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
Melody learned about last night's incident and made a scene at home.The Frazier family was also restless. Rosalie had long wanted to see Debra embarrassed. News of Juan leaving with another woman at the banquet had spread throughout their circle.Ralph bombarded her with phone calls, but Debra didn't answer.When Joe took Debra back to the Nichols family's house, Melody was smashing water glass against the wall.Juan was silent, but his clothes were disheveled. Marks of violence were on his body, and his face was pale."Debra, you knew, right? And you let them do as they pleased?" Melody's chest heaved with anger."Juan likes her. There's nothing I can do," Debra replied calmly, showing a detached attitude.She had already prepared for the worst-case scenario.If Juan exposed her enrollment at Arcane Academy, she would just divorce him."I don't get it. What's so good about a college girl? Debra is prettier and more capable. Are you blind? How did I raise such a grandson?" Me
"Yep.""I thought you meant my company.""Not really," Garland quickly reassured her. "Even if Theda has those shares, she can't compete with you."Debra took a sip of what she thought was tea, only to realize it was Coke. She glanced at Garland, who was wolfing down his food with no regard for manners."I've heard that you have a ruthless streak and get things done efficiently," she probed. "If we join hands, dominating overseas and Seamar City markets won't be a problem. What do you think?"Garland nearly choked on the food. 'Ruthless? Efficient? That sounds more like my dad.'As for cooperation, he didn't have the authority to make that decision."What you're saying makes sense," he stammered. "Given our relationship, a partnership wouldn't be a problem. But this is a big decision. I'll need to discuss it with my dad."Noticing Debra's suspicious look, he quickly corrected himself. "I mean, I'll talk to the shareholders and get my dad's approval.""I heard that your father
Lara recounted what happened to Debra, who muttered in confusion, "Huh? He only recorded my meals?"She glanced at Marion, who was equally clueless."He didn't ask anything else. But since no one was eating in the dining room, he went back to his room.""He made his actions so obvious," Debra mused. "I'll test him again and find out what he is trying to do."Marion advised, "From the way things are going right now, his brain doesn't seem so sharp. You should be careful not to overplay your hand when probing him. I'm afraid he won't catch on.""He's the heir to the Eaton family. He can't be that dull," Debra reasoned."I'm not calling him a fool," Marion explained. "But he has been acting like one."Fermin's recent behavior had betrayed his low intelligence.When they were at the Potter Mansion, he had maintained his sophistication, but over time, he couldn't be bothered to fake it anymore, always showing his true colors in front of them."I'll go try something," Debra said, st
"Liza and Fermin are here," Debra said, changing the subject."I heard." Marion nodded."I suspect Fermin is here to keep an eye on us," Debra shared her thoughts. "He is the heir to the Eaton family. It doesn't make sense for him to come here personally. But his interaction with Liza suggests they are real siblings. I just don't get why he'd bother monitoring me."They had stayed at the Potter Mansion for a while, but nothing had happened. If Fermin was as cunning as rumors suggested, he wouldn't have been sitting around and doing nothing.Debra had deliberately let them stay to keep an eye on them. But Seamar City remained peaceful."Are you doubting his identity now?" Marion asked."Doubting is one thing. Knowing what he's up to is another, and finding out his true identity is yet another," Debra replied, shaking her head. "I don't know if he's dumb or playing dumb. We need to find an opportunity to test him.""Then let's test him," Marion agreed. "Finding out what he's monit
When Debra returned to the room, she saw Marion trying to get out of bed and walk.She hurried over to support him. "The doctor said you shouldn't be moving around right now. Why aren't you listening?"Marion brushed it off. "My physical condition is better than most people's. I'll heal faster.""Cut the nonsense," Debra retorted. "The venom may have been neutralized, but you're still weak. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You're eager to go back and retaliate against the Buchan family."The mention of the Buchan family made Marion pause, realizing she must've interrogated Robert."So, you know.""Of course, I know. Think you could handle things without me finding out?"She tapped his forehead and said, "You didn't have to fight them. If Theda wants the Nichols Group so badly, let her have it. I don't care.""I know," Marion said, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I just don't want anyone to steal your things."He could feel Debra's obsession with the N
