Randy nudged Erica, signaling her to stop talking.But Debra spoke up, "Yeah, I don't like staying here."In her past life, she had died on the operating table, giving her a deep fear of hospitals."Okay."Marion got up to leave the ward.In no time, the discharge procedures were completed. Randy went downstairs to get the car.After changing her clothes and leaving the ward, she glanced at the room next door, where Juan was. Eventually, she left with Erica.Outside, Debra saw Joe's car, with Shelia's face reflected in the rear window.In the evening, Juan woke up to see a blurry figure bustling around him."Debra?" His voice was low.Shelia paused and turned around with a smile."Juan, you're finally awake." Shelia set down the water and said, "I came right after class to see you. How are you feeling? I'll go call the doctor."Juan was disappointed as he found it was Shelia.With a hoarse voice, he asked, "Where's Debra?"Shelia's smile froze momentarily, but she soon re
"Give me the car keys!" Juan demanded.Joe froze, then reluctantly handed over the keys.Juan grabbed them and left the hospital. His face was pale as he hurried away. Joe followed closely behind, watching as Juan got into his car and sped off."Sir!" Joe called out from behind.But Juan didn't stop the car. Soon, it disappeared.Debra rested in bed at her apartment. Randy bustled in the kitchen with Erica assisting. Marion just sat on the sofa, quietly reading a newspaper.It was a heartwarming scene that Debra cherished.After her parents' untimely deaths, she had been living with Ralph's family. Everyone was guarded, and she hadn't felt this kind of familial warmth in a long time.How she wished it could last forever!Juan arrived outside the apartment building and called her.But no one was answering.He gripped the phone so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He got out of the car and headed towards the security office."Sir, who are you looking for?" asked the gua
"Marion, you..."Before Juan could finish, Marion interrupted, "Debra seems to have woken up. You're advised to take care of Shelia. That's it."With that, he hung up.Juan's face darkened, his hand gripping the phone turning white."Mr. Nichols," the security guard said, "why don't you come another day?"Juan shot a cold glance at him, and he shut his mouth.Debra woke up in bed. Rubbing her eyes, she groggily asked, "Was there a phone call just now?"Marion picked up the newspaper again, calmly saying, "No, you were dreaming."Debra was puzzled.She distinctly heard the phone ring while she was asleep.'Is it all a dream?'Rubbing her temples, Debra reached for her phone on the bedside table, noticing a missed call from Juan.Frowning, Debra wondered, 'Juan is awake?'Just then, Erica came out of the kitchen and called out, "Debra, wake up and have breakfast!""Alright." Debra set her phone aside.The next day, she received a drafted divorce agreement from her lawyer.
"Do you think I won't divorce because of our cooperation with the Frazier family?" Juan approached step by step.Debra looked up at him and countered, "Isn't that the reason?""Of course not!" His eyes were bloodshot as he pressed his hands on Debra's shoulders. "Listen, I will never agree to a divorce. You're not leaving the Nichols family.""Let go!" Debra pushed him away. "Don't tell me you won't divorce because you love me.""I..."She cut him off. "I don't think I have such charm to make you favor me. You embarrassed me in front of others for Shelia repeatedly, causing trouble for my friends. I've had enough of this marriage. Whether you like it or not, I'm divorcing you.""Where do you get the nerve to say that?" Juan snapped. "Haven't you been hanging out with Marion? Aren't you two close? Did you care about my feelings?""Me and Marion?" Debra laughed as if she had heard a joke. "So, that's what you think of me.""Aren't you divorcing me because you're involved with Mar
"You...""From now on, I don't want to hear you mention divorce again. As long as I forbid it, you will always be my wife.""On what grounds?""Just because I'm Juan, and I rule Seamar City. If I disagree, you won't get a divorce.""You!"Juan threw the divorce agreement into the trash and stormed upstairs.Debra angrily watched his retreating figure.She couldn't figure out why he was against divorce so vehemently.In her past life, she had cried and begged Juan not to divorce her. He hadn't even looked at her. But now, when she initiated the divorce and tore into him, he was reluctant.She glanced at the divorce agreement in the trash.Juan was right about one thing. In Seamar City, his word was law.If Juan didn't agree to the divorce, she couldn't get it.It seemed she needed to up the stakes.The next day, Debra went to register her business, taking over several of the Frazier family's loss-making companies.Arriving at the company's entrance, she saw the lazy recept
"Michael Austin?"The manager thought carefully but couldn't recall anyone by that name. He said, "Ms. Frazier, our hottest talent here is Sean Chandler. Should I call him over?"Debra glanced at the manager, smiling outwardly but with no warmth in her eyes."You have half an hour to bring Michael to me," Debra said, going straight upstairs.The manager signaled to his subordinates before following Debra upstairs.Downstairs, several employees exchanged puzzled looks.'Michael? That fresh graduate?'But since it was Debra's order, they had to contact Michael immediately.Debra glanced around the office. The manager, trying to impress, said, "Madam, this office was left by the previous CEO. I had it renovated yesterday. Do you find it satisfactory?""Not bad," Debra replied, sitting down in the chair.The manager persisted, "Sean is the pillar of our company now. Wouldn't you reconsider meeting him?"Debra smiled slyly, making the manager uneasy.She knew things about Sean.
