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
"I thought you wouldn't feel it," Debra chuckled bitterly. "Ever thought about how much worse words could hurt me?"After a moment of silence, Juan said, "I'll handle it.""No need." Debra turned to leave."Why didn't you tell me about the rumors at school?" Juan asked.Debra paused and sounded amused. "Tell you?"Juan felt uneasy with her tone. "If you had told me, I would have...""If I told you it was Shelia spreading the rumors, would you believe me?" Debra interrupted.Juan was taken aback. "I asked her. It wasn't her.""So, there's nothing to discuss," Debra scoffed.Simply put, Juan trusted Shelia.As Debra turned to leave, Juan grabbed her arm and asked sullenly, "Are you implying I'm biased toward Shelia?""You know the answer," Debra retorted."How do you know I haven't investigated this? Why are you so sure it was Shelia?" Juan pressed, showing no intention of letting her go."Let go!" Debra shook off his arm.The disgust in her eyes stung his heart."Admit it
Rosalie's smile vanished instantly. She stood up abruptly from her chair, her voice rising several octaves. "What? Divorce?""Why are you so surprised?" Debra said."How could you divorce? That's Juan," Rosalie said incredulously.Debra used to be head over heels for Juan, going to great lengths to marry him.It was hard to believe that she wanted to divorce Juan. They had been married only for a couple of months.Ralph pondered for a moment and asked, "Is this Juan's decision?""No, it's mine.""Have you thought this through?"Debra nodded firmly. "Yes, I have."Upon hearing Debra's resolve, Ralph seemed equally determined. "Alright then, let's proceed with the divorce.""What? No!" Rosalie pushed Ralph aside and shouted at Debra, "You're not taking marriage seriously at all. If you divorce Juan, what will become of our family? Do you want to let Ralph down?"Debra looked on coldly. Ralph took a stand and pulled Rosalie aside. "Shut up! You have no say here.""Ralph! Do yo
"Uncle Ralph, thank you," Debra whispered.She knew divorcing Juan now would make life tough for the Frazier family, but she swore it wouldn't last long.Debra stayed at the house. After sending away the peripheral branches of the family, Ralph called her to the study.Ralph seemed much older these years, his face filled with concern. "Debra, is Juan really not good to you?""Not that he's bad. He just doesn't like me.""And you?"Debra fell silent.She once loved Juan deeply, but now she had let go.Ralph looked at her expression and patted her shoulder, sighing. "Debra, I'm sorry for what you've been through."Debra shook her head. "Actually, I want to discuss something with you.""About you and Juan?""No, I want to take over the Frazier Group for a while."Ralph looked puzzled, then said, "I know you've learned a lot at Arcane Academy these days. If you want experience, I can give you a few smaller companies. If you take over the Frazier Group, I'm worried...""I under
Debra slapped him across the face, leaving half of his face red.Stanley was stunned and looked incredulously at her. "You hit me?""As I said, if you dare disrespect me, I'll teach you a lesson," Debra said coldly.Stanley's temper flared up. "Damn you!"Before Stanley could finish his sentence, Debra slapped him again, this time with full force, instantly swelling his face."Watch your mouth! I didn't wrestle with you only for Ralph's sake. Don't think I'm a pushover. Cross me again, and I will show you no mercy," she snapped.Before she married Juan, she had been living here with them. Stanley was still young, but under Rosalie's instigation, he often secretly hindered her.He had ruined her schoolwork or stolen her things. She had never made a fuss about it.But now, she had no reason to indulge him anymore.Stanley trembled with anger, ready to fight back. Debra shouted at those downstairs, "Are you all just loafing around? Bring your young master back!"At her command,
It was late at night.Inside the church, soft light filtered through the colored glass, casting a shadow that stretched long and unnerving.Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the vast space. A young man dressed in a black robe and wearing a mask entered."Didn't get the job done, and you're still here to face me?" The bishop's voice was low and ominous.The young man was unfazed. "Debra and Marion are keeping Drake well protected. We had no chance to move. The Potter family guards escorted him the whole way from the airport. We couldn't act."The bishop paused, his fingers tightening around the ring in his hand."The Potter family?" he muttered, "Without Andrew leading them, they're just a bunch of misfits.""It's not so easy to remove Andrew," replied the young man. "Rumor has it that he was crippled in a kidnapping incident, but he's still walking. And another rumor said he was dying, but he's still kicking and alive.""The Four Great Families only have one person like that.
