Marion came back, and Randy pretended to whistle, acting like he hadn't said a word.Debra turned to see Marion holding the ledger."Was someone badmouthing me?" he asked.Randy shook his head. "No way. Everyone was praising you as a role model for modern men.""Really?""Absolutely."Erica smacked his arm. "Stop the joke and let's see the ledger."Debra spread it and said, "Based on our calculations, the Houston family's foreign goods business made 300 thousand silver dollars annually but spent 600 thousand. My family's cosmetics business earned 100 thousand and spent 200 thousand. The Osborne family's agricultural ventures brought in 200 thousand but lost 400 thousand. As for the Potter family... Their annual income was 1.2 million, but the expenditure was zero."Randy mused, "So, our families were bleeding money to subsidize the Potters?""Exactly." Debra nodded. "Those two elders claimed the 1.2 million funded their intelligence network. But that amount's way too high."S
"Not that line. The one before," Debra pressed.Randy thought for a moment. "Wrong direction of investigation?""The one before that.""These are account books, not a treasure map?""Yes, that's the one.""What about it?"Debra crossed her arms. "I always thought it was weird. If these ledgers were so dangerous, why weren't they burned? Why hide them in ancestral halls? The Osborne and Houston families probably have their versions too. Maybe combined, they are a treasure map.""I've heard of treasure maps hidden in poems or paintings," Erica said, "but account books? That's a first.""That's a wild guess," Randy echoed. "What kind of treasure would be hidden in ledgers?"Debra shook her head. "Randy, can you sneak into your ancestral hall and get something?"Randy froze as all eyes landed on him. He swallowed hard and shook his head. "I've hated going to the ancestral hall since I was a kid. Every time I go, I either piss off my ancestors or get beaten by my dad. Do you want
Erica thought for a moment. "Your task is even tougher."Garland's eyes lit up, but then Erica patted his shoulder. "The Osborne family chef's cooking sucks. Your job is to make dinner for us."Garland's smile cracked. "That's your tough task?""Obviously. Logistics are critical," Erica grinned, turning to Randy. "Let's go. Time to revisit the home you've been dreaming about."Randy hated going home or seeing his father.He sighed, "I'm only doing this for you. If it were Marion, I'd say no."Marion shrugged. "I could just raid your ancestral hall with my men. Sounds easier.""Don't." Randy paled. "My dad can't touch you, but he'll kill me."Marion was capable of such a thing. Drake and Robert were the living examples, suffering from his betrayal.That night, Randy and Erica headed to the Osborne Mansion.As Randy drove, Erica frowned. "Why are your hands shaking?"Debra chimed in from the backseat, "The car feels wobbly.""It's me that's wobbly." Randy's lips were white. "
Chapter 1"Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!""Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away."The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled.The operating room reeked of blood.She had never seen so much blood before.At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind.'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?'The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan...""What?""Juan Nichols..."The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier.Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City.The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken a
Chapter 2Juan also looked over.A red figure stood out in the crowd.Debra, clad in a burgundy dress, seemed to captivate hearts with every gesture. Cameras flashed at her like she was a reigning superstar walking the red carpet.'Debra?'Juan took a moment to recognize her.In the past, Debra preferred light makeup and plain dresses. This was the first time Juan had seen her like this.Seeing Debra for the first time, Shelia was filled with jealousy.Compared to the alluring Debra, she seemed too plain."Debra looks stunning."Shelia's tone carried a subtle envy.Debra spotted them and walked over.Shelia thought Debra, unaware of her relationship with Juan, would be surprised or awkward, but Debra was poised and smiling."Mrs. Nichols is here. Who's the lady beside Mr. Nichols?" whispered a reporter.Debra approached, linking her arm with Juan's, and extended a hand towards Shelia. "You must be Shelia mentioned by Juan. Nice to meet you! I'm Debra. You can call me Mrs.
