"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,
"Sorry to disturb you. I'll talk things through with Debra," said Juan.His gaze stayed fixed on Debra, trying to read her emotions, but since he entered, Debra hadn't spared him a glance."Debra..." Ralph started.Debra knew what he wanted to say. "Uncle Ralph, I'll go now."Ralph held his breath. "Safe trip."Debra nodded and then followed Juan out of the house."You go head. I'll drive my own car."Debra headed towards the garage. Juan grabbed her hand, frowning. "Are you still mad?"Debra remained silent.Juan spoke softly, "I was wrong to lose control.""That's not the issue at all." Debra withdrew her hand. "Let's talk about it when we get home."Debra turned and entered the garage. Juan watched her back, lost in thought.The two cars drove on, one behind the other. Knowing Debra was upset, he didn't speed up, just silently following.The streets were empty and eerily quiet. Debra played soft music, contemplating how to discuss divorce with Juan later.The traffic l
Debra opened the car door and struggled to climb out. Choked by the smoke, she coughed incessantly.She got out of the car and went to check on Juan. In the driver's seat, he was already unconscious. His forehead was bleeding, and his body was cut."Juan!" Debra exclaimed, rushing to open the car door to pull Juan out."Juan, wake up! "Looking around, Debra saw no one nearby, just the two collided cars. She noticed Juan's car was leaking oil from the rear, a sense of dread filling her. She shook Juan's shoulders urgently. "Juan! You have to wake up!"Juan furrowed his brow and struggled to open his eyes. Debra's worried face was in front of him.His mind was cloudy, but he felt like he had seen this face somewhere before.It was just too distant for him to remember."Juan!"Debra's voice was intermittently near and far. "Can you move? Come out! The car is about to explode!"There was already a flame at the rear of the car. Seeing Juan unable to say a word, she gathered her s
Debra struggled to pull out the phone from Juan's pocket and then called 911. Then she faded into unconsciousness.The next day, she groggily opened her eyes to see Joe bustling around. Her voice was hoarse and weak. "Where's Juan?"A flicker of relief crossed Joe's face, and he asked quickly, "Madam, are you asking for water?"Debra shook her head, asking again, "Where's Juan?""Mr. Nichols," Joe hesitated, "he's severely injured and currently in intensive care."Debra struggled to sit up. Joe quickly held her arm. "Madam! The doctor said your injuries are serious too. You mustn't get out of bed!"Debra, devoid of strength, knew Juan had been hurt trying to save her.She couldn't be relieved unless she saw him."Madam..."Joe tried to stop her, but suddenly, noise erupted outside the room."Where's Debra? How is she?"Debra recognized Ralph's voice. Joe went out to check. Sure enough, Ralph and Rosalie had arrived. Rosalie was searching anxiously, looking for Debra."How i
"I know," Debra said. "Even though Rosalie is always mean, she wouldn't do something like this."At least not now.Debra didn't finish her sentence. Ralph nodded and replied, "That's the way she is. I'll check the home surveillance when I get back. We'll find out.""Okay."After Ralph left, Debra got off the bed. Her ankle seemed to be sprained. The pain was sharp as soon as she stood.Joe freaked out. "Madam, why are you getting up?""I want to check on Juan.""Madam..." Joe hesitated.Debra noticed Juan's room was partially open, indicating someone was already inside. She approached and glimpsed a white figure.It was Shelia.Joe blocked Debra's view and said reluctantly, "Madam, you should go back and rest."Debra's eyes dimmed.That explained why Joe had prevented her from visiting Juan."Alright." Debra turned back to the ward.At the end of the day, she had overthought.Juan was in good hands with Shelia. There was no need for her to worry.Her phone rang suddenly
Erica's quick arrival surprised Debra."What happened? How did you get hurt all over?" Erica was visibly concerned."It was just a minor car accident, nothing serious," Debra said, extending her hand. "See, I can still move.""A minor accident?" Erica didn't believe it.From Debra's injuries, she could imagine what had happened last night."I wondered why I didn't hear from you all night. What is Juan? What kind of husband is he?" Debra's eyes dimmed at the mention of Juan."He's in the next room," she replied.Before Debra could stop her, Erica stood up and headed outside the ward. Just as she stepped out, she spotted Shelia coming out of the next room.Not knowing Erica was there, Shelia was speaking with Joe."It's you again," Erica snapped.Shelia frowned, not afraid of Erica anymore. She didn't believe Erica would dare do anything in the hospital.Joe intervened quickly. "Miss Miles, let me take you back.""Thank you, Joe," Shelia replied gratefully.Though Joe disl
