Chapter 12Only Juan would be deceived by Shelia.Juan liked Shelia, making it hard to see through her."Alright, it's not a big deal. Shelia still has class today. I'll take her to school."Juan gave Shelia a look, indicating she should leave.Shelia looked grateful."Debra and I are going shopping today. Since you're not busy, come along with us," Melody said."But Shelia...""Let Joe take her back. You're the CEO of Nichols Group. Don't do anything that tarnishes your status."Melody's words were final.Shelia bit her lip and said, "Mr. Nichols, it's fine if Joe takes me to school. Don't upset Mrs. Nichols."Shelia politely bowed to Melody.But Melody didn't appreciate it."I'll see you off," Juan said.Shelia nodded.As Juan escorted Shelia out, Melody turned to Debra. "Juan is young and easily deceived by these vixens. You should be more vigilant."Debra nodded outwardly but inwardly hoped these two would progress faster."I've noticed you've been putting less eff
Chapter 13Debra didn't expect Juan to believe her anyway.Quickly, Debra followed Juan into the car, and he pretended to be affectionate by holding her hand.Debra knew it was all an act in front of Melody.Juan's parents had passed away, and it was Melody who had raised him. He respected and obeyed her.Debra didn't expose the truth. Instead, she played along with Juan's act."What about that land? How do you plan to deal with it?" Melody suddenly asked.She was asking Juan.Juan, seated in the front, glanced at Debra through the rearview mirror and said, "That's bought by Debra, so she'll handle it herself."Melody looked at Debra and said, "Leave this matter to Juan. The most important thing for you is to be a good wife and mother.""Matters concerning the Nichols family are naturally handled by Juan, but this land was bought on behalf of the elders in my family. They will take care of the rest."Melody's tone softened. "In the future, stay out of such matters. Now that
Chapter 14Debra sensed Juan's stiffness and squeezed her way in.Inside, the lights were dim, and there was a candlelit dinner table in the living room.Debra was astounded.Obviously, it was Melody's idea. That explained why Melody insisted earlier that Juan take Debra home. This was her plan."Debra, you've got some nerve.""Not me."Debra wanted to explain, but Juan threw down the bags and left without looking back.But when he stepped, he found that the driver had driven away the car.Debra fully understood Melody's intention. If she and Juan didn't stay together tonight, Melody would not give up."Don't bother." Debra said, "You sleep in the living room, and I'll sleep in the bedroom."Juan gave Debra a cold look. "I warn you not to play tricks."With that, Juan walked into the house.Seeing the disgust in Juan's eyes, Debra could only laugh at herself.'This is what you get for liking Juan, Debra. Even if you once liked him so much, in Juan's mind, you're just a wo
Chapter 15Juan frowned, wondering why Debra was willing to give up the chance to be alone with him.In his impression, Debra would be angry if he went to see Shelia."Aren't you taking Shelia to the hospital?" she said.She hoped that Juan could leave as soon as possible.She was worried that Marion would go to bed and that Melody would play new tricks tomorrow."Enjoy your meal."Juan glanced at the neatly clean plates and felt a bit frustrated.She had gone to such great lengths to keep him at home, only to focus on eating.After Juan left, Debra took out her phone and dialed Marion's number."Hey, something's come up. I'm on my way.""No rush.""See you soon!"At the window of his office, Marion hung up his phone.On the sofa, Randy woke up and asked, "Where's Debra? It's late.""She's held up," Marion replied."For a whole day?" Randy stretched, suddenly realizing something. "Don't tell me you've been waiting here all this time."From this floor-to-ceiling window,
Chapter 16Debra was very serious.But her words were partly true. The Frazier family wasn't what it used to be, which was why Juan grew colder toward her in her last life.For Juan, their marriage was all about business. Once she lost her value, she meant nothing to him.When the Frazier family went broke, Juan abandoned her."You're going to manage your family business? Is this a joke?" Randy started, but Marion's glare cut him off.Randy quickly corrected himself, "It's not that I look down on you, but finance isn't your field. You haven't learned how to run a company. A lean camel is bigger than a horse. It's hard for a young lady like you to convince those old guys.""I know that," Debra replied."Then why do you..."Marion's warning glance made him falter. "It's just unrealistic for you to run the Frazier Group.""It's my grandfather's legacy. I must preserve it. Although I haven't formally studied, I have a plan.""What plan?""I'll go to school.""School?"Randy w
Chapter 17Juan stayed at the hospital with Shelia overnight. In the morning, he received a call from Joe. "What entrance exam?""The school office called today, saying that Mrs. Nichols's name was on the examinees' list. They wanted to ask if Mrs. Nichols had informed you."Debra was shopping with Melody last night. Juan wondered when she signed up for the exam."I see."Juan hung up, his expression tense.He didn't know what games Debra was playing again."Was it the school calling? Maybe I should go back to class."Shelia, lying on the hospital bed, woke up at some point."I've informed Joe and the school. You should rest in the hospital today. It's not about you anyway.""What is it about then?"Shelia looked at Juan in confusion.Juan only sponsored her at school."Debra." Juan rubbed his forehead. "I'll go back. Take a rest."Shelia nodded.After Juan left, she murmured, "Debra? What does she have to do with the school?"Debra was strolling around Arcane Academy.
