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
Once upon a time, the Frazier Group was a formidable enterprise. In recent years, they had maintained an appearance of success, but only a few insiders knew the truth behind their facade."Debra, come sort out these documents."The cold voice of a middle-aged woman reached her ears, snapping her out of her thoughts."Sure, Carole," Debra replied, standing up and beginning to sort through the files.It was her first day of internship, assigned by her school to one of the Nichols Group's partners. Outsiders thought Tyson Enterprises had little economic dealings with the Nichols Group, but in reality, their growth over the years had everything to do with the Nichols Group. Their partnership was far from ordinary, and had it not been for her recent investigations, Debra wouldn't have known about their deep ties. It seemed Juan had quite a few backup plans.The internship was tedious, and her tasks were basic odd jobs.Her phone buzzed with a message from Michael, who had sent a pho
Michael was on track to become a movie star in a few years. Compared to being his boss now, it made more sense for her to partner with him for long-term benefit.Debra glanced around nervously. A male artist dragging away a junior staff member during lunch break would surely make tomorrow's headlines if caught by surveillance cameras.Michael perceived her concern and reassured her, "Don't worry, I've checked. There are no cameras around."Debra asked, "Aren't you supposed to be shooting posters?""It's already done. But I'll be busy shooting commercials.""Okay, go ahead. I've got things to do too," she said, turning to leave.Michael stopped her, handing over a packed lunch. "My grandma made this.""For me?""She made this for you."The last time she was at their house, Michael's grandmother treated her with great hospitality.Debra accepted the lunch, touched by the kind gesture from the elder."Pass on my thanks to her," Debra said, patting him on the shoulder. "Keep up
Sensing Juan's serious tone, Shelia clenched her fists, her emotions in turmoil."It's cold outside. Can you take me back?""To the apartment building. I won't come up," Juan replied.Shelia forced a smile. "Alright, I won't force you."Juan let her get into the car. At least for now, she could still stay in that apartment. It meant she still had a chance.As night fell, true to his word, Juan didn't accompany her upstairs. Shelia rode the elevator alone, her heart heavy with despair. Once back in her room, she went to the window, watching as Juan prepared to leave. Her gaze fell on the fruit knife on the table, and a desperate plan began to form in her mind.Determined, she dialed his number, her heart pounding in her chest. She waited for a while before he finally answered.Picking up the knife, she spoke into the phone, her voice filled with desperation. "Juan, I really like you. I've adored you for a long time, and I've held on all this time because of you. If you don't care
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