"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
Drake, sitting at the main table, had a mouthful of wine and frowned. "What's the relationship between Michael and Debra? Why is he acting like her family?""Probably just a boss-subordinate relationship," Kale replied.Drake put his glass down. "Well, that makes sense. The Frazier family has no one left. Can't exactly pull Ralph out of prison.""You're right, boss."The music in the venue was so loud it felt like the sound waves were going to shatter their eardrums."Who designed this wedding?""I'm not sure."Drake took a deep breath. If he were not bound by etiquette, he would have turned around and left by now."Mr. Houston, do you take Ms. Frazier to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love her for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, forsaking all others, and being faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?""I do.""Ms. Frazier, do you take Mr. Houston to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love him for better or for worse, in
"Hurry! Where's the dress for the toast?" Erica rushed to find the next set of clothes for Debra.Just as they reached the changing room, a staff member handed Erica a white dress. Without looking closely, Erica was about to pass it to Debra.The staff member quickly intervened, "Miss Mathis. That's not for the bride. It's for you.""For me? Do bridesmaids need to change clothes too?" Erica asked, surprised.Liza hurried over. "What about me?""I'm sorry, Miss Eaton, this one is for Miss Mathis," the staff member explained.Liza grumbled, "We're both bridesmaids. Why does Erica get to change and I don't? I don't care. I want to change too."The staff member looked troubled. If she couldn't complete the task Randy gave her, her career was over."Here, you can change into this one," Debra chimed in, handing Liza a white gown.The staff member was relieved, admiring Debra for her foresight.Debra added, "Come with me. This one is a bit tricky to put on.""I usually don't share
As the whiskey was brought over, Randy quickly downed it in one gulp.Drake saw it and snorted, "Coward.""What? Who are you calling a coward?" Randy spat, pointing at Drake. "Don't think just because you've known Marion longer, I won't dare to punch you. Let me tell you, I'm Marion's best friend.""Who cares about your friendship? You want to hit me? Go ahead and try."Just as Randy was about to make a move, Garland quickly checked him. "Calm down. You don't want to ruin Marion and Debra's big day.""You're right," Randy said, grimacing. "But how did Marion, a lone wolf, manage to get married? While I'm still stuck with nothing."Unsure how to comfort him, Garland patted him on the back, which caused him to retch.A strong smell of alcohol wafted through the air. Garland, who hated bad smells, immediately felt queasy and almost gagged from the stench."What the hell?" He shoved Randy away in disgust."Sorry." Randy wobbled.Drake couldn't help but roll his eyes. 'What kind o
"This is Mr. Lowe's territory," Debra said, glancing at Marion. "We should toast him for providing such a great venue for our wedding."Marion picked up his glass and clinked it against Drake's.Marion downed his glass first, and Drake followed suit.Debra smiled and looked around. Everyone was there except Andrew."Erica, where's Andrew?" she asked quietly.Erica looked around, but there were no signs of him. "He disappeared after entering the venue. Maybe he had something urgent to attend to and left early?"Garland chimed in, "He sent such an expensive gift but didn't even stay for a drink? Is this guy nuts?"Erica kicked him. "Watch your mouth. If his people hear you, you're finished.""You're beating me up before they even get the chance," Garland muttered.He was just speaking the truth. Who would just show their faces at the wedding and then leave?Debra said, "It's okay. Andrew is always busy. He's never left Seamar City in all these years. The fact that he came perso
Randy's voice was so loud it brought the entire room to silence.Erica froze, and so did Randy.He had only meant to ask her to be his girlfriend. But with the alcohol clouding his head, his true feelings had slipped out.Before he could backtrack, the crowd around them began to cheer, "Say yes."Erica was flustered, glancing at the ring and then the onlookers.She blushed and stammered, "This is Juan and Debra's wedding day. What are you doing? Get up.""I don't care. If you don't say yes, I'm not getting up," Randy insisted, playing the rogue.To stop the farce, she extended her hand and said, "Alright, I'll say yes. Just get up already."Randy lit up with joy, quickly slipping the ring onto her finger.Debra burst out laughing. "Randy, you've got it all wrong. She agreed to your proposal, but she didn't say she's ready to have the wedding right now."Randy's face turned crimson. He hurried to take the ring off, but Erica grabbed him and bolted from the stage. The crowd c
Debra laughed with amusement, and Jordan laughed along."Alright, I can't stay long. Congrats on the wedding. Remember to open the gift when you get back.""Got it."He put on his helmet, and she saw him off with a smile."What are you doing there alone?" Erica rushed over, holding up her dress.Debra looked at her still-flushed face. "Did the confession go well?"Erica blushed even more. "Did you know about it all along?""Of course," Debra grinned.Erica pouted. "How could you let Randy do something so crazy? Who proposes at someone else's wedding?""He's not an outsider," Debra said, smiling. "Besides, we're all happy for you two."Just then, Liza came up and said, "What are you guys doing here? The bride needs to change clothes."Debra's smile faltered, and Erica teased her, "You've got 12 outfits to get through tonight. No slacking off."She then dragged Debra to the dressing room.In the hall, everyone was full and tipsy by the time Debra emerged in her 12th outfit.
