Debra changed into her wedding dress.The stylist and makeup artist marveled, "Madam, you look stunning in this dress. Forget red-carpet celebrities. None of them can compare to you."Debra felt flattered, and Michael smiled, "This dress suits you perfectly.""Thank you."Michael glanced at the brightening sky outside. "It's about time. I'd like to play the role of your family and walk you out."There was hardly anyone else left in the Frazier family.Debra recalled all the ups and downs. Michael had always been the backbone of the company and her most reliable partner."In my mind, you're always my family," she said.Michael chuckled, "If you hadn't agreed to let me walk you out, I would've been upset."The bridal convoy pulled up outside. Erica saw it through the window and exclaimed, "Here they are. Go block the door."Debra blinked. "Block the door?"Erica quickly directed the stylist and makeup artist to barricade the door. Then, with lightning speed, she pulled Debra t
"They're coming." Erica rushed to close the door.Liza was puzzled. "The groom is here to pick up the bride? Why are you closing the door?""You don't get it," Erica said, piling up everything she could find to block the door. "This is tradition.""What kind of tradition?" Liza asked."You wouldn't understand," Erica replied. "Just don't let those guys in easily.""But among them is your cousin.""True, but not today.""But if you don't let them in, how are they supposed to take the bride away? What if the wedding ceremony is delayed?"Erica paused. "Oh, right. When can I let Marion take you away?"Debra shook her head. This was her first time having a wedding. No one had taught her these customs before.Erica pulled out her phone and started searching online. "Dammit. Network lag."Just then, a beeping sound echoed outside, and the door opened.Randy poked his head in, cautiously checking for any traps. Then he entered the room and announced, "Marion's here to pick up the
"Sure. What's the test?" Marion replied."Quick Q&A." Erica fired away, "What was your first impression of the bride?""She was so cute," Marion replied."What?" Randy was taken aback. "You thought she was cute the first time you saw her?"That didn't sound right. Randy remembered the first time Marion saw Debra. It was outside an auction, and Debra had an aura about her, a presence that made her seem like a queen ready to take down a rival.Cute? Not quite.Garland was equally puzzled. Debra was good-looking. But cute? That was a stretch.Erica scratched her chin, not entirely satisfied with the answer, but she figured love was blind.So, she moved on to the next question. "If your first love and your wife both fell into the water, who would you save?""Debra is my first love," Marion answered."That's too easy," Randy chimed in, frustrated. "Up the ante."Erica struggled. "I don't know what to ask. Should we move on to the next round?"She pulled out a set of bizarre food
Debra smiled and stretched out her arms. Marion scooped her up and held her in his arms."The wedding dress!" Randy hurried behind them.The train of the wedding dress prepared by Caleb was such a hassle. It had to be held up the entire way."Wait." Erica lifted her skirt and dragged Liza down the stairs with her.Garland hurried to follow, while Michael shook his head helplessly. This pickup was really something.The wedding vehicle was a pumpkin carriage. Once Marion set her inside, Debra pointed at the two white horses at the front."Wow! Now this is flashy.""Grandpa prepared it.""This is a bit embarrassing."It was like something from a fairy tale. Who would've thought that Caleb, at his age, still had such a childlike heart?In a rickshaw, Erica marveled, "Wow, Caleb is a genius."Sitting beside her, Randy asked, "Do you like it?""It's nice and creative. I love it," Erica replied with a broad smile.Randy looked at her and asked, "How about we use this for our wedd
Randy's interest was piqued. "Count me in. I'll be there to bear witness to the gift."Garland echoed, "Me too."Liza raised her hand. "Same here."Erica smacked them on the head. "It's their wedding night. You want to cause a ruckus in their bridal chamber?"The three shrank back, not daring to say another word."Chop chop," Erica called for attention. "The guests will be taking their seats soon. Get ready for the big event."Together with Liza, she escorted Debra backstage. In the meantime, the guests began to take their seats.The Houston family had few members, and the Frazier family had no relatives left. So, at the main table, besides Caleb, there were only Andrew, Randy, Erica, Michael, Garland, and Liza to fill the seats.Liza looked around the grand hall and whispered, "Aren't castle weddings usually held in a church with a priest? Why does this feel hybrid?""Stumped me," Garland muttered, equally puzzled.The stage was so big, and he wondered if there would be a co
