"I'll give you a ride," Marion offered.Debra agreed. Marion hurried downstairs to get his car, and she followed closely.She quickened her pace after leaving McKinney Group. However, as she descended the stairs, her foot slipped, causing her to fall backwards. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, expecting to hit the ground hard, but in the next instant, she found herself in someone's arms.She opened her eyes to see Marion's smiling face.In a low voice, he said, "Take it easy. You won't be late."Debra blushed and quickly got into the car.Marion took the driver's seat, a faint smile on his face."Fasten your seatbelt and hold on tight," he said.Before Debra could fully grasp his words, he hit the gas pedal.If she hadn't held on, she felt like she might have been launched out.Not far from the apartment building, Debra saw Joe's car just arriving.Unable to enter the gated community without a key card, Joe could only wait outside.Debra picked up her bag. "I'm gonna hea
By now, Juan should have received the false information leaked by Debra.Calling her back now indicated his dissatisfaction with the investigation's results."I've never heard of Tracy McKinney before," Juan said, observing her expression.Debra remained composed, giving away nothing.Tracy was her, and she was Tracy.She had used a fake identity, so it was normal that Juan couldn't find anything."Me too. Maybe some foreign entrepreneur." Debra casually diverted the topic. "Did you call me back just to ask me this? I don't have time for such boring questions."With that, she got up. Juan took a deep breath and asked helplessly, "How much longer are you going to keep this tantrum?"It had been three months since Debra came home. He thought giving her some space would make her give in, but he hadn't expected her to stand firm this time."I'm not throwing a tantrum. Since you don't want a divorce, I'll have to force your hand."Her words ignited Juan's anger. "Is that what you
Debra pushed herself up from the sofa. Her eyes held a cold sarcasm towards Juan. "I've told you what you want to know. Can I leave now?""Hold on!" Juan grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going? To find Marion?""Let go!" Debra shook off his grip. "Where I go is my business, none of yours!""Don't forget that you're my wife." Juan stepped closer, adjusting his tie. "You used to like me, remember? You wanted to be with me. Now I'm giving you what you wanted. You're not going to see Marion.""Have you lost your mind?" Debra snapped."Maybe I have. Only a madman would let you run around like this."Juan held her wrist firmly, pushing her back onto the sofa. His eyes burned with possessiveness. "Tonight, you're not leaving this house.""Let go of me!"Her struggle only served to fuel Juan's anger."Let go? Weren't you eager for this before?"Juan tore at her dress, revealing her fair skin and a scar on her chest that heightened his desire.Juan's gut churned with a fiery intensi
After all, the person Tracy rejected wasn't just anyone. It was Juan Nichols.No one else in Seamar City dared to defy him like this.In his office, Juan was reading the news with a sullen face.The topic of the Nichols Group CEO being rejected by the McKinney Group CEO was trending.Everyone wondered who was behind the suddenly prominent McKinney Group, daring enough to snub Juan publicly."Sir, this news was leaked intentionally. I've already instructed an investigation. We'll have results soon," said Joe, noticing Juan's grim expression."This is definitely linked to the McKinney Group," replied Juan.He had simply wanted to meet Tracy, but the latter had played entirely out of turn, even turning this into a trending topic.Tracy was trying to ride on the Nichols Group's reputation to boost the McKinney Group's visibility."Sir, the trending topic should be taken down before it affects the company's image."To everyone, the Nichols Group was the undisputed leader in Seamar
Debra extended a finger, saying, "One more thing, spread the word that Tracy will be there to enjoy the masquerade with everyone."Randy was puzzled, but Marion understood her intent.Debra fiddled with the badge in her hand.Over the past few months, she had made Tracy's name well-known and shrouded in mystery.It was all for this day.At the banquet, Juan watched the crowd with no trace of happiness on his face.Joe reported, "I've had people count. All the major business owners are here, except Tracy."Juan hummed indifferently.Joe asked hesitantly, "Sir, do you have concerns?"Juan remained silent for a moment and asked, "Any moves from the McKinney Group?"Joe shook his head. "There's been no news of them making any moves. Perhaps they know they've offended us, so they're keeping quiet."Juan frowned, not believing Tracy would just be a sitting duck.His current counterattack was a declaration of sovereignty over Seamar City, and surely Tracy knew that.If Tracy rema
Juan's indifference surprised Shelia.Joe came up and said, "Miss Miles, please come with me upstairs to change."Shelia lowered her head and replied softly, "Okay."As she turned to follow Joe, Juan's voice cut through the air. "Remove your makeup too."Her heart lurched. "But...""You're still a student, Shelia. This mature and flashy makeup doesn't suit you," interrupted Juan.His words stung, and she felt a pang of bitterness. She had spent hours perfecting her makeup, hoping to impress him.'Is it so unbearable?' she thought."Is the dress really that bad?" she asked Joe, seeking some form of validation.Joe looked back at her, his expression bland. "Mr. Nichols prepared this dress for his wife."Shelia was shocked by the revelation. "But the gatekeeper said it was sent by you for me.""That must have been a mistake in communication," Joe replied, his tone cold. "Miss Miles, you weren't supposed to come today."The words hit Shelia like a slap, leaving her feeling mort