Debra tactfully suggested, "Your influence in Orkgate is undeniable, but sometimes you can be a bit misguided. Why don't we...""No. I'm doing this alone," Drake refused, heading toward his study.Debra was speechless. If Drake took things into his hands, Orkgate would be turned upside down. If he stirred the pot too much, the target would surely flee the city. She couldn't let him act so recklessly.Kale had just escorted Garland and Liza to the guest room.Seeing Drake return, he asked, "Boss, are you sure about letting them stay here?""Why not? It's not like we're short on guest rooms," Drake replied dismissively.He then ordered, "I need you to gather information on every business in Orkgate, big or small, whether they're our partners or not. Get their details and map out their network. Don't miss a thing."Kale blinked. "Every business? And their network?"Orkgate was vast and bustling, with countless businesses. Compiling all that information would take weeks, even with
That was a jab at his intelligence.Drake sulked, "Who are you insulting? Of course, I noticed.""You did?" Debra said. "I thought you were scared of Fermin's status, so you didn't kick them out.""I was just being kind for your sake," Drake stated. "If they were not your friends, I would have kicked them out long ago."Unhappy about her challenge, Drake turned to leave.Debra quickly stopped him. "Take it easy. I was just kidding. I'm sorry, okay?""It's too late. Apology unaccepted," Drake scoffed, shaking off her hand.But then, something occurred to him, and he asked, "Wait. You'd never apologize to me for no good reason. What do you want?""Well, I need a favor," she replied."No way." Drake covered his ears. "Whenever you come to me, it's never for anything good. I've already been more than generous in letting you and Marion stay here. Don't push your luck.""I won't be so absolute." Debra swatted his hands away from his ears. "Isn't Orkgate your territory? Do me a favo
"You've misunderstood. That's not what I meant," Debra explained."I think that's exactly what you meant," Drake interrupted. "You can forget about it. Since I've already agreed to let Marion recuperate here, you're not backing out. None of you are leaving until Marion fully recovers."He turned to Kale and ordered, "Go prepare rooms for Miss and Mr. Eaton. We're not short of guest rooms."His gaze shifted to Debra, his tone dropping to a menacing warning. "Make sure they behave themselves in my house."Debra reassured him, "Don't worry. We're all nice people here."Liza rolled her eyes, uninterested in the exchange. As long as there was good food and fun, she couldn't care less about the rest.But Garland's expression tightened with discomfort. If he stayed there, it would be difficult for him to update Juan on Debra's situation.It had already been days, and Debra still hadn't gone back. Juan must be worried sick.While Garland wrestled with his thoughts, he suddenly felt a g
Behind Liza, Drake spoke up. "That's right. Who would dare lay a hand on Miss Eaton? That would be suicide."Liza crowed, "Tell me about it."Drake's eyes grew even colder. Debra, aware of Drake's disdain for the arrogant heirs of wealthy families, feared he might lose his temper.She quickly intervened, "Mr. Lowe is kind enough to take us in, and he was once engaged to you. You should be more polite.""Exactly," Garland chimed in. "You should learn from Mrs. Houston and be humbler."Liza was unimpressed. "But Dad said a girl should be tough and not let anyone push her around. Should I listen to you or Dad?"Garland was at a loss for words. From a young age, Bert spoiled Liza, giving her the best of everything and ensuring she never faced any hardship.This upbringing had made her arrogant and willful, believing her family name could protect her from anything. It had, except for that one time when she helped Cathryn and incurred Marion's wrath.In fact, Bert was contemplating w
Liza ignored Garland and said, "I don't believe it. Bring them here."Not interested in arguing with her, Drake said, "They're upstairs. Go find them yourself."Garland hadn't expected Drake to be so accommodating this time. He grabbed Liza's arm and urged, "Let's go upstairs."Liza remained skeptical as she headed upstairs. Drake couldn't stand the sight of her and walked back to his study.Not knowing where Debra was staying, Liza asked Kale, "Which room are Debra and Marion in?"Having been insulted by her earlier, Kale shrugged. "Can't recall the room number. You'll have to figure it out yourself.""Is this how you treat your guests? If my brother is mad, you're in trouble."Garland's eyes widened, and he groaned inwardly, 'Making trouble for Drake? That's suicidal.'"Liza, calm down. You can't go around threatening people." Garland forced a smile, trying to ease the tension. "The second floor isn't that big. It won't take us much time to find out."He then dragged her tow