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
Juan couldn't understand why Debra never looked at him anymore.Her eyes, which used to be filled with adoration, now seemed to look right through him.The thought drove him crazy, consuming his mind and leaving him restless.Working overtime in her office, Debra suddenly sneezed."What's wrong?" Marion asked with concern.Only the two of them were in the office. Randy and Erica had left to have fun. During the day, Debra had to intern at Tyson Enterprises. She could only check on the McKinney Group's projects at night."Maybe I caught a cold," she replied, taking a sip of hot tea.Lately, she had gotten too much on her plate and had no time to relax."If you're not feeling well, don't go to the family banquet tomorrow," advised Marion.Ever since the big fuss caused by Stanley earlier, Debra had been using the excuse of her injuries from the car accident for the past three months to decline to attend the monthly banquets. But this time, she had to go.She shook her head. "I