Jordan was hot-tempered. When he heard this, he exploded, "What the hell did you say?"His fierce expression daunted Carrie, who quickly tried to reason with him, "Mr. Jordan Potter, this is for your good. Do you know this woman tried to seduce Shelia's boyfriend? She even went to school to pursue him. Why are you still speaking up for her?"Erica chuckled, "Shelia's boyfriend? Where did she get a boyfriend?"Carrie scoffed, "You're no better, just another escort like this woman. You're not qualified to question me!""Damn!" Erica was infuriated.But before she could take any action, Randy cut in sharply, "Who are you calling an escort?"His loud voice caught the attention of Carrie's parents.When they realized it was Randy speaking and standing beside their daughter, they informed Wendy's parents and hurried over."What's going on?" Carrie's father assumed an elder's posture, clearly protective of his daughter."Dad! They're bullying me!" Carrie complained.Her father sized
Carrie was daunted, hiding behind her father.It was the first time he had seen his daughter so aggrieved. He immediately spoke up, "Mr. Jordan Potter! Carrie is just a kid. Can't you just accommodate yourself to her a little? How could you..."Jordan cut him off, sneering, "Are you teaching me how to do things?"Everyone around wore expressions of anticipation.They all knew Jordan's character.Since he was born, only Andrew could manage him. No one else had dared to lecture him.Carrie's father was displeased. "Regardless, I am a senior.""Oh really?" Jordan snorted with disdain.In this circle, seniority always deferred to those more powerful. Carrie's father was just a minor business owner. Without Debra's invitation, he wouldn't have even been able to set foot here."Mr. Jordan Potter, this woman is just an escort. How can you humiliate my father and me for her? At least we run a business, while she has nothing," Carrie said tearfully.Jordan's gaze became sharper. "Say
"Will do." Jordan then shouted at those people. "Why aren't you leaving yet?"Carrie's expression changed slightly. "Mr. Andrew Potter, the invitation was sent by your family. We've just arrived. Why are you asking us to leave? Is this how you treat your guests?"Debra had to say this girl was quite blunt.No one had dared to be so bold in front of Andrew."Would you like to experience the hospitality of the Potter family?" Andrew raised his eyes, his gaze deep and unfathomable.He had a faint smile on his face, yet his words sent shivers down everyone's spine.Suddenly, several black-clad bodyguards stepped forward, grabbing the arms of these people and dragging them out.Carrie's high heels fell to the ground as she struggled. "Let go! What are you doing? Let go!"In a short while, the hall fell silent, as if this commotion had never occurred."Sorry for the disturbance." Andrew resumed his gentleness.Debra couldn't help but size up Andrew.In her past life, she hadn't ha
"Mrs. Nichols didn't say a word from start to finish, but Miss Mathis seemed very angry." Joe paused and added, "Among those present were our people. He mentioned that Miss Miles' classmates stood up for her because of rumors that Mrs. Nichols had seduced Miss Miles' boyfriend."Juan pressed his lips together.Shelia had limited interaction at school, and he had never heard of her having a boyfriend."Go and investigate this matter thoroughly, and also check with the school," he instructed.He didn't usually inquire much about Debra's affairs at Arcane Academy, and Debra had always kept a low profile, so much so that Melody hadn't learned anything. However, the rumor of her being involved in compensated dating didn't seem baseless."Yes, sir." Joe quickly left.Juan pushed open the door to the hospital room and saw that Shelia had already woken up at some point. She looked exhausted as she gazed at Juan, apologizing, "I'm sorry for the trouble.""The doctor said you have low blo
Debra stared at Andrew. Despite his poor health, he managed the Potter family so well, which was quite daunting."Sir, we've brought her over," a bodyguard announced, leading a seductive woman forward.Debra watched from the sidelines, pretending to sip her drink and expecting some drama.The woman blushed coyly, her eyes showing a hint of seduction.Debra recalled seeing this woman downstairs earlier. She had been trying to get close to Jordan but got rejected."Mr. Andrew Potter, did you summon me for something?" The woman's voice was low and captivating.Debra couldn't help but sneak a few glances. The woman was practically clinging to Andrew, who remained composed with a cold smile."What are you doing? Let go of me!"The woman's arms were tightly held, and she was pinned to the ground. Her earlier allure was all gone."Tell the person behind you. If they think they can gather the Potter family's secrets through women, they're mistaken," Andrew said, his voice devoid of wa
Debra couldn't quite figure out Andrew's meaning, but one thing was certain. Andrew didn't want her near the terrace.Debra didn't challenge Andrew. She simply nodded politely before heading downstairs.When Debra reached the bottom, she saw Jordan drinking alone near the staircase. Spotting her, he immediately set down his drink and asked, "Why did you go upstairs?""I just needed some fresh air," Debra replied.She noticed a hint of nervousness in Jordan's eyes as she asked, "Doesn't your brother like people going to the second floor?""Not exactly. That's where he discusses business," Jordan replied vaguely.Debra had never been to any party held by the Potter family before, so she wasn't familiar with their customs.But she hadn't been stopped when she went up earlier, suggesting it was tacitly allowed by Andrew. Perhaps he wanted her to learn from the event and stay away from Jordan."It's getting late, and I should leave.""I'll walk you out!""It's okay."Just as Debr
