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
Moreover, Shelia was injured.Shelia's face lit up.Receiving a message from Debra last night, Erica came early in the morning.She got out of the car, and the driver placed the luggage in the trunk.Erica asked puzzledly, "Why wear a scarf in this weather?""I caught a cold," Debra laughed dryly.Erica sensed something wrong and, after pulling the scarf off, noticed the bruises on Debra's neck."Who did this? Juan?" Erica was furious.Knowing her temper, Debra tried to calm her down. "It doesn't hurt anymore.""Is it really that bastard?" Erica clenched her fists, ready to storm into the house."Don't go. I'm really fine." Debra held her back."No! I must teach him a lesson," Erica persisted.Debra held her tightly. "Juan promised not to go after your company. If you make a scene, my efforts will go to waste.""Am I afraid of him? Let him kill me if he can!"Debra quickly got Erica into the car and had the driver lock the doors.She couldn't let Erica cause a scene."D
Shelia was tearful and felt misunderstood by the whole world."Miss Mathis, how could you humiliate me like this in front of so many people? I may be poor, but I have dignity! I have never done such things," she said firmly. "You can't slander me just because Debra is your friend. Even if I'm poor, I won't let you defame me like this. Just because you're rich doesn't mean you can splash dirt on me."Erica was eager to argue, but she couldn't find the right words.Debra stepped forward and sneered, "Poor?"Shelia still had that fragile yet stubborn look as she gazed at Debra.Previously, Debra had only gone tit for tat against Shelia, never intending to force her out of school.Now Shelia's affectation made Debra regret her leniency.She approached, and Shelia retreated in fear. "What are you going to do?"She snatched Shelia's handbag, took out one bank card after another, and grabbed the suit jacket hanging on Shelia's clothes."Every single one of these bank cards is given b
Debra's words made Juan stiff.Debra pulled Erica and said, "Let's go."Before leaving, Erica spat at Juan.Originally, Debra didn't want to fall out with Juan, but she couldn't bear it anymore."Juan..." Shelia cautiously tugged at Juan's sleeve. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault.""What's going on with the bulletin board?" Juan suddenly interjected.Shelia's face twitched, but she quickly adopted a pitiful look. "Someone at school was jealous of Debra's looks, so they spread rumors. Debra misunderstood it was me, so..."Juan furrowed his brow.He never involved himself in Debra's school matters, let alone knew the rumors.Debra had never mentioned it to him."It wasn't me. I've explained to Debra, but she didn't believe me," Shelia added.Juan remained silent.Afraid Juan wouldn't believe her, she bit her lip and continued, "The Inspection Team investigated it and confirmed it wasn't someone else. But Debra is biased against me and refuses to believe it."Seeing Shelia sobbi
"Who Did It?" Juan asked."It's said that after the incident, the Inspection Team came to the school once. It was a girl named Carrie, and she happens to be Miss Miles' friend," Joe replied.Juan frowned deeply.Joe probed, "Maybe this matter is related to Miss Miles. Should we continue investigating?"Juan rubbed his temples.Debra was slandered and bullied, but she hadn't told him anything.He wondered if he was so insignificant to her."Since the Inspection Team has already investigated, there's no need for further inquiry," Juan said blandly. "Tell Shelia to stay away from those people. Don't let them influence her negatively."Joe wanted to say something, but seeing Juan's expression, he could only agree. "Will do."...Debra led Erica into Building #2. Erica hadn't expected Juan to eavesdrop, causing such a stir. "He defended Shelia so blatantly in front of you. It's infuriating!"Erica was angry but more concerned about Debra's situation. "You just had a falling out w
