"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
The manager failed to stop Sean in time."Why do you give off my resources to Michael? What do you think of him? My equal?"Sean was furious. For years at Frazier Entertainment, he always got the best resources. But now, these resources had been handed to a fresh graduate.Debra leaned back in her chair. "You want to know why?""Yes!" Sean snapped. "Did he bribe you? Or maybe you're keeping him..."Debra slammed the file on the table, making Sean flinch.He had thought Debra was just a soft newcomer to the industry, but her gaze now spoke volume."Calm down, Sean," Debra said coldly. "You're just an artist in this company. Watch your words."Sean persisted, unconvinced. "I'm the top artist here! The company's success depends on me. You've just taken over. Why give away my resources?"The manager observed Debra's expression and started sweating.Debra smirked. "Your resources? Everything you have is given by the company. Top artist? Look around. Even B-list actors barely fit y
"For what?" Debra asked."You knew I was worried about Mr. Lowe, so you brought me," Kale said. "Without your suggestion, I wouldn't have the chance to come."He'd disliked her at first, but after all this time, he'd come around."You're welcome," Debra said. "Now let's focus on finding Michael and figuring out Drake's location. I brought you, but I can't promise we'll get him out today. You get that, right?""Yeah," Kale said, his voice heavy. "I've got a favor to ask.""What is it?""I know this trip is risky. Mr. Lowe is the only family I've got left. We've been through hell together. If he hadn't found me back then, I would have been dead. If I don't make it, promise me you'll save him. The world never meant much to him before. No one did. But you're different."At first, Drake grabbed Debra to get at Marion, but later, she was all he saw.Clueless about feelings, Drake never figured it out. But Kale knew she was special to Drake.In all his years with Drake, Kale had neve
Everyone looked away like it was routine.Debra grinned. "Don't stress about me.""I know," Marion said."I'll be back soon.""I'll wait."He brushed her hair back, and she smiled.Then she and Kale headed into the dense woods. Erica watched, worry creasing her face."Relax," Randy reassured her. "Even if Michael's a traitor, he won't mess with Debra.""How do you know? You can't see inside someone's head. What if he's a total snake?" Erica retorted, knowing how much Debra trusted Michael.Their friendship lasted two years. They had been through thick and thin together. Yet he had stabbed her in the back without hesitation.Randy caught Marion slipping into the trees. "Where are you going?""Marion." Erica paled."Don't bother stopping him," Jordan said. "You couldn't if you tried."He'd known Marion wouldn't let Debra go alone. Three kilometers was too far. Flare or not, they might not reach her in time. Precautions were necessary.The forest was a maze. A few steps in,
Debra hugged Marion tight, drawing strength from him.That afternoon, the convoy rolled toward the valley. The area was thick with trees, with no clear paths in sight. The dense forest was silent except for chirps from birds.Jordan stopped the cars. Everyone piled out, realizing the road ended there."What's Michael thinking, picking a spot like this?" Erica muttered, scanning around.Raw places like this were accident magnets. The map barely showed the terrain. A cliff ahead would force a detour. The thick woods blocked signals, and it'd be easy to get lost. A compass might not even work."You guys wait here," Debra said, grabbing a hiking pack. "We've got enough supplies."She'd expected this possibility but hadn't thought they'd be stuck three kilometers away from the appointed spot."Be careful," Erica warned. "It's only three kilometers straight, but with no map, it could take hours."She stepped closer. "How about I going with you? I've done more hiking and might speed t
Michael wasn't just anyone to Debra. He'd been a teammate and a brother-in-arms.She needed to know his deal with the Illuminati and if their old days fighting side by side were all fake. Everything started with her, and she should be the one to end it."I'm with Debra," Jordan said.Randy waffled. "Well, we've known him forever. He wouldn't hurt her, right? I'm in too.""Are you nuts?" Erica snapped. "What if it goes south?""I'll get her back," Marion said.Erica took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll bring extra guys and wait outside. If anything happens, we're rushing in.""Okay," Debra agreed."Count me in," Kale said, stepping down the stairs.Debra knew he was worried about Drake. "I could use a backup. Kale, you're with me."Kale blinked, surprised she'd let him tag along. Then he got it. "Thanks."Debra rallied everyone. "Gear up. We're heading out.""Come with me," Marion said.The group exchanged looks, unsure what he wanted. Debra didn't ask, just followed behind him.
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju