"The slums overseas remain slums because the poor stay poor," Debra said slowly. "The wealthy won't hire them. Their only income comes from begging. Maybe a few with strong physiques can do labor work for a meager wage, but the number of people who change their fate is very few. Even if they beg bitterly, they can't afford those expensive medical bills. Just earning enough to live is already tough. If they turn to robbery, it's only because they've hit a dead end."Liza softened her tone. "But as you like, that's just an 'if'.""Yes, it is," Debra agreed. "Maybe the person who robbed you was indeed a vicious criminal, but that doesn't mean there aren't unfortunate souls in the slums. You don't know Drake's character or his past, yet you constantly insult him. Is it just because of his bad reputation? Or because he was once a servant in the Bernard family and then rose above his station?""Who cares about his past? I have no interest," Liza mumbled."Drake was once a child from the
Late at night, on the rooftop of a skyscraper, a man in a black tactical jacket aimed a sniper rifle at the window of an office building across the street.Inside, Caleb sat at the head of the conference table.The sniper wore a white mask. After a moment of adjustment, he fired. The gunshot echoed, and the man inside the meeting room collapsed instantly. Chaos erupted within the office building."Good job!" Behind him, a deep voice spoke. "You're even more promising than Ivan."The sniper turned slowly. His voice was cold and steady. "As I said, Drake will die.""Thankfully, you were there when Ivan missed his shot," the man said, stepping forward and patting the sniper's shoulder. "Now, it's your turn to step into the spotlight.""I'll let you take care of the Lowe Group's resources." His deep voice carried a sinister hint of amusement. "After all, what's more painful than betrayal by someone you trust? Isn't that right, Jordan?"The sniper removed his mask, revealing a sharp,
Because Debra had once said she liked peace and stability, Marion decided to sever ties with the past.The result was that their enemies treated them like sitting ducks without the power to fight back.She blamed herself for being so naïve and soft.Andrew watched from the second floor. Barton said, "Sir, should we tell Mrs. Houston the truth?""Sometimes, growth requires bloodshed," Andrew replied calmly. "She's smart, but her heart's too soft. Having her reassess herself might not be a bad thing. If she wants to find the killer, she needs to carve out her own path in Seamar City. To stand at the top, she has to be merciless."He waved his hand and said, "Let's go back."Barton hesitated. "Sir, aren't you going to guide her? She is beating herself too hard."Andrew glanced downstairs. "She's not that fragile. She'll figure it out. She needs to see the world and understand the rules of survival in Seamar City. Erica and Randy both went through this, but she hasn't yet. Marion he
Outside the hall, a large crowd gathered to pay their respects to Caleb. Security personnel were stationed at the entrance, ensuring order.A man without a white flower pinned to his chest tried to enter.The guards quickly stopped him. "Today is Mr. Houston Sr.'s funeral. Anyone without a white flower is not allowed inside.""I'm not part of the Houston family. Why should I wear a white flower?" the man retorted.It was clear that he was there to stir up trouble.Over the years, the Houston family had relied on Caleb's reputation to maintain their status. Many opportunistic newcomers, hoping to take advantage of his passing, had come not to pay respects but to test if the Houston family was on the decline."If you don't want to wear one, then leave," a voice called out.Melody approached in a black dress adorned with a white flower. Her presence commanded attention.She glanced at those at the entrance and said, "I'm here to bid farewell to an old friend. Since when did the Ho
Debra took the electric baton from a guard and approached the troublemaker.The man sized her up and sneered, "Mrs. Houston? What, are there no men left in the Houston family to handle things? I have some standing in Seamar City. What kind of hospitality is this? Making guests wear white flowers. What kind of big family are you pretending to be?"Debra simply raised the baton and struck him hard on the head. Blood trickled down his face as he collapsed to the ground.Terrified and furious, he yelled, "How dare you hit people in broad daylight?""Caleb despised cowardice," Debra said coldly. "The Houston family doesn't shy away from trouble. Believe it or not, I can make you and your family disappear from Seamar City in three days.""We'll see about that." The man tried to flee but was quickly blocked by two bodyguards.Debra snorted, "You think you can act tough here and walk away like that?"The man trembled in fear, and the onlookers were just as terrified.Everyone thought M
Erica stared at the portrait. Memories of her childhood flashed through her mind.It was Caleb who taught her to be strong and independent, trained her in fighting skills, and showed her how to protect herself. He had also shared wisdom about life and survival.She remembered one time when he took her to the greenhouse. Surrounded by roses, he said, "Loving someone is like tending to flowers. Only with care and dedication can they bloom beautifully."He taught her how to plant flowers and cherish them. Back then, she was just a budding girl. 20 years later, she was the president of the Mathis Group. She had bloomed like a dazzling rose, just as Caleb had predicted."Caleb, rest in peace," she muttered, tightening her grip on Randy's hand....At the Potter Mansion, Barton glanced at Andrew, who was staring out the window."Sir, the guests have all arrived at the funeral. Aren't you going?""No. Someone else will represent me.""You mean...""Jordan should've returned by now."