Ivan instinctively tried to step back but stopped himself, remembering his mission to earn her trust.Debra noticed his subtle movement and raised an eyebrow. It looked like he was still reeling from the fear of getting hit.Marion came downstairs and approached them. Ivan quickly retreated."Saw that earlier," Marion murmured."Just messing with him," Debra said, chuckling. "He thought he could win me over by playing innocent. Scared stiff but trying not to show it. Hilarious.""Was it so fun?" Marion flicked her forehead. "Not worried I'd get jealous?""He's just a kid. Why would you?" She flashed her phone at him. "This is what you should worry about."Marion glanced at the viral news headline. His expression stayed neutral until he spotted Juan and Andrew's names."Give me a minute.""What're you doing?""Taking them down."He pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen.Debra bit back a laugh at his intensity. Just then, her phone rang. It was Ben."Let me
Barton pushed open the door and entered Andrew's bedroom. "Sir, Mrs. Houston has found all the ledgers.""I see." Andrew nodded.Barton hesitated. "Sir, the mastermind will act soon. Should we...""Life goes on. No need to borrow trouble," Andrew replied. "You can go now."After Barton left, the gauzy curtains fluttered in the breeze.Andrew gazed at the dark sky outside and whispered, "This time, I'm here with you."...The next morning, Debra grabbed her bag, ready to go to work.Ivan blocked her path. "Mrs. Houston, have you eaten breakfast?""Not hungry, thanks." She sidestepped him.He scrambled in front of her again. "Maybe a sandwich?"Debra forced a polite smile. "I'm really not hungry."Ivan blocked her a third time. "Coffee, maybe?"Debra dropped her bag. "Out with it. What's going on?"Ivan looked torn. Debra crossed her arms. "No? Then I'm leaving.""Wait." Ivan quickly took out his phone. "There's news. Today's headlines."Debra snatched the phone. The scre
Marion's gaze turned icy when he saw Drake blocking Debra's path.Drake glared. "I wasn't done talking.""'Finished now,' Marion said coolly.Drake turned to Debra. "I need to..."She waved dismissively. "I'm going to hit the sack. You should too."Debra walked off, and Marion closed the door for him.Drake lunged forward, but Kale held him back."Boss, your injuries..." "Screw the injuries. Let me at him."Marion opened the door, deadpan. "Don't like it closed? I'll leave it open.""Damn..." Kale clamped a hand over Drake's mouth.It was not wise to fight Marion there at the Potter Mansion. Besides, they hadn't gotten the Lowe Group back.Back in their room, Debra smirked at Marion. "Thought you weren't worried. Why eavesdrop?"Marion pulled her close. "How could I not worry?""Then why let me talk to him alone?" She tilted her head. "I know you're jealous."He pressed his lips together. "I don't want to restrain your freedom. It was just a talk. He couldn't steal
"What's the fuss?" Debra said.Drake hesitated. "I..." Outside, Erica and Randy shoved past Kale, ducking behind Marion.Kale initially tried to block them but retreated under Marion's icy glare.Inside, Drake noticed the door was slightly ajar. He scowled. "Hold on."Before Debra could react, he yanked the door open, exposing the three eavesdroppers.Debra raised an eyebrow. 'Really?'Erica cringed, looking at Randy. Randy pointed at Marion, and Marion blinked innocently.Debra smiled at them, slammed the door shut, and locked it.Randy gaped. "Did you hear that? She locked us out."Marion's jaw tightened."Let's go." Erica dragged Randy down the hall.Inside the room, Debra muttered, "We're alone now. Spit it out."Drake silently stared at her, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have things to say or not?"Drake awkwardly cleared his throat. "Do you know Fermin likes you?"Debra barely flinched. "Yeah. Why?""You know?" Drake looked like his brain short-circuite
Everyone snapped to attention, flipping through the records. But the entries were pretty much the same—lists of expenses for rice, oil, flour, and other mundane supplies."Any maps or codes?" Randy scratched his head.Erica smacked the ledger. "Nothing. Just numbers and grocery lists."Debra traced a column of figures. "Right, numbers!"Erica was puzzled. "Numbers? How's that a treasure map?"Randy muttered, "Could it be that we've been thinking in the wrong direction? Maybe this isn't a treasure map after all?"Erica echoed, "Could it really be, like the elders said, just an account book that we've somehow turned into a myth?"As the group agonized, Drake finally snapped. "Debra, we need to talk.""Hm? About what?""Let's talk outside.""Can't say it here?""Outside." Drake stormed out. Debra sighed, turning to Marion. "Can I?"Erica and Randy glanced at him nervously.Marion nodded. "Go ahead."Erica and Randy gaped. 'No jealousy?' The second Debra left, Erica hiss
