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
"You brat, shut your mouth!" Ralph snapped, glaring at him.Stanley wisely stayed silent, knowing better than to provoke his father further.Debra had hoped that Stanley might have matured during his time in prison, but it seemed he was still the same immature and resentful person he had always been.Ralph turned his attention back to Debra. "I've decided to hand over the other companies to you. It's a good opportunity for you to gain some experience."Rosalie, returning from the kitchen with dishes, overheard the conversation. Her expression shifted slightly, a hint of displeasure crossing her face."Honey, what are you talking about? How can the family's companies be handed over to an out..."Before she could finish, she realized her mistake.Compared to Debra, they were the real outsiders. Originally, those companies were founded by Debra's father.Debra raised an eyebrow. "Rosalie, after all this time, I didn't expect you to be the same as before.""I..." Rosalie faltered,
Rosalie noticed Debra's displeasure and reprimanded the maid, "How could you be so careless? Hurry up and prepare clothes for change.""I'm sorry, Miss. I'll get clean clothes for you right away," the maid apologized profusely, keeping her head down.Rosalie explained to Debra, "She's new here and clumsy. I hope you don't mind."Then she turned back to the maid and ordered, "Take the lady upstairs to change her clothes.""Yes, madam," the maid replied nervously, guiding Debra upstairs.Debra glanced back at Rosalie, feeling a sense of unease. But considering it was the family banquet, she didn't think Rosalie would play any tricks.The maid led Debra into a guest room on the second floor and handed her the prepared clothes."Please change here, Miss. I'll wait outside."Debra nodded and waited until the maid left before carefully inspecting the clothes. Everything seemed normal.'Was it just an accident?' she wondered.Regardless, the clothes were fine, so she decided to chan
Outside the door, the maid inserted the spare key into the lock, blocking any movement from inside."Help!" Debra cried out, pounding on the door.Downstairs, blaring music drowned out any noise from upstairs. Rosalie, in a red dress, and Ralph were engrossed in an impromptu tango."Don't bother. Today, you're mine." Erick advanced.Debra shoved him away, smashed a water glass, picked up a shard, and held it to her neck. "Don't come any closer, or I'll kill myself. Then all your scheming with Rosalie will be in vain."Erick hesitated, realizing that he couldn't let Debra die there. "Damn, you think you can threaten me?"He lunged forward to snatch the glass, but Debra didn't give him a chance. Blood trickled from her neck, and Erick was startled, not daring to move further.Marion had been waiting outside the villa for a while. As their agreed-upon time approached, he called Debra but got no answer.Glancing at the mansion, he spotted a woman leaning against a second-floor balc
"We're staying," replied the two partners in unison.Debra scanned the room. "And the rest of you? All staying?""Yes. No one's leaving," they quickly replied.A single feast couldn't beat steady meals. Juan's lower rates came with no long-term guarantees. Cutting ties with McKinney Group meant losing four partnerships at once. That was too costly.Debra crossed her arms. "Well then, mind telling me what Nichols Group promised to make you gang up on me?"Emmett stepped forward. "It was Mr. Jordan Potter and Mr. Nichols. They said they'd undercut your prices by 10%, with extra perks like priority partnerships and top-tier promotions."Debra nodded. "How generous! No wonder you flocked to them.""We were momentarily blinded by greed," replied the partners.Ben took a phone call and whispered, "Madam, Mr. Nichols is here."Debra's jaw tightened. "Is he the important person you mentioned in the earlier call?"Ben shook his head. "I'm not sure, but this morning, the front desk did
The partners exploded, "Are you sure about this?""Think twice. Without us, your fancy commercial street means nothing.""Yeah. When you go bankrupt, don't say we didn't warn you."Debra leaned back casually."We'll see. Ben, collect their penalty fees and escort them out.""Understood.""Oh, and no one leaves this room until they pay up."Ben blinked, not expecting her to be so ruthless. These partners had worked with them since the founding of the company. Cutting ties with them now spelled disaster."Are you sure, Mrs. Houston?""Maybe we can renegotiate." Two partners wavered.Debra smirked, knowing their vulturous nature all too well."Come on, you're the ones threatening to leave," she said, sweeping a gaze across the room. "Since Nichols Group's offering sweeter terms, I won't hold you back. Enjoy your windfall."Howard Avery glanced at Emmett. The latter puffed up. "Fine. We'll go."Debra gestured to the door. "Don't let it hit you on the way out."Emmett glare
Another shareholder chimed in, "Alexander has a point. We've been partners for a year. Are you really gonna bail over some gossip? Fine. You can leave after paying back every perk Mrs. Houston ever gave you."The room fell silent. Truth was, Debra had always been the fairest business partner they'd ever had.Emmett stepped forward. "It's not personal, Mrs. Houston. But Seamar City runs on rules. If we piss off Mr. Nichols, our businesses will suffer."Nods rippled through the group.Debra leaned back in her chair. "So, you think Juan's word carries more weight than mine?"The partners exchanged uneasy glances.Emmett scoffed, "Let's be real. Without Mr. Nichols, no one would've noticed you. Now you're remarried..."The room tensed at his brazenness. He continued, "Sure, Marion Houston's got your back. But a woman's still a woman. Without him, you'd drown here.""Oh?" Debra sneered. "Didn't expect you to think of me that way."She stood up and declared, "I'm the founder of the