Chapter 18Shelia bit her lip. Driven by vanity, she'd lied about Juan being her boyfriend, fearing ridicule from her roommates if exposed.Torn, she sent a message. [I see. Don't worry. I trust my boyfriend's character.]She got off the bed and said to the nurse outside, "Hello, I'm checking out."Outside Arcane Academy, Debra found herself in Juan's car."Explain yourself," Juan demanded."I want to study finance at Arcane Academy," she confessed."I won't allow it.""Why not?""Because I'm your husband," Juan said coldly. "Do you think I don't know your scheme?""What are you talking about?""You followed Shelia here, intending to harass her!""I'm not that petty.""You copied Shelia's style. It's okay, but this is too much. As I said, you are my wife. No one is going to replace you.""No one? Would you marry me if I wasn't from the Frazier family?"She stared, and he fell silent.They both knew the answer.If a woman with a higher social status and more suitable
Chapter 19"That woman is not simple, with her coquettish appearance, trying to steal your boyfriend. Shameless!" Carrie snorted."I think that woman is quite good-looking," Wendy said. "Shelia, you better watch out for your boyfriend. What if he gets stolen?""No way! Shelia's boyfriend loves her so much. He won't be stolen by that kind of woman," Carrie said."Thank you for your concern, guys. Don't worry. My boyfriend and I will be fine," Shelia smiled."I heard that woman is coming to our school to study finance. I guess she's coming after you," Wendy said."What?" Shelia was taken aback.She found it hard to believe."It's true. I asked some students from the admissions office. She was accompanied by the president and vice-president, obviously from a wealthy family. Probably trying to use connections," Wendy explained."What's her identity then? Our school has never lacked wealthy students," Carrie said."I don't know, but even if someone is wealthy, they haven't been re
The three men around Debra froze.They all knew Michael was one of her most trusted people.Since the founding of the McKinney Group, he had been there. He was, without a doubt, the person she relied on the most."At that time, I was in my room trying to piece together the Illuminati's and Fermin's motives. Even if Marion was hiding things from me, it didn't mean our misunderstanding had to keep getting worse," she explained. "We could just talk things out. That wouldn't work for whoever was pulling the strings. They needed someone to step in, pull me away from Marion, and create conflict between us."She paused and added, "Everyone was reaching out to me, trying to figure out what was going on. But Michael? He only called once. The moment I answered, I was hoping he wouldn't ask me to meet him. But he did.""That's it? That's the reason?""Yeah. I started to suspect him, but I couldn't be sure the house wasn't bugged. So, I had to play along and get out of there first. Even in M
Back then, Debra had been too weak, relying on tricks to survive in the cracks of Seamar City.Now her gaze was determined. She had strong backing and could be herself.For his part, Jordan had made the most important decision of his life because of her.The two cars pulled up at the Potter Mansion. The three of them headed upstairs to see Drake.But as soon as Jordan opened the door, a vase was thrown straight at Debra.Debra froze, and so did Drake on the bed.Jordan kicked the vase away just in time, preventing it from hitting Debra."What's your problem?" Jordan frowned.Drake's face darkened. "Spending a million in a nightclub and booking a hotel room with a gigolo. Debra, you're something else." "Why is everyone asking me the same thing?" Debra rubbed her brows.Jordan didn't interrupt Drake. Instead, he walked in and poured himself a glass of wine."I'm waiting for her explanation too," he said.Juan followed him inside and sat on a nearby sofa.Debra felt the weig
Juan pulled a badge out of his pocket. It had the shape of the sun on it."The Illuminati badge. I found it," he said.Debra took it. "You found it in Jeffery's belongings?""Yeah."Debra turned the badge over in her hand. It looked very similar to the symbol she'd seen in the church and the old castle. Only it didn't have the phoenix."Is there anything else?" she asked."All of his belongings were destroyed. When I found it, there was only rubble left. The Illuminati works quickly, and their influence is vast. I don't know how many businesses here are involved," he replied. "Once someone becomes a member, they're at the Illuminati's beck and call. They may never be asked to do anything, but when the time comes, they have to risk everything to get the job done, or they'll be killed by their people.""That's a high stake. Why would so many people still want to join the Illuminati?""Human desires are endless. Some want fame, some want wealth, and others just want money. To get
Debra's phone rang.She glanced at the screen and answered the call before Michael's angry voice came through."You'd better have a good explanation for this."Debra pulled the phone away from her aching ear."Calm down." "Calm down? I told you to go have fun at that club, not blow a million dollars. And now, you're all over the news, crowned the 'Queen of the Overseas Nightlife Scene' overnight. And you checked into a hotel with a male model. Have you lost your mind?"Michael rarely lost his temper. This time, he was genuinely furious.Debra rubbed her temples. "I was just blowing off steam. Nothing happened with that model.""You threw money around like crazy and booked a hotel room with him. The rumors are everywhere. The whole overseas circle thinks you and Marion are getting a divorce. I bet Seamar City is buzzing with gossip, too. Going back now is like walking away with your pants down.""It's not that bad. I'm exhausted. We'll talk when you're back."Before Michael