"Are you going to stay in Seamar City?" Erica asked.Jordan hummed, "For now, I'm not leaving."Marion walked up, and Jordan felt an invisible pressure.Marion spoke. "You smell like gunpowder."The atmosphere around them shifted with his words, but Jordan remained composed.Erica chimed in, "Isn't that normal since he's in the army?"Randy leaned in and sniffed. "I don't smell anything."Jordan casually lifted his coat, revealing a gun at his waist. "He's not wrong, but it's normal, isn't it? I think he has got more gunpowder on him than I do.""That's true." Randy nodded. "Alright, stop comparing. I'm starving.""Caleb is starving." Erica looked at her watch and added, "At this time, he should already be eating. Let's go. I've got all his favorite foods ready."She looped her arm through Debra's and said, "Forget about these people. Let's go."Debra glanced at Jordan, sensing that something about him had changed. And Marion wouldn't target someone without reason."I've go
Marion opened a bottle of whisky and poured full glasses for everyone.Randy raised his glass and said, "To Caleb.""To Caleb," the others echoed.Erica, known for her drinking prowess, downed her whisky at one go. Debra followed suit, though she wasn't used to drinking strong spirits. Marion was the last to drink, finishing his with a straightforward ease.The four of them sat around the table, staring at the dishes spread before them.Erica clicked her tongue. "Honestly, how did Caleb get to his age eating this kind of junk?"Randy chimed in, "Exactly. I stopped eating this stuff after high school."Erica muttered, "Was it because abalone and lobster didn't suit his taste? No. It's because he couldn't chew them."Everyone burst into laughter."Come on, let's toast to Caleb." Randy raised his glass again.Tonight, it seemed like there were too many unsaid words between them. They all poured out their hearts.Randy clapped Marion on the shoulder. "Seriously, how did you deal
Erica rushed forward and said, "Barton, you're here just in time. I need to ask you something."Barton cut her off. "Mr. Andrew Potter's condition has suddenly worsened. It's very serious right now. Please come back with me immediately.""What?" Debra exclaimed. "He was fine yesterday."An image of the previous day suddenly popped into her mind. Jordan had gone into Andrew's room right after she left."Do you know about this?" Debra asked. "Jordan is the new president of the Lowe Group?"Barton, as Andrew's trusted aide, was supposed to know if this was part of Andrew's plan."What?" Barton was puzzled. "Mr. Jordan Potter?"Debra decided to go upstairs to confront Jordan. Erica quickly reached out to stop her."Where are you going? Didn't you just say we can't go up there earlier?""I have to go and ask him. What is he doing? Betraying the family?""Betrayal it is," Liza chimed in. "I'm going with you."She grabbed Debra's arm and rushed up the stairs.The guards immediatel
"What's going on?"Liza looked around, and her gaze landed on a huge pendulum clock on the wall.It gave a low, echoing chime. Debra looked over and saw it struck eight at night.A beam of light shone down onto a sofa on the second floor. Sitting on it was a masked man.Debra stared at him and had an oddly familiar feeling.Erica had the same feeling. "This guy...""Welcome to the party. I am the Lowe Group's new president."The voice was so familiar that both Debra and Erica froze in shock.Liza patted them on the shoulder. "Is that Andrew's brother? Did I hear wrong?"She didn't know what was going on, but the new president turned out to be Jordan.Just a few days ago, when they saw the news, he hadn't said anything.On the second floor, Jordan removed his mask, revealing a frosty face. Everyone stared at him in surprise because Jordan had disappeared from Seamar City for an entire year.He used to be reckless and lazy. Somehow, he became the new president of the Lowe G
"What is this? Do I have to wear this ugly thing to attend your party?" Liza grumbled, tossing the mask back with disdain. "I spent two hours on my makeup. If I wear this, all that effort will go to waste. No way I'm wearing it."The security guard replied politely, "I'm sorry, but rules are rules. Without the mask, you can't go in.""I've never heard of such a ridiculous rule," Liza huffed, ready to leave.Debra grabbed her hand. "Don't you want to have fun anymore?""I..." Liza hesitated.Debra leaned in and whispered, "The new president of the Lowe Group is trying to impress people. Just put on the mask and take it off once you're inside. What are they gonna do? Can they just throw you out?""Sounds like a plan." Liza nodded. "Even Drake didn't dare mess with me. Why should I care about them?"She picked up the mask again and put it on.Erica nudged Debra. "I guess you're going to be a pro at handling kids."Debra pressed a finger to her lips.The three of them entered the
