Chapter 18Shelia bit her lip. Driven by vanity, she'd lied about Juan being her boyfriend, fearing ridicule from her roommates if exposed.Torn, she sent a message. [I see. Don't worry. I trust my boyfriend's character.]She got off the bed and said to the nurse outside, "Hello, I'm checking out."Outside Arcane Academy, Debra found herself in Juan's car."Explain yourself," Juan demanded."I want to study finance at Arcane Academy," she confessed."I won't allow it.""Why not?""Because I'm your husband," Juan said coldly. "Do you think I don't know your scheme?""What are you talking about?""You followed Shelia here, intending to harass her!""I'm not that petty.""You copied Shelia's style. It's okay, but this is too much. As I said, you are my wife. No one is going to replace you.""No one? Would you marry me if I wasn't from the Frazier family?"She stared, and he fell silent.They both knew the answer.If a woman with a higher social status and more suitable
Chapter 19"That woman is not simple, with her coquettish appearance, trying to steal your boyfriend. Shameless!" Carrie snorted."I think that woman is quite good-looking," Wendy said. "Shelia, you better watch out for your boyfriend. What if he gets stolen?""No way! Shelia's boyfriend loves her so much. He won't be stolen by that kind of woman," Carrie said."Thank you for your concern, guys. Don't worry. My boyfriend and I will be fine," Shelia smiled."I heard that woman is coming to our school to study finance. I guess she's coming after you," Wendy said."What?" Shelia was taken aback.She found it hard to believe."It's true. I asked some students from the admissions office. She was accompanied by the president and vice-president, obviously from a wealthy family. Probably trying to use connections," Wendy explained."What's her identity then? Our school has never lacked wealthy students," Carrie said."I don't know, but even if someone is wealthy, they haven't been re
Chapter 20Today was the day of Debra's entrance exam. In his office, Juan glanced at the time on his computer and asked, "Has Debra gone to the exam?""Mrs. Nichols left early this morning. By now, she should have already entered the exam room," Joe replied.Juan nodded. "Did you inform the principal?""I did, but...""But what?""The principal said since Mrs. Nichols is taking the graduate entrance exam, there's no need for interference. He believes she won't pass.""Graduate exam?"Juan had thought Debra was taking the college entrance exam.He believed that Debra must be out of her mind."Let her be," Juan said indifferently.Debra could embarrass herself as she liked.Debra arrived at the exam room. She was the youngest one there, catching the examiners' attention.Most of the examinees were finance professionals nearing their thirties, some of whom Debra had seen on TV. It showed the college's reputation in finance education.Shelia lingered in the hallway of the te
Chapter 21Shelia was shocked.'What is Debra doing here?'Soon, the commotion at the door alarmed the exam invigilator. He scolded, "Which department are you from? Don't you know this is an exam room? Stay away from here."The surrounding students scattered, except for Carrie and Shelia. Carrie said, "Sir, we are junior students preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam. We want a copy of this year's paper to study."The invigilator's expression softened when he saw Shelia.After all, Shelia was sponsored by Juan. So, the invigilator handed the exam paper to her.When Shelia saw the questions on the paper, she looked troubled."It's a shame I didn't see Jordan."Carrie lowered her head in disappointment. She glanced at Shelia, who was frowning, and asked, "What's wrong?"Shelia shook her head. "The questions this year are difficult. Even if I attempt them, I can't guarantee good grades."But that also meant Debra wouldn't pass.Shelia felt somewhat relieved. Thankfully,
Chapter 22Jordan's eyes seemed to see through her.Debra's breath hitched.She indeed intentionally wrote the wrong answer to the last question.But she had calculated other questions beforehand to ensure her score exceeded the graduate pass line.After all, in the eyes of others, she had never received any financial education. If she suddenly produced remarkable results, it would surely cause controversy, and Juan would become suspicious.She wondered how Jordan found out."You peeked at my paper?" Debra said sternly. "It's forbidden to peek around in the exam room. It's cheating."Jordan found it amusing. He leaned closer to Debra and lowered his voice. "What I submitted was a blank sheet."Unfazed, Debra looked up and said, "So, you don't know the answer to any of the questions?"Jordan furrowed his brows."If so, how can you say I deliberately answered the final question wrong?" Debra said.Before Jordan could speak, Debra added, "Dude, I admit your approach to chattin
Chapter 23Debra glanced at Juan's phone.Juan rejected the call instead of answering it."If you don't have babies soon, I'll have to use extreme measures," Melody said.Juan remained silent.Melody had made her request clear a long time ago.After Melody left, Debra spoke up. "Did you call the people at the school office?""Yeah," Juan replied curtly."You told them not to give me special treatment, right?" Debra asked."What? Are you asking for my help now? Want me to pull strings to get you into Arcane Academy?"Juan snorted with disdain, "Let me tell you. Even if I get you into Arcane Academy, you won't graduate.""I just hope you won't interfere. If you make the principal remove me from the admission list, don't blame me for turning against you," Debra said sternly.Juan narrowed his eyes.This woman was getting bolder with him.Juan's phone rang again.Juan answered impatiently, "Spit.""Sir, Mrs. Nichols's grades are out."Juan sensed the staff member's hesitan