Debra was worried that Jordan might cause trouble. She quickly said, "Don't get upset. Actually...""I don't care. I'm going to teach Juan a lesson he won't forget," Jordan cut her off.The line went dead. Debra was dazed, a sense of foreboding washing over her.Erica looked up from her phone, noticing Debra's distress."What's wrong? Who was that?" she asked, sitting up on the bed. "Where are you going?""To Maple Hotel.""To attend the banquet?" Erica's eyes widened. "But you didn't want to go just now.""Jordan's going to confront Juan. I'm afraid he'll cause a scene," Debra explained, her brow furrowed with worry.She knew Jordan's temper and, with Andrew absent due to illness, there would be no one to rein him in."That hothead is reckless, still fighting at his age," Erica said, putting down her snacks.She grabbed her bag and led the way out.They sped towards the hotel, only to be halted at the entrance by security."Please show me your invitation."Erica scoffed,
"So, what's happening now?" Erica chimed in."Well..." Joe hesitated.Before he could finish, Debra pushed past him and stormed into the room. "Jordan! Jordan!""Madam, wait!" Joe protested, but Debra was already inside.Tracing the sounds of a scuffle, she found Juan towering over Jordan, his fist connecting with Jordan's jaw."Stop!" She rushed forward, placing herself between them.Juan was surprised by her arrival. "What? Are you going to protect him?""Move aside! I'm going to teach him a lesson," Jordan snarled, trying to push her aside.Debra rebuked him, "Shut up!""Juan, I'm so scared," whispered Shelia.Across the room, Shelia was huddled on the bed, wrapped in a blanket, her shoulders shaking with sobs. Juan's coat was draped over her. She glanced at Debra, her eyes filled with tears, before quickly looking away.Debra turned back to Jordan, lowering her voice. "What happened here?"Jordan took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. "I came to see what these
Debra chuckled, "Sometimes, you're really cheap."Marion said seriously, "But I'm always honest with you, dear.""Really?""Absolutely.""Then how do you explain the eight billion dollars you cost me at our first meeting?"Marion took a sip of his tea and grimaced. "This tea's gone cold. Let me get you a fresh cup.""Get back here." Debra grabbed Marion and yanked him down into his seat."I'll do whatever you say to make up.""Put that aside for now. Now tell me your plans for handling the banquet.""Guess we can't miss the show.""Cathryn's crush on you is public knowledge here. Are you planning to hand her fresh gossip on a silver platter?""I'm not attending it. You can go. I'll stay outside the hotel to keep guard. Won't glance at any other woman.""Wise choice."...Across town at the Eaton Mansion, Garland sat hunched over his computer.He typed and retyped search terms, only to come up empty each time."What happened to my trending topics? They're all gone?" he m
Marion set down his newspaper and walked over to examine the invitation in Debra's hand."Drake is in such a hurry. He must be desperate to secure resources.""He's eager to deal with you?""Not necessarily. It could also be trouble brewing in Orkgate.""Something happened there?"Debra tried to recall any signs of trouble from her last stay in Orkgate, but there hadn't been anything that would warrant such urgency.In truth, Drake could just stay there and rule.There was no need for him to venture overseas and stir up trouble, which ultimately led to his broken engagement with the Eaton family and his near-total loss of face.Anyone else in his position would have slunk away in shame, but Drake was too proud for that."I'm not sure," Marion admitted. "Orkgate is his territory. I promised not to interfere there."He then noticed her disappointment for not getting any juicy news. He smiled and ruffled her hair. "But I have my informants. If anything happens, they'll let me
Drake's logic was persuasive, almost hypnotic.Cathryn found herself wavering. "But Liza... ""She's your friend, right? She'll understand. Besides, this is just a business arrangement, not a real marriage. It's just to create some tension for Marion."Cathryn was convinced. "Alright, I'll prepare the gala. But you must explain everything to Liza afterward.""Okay," Drake replied.But his smile faded as soon as Cathryn left.Kale asked, "Boss, are you really going to explain this to Miss Eaton?""Explain my ass," Drake snorted. "Once I get engaged to her, I'll gain control of the Bernard family's resources. Then I'll have enough power to take on Marion. Who cares about her petty little scandals?"Kale mused, "So, you were fooling her?"Drake explained, "She's the only one left in her family. If it weren't for those resources, do you think I'd even consider an engagement with her? She's clueless. Once she hosts the gala and announces the news to the media, do you think she can
