Marion's gaze turned icy when he saw Drake blocking Debra's path.Drake glared. "I wasn't done talking.""'Finished now,' Marion said coolly.Drake turned to Debra. "I need to..."She waved dismissively. "I'm going to hit the sack. You should too."Debra walked off, and Marion closed the door for him.Drake lunged forward, but Kale held him back."Boss, your injuries..." "Screw the injuries. Let me at him."Marion opened the door, deadpan. "Don't like it closed? I'll leave it open.""Damn..." Kale clamped a hand over Drake's mouth.It was not wise to fight Marion there at the Potter Mansion. Besides, they hadn't gotten the Lowe Group back.Back in their room, Debra smirked at Marion. "Thought you weren't worried. Why eavesdrop?"Marion pulled her close. "How could I not worry?""Then why let me talk to him alone?" She tilted her head. "I know you're jealous."He pressed his lips together. "I don't want to restrain your freedom. It was just a talk. He couldn't steal
Barton pushed open the door and entered Andrew's bedroom. "Sir, Mrs. Houston has found all the ledgers.""I see." Andrew nodded.Barton hesitated. "Sir, the mastermind will act soon. Should we...""Life goes on. No need to borrow trouble," Andrew replied. "You can go now."After Barton left, the gauzy curtains fluttered in the breeze.Andrew gazed at the dark sky outside and whispered, "This time, I'm here with you."...The next morning, Debra grabbed her bag, ready to go to work.Ivan blocked her path. "Mrs. Houston, have you eaten breakfast?""Not hungry, thanks." She sidestepped him.He scrambled in front of her again. "Maybe a sandwich?"Debra forced a polite smile. "I'm really not hungry."Ivan blocked her a third time. "Coffee, maybe?"Debra dropped her bag. "Out with it. What's going on?"Ivan looked torn. Debra crossed her arms. "No? Then I'm leaving.""Wait." Ivan quickly took out his phone. "There's news. Today's headlines."Debra snatched the phone. The scre
Ivan instinctively tried to step back but stopped himself, remembering his mission to earn her trust.Debra noticed his subtle movement and raised an eyebrow. It looked like he was still reeling from the fear of getting hit.Marion came downstairs and approached them. Ivan quickly retreated."Saw that earlier," Marion murmured."Just messing with him," Debra said, chuckling. "He thought he could win me over by playing innocent. Scared stiff but trying not to show it. Hilarious.""Was it so fun?" Marion flicked her forehead. "Not worried I'd get jealous?""He's just a kid. Why would you?" She flashed her phone at him. "This is what you should worry about."Marion glanced at the viral news headline. His expression stayed neutral until he spotted Juan and Andrew's names."Give me a minute.""What're you doing?""Taking them down."He pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen.Debra bit back a laugh at his intensity. Just then, her phone rang. It was Ben."Let me
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
Ivan instinctively tried to step back but stopped himself, remembering his mission to earn her trust.Debra noticed his subtle movement and raised an eyebrow. It looked like he was still reeling from the fear of getting hit.Marion came downstairs and approached them. Ivan quickly retreated."Saw that earlier," Marion murmured."Just messing with him," Debra said, chuckling. "He thought he could win me over by playing innocent. Scared stiff but trying not to show it. Hilarious.""Was it so fun?" Marion flicked her forehead. "Not worried I'd get jealous?""He's just a kid. Why would you?" She flashed her phone at him. "This is what you should worry about."Marion glanced at the viral news headline. His expression stayed neutral until he spotted Juan and Andrew's names."Give me a minute.""What're you doing?""Taking them down."He pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen.Debra bit back a laugh at his intensity. Just then, her phone rang. It was Ben."Let me
Barton pushed open the door and entered Andrew's bedroom. "Sir, Mrs. Houston has found all the ledgers.""I see." Andrew nodded.Barton hesitated. "Sir, the mastermind will act soon. Should we...""Life goes on. No need to borrow trouble," Andrew replied. "You can go now."After Barton left, the gauzy curtains fluttered in the breeze.Andrew gazed at the dark sky outside and whispered, "This time, I'm here with you."...The next morning, Debra grabbed her bag, ready to go to work.Ivan blocked her path. "Mrs. Houston, have you eaten breakfast?""Not hungry, thanks." She sidestepped him.He scrambled in front of her again. "Maybe a sandwich?"Debra forced a polite smile. "I'm really not hungry."Ivan blocked her a third time. "Coffee, maybe?"Debra dropped her bag. "Out with it. What's going on?"Ivan looked torn. Debra crossed her arms. "No? Then I'm leaving.""Wait." Ivan quickly took out his phone. "There's news. Today's headlines."Debra snatched the phone. The scre
Marion's gaze turned icy when he saw Drake blocking Debra's path.Drake glared. "I wasn't done talking.""'Finished now,' Marion said coolly.Drake turned to Debra. "I need to..."She waved dismissively. "I'm going to hit the sack. You should too."Debra walked off, and Marion closed the door for him.Drake lunged forward, but Kale held him back."Boss, your injuries..." "Screw the injuries. Let me at him."Marion opened the door, deadpan. "Don't like it closed? I'll leave it open.""Damn..." Kale clamped a hand over Drake's mouth.It was not wise to fight Marion there at the Potter Mansion. Besides, they hadn't gotten the Lowe Group back.Back in their room, Debra smirked at Marion. "Thought you weren't worried. Why eavesdrop?"Marion pulled her close. "How could I not worry?""Then why let me talk to him alone?" She tilted her head. "I know you're jealous."He pressed his lips together. "I don't want to restrain your freedom. It was just a talk. He couldn't steal