Chapter 3Due to this episode, Juan's attention was solely on Debra. Shelia's performance was completely ignored.When the auction ended, Debra was about to leave when she bumped into Juan and Shelia."Debra, if you don't understand real estate, don't mess around," Juan said bluntly.Shelia chimed in, "Yeah, Debra. Your actions have cost Mr. Nichols ten billion dollars."Debra chuckled, "Miss Miles, you misunderstand. This piece of land is mine to buy. What does it have to do with Juan?"Shelia blurted out, "But that's ten billion dollars.""It's just pocket change for me, not to mention for her."From not far away, Randy's voice came. "Isn't that right, Ms. Frazier?"Debra caught sight of Marion and said, "It's just a plaything for purchase."Shelia blushed with embarrassment.Ten billion dollars meant nothing to Juan and Debra.In front of these people, Shelia felt inferior."Heard Mr. Nichols got married. Is the lady beside him Mrs. Nichols?" Marion chimed in.Shelia b
Chapter 4The room fell silent for a moment. Marion smirked and said, "Mrs. Nichols, you can't wrongly accuse good people.""Yeah, we're all legitimate businessmen," Randy chimed in."In the realm of legitimate business, it's not up to me to judge. But I think Juan might be interested," Debra said. "I'm just a clueless rich girl, while Juan isn't. If I tell him what happened, I wonder if he'll take notice.""You're sneaky!" Randy couldn't contain his frustration.Debra looked at Marion seriously. "Lend me eight billion, and I'll pay you back with interest in three years."Randy's eyes widened. "Are you kidding? Do you know how much interest that'll be? If you can't pay it back, we'll lose eight billion dollars. You're Juan's wife. Who can hold you accountable?""I know the interest. I'll sign a contract with you. If I can't repay, I'll give you my family's properties and stocks, and I'll work for you for the rest of my life." Randy paused and continued, "And besides, my marriage
Chapter 5Shelia's smile froze. "Why?""Mr. Nichols is taking his wife tonight, so it wouldn't be convenient for you to attend."Shelia forced a smile. "Oh, so he's taking his wife. That's great. I didn't want to go anyway.""That's good."Shelia held her phone and bit her lip.Her roommates exchanged glances."Shelia, did your boyfriend stand you up?""I heard this event is international. Didn't your boyfriend organize it to introduce you to some foreign entrepreneurs?"Facing their skeptical looks, Shelia managed a weak smile. "He has an important client to accompany. I shouldn't disturb him."Shelia glanced at the dress in her hands, her expression dimming.'Juan never likes Debra. Why did he suddenly...'She tightened her grip on the dress.She had looked forward to tonight's event for so long. She couldn't just give up.As the night fell, Juan had a splendid black dress sent to Debra.He had been waiting downstairs for a while when he saw Debra descending the stairs
Erica thought for a moment. "Your task is even tougher."Garland's eyes lit up, but then Erica patted his shoulder. "The Osborne family chef's cooking sucks. Your job is to make dinner for us."Garland's smile cracked. "That's your tough task?""Obviously. Logistics are critical," Erica grinned, turning to Randy. "Let's go. Time to revisit the home you've been dreaming about."Randy hated going home or seeing his father.He sighed, "I'm only doing this for you. If it were Marion, I'd say no."Marion shrugged. "I could just raid your ancestral hall with my men. Sounds easier.""Don't." Randy paled. "My dad can't touch you, but he'll kill me."Marion was capable of such a thing. Drake and Robert were the living examples, suffering from his betrayal.That night, Randy and Erica headed to the Osborne Mansion.As Randy drove, Erica frowned. "Why are your hands shaking?"Debra chimed in from the backseat, "The car feels wobbly.""It's me that's wobbly." Randy's lips were white. "
"Not that line. The one before," Debra pressed.Randy thought for a moment. "Wrong direction of investigation?""The one before that.""These are account books, not a treasure map?""Yes, that's the one.""What about it?"Debra crossed her arms. "I always thought it was weird. If these ledgers were so dangerous, why weren't they burned? Why hide them in ancestral halls? The Osborne and Houston families probably have their versions too. Maybe combined, they are a treasure map.""I've heard of treasure maps hidden in poems or paintings," Erica said, "but account books? That's a first.""That's a wild guess," Randy echoed. "What kind of treasure would be hidden in ledgers?"Debra shook her head. "Randy, can you sneak into your ancestral hall and get something?"Randy froze as all eyes landed on him. He swallowed hard and shook his head. "I've hated going to the ancestral hall since I was a kid. Every time I go, I either piss off my ancestors or get beaten by my dad. Do you want
Marion came back, and Randy pretended to whistle, acting like he hadn't said a word.Debra turned to see Marion holding the ledger."Was someone badmouthing me?" he asked.Randy shook his head. "No way. Everyone was praising you as a role model for modern men.""Really?""Absolutely."Erica smacked his arm. "Stop the joke and let's see the ledger."Debra spread it and said, "Based on our calculations, the Houston family's foreign goods business made 300 thousand silver dollars annually but spent 600 thousand. My family's cosmetics business earned 100 thousand and spent 200 thousand. The Osborne family's agricultural ventures brought in 200 thousand but lost 400 thousand. As for the Potter family... Their annual income was 1.2 million, but the expenditure was zero."Randy mused, "So, our families were bleeding money to subsidize the Potters?""Exactly." Debra nodded. "Those two elders claimed the 1.2 million funded their intelligence network. But that amount's way too high."S