Caleb took a deep breath, thinking it was Marion's arrangement.But Drake was a troublemaker, not suitable for the happy occasion.Those around Caleb tried to soothe him."Mr. Houston Sr., today's a joyful day. Turning someone away who came to congratulate us would ruin the mood.""Exactly. Why not let Mr. Lowe come in and have a drink?"Caleb thought about it and tacitly approved. The guards surrounding Drake quickly dispersed."Mr. Lowe, this way," the butler said, stepping forward to guide him.Drake casually looked around, but the guests shrank back, uneasy with his presence.Ignoring their reactions, Drake pointed to the table where Caleb was seated."I want to sit there.""Mr. Lowe, that's the main table, reserved for family members only.""Michael counts as family? And what about Randy? Erica is just a distant relative, right? Then there are Fermin and Liza. Since when did they join the Houston family?"Drake was adamant about it. "Let me sit at that table, or my men
If anyone had checked, they would've known the invitation wasn't meant for Drake.Luckily, the Houston family didn't want to make a scene and let them in.Outside the venue, the robbed guest sighed in the cold and left. He was late, giving Drake a chance to take his invitation.It was unbelievable that a famous man like Drake would stoop so low to rob others.Backstage, Debra sat as the artist touched up her makeup. Once it was done, Erica asked, "Have you memorized the ceremony flow? Want to go over the script again?"Debra saw her nervousness in the mirror and laughed, "Why are you even more nervous than me?""Because I've never been a bridesmaid before. What if I mess up on stage?" Erica worried."You won't. Bridesmaids don't even have to speak," Debra reassured her.Just then, footsteps sounded outside. Debra looked over and saw Garland and Liza coming in."What are you doing here instead of staying at the main table?" Erica asked."It's my brother. He said he couldn't ea
"It's time to walk in," Erica exclaimed, helping Debra to her feet.Liza suddenly looked flustered. "What am I supposed to do?""We just walk on either side of the bride. The flower kids will carry her train, so don't worry about it," Erica reassured her.Right then, two children pushed the door open. Their adorable looks melted Erica's heart."Whose little angels are these? Caleb did such a good job," she said.The flower children, a boy and a girl, looked like porcelain dolls. But just as Erica reached out to them, the girl protested, "Lady, you'll smudge my foundation.""Foundation?" Erica blinked, surprised that this little girl knew about cosmetics.Before she could respond, the boy chimed in, "Lady, please don't interrupt our work."The two kids walked over to Debra and carefully lifted her train.Erica felt slighted. "You..." Before she could finish, Liza tugged her arm. "The wedding is about to start. If you make them cry, who's going to carry the train?"Erica nod
The three men around Debra froze.They all knew Michael was one of her most trusted people.Since the founding of the McKinney Group, he had been there. He was, without a doubt, the person she relied on the most."At that time, I was in my room trying to piece together the Illuminati's and Fermin's motives. Even if Marion was hiding things from me, it didn't mean our misunderstanding had to keep getting worse," she explained. "We could just talk things out. That wouldn't work for whoever was pulling the strings. They needed someone to step in, pull me away from Marion, and create conflict between us."She paused and added, "Everyone was reaching out to me, trying to figure out what was going on. But Michael? He only called once. The moment I answered, I was hoping he wouldn't ask me to meet him. But he did.""That's it? That's the reason?""Yeah. I started to suspect him, but I couldn't be sure the house wasn't bugged. So, I had to play along and get out of there first. Even in M
Back then, Debra had been too weak, relying on tricks to survive in the cracks of Seamar City.Now her gaze was determined. She had strong backing and could be herself.For his part, Jordan had made the most important decision of his life because of her.The two cars pulled up at the Potter Mansion. The three of them headed upstairs to see Drake.But as soon as Jordan opened the door, a vase was thrown straight at Debra.Debra froze, and so did Drake on the bed.Jordan kicked the vase away just in time, preventing it from hitting Debra."What's your problem?" Jordan frowned.Drake's face darkened. "Spending a million in a nightclub and booking a hotel room with a gigolo. Debra, you're something else." "Why is everyone asking me the same thing?" Debra rubbed her brows.Jordan didn't interrupt Drake. Instead, he walked in and poured himself a glass of wine."I'm waiting for her explanation too," he said.Juan followed him inside and sat on a nearby sofa.Debra felt the weig
Juan pulled a badge out of his pocket. It had the shape of the sun on it."The Illuminati badge. I found it," he said.Debra took it. "You found it in Jeffery's belongings?""Yeah."Debra turned the badge over in her hand. It looked very similar to the symbol she'd seen in the church and the old castle. Only it didn't have the phoenix."Is there anything else?" she asked."All of his belongings were destroyed. When I found it, there was only rubble left. The Illuminati works quickly, and their influence is vast. I don't know how many businesses here are involved," he replied. "Once someone becomes a member, they're at the Illuminati's beck and call. They may never be asked to do anything, but when the time comes, they have to risk everything to get the job done, or they'll be killed by their people.""That's a high stake. Why would so many people still want to join the Illuminati?""Human desires are endless. Some want fame, some want wealth, and others just want money. To get