It was late into the night when Debra got off the plane.Jordan's car was already parked by the airport. It felt empty with few passengers at that hour.She spotted him at a glance and threw a package at him. He tossed his cigarette aside and caught the package.Debra said, "Kid, you've learned to smoke now?"Jordan protested, "We are the same age. Don't talk like a senior.""Force of habit," Debra smiled. "I thought you were still that red-haired guy who'd always stick up for me back in school. But just two years later, you've grown up.""Debra.""Sorry. It's kind of ingrained."Having lived through a life, she couldn't help but speak to him like an elder."Aren't you going to explain it?""There's nothing to explain. I just came back alone.""Is that all you're going to say?"Together, they walked out of the airport, and he opened the car door for her.Jordan followed her to get into the car, and she finally said, "The news is all true."Jordan froze. "A nightclub model
Josh finally got a good night's sleep.Opening his eyes, he saw Debra was already up."Are you hungry? I can go grab some breakfast for you.""No need. I'm not used to regular stuff."Marion had always made breakfast for her since they got together. At first, these were just simple little things. But now, they had become an inseparable part of her life.Debra shook her head. "Your job is done here. Think about it and come back when you're ready."Before he could respond, she turned and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.Just then, the doorbell rang.Josh threw on his jacket and opened the door.A waiter was pushing a food cart. "Sir, here's your order.""My order?" Josh pointed to himself.The waiter did not explain. He simply rolled the cart inside and left.Debra finished freshening up and stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes landed on the cart."I said I wasn't eating. Did you order this?" she said.Josh removed the lid. Inside lay a freshly baked soufflé, topped w
Randy glanced at the car and said, "Don't be fooled by his façade. Watch how I tear it off."He yanked open the car door and grabbed Marion's arm, trying to drag him out. "Come on," Randy urged. "Erica is mad. Just do me a favor and come out."Marion didn't resist it.Erica stepped forward. "Debra is not the type to mess around. She's doing this to piss you off. I believe she's still waiting for you to explain yourself. Just get up there, talk to her, and deal with whatever's wrong with you. Got it?" "Don't be stubborn," Randy echoed. "Keep this up, and Debra is gone for good."He shoved Marion toward the hotel, but the latter just stood there, unmoving.Several guards arrived. Without a word, they started to drag Erica and Randy away."What the hell? Let go of me. Do you want a fight?" Erica snapped, raising a fist.But then, she recognized those people as well-trained soldiers of the Houston family. There was no way she could beat them.Randy didn't fare any better. He wa
"Really?" Debra raised an eyebrow."Don't judge me by appearances. I'm good at my studies," Josh replied. "One day, I'll make something of myself.""Who says working in this industry means you're a failure? The industry doesn't have ranks or status. If you feel bad about it, just tell yourself you're here to soothe souls. As long as your heart is pure, your body is too.""Thanks." Josh finished his wine in one go."Alright. You can go to bed.""Are you sure you don't wanna..."Josh hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.Though he had no problem saying honeyed words to clients, he was careful with his words around Debra."No, I'm married.""Then why are you...""Didn't your boss tell you when you started in this line of work? Don't try to pry into clients' privacy.""Sorry.""I have a card here. It's enough for your studies and starting a business. After tonight, you probably won't fit in here anymore. But I think you have the potential to be the boss in this line of work
Josh had booked the most expensive presidential suite.When Debra walked in with him, Josh went over to the table and asked, "Want a drink? I noticed you haven't really had much to drink tonight.""No thanks." Debra sat down on the couch and took off her other earring, placing it on the table. "I'll buy you for the night. You don't have to do anything. Just stay in this room and don't go out."Josh was puzzled. "What do you mean?""I mean, you can go to sleep now," Debra replied. "I don't like sleeping on the couch, so you'll be sleeping there tonight."Josh gaped. "You're spending all this money just for me to sleep on the couch?"He couldn't believe his ears. The rich ladies usually lined up to date him. Yet Debra wanted nothing from him."Not really," she replied, walking over to him. "Take off your shirt."Josh paused and complied.His figure was seductive. Debra smiled, clearly pleased with what she saw.Josh thought she was just playing hard to get, so he leaned in towa