The gates of the Frazier family estate burst open, and a group of black-clad bodyguards stormed in.Ralph and Rosalie, who had just arrived home, recoiled in fear."What's going on?" Rosalie trembled, hiding behind Ralph."Where are the security guards? Get them!" Ralph tried to remain composed, but he saw the security team being escorted in by the intruders.His face turned pale with shock."Who are you people? What do you want?" he demanded.Marion walked in through the gates. Ralph nervously swallowed, "Marion?"Marion strolled in casually and took a seat."What are you up to?" Ralph asked, his voice strained. "We have never offended you."Marion nodded, smiling. "Mr. Frazier, you haven't offended me.""Then why invade my home like this?" Ralph's voice rose in frustration."You haven't offended me, but your son has," Marion replied."Stanley? How has he offended you?" Ralph looked bewildered.Marion gestured, and someone brought over a laptop. On it played footage from
"For what?" Debra asked."You knew I was worried about Mr. Lowe, so you brought me," Kale said. "Without your suggestion, I wouldn't have the chance to come."He'd disliked her at first, but after all this time, he'd come around."You're welcome," Debra said. "Now let's focus on finding Michael and figuring out Drake's location. I brought you, but I can't promise we'll get him out today. You get that, right?""Yeah," Kale said, his voice heavy. "I've got a favor to ask.""What is it?""I know this trip is risky. Mr. Lowe is the only family I've got left. We've been through hell together. If he hadn't found me back then, I would have been dead. If I don't make it, promise me you'll save him. The world never meant much to him before. No one did. But you're different."At first, Drake grabbed Debra to get at Marion, but later, she was all he saw.Clueless about feelings, Drake never figured it out. But Kale knew she was special to Drake.In all his years with Drake, Kale had neve
Everyone looked away like it was routine.Debra grinned. "Don't stress about me.""I know," Marion said."I'll be back soon.""I'll wait."He brushed her hair back, and she smiled.Then she and Kale headed into the dense woods. Erica watched, worry creasing her face."Relax," Randy reassured her. "Even if Michael's a traitor, he won't mess with Debra.""How do you know? You can't see inside someone's head. What if he's a total snake?" Erica retorted, knowing how much Debra trusted Michael.Their friendship lasted two years. They had been through thick and thin together. Yet he had stabbed her in the back without hesitation.Randy caught Marion slipping into the trees. "Where are you going?""Marion." Erica paled."Don't bother stopping him," Jordan said. "You couldn't if you tried."He'd known Marion wouldn't let Debra go alone. Three kilometers was too far. Flare or not, they might not reach her in time. Precautions were necessary.The forest was a maze. A few steps in,
Debra hugged Marion tight, drawing strength from him.That afternoon, the convoy rolled toward the valley. The area was thick with trees, with no clear paths in sight. The dense forest was silent except for chirps from birds.Jordan stopped the cars. Everyone piled out, realizing the road ended there."What's Michael thinking, picking a spot like this?" Erica muttered, scanning around.Raw places like this were accident magnets. The map barely showed the terrain. A cliff ahead would force a detour. The thick woods blocked signals, and it'd be easy to get lost. A compass might not even work."You guys wait here," Debra said, grabbing a hiking pack. "We've got enough supplies."She'd expected this possibility but hadn't thought they'd be stuck three kilometers away from the appointed spot."Be careful," Erica warned. "It's only three kilometers straight, but with no map, it could take hours."She stepped closer. "How about I going with you? I've done more hiking and might speed t
Michael wasn't just anyone to Debra. He'd been a teammate and a brother-in-arms.She needed to know his deal with the Illuminati and if their old days fighting side by side were all fake. Everything started with her, and she should be the one to end it."I'm with Debra," Jordan said.Randy waffled. "Well, we've known him forever. He wouldn't hurt her, right? I'm in too.""Are you nuts?" Erica snapped. "What if it goes south?""I'll get her back," Marion said.Erica took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll bring extra guys and wait outside. If anything happens, we're rushing in.""Okay," Debra agreed."Count me in," Kale said, stepping down the stairs.Debra knew he was worried about Drake. "I could use a backup. Kale, you're with me."Kale blinked, surprised she'd let him tag along. Then he got it. "Thanks."Debra rallied everyone. "Gear up. We're heading out.""Come with me," Marion said.The group exchanged looks, unsure what he wanted. Debra didn't ask, just followed behind him.
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