Fermin's men aimed their rifles at Bert.Fermin led Liza downstairs and casually said, "Be careful. Don't let anything go off by accident. The old man's too frail for this.""Fermin..." Liza's face went pale.She knew Fermin wouldn't harm their father, but at that moment, her heart still twisted with worry.Outside, a luxury car pulled up. Fermin raised his hand and ordered, "Fall back."His men quickly withdrew from the property.Bert stood there, barely able to keep himself upright. The butler immediately stepped forward to support him. "Sir, stay strong.""That bastard pointed a gun at me." Bert's words were cut off by a sudden surge of something in his throat.The next second, blood gushed from his mouth.The butler was alarmed. "Sir!"Outside, Liza looked back at the house, worried about Bert.He was too old to handle such a shock.Fermin brushed it off. "Don't worry about him. Get in the car."Liza reluctantly sat in the passenger seat.She'd try to talk to Fermin w
Bert's face darkened as a loud noise echoed from outside the basement.A group of masked men had blown open the basement door.Fermin's shackles were quickly removed, and then he vanished from the surveillance footage.On the second floor, Bert had instructed that Liza be kept under guard to stop her from running around.Sitting on the bed, Liza was worried about Fermin when a sudden loud noise came from outside."Who's there?" She turned pale from fear.When she got up to check, she saw Fermin standing at the door.He had changed into a black shirt, and his face was no longer the mess it had been the day before. Even his stubble had been neatly groomed.He opened his arms with a smile, "Come here.""Fermin." Liza rushed into his arms, hugging him. "Did Dad let you out?"Fermin playfully ruffled her hair. "He didn't let you out, but you still managed to sneak down to the basement. Weren't you afraid of his punishment?""I was worried about you," Liza replied, but her express
Late into the night, Debra leaned against the head of the bed, waiting for Marion to come back after washing his hands.But then, the showering sound echoed from the bathroom.After a while, he walked out. His hair was still damp, and the bathrobe hung loosely on him, revealing his toned muscles and perfect V-shaped lines.The dim light from the bedside lamp reminded Debra of the banquet earlier.Her face flushed. She instinctively reached for the light switch to break the mood, but Marion grabbed her wrist.His palm was warm, and under the soft light, there was a glint of desire in his deep eyes."I'm clean," he croaked, having washed off the scent of blood.In fact, before leaving the castle, he had already changed into a new jacket, worried that Debra might catch the disgusting smell of blood."Alright," she said shyly, a bit overwhelmed by his strong desire.Marion smelled faintly fresh. Different from his usual tobacco, this scent was clean and pure."Don't hurt yourself
"See you around," Michael said, smiling at Marion.His action got under Marion's skin. Taking a deep breath, Marion turned off the stove and took the eggs out.Debra glanced at him. "You seem hostile to Michael.""He's not worth my time," Marion replied flatly, peeling the eggs.Then he walked over to her and gently pressed the egg against her injured spot."This will help reduce the swelling. You went too hard on yourself. It's gonna hurt tomorrow.""Michael was just messing around. Don't be fooled by his innocent look. He's got a mischievous side. I think he just wanted to see if you cared about me. He wasn't trying to provoke you."Marion hummed in response, seemingly unbothered by it.He looked down at the bruise and sighed, "He wasn't wrong about one thing.""What is it?""I failed to take good care of you.""That was my doing. It wasn't your fault.""My job is to protect you. I can't let you get hurt even in the slightest." Marion pinched her nose. "I'll carry you to
When Debra and Marion came back, Michael quickly ended the call."You didn't check in with Hannah before leaving?" Debra asked."This trip is for work," Michael replied, closing his laptop. "Hannah was just briefing me on tomorrow's schedule."He noticed her disheveled appearance. "You guys came back so early. Guess the investigation didn't go as smoothly?""Let's just say it was a bit intense. Marion can tell you about the details," Debra said, sitting down on the couch.Marion habitually warmed up some milk for her and grabbed some pre-sliced cake from the fridge.He didn't stick around in the living room but went straight to the kitchen to boil eggs.Michael raised an eyebrow. "Feels like he doesn't quite like me."Marion heard it, his grip tightening around an egg. Then there was a cracking sound.Michael added, "My visit seems untimely. Should I move out?"But he made no move to get up.Debra took a sip of milk. "No way. I can't let you leave, especially since you're th
God knew how panicked Marion was when that guard raised his gun at Debra."I..." Debra murmured, "I couldn't find you.""That's not an excuse." Marion frowned. "Do you not trust me, or are you just used to handling everything yourself? Even if you stood there doing nothing, I could find you in a second. You shouldn't have rushed it like that.""The doors were closing, and I was worried that the guy would get away, so..." she explained."I don't care about the Illuminati. I care about you." Marion cupped her face, his tone serious. "You can't go solo like that again.""What if I do that again?" Debra looked at him.Marion pinched her cheek and muttered, "I'll break your legs so that you can't run off again."Debra slapped his hand away. "It was a special case today. I won't do it again.""Remember what you said. Don't make me worry," Marion relented, pinching her nose."By the way, what's the situation now?""I've handled it.""How?"He fell silent, but she didn't press furt
The man trembled and spilled every bit of information he knew about the Illuminati."Sounds like you're not so useful," Marion said, watching the man shiver in fear. "Everyone here is guilty. To redeem yourselves, your souls will stay in this castle."Before anyone could process his words, gunshots erupted around them. Screams filled the air. In just moments, the castle was thick with the smell of blood."You're out of your mind!" shouted the man, rushing toward the exit.But before he could get close, he was shot dead."Sir, we'll take care of the rest," said a guard."Make sure to clear all the traces," Marion ordered before leaving the castle alone.His eyes reflected the cold light of the moon. The air around him was chilling.Since the day he arrived overseas, everyone was nothing more than a dead man to him....Debra had a dream of her coming-of-age ceremony.Everyone was smiling, and everything was perfect.Suddenly, a gunshot shattered everything. The world went bl
For a moment, the castle fell silent after the gunshot. Then, more shots rang out, each one chipping away at the crowd's composure.A man, trembling, slowly raised his hands and stood up. "I'm a member of the Illuminati."Others scrambled to follow. "Me too."Within moments, nearly 70 to 80 percent of the people in the room were on their feet.The ones who stayed seated were mostly the "merchandise"—people the Illuminati had prepared. They quickly stood as well."Mr. Houston, have mercy," one of them begged. "We were just hired. We don't even know who's in charge."The men and women, who had been laughing and flirting with the wealthy elites, were now shaking in fear.Barely covered, they huddled together, terrified that Marion would kill them.Marion leaned back in his chair, glancing at the crowd. "Words don't count. Prove it."His men raised their rifles, aiming at the heads of the so-called members."I have proof," said one of them, pulling out a badge. "Here. Look. This