking beside her, Randy reminded them, "There are three hours left for you to try on wedding gowns. You need to finish within the time limit, or Caleb might make you stand at attention as punishment."Debra felt like the Houston family had raised the alert level to DEFCON 1. This didn't feel like a wedding at all. It was more like a mission to complete."Madam, we have 12 models with similar body types to yours. They'll be at your service," said the attendant.Debra understood the implication. She had three hours to select 12 satisfying ones from the one thousand gowns. With a helpless smile, she sprang to action.
Erica pressed Debra down into the seat.Debra sighed, "We're already on the plane. There is no escape for me.""That's not what I'm worried about," Erica replied. "You know, if I don't complete the task, Caleb will punish me.""At least tell me where we are headed," Debra insisted."It's not far. You've been there before," Erica hinted."I've been there?" Debra thought for a moment. "Is it overseas?"Erica shook her head.Debra tried again, "Flesta?"Erica shook her head again. "Nope. I won't say anything.""Then it must be Orkgate."Debra hadn't traveled much in her life, and Erica knew the few places she had been to. Besides these three locations, she hadn't been anywhere else.Besides, the backdrop in the trailer didn't suggest it was on a desolate island.Erica covered Debra's mouth and mumbled, "I didn't say anything. You figured it out yourself. Don't blame me for spoiling the surprise."Debra shook her head. "I don't hate Orkgate, but why did Caleb choose it to be t
It was late at night.Inside the church, soft light filtered through the colored glass, casting a shadow that stretched long and unnerving.Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the vast space. A young man dressed in a black robe and wearing a mask entered."Didn't get the job done, and you're still here to face me?" The bishop's voice was low and ominous.The young man was unfazed. "Debra and Marion are keeping Drake well protected. We had no chance to move. The Potter family guards escorted him the whole way from the airport. We couldn't act."The bishop paused, his fingers tightening around the ring in his hand."The Potter family?" he muttered, "Without Andrew leading them, they're just a bunch of misfits.""It's not so easy to remove Andrew," replied the young man. "Rumor has it that he was crippled in a kidnapping incident, but he's still walking. And another rumor said he was dying, but he's still kicking and alive.""The Four Great Families only have one person like that.
Fermin's men aimed their rifles at Bert.Fermin led Liza downstairs and casually said, "Be careful. Don't let anything go off by accident. The old man's too frail for this.""Fermin..." Liza's face went pale.She knew Fermin wouldn't harm their father, but at that moment, her heart still twisted with worry.Outside, a luxury car pulled up. Fermin raised his hand and ordered, "Fall back."His men quickly withdrew from the property.Bert stood there, barely able to keep himself upright. The butler immediately stepped forward to support him. "Sir, stay strong.""That bastard pointed a gun at me." Bert's words were cut off by a sudden surge of something in his throat.The next second, blood gushed from his mouth.The butler was alarmed. "Sir!"Outside, Liza looked back at the house, worried about Bert.He was too old to handle such a shock.Fermin brushed it off. "Don't worry about him. Get in the car."Liza reluctantly sat in the passenger seat.She'd try to talk to Fermin w
Bert's face darkened as a loud noise echoed from outside the basement.A group of masked men had blown open the basement door.Fermin's shackles were quickly removed, and then he vanished from the surveillance footage.On the second floor, Bert had instructed that Liza be kept under guard to stop her from running around.Sitting on the bed, Liza was worried about Fermin when a sudden loud noise came from outside."Who's there?" She turned pale from fear.When she got up to check, she saw Fermin standing at the door.He had changed into a black shirt, and his face was no longer the mess it had been the day before. Even his stubble had been neatly groomed.He opened his arms with a smile, "Come here.""Fermin." Liza rushed into his arms, hugging him. "Did Dad let you out?"Fermin playfully ruffled her hair. "He didn't let you out, but you still managed to sneak down to the basement. Weren't you afraid of his punishment?""I was worried about you," Liza replied, but her express
Late into the night, Debra leaned against the head of the bed, waiting for Marion to come back after washing his hands.But then, the showering sound echoed from the bathroom.After a while, he walked out. His hair was still damp, and the bathrobe hung loosely on him, revealing his toned muscles and perfect V-shaped lines.The dim light from the bedside lamp reminded Debra of the banquet earlier.Her face flushed. She instinctively reached for the light switch to break the mood, but Marion grabbed her wrist.His palm was warm, and under the soft light, there was a glint of desire in his deep eyes."I'm clean," he croaked, having washed off the scent of blood.In fact, before leaving the castle, he had already changed into a new jacket, worried that Debra might catch the disgusting smell of blood."Alright," she said shyly, a bit overwhelmed by his strong desire.Marion smelled faintly fresh. Different from his usual tobacco, this scent was clean and pure."Don't hurt yourself