The dust on the lock was uneven. Clearly, someone had opened it recently.Marion pulled out an old key. "These locks are century-old designs. No key, no entry."He clicked it open, revealing rows of tablets. The hall was wider than that of the Fraziers.Debra hesitated. She'd never properly paid respects here since marrying Marion."Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma," Marion said softly, squeezing her hand. "I'm here with Debra."Debra tightened her grip. "We're here to visit you guys. Please watch over us. Help us find who's targeting the four families.""They will." Marion nodded. "Let's find the ledger."To her surprise, it sat under a pillar, barely hidden. "This isn't exactly hard to find.""Getting in is the challenge." Marion checked the ledger's age. "Let's head back. See if combining all four families' records reveals anything."If the ledgers combined meant a map, they'd be one step closer to the treasure.At Potter Mansion, Erica glanced at her watch and gaped. "Back
Drake's face darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting?""If you're not a spy, why stare at Mrs. Houston? I stare because I like her. You too?"Garland's words made Drake bark a laugh. "You like Debra?"Though shaky, Garland puffed his chest. "Yeah. I confessed to her right in front of Marion, and she let me look. You? Suspicious."Drake clenched his teeth. "Is Debra out of her mind?""See? You're the shady one." Garland jabbed a finger. "Admit it. You've got a crush.""Kale." Drake yanked open the locked door and shoved Garland out. "Get him out of my face.""Yes, boss.""Hey. Don't get mad just because I called you out. Drake, you're just..." "Gag him." When Kale returned, Drake paced angrily."This guy's identity is questionable. Should I...""He is not Fermin, but why is Debra keeping him around?""But Miss Eaton calls him brother. Maybe they're twins?""Twins?""Explains the mismatch. The other one is a genius, and this one a clueless idiot.""Clueless and blin
Before Garland could react, Drake had already shoved him into the room and pinned him against the door.Garland gulped nervously. 'What the hell? I'm not into guys.'"What's this about? This closeness is a bit much," Garland laughed awkwardly, trying to duck.But Drake flipped the lock with one hand and blocked his escape with the other.Garland's heart dropped. 'Gosh! Is Drake really gay?'"Back off! I'm straight.""What the hell are you babbling about?""You dragged me here alone. Isn't it obvious you want to..." Realization hit Drake. His face darkened, and he smacked Garland's head. "You think I'd hit on you? I'd need brain damage first.""Then why the sneaky moves? And why'd you hit me?" Garland hopped back, indignant."Cut the act. You're not Fermin." Drake got straight to the point.Garland stiffened but doubled down. "Of course, I am. We've fought before. You know my face.""I don't know what game you're playing, but Juan is in it with you," Drake hissed."Juan?
Edgar's face twisted like Randy had hit a nerve.Randy smirked, "Know your place, Edgar. We're being nice by chatting. Push us, and we'll demand repayment. You'd be jumping off a building by noon.""Why are you rapping so much?" Erica sulked.Randy mimed zipping his lips.Debra turned to Ivan, who'd been hovering near the kitchen. "Escort Mr. Odom to the guest room upstairs. The one at the end. He prefers privacy."As Ivan approached, the bruises on his neck from Debra's strike were still visible.Drake narrowed his eyes, figuring out her plan to isolate the two.Once they were gone, Debra tapped the table. "The ledger."Randy shrugged silently.Erica kicked his shin. "The ledger." "You told me to shut up.""Want another kick?""It's in your bag. You forgot."Erica blinked, then dug through her bag. "Got too intrigued by the story."She then placed the Osborne family's ledger on the table.Debra compared it to the Fraizer and Potter records. "Only the Houston family le