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
Marion rushed over to help her, having no time to deal with Erick. Debra was stained with blood, her face unusually red.He shouted at the maid, "Go fetch the first aid kit!"The maid hurriedly went off. When she came back with the kit, Marion snapped at Erick, "Get out!"Erick fled in a hurry. The maid followed him out, closing the door.Marion quickly tended to Debra's wounds. She was struggling to hold herself together."I feel terrible." She felt like she couldn't breathe. Her body was burning up, and her consciousness was fading."Hang on!" he said, holding her close to him.She found relief in his arms. A coolness spread through her skin. Marion placed her in the bathtub, cold water cascading down from the shower. Her thin dress was soaked.Marion kept his eyes low, focusing on wiping her body with a wet towel. Debra's hands were unusually hot. She grabbed Marion's wrist, her gaze unfocused."Marion, I feel awful," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. She had never fe
Marion's throat rolled. He reached out and supported Debra's neck. Just as he was about to fiercely kiss her, Marion regained his senses. Suppressing the desire in his eyes, he said in a hoarse voice, "If you still think this way when you're sober, I won't let you off, but... not now."Debra's eyes remained confused. Marion's hand struck Debra's neck, and she fainted in his arms the next second.Marion wrapped Debra's body tightly in a towel, then carried her up in his arms.Ralph and Rosalie were outside at that moment. Ralph didn't understand what had happened, but Rosalie looked tense.Marion emerged from the room carrying Debra. His cold gaze swept over Rosalie.Rosalie, afraid and guilty, averted her eyes."I'll settle this score with you when I come back!"Leaving those words behind, Marion hurriedly left with Debra.Ralph, puzzled by what had happened, looked suspiciously at Rosalie beside him and asked, "What's going on here?""It's Marion's fault! It has nothing to do
Debra frowned and said, "I don't know how she drugged me. When I was locked in therhe room, I couldn't find my phone either.""Rosalie's bold! I underestimated her before." Erica, infuriated, said, "Debra, don't worry, I'll go to the Frazier's right now and set things straight for you!""Don't!"Debra grabbed Erica's hand and said, "Marion and Randy have already gone. Help me with the discharge procedures now. I want to go see for myself.""Okay."Erica didn't refuse.There was such a drama. How could Debra not be present?After completing the discharge procedures, Erica drove Debra to the Frazier's.Meanwhile, the Frazier's was already in chaos.When Marion barged in with people, Ralph's mood couldn't get any worse. "Mr. Houston! What exactly do you want to achieve this time? Did we offend you?""You should ask your wife about that."Marion's gaze was fierce.Rosalie dared not say anything on the side.Ralph knew Marion wouldn't cause trouble without reason. He turned to