Chapter 24"How's it going?" Randy asked."She passed," Marion replied."She passed? Really?" Randy paused.He found it hard to believe. "You didn't use your connections, did you?""She got in by herself. It has nothing to do with me.""Oh my!" Randy was astonished. "Debra is quite something. But wait, wasn't her major linguistics? That's not related to this at all.""Debra is a language genius, a woman who got her master's degree at seventeen. She's not stupid."The moment Debra secured that piece of land, he sensed her determination.Things started to get more interesting.The next day, at noon, Debra leaned against the window, reading a finance book. Sophie knocked on the door, reporting, "Madam, the dressmaker and stylist are here. Is this the right time for you?""Is there something?" Debra asked."Don't you attend the family banquet tonight?"Debra frowned.There had been too much going on these days, and she almost forgot about going back to her family tonight.De
Chapter 25Rosalie, not much older than her, was alluring. After divorcing his first wife, Ralph married Rosalie, who was seen as a mistress by the Frazier family.Ralph adored Rosalie, so the others had to tolerate her.Rosalie always opposed Debra.In her last life, Debra tolerated Rosalie for Ralph's sake. But when the Frazier family went broke, Rosalie kicked Ralph out and took all his assets.This time, Debra wouldn't be lenient with this woman."Rosalie's aren't pleasant, but this is our family banquet. You've been married for a month, and Juan should have come," said a distant member of the family."Yeah, should we call him? We can wait a bit more," others echoed.Debra knew their intentions.They wanted to use this banquet to cozy up to Juan for business."If you feel awkward, may I call on your behalf? We're family after all, and Juan will meet with us sooner or later."Rosalie watched the show.Everyone in Seamar City knew Debra and Juan's marriage was based on co
Liza ignored Garland and said, "I don't believe it. Bring them here."Not interested in arguing with her, Drake said, "They're upstairs. Go find them yourself."Garland hadn't expected Drake to be so accommodating this time. He grabbed Liza's arm and urged, "Let's go upstairs."Liza remained skeptical as she headed upstairs. Drake couldn't stand the sight of her and walked back to his study.Not knowing where Debra was staying, Liza asked Kale, "Which room are Debra and Marion in?"Having been insulted by her earlier, Kale shrugged. "Can't recall the room number. You'll have to figure it out yourself.""Is this how you treat your guests? If my brother is mad, you're in trouble."Garland's eyes widened, and he groaned inwardly, 'Making trouble for Drake? That's suicidal.'"Liza, calm down. You can't go around threatening people." Garland forced a smile, trying to ease the tension. "The second floor isn't that big. It won't take us much time to find out."He then dragged her tow
"What do you mean my chef can't make fish soup?" Drake was confused.Then he realized that Kale must be behind this. His face darkened as he called out, "Kale, come in."Kale knew he couldn't keep this a secret for long, but he hadn't expected it to be exposed so quickly. With his head down, he entered the room. "Boss.""What's going on with this fish soup?" Drake demanded."I saw how you craved the soup, so I asked Mrs. Houston to make it.""And you used my name?""Yes."Drake wanted to curse, but with Debra still around, he held back."Get out."Kale turned to leave when Drake called out again, "You too."Debra was speechless, but she hadn't planned to stay anyway.Watching her go, Drake felt a heaviness in his chest. Kale, already at the door, tried to reason, "Boss, actually...""Shut up and get out!"Kale quietly closed the study door behind him.Suddenly, an angry voice rang out. "Where is he? Drake, show yourself!" Liza stormed in, followed by Garland, who caut
Kale tossed the fish onto the cutting board.Debra laughed, "What's going on? Running out of chefs?""We have chefs," Kale replied without missing a beat, "but none of them know how to make carp soup.""It's simple to make. What kind of chefs are they?" Debra reasoned."I'll come back for it in half an hour. Thank you for your help," Kale said, leaving the kitchen.Their whole exchange was simple and dry. Debra looked down at the fish and shook her head.Time passed, and eventually, Kale returned as promised. Debra, having simmered the soup for 20 minutes, handed him the steaming pot."There you go. But fish soup is a bit too nutritious for breakfast," she said."Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Houston," Kale said, his tone oddly formal.He quickly took the soup upstairs.Upstairs, Drake glanced at the fish soup and asked, "What's this?""Fish soup made by Mrs. Houston," Kale replied."Debra? She made this for me?" Drake raised an eyebrow. "Since when is she so kind to me?