"See you around," Michael said, smiling at Marion.His action got under Marion's skin. Taking a deep breath, Marion turned off the stove and took the eggs out.Debra glanced at him. "You seem hostile to Michael.""He's not worth my time," Marion replied flatly, peeling the eggs.Then he walked over to her and gently pressed the egg against her injured spot."This will help reduce the swelling. You went too hard on yourself. It's gonna hurt tomorrow.""Michael was just messing around. Don't be fooled by his innocent look. He's got a mischievous side. I think he just wanted to see if you cared about me. He wasn't trying to provoke you."Marion hummed in response, seemingly unbothered by it.He looked down at the bruise and sighed, "He wasn't wrong about one thing.""What is it?""I failed to take good care of you.""That was my doing. It wasn't your fault.""My job is to protect you. I can't let you get hurt even in the slightest." Marion pinched her nose. "I'll carry you to
When Debra and Marion came back, Michael quickly ended the call."You didn't check in with Hannah before leaving?" Debra asked."This trip is for work," Michael replied, closing his laptop. "Hannah was just briefing me on tomorrow's schedule."He noticed her disheveled appearance. "You guys came back so early. Guess the investigation didn't go as smoothly?""Let's just say it was a bit intense. Marion can tell you about the details," Debra said, sitting down on the couch.Marion habitually warmed up some milk for her and grabbed some pre-sliced cake from the fridge.He didn't stick around in the living room but went straight to the kitchen to boil eggs.Michael raised an eyebrow. "Feels like he doesn't quite like me."Marion heard it, his grip tightening around an egg. Then there was a cracking sound.Michael added, "My visit seems untimely. Should I move out?"But he made no move to get up.Debra took a sip of milk. "No way. I can't let you leave, especially since you're th
God knew how panicked Marion was when that guard raised his gun at Debra."I..." Debra murmured, "I couldn't find you.""That's not an excuse." Marion frowned. "Do you not trust me, or are you just used to handling everything yourself? Even if you stood there doing nothing, I could find you in a second. You shouldn't have rushed it like that.""The doors were closing, and I was worried that the guy would get away, so..." she explained."I don't care about the Illuminati. I care about you." Marion cupped her face, his tone serious. "You can't go solo like that again.""What if I do that again?" Debra looked at him.Marion pinched her cheek and muttered, "I'll break your legs so that you can't run off again."Debra slapped his hand away. "It was a special case today. I won't do it again.""Remember what you said. Don't make me worry," Marion relented, pinching her nose."By the way, what's the situation now?""I've handled it.""How?"He fell silent, but she didn't press furt
The man trembled and spilled every bit of information he knew about the Illuminati."Sounds like you're not so useful," Marion said, watching the man shiver in fear. "Everyone here is guilty. To redeem yourselves, your souls will stay in this castle."Before anyone could process his words, gunshots erupted around them. Screams filled the air. In just moments, the castle was thick with the smell of blood."You're out of your mind!" shouted the man, rushing toward the exit.But before he could get close, he was shot dead."Sir, we'll take care of the rest," said a guard."Make sure to clear all the traces," Marion ordered before leaving the castle alone.His eyes reflected the cold light of the moon. The air around him was chilling.Since the day he arrived overseas, everyone was nothing more than a dead man to him....Debra had a dream of her coming-of-age ceremony.Everyone was smiling, and everything was perfect.Suddenly, a gunshot shattered everything. The world went bl
For a moment, the castle fell silent after the gunshot. Then, more shots rang out, each one chipping away at the crowd's composure.A man, trembling, slowly raised his hands and stood up. "I'm a member of the Illuminati."Others scrambled to follow. "Me too."Within moments, nearly 70 to 80 percent of the people in the room were on their feet.The ones who stayed seated were mostly the "merchandise"—people the Illuminati had prepared. They quickly stood as well."Mr. Houston, have mercy," one of them begged. "We were just hired. We don't even know who's in charge."The men and women, who had been laughing and flirting with the wealthy elites, were now shaking in fear.Barely covered, they huddled together, terrified that Marion would kill them.Marion leaned back in his chair, glancing at the crowd. "Words don't count. Prove it."His men raised their rifles, aiming at the heads of the so-called members."I have proof," said one of them, pulling out a badge. "Here. Look. This