Drake sneezed in his study.Kale came in and reported, "Miss Bernard is here."Drake waved his hand. "Let her in."Kale opened the door to reveal Cathryn standing hesitantly outside. She had come upon learning that Marion had taken Debra away.Drake glanced at her and read her mind. "She was rescued. Helping you cost me a lot."Cathryn stammered, "Don't make it sound so noble. You did it for yourself.""What now? We're in this together. Marion has learned you collaborated with me to kidnap Debra." Drake rested his cheek on his hand. "But it's not a bad thing. At least, Marion can't ignore you anymore."Cathryn bit her lip, stepping forward. "I know you have other plans. We can't let her stay with Marion. You gotta help me for my father's sake."But the mention of the past only served to annoy Drake.Cathryn quickly added, "If it weren't for my father, you wouldn't have made it to Orkgate or become the Lowe family's adopted son. You owe me."Drake snorted, "You're right. I owe
She had known for a while that Melody was coming after her. That wasn't a well-kept secret. But seeing it plastered online and climbing the trending charts? That was a whole new level of absurdity."Let me see." Marion emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair.He leaned over, glanced at the phone, and nodded approvingly. "That's catchy.""I'm going to find out which genius published this." Debra's fingers flew over her phone, tracing the story back to its source. When the name of New Age popped up on her screen, she froze."New Age?" she murmured, remembering that it was Garland's news agency."Something wrong?" Marion asked.Debra blinked. "I spent 50 million dollars to buy that newspaper. So..." Her own company had just broken a report on her. That was the next level....In the study room, Garland was livid, yelling into his phone, "What were you thinking? Are you people brain-dead? Who let you publish that story? And then you dumped ad money into it too? Did you want t
"Those things aside, you need to explain something to me. What's going on with your post?" Juan placed his phone in front of Garland.He had only just seen it while walking from the study to the hallway. Garland had managed to edit and post it in that short period. The post read: [Shocking: Ex-husband's Grandmother Travels Thousands of Miles to Kill Me.]Garland was lost for words. He had forgotten to set it private.Juan demanded, "Are you going to delete it, or should I?""I'll do it." Garland grabbed his phone and logged into his alternative account.He clicked open the post, only to find that it had garnered over 99 likes.He hesitated. "How about we don't delete it?"With so many likes, the news must have spread like wildfire among his gossip-hungry peers.He added, "No one knows who I'm talking about anyway."But as soon as his voice died away, several comments popped up under the post.Love2Fly: [Bro, are you referring to Melody Nichols as the grandmother?]JusticeS
Suppressing the swirl of emotions brewing inside, he asked, "You mean, Juan's ex-wife?""Yes, it's her. She has brought nothing but misfortune to my family, and I won't allow her to keep deceiving Juan and ruining everything," she said, her voice rising with agitation.Seeing her get so worked up, Garland advised her, "Take it easy, Mrs. Nichols Sr. This matter is tricky, and we need to think carefully.""I know," Melody sighed. "Marion has been a thorn in your side. He even sent Liza back by force. The grudges run deep between you and him. If you were to get rid of Debra, it would be justice for all the grief they've caused us."Garland nearly rolled his eyes. 'Justice? Easy for you to say.'He didn't know where she got the idea of a feud between Marion and them.He believed some brainless reporters had spun the story. Now he was more convinced that the media needed an overhaul.With that thought, he replied, "That will take time and careful planning. But if it's Juan you want
Juan replied, "Just don't go too far."Garland straightened up. "Alright, let me handle this old..."Juan glanced at him, and he corrected himself. "I mean, Mrs. Nichols Sr."Turning to the mirror, he started to adjust his clothes.He put on a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, ensuring he looked perfect before smoothing his hair.Dropping his usual playful smile, he said, "Verna, to the study.""Yes, sir." Verna led Garland out.In the study, Garland sat behind the desk, trying out several poses before settling on a more relaxed one. Verna announced, "Sir, Mrs. Nichols Sr. is here.""Alright," Garland acknowledged. "Show her in."Verna opened the door, and Melody entered in a white dress. She carried herself with the grace of a noblewoman from a bygone era.Garland looked her over, impressed that she had maintained her appearance so well at her age.'Bert has good taste, though she doesn't look like my mother at all,' he thought. 'But why did rumors have it that my mother was her
The maid hesitated. "Mr. Fermin Eaton is often busy with company matters, so he's rarely home.""Is he home today?""Uh...""What? Don't tell me no one is at home."The maid stammered, "Mr. Fermin Eaton is home, but he's busy with work. He might not be able to see you right now."Melody insisted, "Is this how you treat your guests? Go tell Mr. Fermin Eaton that if he doesn't come to see me, I'll pack my things and leave immediately."Her tone left no room for negotiation. The maid could only nod and leave to deliver the message.In the bedroom, Garland was upside-down, reciting lines from economic textbooks.The maid opened the door and froze at the sight. "Mr. Fermin Eaton, you're doing this again."Garland's pained voice broke through. "Verna, perfect timing. A little help here."But not far off, Juan cut him off. "Ten more minutes. Hold it.""I can't. I'm about to collapse.""If you collapse, get back up and keep going.""This is brutal."Verna interjected, "Mr. Nichol