Debra's phone rang.She glanced at the screen and answered the call before Michael's angry voice came through."You'd better have a good explanation for this."Debra pulled the phone away from her aching ear."Calm down." "Calm down? I told you to go have fun at that club, not blow a million dollars. And now, you're all over the news, crowned the 'Queen of the Overseas Nightlife Scene' overnight. And you checked into a hotel with a male model. Have you lost your mind?"Michael rarely lost his temper. This time, he was genuinely furious.Debra rubbed her temples. "I was just blowing off steam. Nothing happened with that model.""You threw money around like crazy and booked a hotel room with him. The rumors are everywhere. The whole overseas circle thinks you and Marion are getting a divorce. I bet Seamar City is buzzing with gossip, too. Going back now is like walking away with your pants down.""It's not that bad. I'm exhausted. We'll talk when you're back."Before Michael
It was late into the night when Debra got off the plane.Jordan's car was already parked by the airport. It felt empty with few passengers at that hour.She spotted him at a glance and threw a package at him. He tossed his cigarette aside and caught the package.Debra said, "Kid, you've learned to smoke now?"Jordan protested, "We are the same age. Don't talk like a senior.""Force of habit," Debra smiled. "I thought you were still that red-haired guy who'd always stick up for me back in school. But just two years later, you've grown up.""Debra.""Sorry. It's kind of ingrained."Having lived through a life, she couldn't help but speak to him like an elder."Aren't you going to explain it?""There's nothing to explain. I just came back alone.""Is that all you're going to say?"Together, they walked out of the airport, and he opened the car door for her.Jordan followed her to get into the car, and she finally said, "The news is all true."Jordan froze. "A nightclub model
Josh finally got a good night's sleep.Opening his eyes, he saw Debra was already up."Are you hungry? I can go grab some breakfast for you.""No need. I'm not used to regular stuff."Marion had always made breakfast for her since they got together. At first, these were just simple little things. But now, they had become an inseparable part of her life.Debra shook her head. "Your job is done here. Think about it and come back when you're ready."Before he could respond, she turned and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.Just then, the doorbell rang.Josh threw on his jacket and opened the door.A waiter was pushing a food cart. "Sir, here's your order.""My order?" Josh pointed to himself.The waiter did not explain. He simply rolled the cart inside and left.Debra finished freshening up and stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes landed on the cart."I said I wasn't eating. Did you order this?" she said.Josh removed the lid. Inside lay a freshly baked soufflé, topped w
Randy glanced at the car and said, "Don't be fooled by his façade. Watch how I tear it off."He yanked open the car door and grabbed Marion's arm, trying to drag him out. "Come on," Randy urged. "Erica is mad. Just do me a favor and come out."Marion didn't resist it.Erica stepped forward. "Debra is not the type to mess around. She's doing this to piss you off. I believe she's still waiting for you to explain yourself. Just get up there, talk to her, and deal with whatever's wrong with you. Got it?" "Don't be stubborn," Randy echoed. "Keep this up, and Debra is gone for good."He shoved Marion toward the hotel, but the latter just stood there, unmoving.Several guards arrived. Without a word, they started to drag Erica and Randy away."What the hell? Let go of me. Do you want a fight?" Erica snapped, raising a fist.But then, she recognized those people as well-trained soldiers of the Houston family. There was no way she could beat them.Randy didn't fare any better. He wa
"Really?" Debra raised an eyebrow."Don't judge me by appearances. I'm good at my studies," Josh replied. "One day, I'll make something of myself.""Who says working in this industry means you're a failure? The industry doesn't have ranks or status. If you feel bad about it, just tell yourself you're here to soothe souls. As long as your heart is pure, your body is too.""Thanks." Josh finished his wine in one go."Alright. You can go to bed.""Are you sure you don't wanna..."Josh hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.Though he had no problem saying honeyed words to clients, he was careful with his words around Debra."No, I'm married.""Then why are you...""Didn't your boss tell you when you started in this line of work? Don't try to pry into clients' privacy.""Sorry.""I have a card here. It's enough for your studies and starting a business. After tonight, you probably won't fit in here anymore. But I think you have the potential to be the boss in this line of work
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