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
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