The manager looked up in surprise. "Ms. Frazier, you're the CEO. It's unusual for the boss to meet with employees. Michael doesn't deserve such an honor."Normally, just mentioning the penalty clause would make Michael give in.But this time, he was unexpectedly so disobedient and defiant.Debra picked up her bag and left the office.She found out Michael's home address and went over.Michael's family wasn't rich. In the old neighborhood, Debra's luxury car attracted a lot of attention.The manager opened the car door for her and offered, "Madam, let me take you there.""No need. I'll go up myself."The elderly residents there didn't have elevators. They had to climb the stairs.Debra reached the third floor and knocked on a rusty door.Soon, it opened.A man in casual clothes came into view.He was tall, tan-skinned, with deep eyes that held a hint of clarity. His height, nearly 6.28 feet, overshadowed Debra by quite a bit. His handsome appearance clearly outshone that of
Debra held up Michael's previous contract with the company and tore it in half.Michael was stunned.Debra said, "Here's the new contract. You can review it carefully. If you don't trust me, you can consult a lawyer. But if you believe in me, within a year, I'll make you the hottest star."Her earnest expression swayed him. "Why not promote Sean?"Sean was now the top artist for Frazier Entertainment."After a while, Sean will be out of the picture," she said calmly.It just wasn't the right time yet.Michael fell silent for a moment before asking, "So, what are your conditions?""Conditions?" Debra looked puzzled.Michael cut in coolly, "Do you want me to handle female clients for you or..."He didn't finish his sentence, but his eyes hinted at something.When she realized what he meant, she blushed with embarrassment. "That's not what I meant! I'm not asking you to handle clients for me, nor am I looking to keep you."Michael pressed his lips together. "Then what?""If t
Liza slammed her hands on the table. "How could you fall for a married woman?""Liza, calm down. It's not like that," Garland tried to explain.Debra interrupted him with a sigh, "Your confession was really touching. If you had shown up a bit earlier..."Liza was shocked. "You what? That's it. I'm telling Dad.""Liza!" Garland was eager to soothe her, but she dashed upstairs.Nonchalant, Debra continued to sip her soup."How could you do this?" Garland grumbled."I was speaking the truth." Debra shrugged innocently. "Or do you have ulterior motives to ask about my daily routine?"Garland swallowed hard, knowing it was yet another test.'As Juan said, Debra is not easy to fool. And following this logic, I'd be the lovelorn third male lead, following Juan. No. I don't deserve that title.'"Mrs. Houston," Garland hesitated, "honestly, I don't have feelings for you. It's just that I have my complicated reasons."He couldn't decide whether to spill everything or keep quiet. If he
"Half true, half false.""Tell me about it.""I'm not sure about the rest, but I'm certain his feelings for you are fake," Marion asserted.Debra raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying my charm is weak? How can you be so sure?""When you love someone, you can't hide it in your eyes," Marion replied.Confession was something even he found hard to do, but Garland had been too casual about it. There was no hint of affection in his eyes. Marion figured it was just an excuse.Debra blushed under his fervent gaze. "Alright. You're an expert. No one knows love better than you do."She remembered the times before she accepted Marion's feelings. She had misunderstood his constant attention, thinking he was plotting against her.It was only later that she realized he liked her."But if Garland doesn't like me, why is he recording my every move?" Debra asked.Marion looked away. "I don't know.""You don't know, or you don't want to tell me?" Debra scrutinized him. "Are you hiding somethi
Unable to bear it, Marion broke the silence."Mr. Eaton, do you have something to say?""Actually, I am not Fermin."His confession didn't surprise them in the slightest, but their reaction surprised him.He cleared his throat. "Uh, could you at least react a little? This is getting awkward.""Oh," Debra said casually. "So, why are you suddenly telling us this?""Well," Garland started to explain, "I snuck out alone and used Fermin's identity since we're twins. The outsiders can't tell us apart, and I enjoy throwing his name around. It's embarrassing, but it's the truth. You guys are my friends, and I don't want to lie to you. Please don't rat me out, or I'm done for."Debra pressed, "So, what were you in Seamar City?""It was all for the New Age," Garland replied. "I don't have any other hobbies, but I love journalism and being a reporter."He paused and added, "I swear, I never meant you any harm. If I get caught and sent back, I'll never get out again."Debra leaned in. "T
"Yes. She rattled off the pros and cons. I didn't understand a word of it, but somehow, I managed to muddle through. The problem is, I am not the decision maker. What if she follows up and presses me?" Garland said.Juan muttered, "Her company is doing well. Why would she need to work with you?""I don't know.""Did something go wrong with her company?""I've no idea.""Is the Buchan Group targeting them?""I'm not sure."Frustrated, Juan rubbed his temples. "You had a meeting. Surely, you remember something."Garland recalled it. "Well, she said something about Theda trying to get their hands on the shares of the Nichols Group. Then she said Theda couldn't get them. In the end, she proposed to work with me to dominate overseas and Seamar City markets. I told her I'd take it back to the company for discussion, but she hit me with this thing about me being the sole decision-maker for overseas operations. I panicked and said we didn't have any assets in Seamar City. Then she drop