"What's the fuss?" Debra said.Drake hesitated. "I..." Outside, Erica and Randy shoved past Kale, ducking behind Marion.Kale initially tried to block them but retreated under Marion's icy glare.Inside, Drake noticed the door was slightly ajar. He scowled. "Hold on."Before Debra could react, he yanked the door open, exposing the three eavesdroppers.Debra raised an eyebrow. 'Really?'Erica cringed, looking at Randy. Randy pointed at Marion, and Marion blinked innocently.Debra smiled at them, slammed the door shut, and locked it.Randy gaped. "Did you hear that? She locked us out."Marion's jaw tightened."Let's go." Erica dragged Randy down the hall.Inside the room, Debra muttered, "We're alone now. Spit it out."Drake silently stared at her, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have things to say or not?"Drake awkwardly cleared his throat. "Do you know Fermin likes you?"Debra barely flinched. "Yeah. Why?""You know?" Drake looked like his brain short-circuite
Everyone snapped to attention, flipping through the records. But the entries were pretty much the same—lists of expenses for rice, oil, flour, and other mundane supplies."Any maps or codes?" Randy scratched his head.Erica smacked the ledger. "Nothing. Just numbers and grocery lists."Debra traced a column of figures. "Right, numbers!"Erica was puzzled. "Numbers? How's that a treasure map?"Randy muttered, "Could it be that we've been thinking in the wrong direction? Maybe this isn't a treasure map after all?"Erica echoed, "Could it really be, like the elders said, just an account book that we've somehow turned into a myth?"As the group agonized, Drake finally snapped. "Debra, we need to talk.""Hm? About what?""Let's talk outside.""Can't say it here?""Outside." Drake stormed out. Debra sighed, turning to Marion. "Can I?"Erica and Randy glanced at him nervously.Marion nodded. "Go ahead."Erica and Randy gaped. 'No jealousy?' The second Debra left, Erica hiss
The dust on the lock was uneven. Clearly, someone had opened it recently.Marion pulled out an old key. "These locks are century-old designs. No key, no entry."He clicked it open, revealing rows of tablets. The hall was wider than that of the Fraziers.Debra hesitated. She'd never properly paid respects here since marrying Marion."Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma," Marion said softly, squeezing her hand. "I'm here with Debra."Debra tightened her grip. "We're here to visit you guys. Please watch over us. Help us find who's targeting the four families.""They will." Marion nodded. "Let's find the ledger."To her surprise, it sat under a pillar, barely hidden. "This isn't exactly hard to find.""Getting in is the challenge." Marion checked the ledger's age. "Let's head back. See if combining all four families' records reveals anything."If the ledgers combined meant a map, they'd be one step closer to the treasure.At Potter Mansion, Erica glanced at her watch and gaped. "Back
Drake's face darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting?""If you're not a spy, why stare at Mrs. Houston? I stare because I like her. You too?"Garland's words made Drake bark a laugh. "You like Debra?"Though shaky, Garland puffed his chest. "Yeah. I confessed to her right in front of Marion, and she let me look. You? Suspicious."Drake clenched his teeth. "Is Debra out of her mind?""See? You're the shady one." Garland jabbed a finger. "Admit it. You've got a crush.""Kale." Drake yanked open the locked door and shoved Garland out. "Get him out of my face.""Yes, boss.""Hey. Don't get mad just because I called you out. Drake, you're just..." "Gag him." When Kale returned, Drake paced angrily."This guy's identity is questionable. Should I...""He is not Fermin, but why is Debra keeping him around?""But Miss Eaton calls him brother. Maybe they're twins?""Twins?""Explains the mismatch. The other one is a genius, and this one a clueless idiot.""Clueless and blin
Before Garland could react, Drake had already shoved him into the room and pinned him against the door.Garland gulped nervously. 'What the hell? I'm not into guys.'"What's this about? This closeness is a bit much," Garland laughed awkwardly, trying to duck.But Drake flipped the lock with one hand and blocked his escape with the other.Garland's heart dropped. 'Gosh! Is Drake really gay?'"Back off! I'm straight.""What the hell are you babbling about?""You dragged me here alone. Isn't it obvious you want to..." Realization hit Drake. His face darkened, and he smacked Garland's head. "You think I'd hit on you? I'd need brain damage first.""Then why the sneaky moves? And why'd you hit me?" Garland hopped back, indignant."Cut the act. You're not Fermin." Drake got straight to the point.Garland stiffened but doubled down. "Of course, I am. We've fought before. You know my face.""I don't know what game you're playing, but Juan is in it with you," Drake hissed."Juan?
Edgar's face twisted like Randy had hit a nerve.Randy smirked, "Know your place, Edgar. We're being nice by chatting. Push us, and we'll demand repayment. You'd be jumping off a building by noon.""Why are you rapping so much?" Erica sulked.Randy mimed zipping his lips.Debra turned to Ivan, who'd been hovering near the kitchen. "Escort Mr. Odom to the guest room upstairs. The one at the end. He prefers privacy."As Ivan approached, the bruises on his neck from Debra's strike were still visible.Drake narrowed his eyes, figuring out her plan to isolate the two.Once they were gone, Debra tapped the table. "The ledger."Randy shrugged silently.Erica kicked his shin. "The ledger." "You told me to shut up.""Want another kick?""It's in your bag. You forgot."Erica blinked, then dug through her bag. "Got too intrigued by the story."She then placed the Osborne family's ledger on the table.Debra compared it to the Fraizer and Potter records. "Only the Houston family le