Faced with the same question, Debra explained again, "Got it from a fall when I was a kid.""Fell?" Erica muttered, skeptical. "It doesn't look so."She suddenly remembered something major from back in the day. The major families all sent their representatives over.There had been a little girl who was injured on her back and rushed to the hospital.Erica remembered it well because Andrew had been holding that girl."What's wrong?" Debra turned and saw Erica spacing out.Erica came to her senses. "Ah... Nothing. It doesn't look like a fall.""You're talking like Liza." Debra twirled in front of the mirror and said, "What do you think? Should I change into something else? It doesn't look so good if it reveals the scar.""Why not wear this one instead?" Liza came out, holding an azure gown. "It's pretty and not too flashy."Debra took it and nodded with satisfaction. "This one it is."Liza grabbed Erica and pulled her toward the changing room. "I picked one for you too. Let's g
At her call, ten bodyguards walked into the room.Debra explained, "For safety's sake, these are our bodyguards for the day. Get familiar with them so there are no misunderstandings later."Liza was unimpressed. "Are ten of them enough? I usually bring 20."Erica snorted, "You want 20. Ask your daddy. Too many people will be arrestive.""What? Are you judging me?" Liza fumed."I am. I haven't even slapped you yet," Erica countered, rolling up her sleeves.Debra quickly stepped in. "Alright, it's about time. Let's go."She grabbed Erica's arm and headed toward the door. Liza followed them reluctantly.The whole morning was spent at a salon. Debra and Erica kept yawning, but Liza was full of energy."Is she really a spoiled lady?" Erica muttered, trailing behind Liza. "My barn needs a workhorse like her."Finally, they arrived at the store Liza had mentioned. Debra and Erica were grateful for a short break.Liza pulled Debra over. "Look at all these beautiful dresses. Can't wa
The next morning, Debra was shaken awake by Liza."Debra, get up," Liza urged, moving to pull off the blankets.Debra had stayed up all night going through the materials that Andrew gave her.She was still exhausted and buried her head under the covers."It's still early. What do you want?""Get up. Let's go pick a dress. I heard there's a great store."Debra couldn't focus, and she didn't want to hear any of it. All she wanted to do was sleep."Marion, get her out of here," she yelled.Marion knocked and came in. "Please leave."He had just finished preparing breakfast for Debra.Liza was upset. "I asked my dad to help you guys. And this is how you repay me? Fine, I'll go by myself tonight."With that, she headed toward the door.Debra sighed and got up. "Alright, I'll go with you. Is that okay?""That's more like it," Liza smiled. "I'll wait for you outside. Hurry up."She hummed a tune and skipped out of the room.Debra rubbed her temples. Marion said, "If you don't w
Barton held the medicine in front of Andrew and pleaded, "Sir, please take your medicine, alright? Take it, get some rest, and by tomorrow, you'll feel better. Mrs. Houston will still be here."Andrew relaxed a little. It was true.Debra was alive. She was beautiful, elegant, and clever, just as he had always imagined. She had gotten married and was living a happy life."Being my wife is dangerous," he murmured to himself. "The life she has now is the best path I could have given her."He swallowed the pills and leaned back against the bed. Sleep eluded him, but his memories didn't.Once again, he was transported back 16 years.Jordan and the six-year-old Debra were kidnapped. His parents rushed to save Jordan but were ambushed. Both lost their lives.Andrew did his best to rescue Debra, but his legs were injured during the process.He cradled the unconscious, injured Debra in his arms, crawling desperately away from the explosions. For the first time, he understood what despai
"Help me!"A little girl's desperate cries echoed in Andrew's mind, and he woke up from a dream.The room was pitch black and eerily silent. As if drained, he weakly leaned against the head of the bed. Fragments of a memory flickered in his mind like a haunting replay."Hold my hand.""Hug me."A sweet, childlike voice seemed to call out to him again, as if it had traveled through time to reach him. He opened his eyes and was pulled into a memory from many years ago.The summer air carried the fresh scent of grass. In the courtyard, koi fish chased one another in the pond. Sunlight bathed the entire yard, its warmth embracing everything in its reach.He was just an 11-year-old boy then. In front of him stood a little girl with a chubby face. Her little hands tugged at his sleeve.Andrew bent down, as if this moment had been predestined, and smiled at her. "What now?""Swing-swing," replied the girl, pointing at a swing set not far away."It's a swing.""Swing-swing.""Alrig
Standing outside was Jordan.He asked bluntly, "What are you doing here?""I came to visit Andrew," Debra replied with a frown, sensing hostility. "Anything wrong with that?"Jordan pressed his lips together. "How is he?""Not so good. He's been coughing," Debra replied, shaking her head. "I'll leave now."Barton spoke up. "Mrs. Houston, you left something behind.""Oh right, the report Ben gave me," Debra responded, walking back to the desk to grab the papers.Once she left, Jordan went into the room and closed the door behind him.Debra paused, wondering why Andrew asked her to hide his fake illness from Jordan."Hey."Suddenly, a voice startled Debra. She turned around and saw Liza standing behind her.Liza looked puzzled. "What are you staring at so intently?"Debra composed herself and asked, "What's up?""Nothing, just bored. I haven't seen you around lately," Liza pouted. "Didn't you guys get into some kind of trouble? I called my dad. Don't worry. Within three days