Debra's car pulled up at the company entrance.Ben hurried over as soon as she stepped out. "Madam, you're finally here."Debra heard the commotion from down the hall. She frowned. "What's going on?""The shareholders and our partners are at each other's throats.""Over today's news?"Ben nodded. "The partners say the scandal's a public image disaster and demand answers. The shareholders are defending you. It's a warzone.""Let's settle this," Debra said, following him to the conference room.Inside, a shareholder jabbed a finger at a partner. "Mrs. Houston's integrity is rock-solid. You're buying into tabloid gossip? Wait till she gets here. She'll wipe the floor with you."The partner fired back, "We all know what kind of woman she is. A female CEO always seemed fishy. Now we see she climbed the ladder on her back."Debra strode in, silencing the room. Ben muttered, "They've been at this for half an hour."The partner who'd insulted her suddenly paled. "Mrs. Houston, we wer
Ivan instinctively tried to step back but stopped himself, remembering his mission to earn her trust.Debra noticed his subtle movement and raised an eyebrow. It looked like he was still reeling from the fear of getting hit.Marion came downstairs and approached them. Ivan quickly retreated."Saw that earlier," Marion murmured."Just messing with him," Debra said, chuckling. "He thought he could win me over by playing innocent. Scared stiff but trying not to show it. Hilarious.""Was it so fun?" Marion flicked her forehead. "Not worried I'd get jealous?""He's just a kid. Why would you?" She flashed her phone at him. "This is what you should worry about."Marion glanced at the viral news headline. His expression stayed neutral until he spotted Juan and Andrew's names."Give me a minute.""What're you doing?""Taking them down."He pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen.Debra bit back a laugh at his intensity. Just then, her phone rang. It was Ben."Let me
Barton pushed open the door and entered Andrew's bedroom. "Sir, Mrs. Houston has found all the ledgers.""I see." Andrew nodded.Barton hesitated. "Sir, the mastermind will act soon. Should we...""Life goes on. No need to borrow trouble," Andrew replied. "You can go now."After Barton left, the gauzy curtains fluttered in the breeze.Andrew gazed at the dark sky outside and whispered, "This time, I'm here with you."...The next morning, Debra grabbed her bag, ready to go to work.Ivan blocked her path. "Mrs. Houston, have you eaten breakfast?""Not hungry, thanks." She sidestepped him.He scrambled in front of her again. "Maybe a sandwich?"Debra forced a polite smile. "I'm really not hungry."Ivan blocked her a third time. "Coffee, maybe?"Debra dropped her bag. "Out with it. What's going on?"Ivan looked torn. Debra crossed her arms. "No? Then I'm leaving.""Wait." Ivan quickly took out his phone. "There's news. Today's headlines."Debra snatched the phone. The scre
Marion's gaze turned icy when he saw Drake blocking Debra's path.Drake glared. "I wasn't done talking.""'Finished now,' Marion said coolly.Drake turned to Debra. "I need to..."She waved dismissively. "I'm going to hit the sack. You should too."Debra walked off, and Marion closed the door for him.Drake lunged forward, but Kale held him back."Boss, your injuries..." "Screw the injuries. Let me at him."Marion opened the door, deadpan. "Don't like it closed? I'll leave it open.""Damn..." Kale clamped a hand over Drake's mouth.It was not wise to fight Marion there at the Potter Mansion. Besides, they hadn't gotten the Lowe Group back.Back in their room, Debra smirked at Marion. "Thought you weren't worried. Why eavesdrop?"Marion pulled her close. "How could I not worry?""Then why let me talk to him alone?" She tilted her head. "I know you're jealous."He pressed his lips together. "I don't want to restrain your freedom. It was just a talk. He couldn't steal
"What's the fuss?" Debra said.Drake hesitated. "I..." Outside, Erica and Randy shoved past Kale, ducking behind Marion.Kale initially tried to block them but retreated under Marion's icy glare.Inside, Drake noticed the door was slightly ajar. He scowled. "Hold on."Before Debra could react, he yanked the door open, exposing the three eavesdroppers.Debra raised an eyebrow. 'Really?'Erica cringed, looking at Randy. Randy pointed at Marion, and Marion blinked innocently.Debra smiled at them, slammed the door shut, and locked it.Randy gaped. "Did you hear that? She locked us out."Marion's jaw tightened."Let's go." Erica dragged Randy down the hall.Inside the room, Debra muttered, "We're alone now. Spit it out."Drake silently stared at her, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have things to say or not?"Drake awkwardly cleared his throat. "Do you know Fermin likes you?"Debra barely flinched. "Yeah. Why?""You know?" Drake looked like his brain short-circuite
Everyone snapped to attention, flipping through the records. But the entries were pretty much the same—lists of expenses for rice, oil, flour, and other mundane supplies."Any maps or codes?" Randy scratched his head.Erica smacked the ledger. "Nothing. Just numbers and grocery lists."Debra traced a column of figures. "Right, numbers!"Erica was puzzled. "Numbers? How's that a treasure map?"Randy muttered, "Could it be that we've been thinking in the wrong direction? Maybe this isn't a treasure map after all?"Erica echoed, "Could it really be, like the elders said, just an account book that we've somehow turned into a myth?"As the group agonized, Drake finally snapped. "Debra, we need to talk.""Hm? About what?""Let's talk outside.""Can't say it here?""Outside." Drake stormed out. Debra sighed, turning to Marion. "Can I?"Erica and Randy glanced at him nervously.Marion nodded. "Go ahead."Erica and Randy gaped. 'No jealousy?' The second Debra left, Erica hiss