"Yep.""I thought you meant my company.""Not really," Garland quickly reassured her. "Even if Theda has those shares, she can't compete with you."Debra took a sip of what she thought was tea, only to realize it was Coke. She glanced at Garland, who was wolfing down his food with no regard for manners."I've heard that you have a ruthless streak and get things done efficiently," she probed. "If we join hands, dominating overseas and Seamar City markets won't be a problem. What do you think?"Garland nearly choked on the food. 'Ruthless? Efficient? That sounds more like my dad.'As for cooperation, he didn't have the authority to make that decision."What you're saying makes sense," he stammered. "Given our relationship, a partnership wouldn't be a problem. But this is a big decision. I'll need to discuss it with my dad."Noticing Debra's suspicious look, he quickly corrected himself. "I mean, I'll talk to the shareholders and get my dad's approval.""I heard that your father
Lara recounted what happened to Debra, who muttered in confusion, "Huh? He only recorded my meals?"She glanced at Marion, who was equally clueless."He didn't ask anything else. But since no one was eating in the dining room, he went back to his room.""He made his actions so obvious," Debra mused. "I'll test him again and find out what he is trying to do."Marion advised, "From the way things are going right now, his brain doesn't seem so sharp. You should be careful not to overplay your hand when probing him. I'm afraid he won't catch on.""He's the heir to the Eaton family. He can't be that dull," Debra reasoned."I'm not calling him a fool," Marion explained. "But he has been acting like one."Fermin's recent behavior had betrayed his low intelligence.When they were at the Potter Mansion, he had maintained his sophistication, but over time, he couldn't be bothered to fake it anymore, always showing his true colors in front of them."I'll go try something," Debra said, st
"Liza and Fermin are here," Debra said, changing the subject."I heard." Marion nodded."I suspect Fermin is here to keep an eye on us," Debra shared her thoughts. "He is the heir to the Eaton family. It doesn't make sense for him to come here personally. But his interaction with Liza suggests they are real siblings. I just don't get why he'd bother monitoring me."They had stayed at the Potter Mansion for a while, but nothing had happened. If Fermin was as cunning as rumors suggested, he wouldn't have been sitting around and doing nothing.Debra had deliberately let them stay to keep an eye on them. But Seamar City remained peaceful."Are you doubting his identity now?" Marion asked."Doubting is one thing. Knowing what he's up to is another, and finding out his true identity is yet another," Debra replied, shaking her head. "I don't know if he's dumb or playing dumb. We need to find an opportunity to test him.""Then let's test him," Marion agreed. "Finding out what he's monit
When Debra returned to the room, she saw Marion trying to get out of bed and walk.She hurried over to support him. "The doctor said you shouldn't be moving around right now. Why aren't you listening?"Marion brushed it off. "My physical condition is better than most people's. I'll heal faster.""Cut the nonsense," Debra retorted. "The venom may have been neutralized, but you're still weak. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You're eager to go back and retaliate against the Buchan family."The mention of the Buchan family made Marion pause, realizing she must've interrogated Robert."So, you know.""Of course, I know. Think you could handle things without me finding out?"She tapped his forehead and said, "You didn't have to fight them. If Theda wants the Nichols Group so badly, let her have it. I don't care.""I know," Marion said, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I just don't want anyone to steal your things."He could feel Debra's obsession with the N
Debra tactfully suggested, "Your influence in Orkgate is undeniable, but sometimes you can be a bit misguided. Why don't we...""No. I'm doing this alone," Drake refused, heading toward his study.Debra was speechless. If Drake took things into his hands, Orkgate would be turned upside down. If he stirred the pot too much, the target would surely flee the city. She couldn't let him act so recklessly.Kale had just escorted Garland and Liza to the guest room.Seeing Drake return, he asked, "Boss, are you sure about letting them stay here?""Why not? It's not like we're short on guest rooms," Drake replied dismissively.He then ordered, "I need you to gather information on every business in Orkgate, big or small, whether they're our partners or not. Get their details and map out their network. Don't miss a thing."Kale blinked. "Every business? And their network?"Orkgate was vast and bustling, with countless businesses. Compiling all that information would take weeks, even with