"Damn it. Can't you say something nice for once?" Erica smacked Randy on the back of his head. "The Potter family's elders showed up earlier demanding to take back the seal from Debra. I called you a million times. Why didn't you pick up?"Randy clutched her head, wincing. "It's not that I didn't want to. It's Marion..."He glanced at Marion, then awkwardly backtracked. "We were having a meeting, and I muted my phone. Wasn't ignoring you on purpose.""If you ever ignore my calls again, you're dead," Erica huffed."Got it. Won't happen again." Randy nodded meekly.Marion crossed his arms. "Seems like everything's settled now.""Settled? Then what's up with this guy?" Randy pointed at Ivan sprawled unconscious on the floor. "Why's this dude napping here?""I knocked him out," Debra said casually. "Didn't want him to overhear things he shouldn't. Used a little force.""That's a little?" Randy stared at the bruise on Ivan's neck.Erica rolled her eyes. "Put up or shut up!"Randy
Garland's curiosity was piqued. "So, does that mean only Andrew knows about the treasure?"Freddy shook his head. "This generation is an exception. The kidnapping incident that took Andrew's parents' lives also buried the secret. As for whether Andrew knows... You'd have to ask him. But I doubt it. The incident was too sudden. His father likely didn't have time to pass on the secret.""Mrs. Houston," Josh interjected, "is the Potter family's heirloom gemstone in your possession?"Debra thought of the gemstone Jordan had given her. "It is. If you want it back..."Josh waved his hand with a gentle smile. "No. Since it's been given to you, it's yours. Just take good care of it. Don't lose it."Debra nodded solemnly. "I'll keep it safe, Mr. Palmer."Freddy spoke again. "Our visit is no longer a secret. We've spread the word that we reclaimed the seal. Next time you use it, it must be for something really important. Don't show it to anyone.""I understand," Debra replied.The last t
Iwan collapsed to the ground.Debra glanced at him and turned to the two elders in the center. "Gentlemen, there's no need to test me anymore, is there?"Erica and Garland were both stunned. They couldn't believe the stunt was just a test.Freddy studied Debra's expression, and for a moment, he saw the same unshakable confidence he had once admired in Triston."You think we're joking with you?" he sneered.With his words, Erica and Garland tensed up once again.Debra, on the other hand, remained unfazed. "If you guys wanted the seal, there'd be no need to come here and talk to me. You could've just sent someone to take it. After all these years of ignoring the Potter family's affairs, you've traveled all this way just to put on a show. You must have been informed that the seal is in my hands and wanted to know if I'd give it away easily, right?"She couldn't think of anyone other than Jordan who might have tipped them off.To save Liza, she had shown up with people from the Pot
Then there was a prodigy hacker, who, at just 13, had crashed machines and made groundbreaking contributions to science. His hacking skills had spawned countless legends 30 years ago.The last one was an ultra-intelligent physicist, who had been received by presidents of various nations. By the age of 30, he had begun developing nuclear weapons, earning countless domestic and international accolades. Each of these individuals commanded an aura of immense power.From the second floor, Erica and Garland spotted Debra appearing at the entrance. They hurried down, but even Erica, who was usually fearless, slowed her steps, careful not to make any noise that might disturb the formidable figures below.She reached Debra's side and whispered, "How did you get back so quickly? Marion and the others aren't back yet."Garland raised his hand. "I told her to hurry back."Erica was speechless.These people were no ordinary opponents. Debra might not be able to handle them on her own. They
Marion wiped the muzzle of his gun and instructed his men, "Clean this up.""Yes, sir." The guards stepped forward and swiftly disposed of Corey's body.His supporters were scared out of their wits.Marion sat back in his chair and glanced at them. "You have two options. Sell your shares or end up like Corey."The shareholders exchanged nervous glances and shook like leaves."We're willing to give up our shares.""Yes, please take them."Though the air conditioner was set to a cool 68°F, the shareholders were drenched in cold sweat.Marion glanced at the lawyer, who stepped forward and handed out the share transfer agreements. The shareholders had no choice but to sign them.Marion holstered his gun and said, "That's all for today. The meeting is dismissed."The guards quickly escorted those shareholders out of the room.Randy glanced at the bloodstains on the floor. "Wow, that was brutal."Marion shot him a look, and he quickly added, "But it's much better than before."M
"You're not part of the Houston family. Stay out of our business," one of the shareholders snapped."Exactly," another chimed in. "Your ancestors were just deputies. You have no right to speak here."Randy's face darkened. "Say that again?"Marion raised a hand. "So, you want me to step down?""We want an election," Corey said. "The Houston family has had its time at the helm. As shareholders, we're obliged to choose the most suitable candidate. It doesn't have to be you, Marion.""Let's vote, then." Marion shrugged.Randy was shocked. "Are you serious? These people are just trying to force you out. You can't...""If it's an election, let's have it," Marion said, tapping the table.A group of shareholders then filed into the room. They were all old associates of the Houston family, loyalists who had stood by Caleb for years. They lined up behind Marion as a show of support.Corey scoffed, "There are ten of us, and we control 55% of the shares. What's the point of calling in th