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
Just then, Debra's phone rang.She checked it out and found it was Garland. As soon as the line went through, his anxious voice came through."Why aren't you guys back yet? I've called you so many times, and none of you answered. I thought you all committed suicide.""What's up?""You don't know? The Lowe Group has a new successor. Overnight, they convinced all the shareholders to make him the new CEO."Debra's heart skipped a beat. Her gaze darted to Marion, who immediately sensed the gravity of the situation.He shook Randy awake and roused Erica. "Something's happened. We need to go back now."Still groggy, Erica and Randy followed them, catching a cab back to the Potter Mansion. As they entered, the TV was broadcasting the news about the new successor of the Lowe Group.Randy was puzzled. "Isn't Drake the biggest shareholder? Who has the power to remove him?""Those behind the scenes," Debra said, her brows furrowed.She just hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.Eric
Everyone was deep in thought when Debra caught sight of Jordan standing a short distance away.She hadn't noticed when he arrived, and neither had anyone else. They were all too absorbed in watching the news to pay attention.Randy followed Debra's gaze and looked over. He jumped. "Jordan, you scared the hell out of me. Why did you walk without a sound?""I've been here for ages," Jordan replied calmly. "You were all so focused on the news that you didn't notice me.""Kid, looks like being in the army really changes a person. I didn't even notice you sneaking up. You've gotten pretty good at hiding your presence," Erica chuckled, patting his shoulder.Jordan frowned. "I'm not a kid anymore. I have a name. Stop calling me that."Erica wasn't bothered. "You'll always be our little brother. Don't forget who taught you how to do a spinning kick when you were little."As the tension eased a little, Debra spoke up. "Let's head to the office. Who knows what kind of chaos is brewing ou
"That plot of land. Is there something wrong with the land?" Debra replied."It's not the land itself, but your over-reliance on it," Marion said.He hadn't pointed it out before because this plot of land had brought in significant profits. However, if they wanted to confront that mastermind, they couldn't just rely on this land alone."I get what you mean." Debra nodded, "If I'm just the head of the McKinney Group, I'm not qualified to meet those people.""They have been suppressing our moves," Marion said. If we want to lure them out, we'll need unconventional methods."He placed a document into her hands. "This is from Caleb, for you.""For me?" Debra was surprised.She took the folder, opened it, and found a share transfer agreement inside, along with a land transfer agreement and a will."Is this the Houston Group's land?""Yes. Caleb probably sensed that something was going to happen, so he prepared these documents and the will in advance. Now all the resources are in yo
Barton shook his head."Why would Jordan betray us? It doesn't make sense," Debra pressed. "Isn't this part of your plan? With Liza captured, we're in a tight spot. Just tell me the truth.""I really don't know," Barton replied with an innocent look.Debra panicked. She couldn't tell the truth from lies anymore or if this was part of some scheme. She wasn't sure if Jordan really betrayed them or if Andrew was really sick.These questions swirled in her mind and drove her crazy."Where's Marion?" she finally asked.If Andrew was gravely ill, Marion wouldn't leave his side.Barton replied, "Mr. Houston has been tied up with matters at home. He hasn't returned since he left in the morning.""He's gone all day?" Debra's eyes narrowed.That didn't add up. With Marion's efficiency, there was no way he'd take so long to handle family issues.While Debra was struggling to make sense of it all, Garland burst in, looking frantic."What do you mean Jordan is a traitor? And Liza's been
"Hey, don't touch me!" Liza shouted, struggling as the bodyguards grabbed her arms.Jordan came down the stairs and asked with a frown, "Where are Debra and Erica?""Sir, they escaped," one of the guards reported.Jordan slapped him and spat, "Useless!"The guard bowed his head and stepped back.Liza glared at Jordan. "Traitor! You're even worse than Drake. You sneaky backstabber!"Her string of insults didn't faze him one bit.She continued, "Let me remind you, I am Liza Eaton. If you dare lay a finger on me, my dad won't let you off the hook."The guards all had a headache coming on. She had repeated it so many times, but they couldn't deny the power of her family.One of the guards ventured, "Sir, what should we do? Let her go?"Jordan glanced at Liza. "Take her away and lock her up.""What?" Liza shouted, "You have the nerve to lock me up? Just so you know, if I get even a scratch, my dad will chop you into pieces.""Gag her.""Yes, sir."The guards gagged Liza and dr
"No need to chase further," Jordan said."Why not?" demanded a figure coming out of the corner.He was cloaked in a black robe, his face hidden behind a white mask. His voice was deep, altered by a voice changer."Messing with the Eaton family is not a wise decision," Jordan replied blandly."So what if I mess with them? They're nothing," said the masked man, raising his hand.At the signal, a bunch of bodyguards rushed downstairs.The guests at the party had no idea what was happening, and the cameras were soon shut off."What's going on?" the reporters protested as they were driven out of the hotel.The remaining ones in the hall were shocked. Given their experiences, they knew something big was about to happen. The only thing they could do was stay quiet."Back off. You don't want to hurt Miss Eaton," Erica shouted.But Debra heard hurried footsteps coming from inside the hall. Alerted, she said, "Something is not right. We need to run.""Relax. I dare them to lay a finge
Debra's voice turned icy. "Did you have something to do with Andrew's worsening condition?""I don't have time to waste talking to you," Jordan replied, turning to the guards. "Escort Mrs. Houston out.""Yes, sir." The guards moved toward Debra.She sensed their malice and stepped back.Erica's shouting came. "Run."She grabbed Debra's hand, and the two of them bolted down the stairs.Unsure of the situation, Liza trusted her instincts and followed them."After them!" The guards gave chase.Liza suddenly had an idea. She stopped in her tracks and stood boldly in front of the guards. The unexpected move forced them to screech to a halt.She declared, "I am the daughter of the Eaton family. If you dare lay a hand on me, my dad will make sure you regret it."Debra and Erica, who had reached the exit, heard her words and felt helpless. At such a time, no one would care about her status anymore.The guards ignored the threat, ready to act, when Jordan suddenly called out from the
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