"Come with me," Marion said, leading her toward a secluded corner.There, a makeup artist was waiting.Debra sat down in front of the mirror, watching as Marion, already in exaggerated makeup, examined his reflection. She chuckled, "Even without a mask, I wouldn't recognize you like this."Marion calmly replied, "Even if you wore a mask and even more dramatic makeup, I'd still recognize you."Debra blushed at his words, her heart fluttering slightly. The makeup artist quickly touched up her makeup and brought out her costume—a clown outfit, just as Debra had requested.As the artist worked, Debra asked, "Has Juan arrived?"Marion's expression soured at the mention of Juan. He replied nonchalantly, "I don't know."Debra turned to him, surprise etched on her face. "Don't know? If he doesn't come today, then all this acting will be for nothing."Marion shrugged, a hint of jealousy in his voice. "Whether he comes or not doesn't matter. Just knowing that the masquerade is fully book
Juan hurried towards the center of the stage, pushing through the crowd. His gaze was fixed on the clown in the middle.He was determined to expose Tracy's identity. Debra saw his aggressive look and frowned.'What's Juan up to?' she wondered."Oh no, is he planning to publicly unmask Debra?" Erica freaked out.They only wanted Juan to see Tracy at this masquerade, not to unmask Debra in front of everyone.Randy's heart raced. "Damn, isn't Juan supposed to be mature and composed? Why is he acting recklessly like this?"Debra's heart leaped to her throat as she realized the imminent danger. She couldn't just leave, not with Juan so close to exposing her secret.Suddenly, everything went dark, and she felt a strong arm envelop her. Looking up, all she saw was a refined jawline inches from her face."Come with me," Marion said with a reassuring voice.His cloak concealed her as they quietly blended into the crowd. Thus, Juan lost sight of her.Joe caught up with him and advised,
"I went to the bathroom," Debra replied.Jordan's cheeks flushed slightly, and he quickly turned away. "Let's go. There's nothing more to do here.""Alright, I'm bored too," she quickly agreed.Jordan led them to leave. Erica winked at Randy, who got the signal and left the dance floor.Just as they stepped outside, Debra's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow. 'That's quick,' she thought, recognizing Joe's number.Erica asked, "Is it Juan looking for you?"The mention of Juan's name caused Jordan's expression to darken. Before Debra could react, he snatched the phone from her hand. "Don't answer it!" he declared, his voice filled with annoyance."Knock it off, Jordan. Give it back," Debra said, reaching for the phone.Jordan answered the call, barking, "Debra is with me! Stop calling!"Both Debra and Erica were stunned. He hung up and handed the phone to her awkwardly.Debra took the phone, her expression dazed. She had planned to make Juan believe
Erica nudged Debra gently. "Jordan is about to cut the cake. He insists on waiting for you before doing so. Let's go down."Debra nodded in agreement. "Okay."Hand in hand, they descended the grand staircase, drawing the attention of the party attendees. The guests were all from wealthy families, their eyes following Debra with keen interest. Whispers filled the air as they speculated about her presence."Isn't this Juan's wife? Why is Jordan waiting for her?""I heard Juan and her falling out. He's found a mistress, probably getting a divorce.""Could it be that Jordan has taken a liking to her? What is he thinking?"The murmurs continued, but Jordan, delighted to see Debra, paid them no mind. He quickly made his way up the stairs and gallantly extended his hand to her."Princess, please."Debra chuckled at his childish gesture. Just as she was about to take his hand, the front door burst open. Several men in black suits stormed in, lining up with military precision. Joe walke
Erica tugged at Debra's hand, her eyes filled with worry.Debra reassured her, "I'll be back tomorrow night.""I'll wait for you at home.""Alright."As Debra started to leave, Jordan picked up a piece of cake and handed it to her."I've received your gift and blessings. The first piece of birthday cake should go to you.""Okay."Debra took the cake and headed toward the door. Jordan opened the gift box, revealing a watch inside. Joy crossed his face as he carefully put it on his wrist.Debra followed Joe out. As they walked, Joe tried to reassure her. "Madam, please don't quarrel with Mr. Nichols. He has been worried about you."Debra scoffed, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Worried about me? He should worry more about Shelia, who is in prison."She knew that Andrew had contacted the warden to ensure Shelia suffered during her incarceration. Shelia had brought this upon herself, and Debra felt no sympathy for her.After they arrived at their destination, Joe left. Debra ente
Juan remained silent."Are you really apologizing to me?" asked Debra."I..." Juan's expression darkened.He was always proud and never bowed to anyone. Admitting his mistake was already a big concession.Juan pretended to be calm as he said, "I was wrong in this matter, and I misunderstood you. But it was just a girl's embarrassment that led Shelia to falsely accuse Jordan."Debra interrupted him with a chuckle. "So that's how it is."Juan pressed his lips together. Debra continued, "I was wondering why you would apologize to me out of the blue. Turns out, it's for Shelia.""I...""Are you trying to ask me to speak on Shelia's behalf to Andrew?"Juan didn't respond immediately, causing Debra to misunderstand his intentions."If that's the case, I can't help you. I know my limits, and I can't sway Andrew with my words.""That's not what I meant.""What do you mean then? Do you want me to talk to Jordan?""I didn't mean for you to intervene." Juan looked up, trying to expla
Debra frowned. "What's this?""It's what I owe you," Juan replied, unwilling to reveal more.Debra opened the box to find a diamond ring inside.When she married Juan, there was no wedding ceremony or ring. He had claimed to be too busy, and they had only obtained their marriage certificate. Yet tonight, Juan was giving her a ring, and she couldn't help but question his motives."Why give me a ring now?""I neglected your feelings before. I hope you can give me a chance."His words surprised her, but she soon regained her senses."Is this about my family?"Behind her was the Frazier family, who held a major stake in the Nichols Group's new plaza. The competition from the McKinney Group's commercial street posed a significant threat, and Juan couldn't afford a divorce at this crucial time.Her words unnerved Juan, and he grasped her arm. "Why do you always think I have ulterior motives? Can't it just be because..."His voice trailed off. "Because I like you?"Debra was stunne
Debra handed the ring box back to Juan."Give this to the girl you truly like. I've grown tired of being Mrs. Nichols."With those words, she turned and began to walk away, leaving Juan frozen in place.Later that evening, Debra returned to her apartment. The online world was abuzz with news about the McKinney Group and the Nichols Group. Rumors had spread like wildfire overnight, each one more sensational than the last.Some claimed that the Nichols Group was on the brink of collapse, losing its position as the top player in the industry. Others suggested that the McKinney Group's owner was a powerful figure beyond Juan's reach. Further rumors insinuated that Juan was merely a pawn and that Tracy had come to claim his rightful position.Erica couldn't stop laughing as she read the news. Debra leaned on the couch and sighed."Your laughter is going to collapse the bed. You don't want to disturb those downstairs.""But this is funny. I'd love to see Juan's reaction when he reads