Debra didn't expect Erica to be so eager to open the gifts."How about you open them for me?""No way. That's something you have to do yourself. You never know, you might open a gift and find the price of an entire building inside."Debra couldn't help but laugh. She knew all the guests were wealthy and wouldn't be stingy with their gifts. But finding the price of a building in a gift? That seemed a little crazy.Just then, an attendant knocked on the door."Come in.""Madam, Mr. Houston said he's waiting for you in the lobby.""Got it. I'll be right there."Debra had changed into a more comfortable black dress. As she walked toward the lobby, an arm suddenly draped around her neck and pulled her into a corner.In reflex, she bit down on the arm, and Drake cried out in pain.When Debra realized it was him, she quickly released her bite."What are you doing?""What are you doing?""Sorry. I've had a bit of a reflex from being kidnapped before. I'll be gentler next time."D
"You're not part of the Houston family. Stay out of our business," one of the shareholders snapped."Exactly," another chimed in. "Your ancestors were just deputies. You have no right to speak here."Randy's face darkened. "Say that again?"Marion raised a hand. "So, you want me to step down?""We want an election," Corey said. "The Houston family has had its time at the helm. As shareholders, we're obliged to choose the most suitable candidate. It doesn't have to be you, Marion.""Let's vote, then." Marion shrugged.Randy was shocked. "Are you serious? These people are just trying to force you out. You can't...""If it's an election, let's have it," Marion said, tapping the table.A group of shareholders then filed into the room. They were all old associates of the Houston family, loyalists who had stood by Caleb for years. They lined up behind Marion as a show of support.Corey scoffed, "There are ten of us, and we control 55% of the shares. What's the point of calling in th
Debra wished she was wrong.She looked down at the file in her hands. Pure Color hadn't even launched yet. It didn't make sense he was interested in it unless he was also reborn.She closed the file and made a call.A calm, professional voice answered, "Hello, Nichols Group."Debra stayed silent for a moment, and the receptionist spoke again."Hello?""Does Mr. Nichols have any appointments today?""His schedule is fully booked for the next few days. You can leave your name and number, and we'll contact you within eight hours.""Never mind."Debra hung up the phone, remembering something told to her by Theda. If Theda and she could be reborn, there could be more cases.If Juan had also been reborn, the future would hold even more uncertainties.The office landline suddenly rang, breaking her train of thought.Debra picked it up, and Garland's urgent voice came through. "Debra, get back here. Something's happened.""What's going on?" Debra tensed up.Garland replied, "A lo
The next day, at the McKinney Group headquarters, Ben handed a file to Debra."Since Juan took over, the Nichols Group has been recovering. Here are a few brands and shops he's recently acquired," he reported.Debra opened it, scanning the contents. Most of the pages detailed partnerships with big-name brands, but a few unfamiliar names caught her attention."They have partnered with several major brands and acquired a few smaller ones," Ben explained. "The brands we originally intended to sign with are now choosing the Nichols Group because of Juan's takeover. Given their recent moves, it's clear they're expanding their business scale and trying to take our market share. If this continues, our market share could drop from 70% to 40% or even less."When Debra didn't respond, he continued, "Madam, we need to come up with a plan to safeguard our profits.""These brands look familiar.""That's normal since they're some of the most well-known brands on the market.""I'm not talking
Garland returned to his room and quickly locked the door, ensuring no one was around. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Hello? Verna? Get my dad on the phone. What's going on? You heard me. Fermin is alive. Get my dad on the line now."Verna stared at the receiver, baffled."Who's calling?" Bert asked, slowly coming down the stairs.Verna snapped back and replied, "Sir, it's Mr. Garland Eaton. He's saying something about Mr. Fermin Eaton coming back to life."Bert frowned and came over to pick up the phone.Garland's voice came again. "Verna? Are you listening?"Bert took a deep breath. "What nonsense are you spouting now?""Dad," Garland exclaimed. "You won't believe this, but your beloved Fermin is still alive."Bert's expression darkened. "Nonsense. You know he died in that car accident. How could he still be alive?""But he is," Garland insisted. "The new president of the Lowe Group caught Liza yesterday. Debra asked me to impersonate Fermin to help with negot
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."