Debra was taken aback.Andrew's question hit her at just the right moment.If Juan just took her away like this, the Potter family's reputation would be damaged. Andrew naturally would stop him. Otherwise, word would spread that the Potter family feared Juan.By standing up for her, Andrew preserved her dignity and showed everyone that the Potter family wasn't afraid of Juan.But if she chose not to go with Juan, it would turn the Nichols and Potter families into enemies.Juan would lose face, and as his wife, she would lose any future support from the Nichols family.And if this matter was learned by Melody, she wouldn't support Debra, who disgraced the Nichols family.The Potter family would gain a new enemy, distancing themselves from Debra, who couldn't read the situation.Though Andrew's words seemed like a question, there was only one answer for her.She had to go with Juan.That way, both families could settle peacefully, and she would secure the protection of both in
Seeing Debra about to faint, Juan quickly withdrew his hand.Debra coughed and took a while to recover."Debra, I..."Juan reached out to touch the red mark on Debra's neck, but she cautiously backed away.Juan fell silent.Just now, he had lost control.On the way back, they both remained silent. When they reached home, she saw the warm decorations and instantly knew it was arranged by Melody through Sophie.Thinking back to the scene in the car just now, Debra chuckled bitterly.Living under the same roof as a man who had tried to kill her was incredibly revolting."Debra!" Juan's voice sounded from behind, but Debra didn't stop her steps upstairs.Right now, she didn't want to say a word to Juan, let alone listen to his explanations.The next day, as dawn broke, Debra came downstairs. Juan looked weary, leaning on the sofa as if he hadn't slept all night.She packed some daily necessities, preparing to return to her apartment.Seeing Debra coming down, Juan immediately
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju
Debra's heart sank.Back when she'd teamed up with Michael, she had nothing, offering him Frazier Entertainment shares to seal the deal. Later, Frazier Entertainment merged into the McKinney Group, and she handed it off to him.To keep her identity hidden, she'd tossed him more shares. With Frazier Entertainment, he'd racked up 30%.She'd thought he deserved it. For two years, he'd run the show plenty. She'd never seen this coming."Madam, you there?" Ben's voice shook.This was huge and should stay quiet. Otherwise, the company would fall into chaos.Debra's blood ran cold. She hadn't expected Michael to go so far."I'll be there soon," she said, hanging up.She turned to Marion. "Michael scooped up loose shares. He's gunning for a vote as top shareholder."Over 40% wasn't half, but it made him the biggest player. Calling a vote was his right.Debra only had 40%. If 10% of the rest sided with Michael, he could oust her."Don't sweat it," Marion said. "We'll hit it together.
That shut everyone up.If Jordan was right, Drake was gambling with his neck."That's too risky. I've gotta drag him back." Debra spun to leave.Erica grabbed her. "Jordan's guys are on it. They'll ping us if they find him. You can't go out like this and become their target.""I'm not their focus anymore," Debra said. "They'll zero in on Drake."She looked at Marion. "Get your people searching. We need his trail fast, or he's dead."Once the Illuminati squeezed the stone's location out of Drake, they'd kill him.Orkgate was now controlled by Lara. Drake had no other value for them."On it," Marion said.They split up. Erica and Randy tapped their networks."Debra, don't freak," Jordan said. "Drake is not dumb. Injured like that, he couldn't have gone far. As long as he keeps that secret, they won't kill him."Debra nodded. "Hope he doesn't do anything stupid."She should've seen it coming. A proud guy like Drake couldn't handle being down for so long.His injuries were bru
Outside their room, Drake froze mid-knock.His head was down, and his expression was hidden. Eventually, his hand dropped, and he sighed.He turned around and shuffled downstairs, leaning on the wall. He was a broken mess now, unwilling to drag them down....Debra woke up the next morning, reaching for Marion.He wasn't there. She bolted upright, threw off the covers, and ran barefoot downstairs, shouting, "Marion?"In the hall, Marion and Jordan turned as she stumbled in, still in her pajamas.Marion rushed up, slipping off his slippers for her. "What's with the panic?""I didn't see you." She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought you'd...""Any luck?" Jordan asked Kale, who'd just walked in.Kale shook his head. "Not yet.""What's up?" Debra asked, clocking everyone's grim faces."Drake's gone," Marion said. "No note, nothing. We're looking.""Did the cameras catch anything? Could it be the Illuminati...""Not them. He walked out himself.""Why the hell would he just up a
Debra jolted awake from a nightmare, her forehead slick with sweat."Still torn up about Michael?" Marion's voice came from beside her.She settled into his arms, finally feeling a little relieved. These past two months, they'd faced everything alone. She hadn't curled up with him like this in forever."It's my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't trusted Michael so much, the Eaton family wouldn't have been a mess. Mr. Eaton Sr. wouldn't have been in the hospital.""It's your fault," Marion said, patting her back. "Even without your trust, the Illuminati would've found a way in. That was their goal.""I just can't wrap my head around why Michael's one of them," she said.She'd spent all night recalling the past, from meeting Michael to building the McKinney Group with him. He was key to its success, but everything had been a lie."Maybe he was never with us," Marion said. "The Illuminati's everywhere. Didn't you check his background when you teamed up?""I..." Debra faltered.S