"Why is that?" Debra asked."I've grown used to life here. If I leave, I don't know where I'll go or if I'll find work. I don't even know where I'll live," Lara replied. "Mrs. Houston, you're right. I never sought revenge because, deep down, I'm selfish. If Drake dies, I'll lose the stable life I have now. I don't dare to face the uncertainties of the future."Debra nodded knowingly. It was hard to go from extravagance to frugality. If one had seen much of the world, they couldn't go back to being a frog in a well.Even though Drake kept Lara by his side for his purposes, she had enjoyed luxuries that ordinary people couldn't dream of.Despite being a maid, Lara ate gourmet meals, lived in a nice room, and witnessed the extravagant lifestyle of the upper class.She didn't have anyone to rely on and had no good education. Leaving Drake would only make her homeless.From the beginning, she and Drake had a mutually beneficial relationship. There was nothing to hate about it."It's
Kale explained, "The only place open for delivery at this hour was a small joint, and the soup has gone cold in the chilly weather. Cold fish soup always turns fishy."Drake's face twisted in disgust. "Toss it. File a complaint.""Yes, boss." Kale picked up the fish soup and dumped it back into the bag.Drake stared at the documents on his desk, muttering, "A pampered lady knows how to make soup. What a surprise!"Then he suddenly remembered that Debra not only knew how to make soup but was also good at playing the piano, dancing, and manipulating people. It had been almost a year since they first met. He had kidnapped Debra multiple times but had never gained any advantage. Instead, he had lost a lot."She's my nemesis," he declared seriously.If Debra wasn't his nemesis, she couldn't have played him like a fool. Ever since she appeared in his life, he had been nothing but unlucky.His estate in Seamar City was burned down. One of his fiancées was dead, and the other publicly b
"What nursing?" Marion asked.Debra blinked at him. "You don't know?""Not really.""It means stimulating milk production for women after they've had a baby."Marion pondered. "Is it for men too?""Only for women.""Got it. If you ever want kids in the future...""You'll make soup for me?""I won't let you drink it.""Why not?""I've heard it's painful for mothers to breastfeed. I don't want you to go through that."Debra couldn't hold back her giggles. "So, if I don't breastfeed, what would our baby drink?""Formula," Marion replied matter-of-factly.Debra smirked, "Dummy, if the milk isn't expressed, it'll still hurt."Marion fell into thought. "Then let's not have kids. Just you and me, together for life. That sounds perfect. If you ever feel lonely, we can move to that house in the mountains and keep cats and dogs. Either way, I'll always be by your side. You'll never have to feel pain or loneliness."Debra's heart softened. "Okay."After they finished eating, Debra
Debra hung up the phone, determined to make Theda pay for hurting Marion."What are you doing sneaking around in the kitchen?"Drake's voice suddenly came from behind her. Startled, Debra turned around and sulked, "Do you always sneak up on people like that?""I just came to the kitchen to find something to eat. I didn't know you'd be here making calls," he replied, walking past her to grab some instant noodles from the fridge.Debra was puzzled. "Don't you have a chef?""At this hour? The chef is long gone," Drake snorted, tearing open the packet.Then he noticed a white clay pot simmering on the stove, giving off a delicious aroma."What's that?""What else? Soup for Marion.""There are servants in this house. You don't have to do it by yourself.""Marion doesn't like soup made by others."She lifted the lid to reveal a creamy soup. Drake wrinkled his nose."Isn't fish soup for nursing mothers? Is Marion on maternity leave or something?""Who told you that? It's savory a
At the Buchan Group Headquarters, Theda stood in front of a large shipping container, her hand resting on her chin. "What's inside?""We're not sure. The airline just delivered it this morning. They said it was shipped from Orkgate," the assistant replied."Orkgate?" Theda hesitated. "Open it."The assistant stepped forward and opened the container.As soon as the content was revealed, she freaked out, "Ma'am, it's Robert."Theda rushed over to check on him. Inside the container, Robert lay unconscious, his eyes tightly shut. His face was pale, drained of color."Robert!" Theda called out, patting his face.Then she noticed the blood starting to seep through the wound on his abdomen.She cried out, "Call a doctor."The assistant rushed out to fetch help. Meanwhile, Theda contacted the front desk."Find out who sent this.""It's Debra Houston."The news brought Theda a sense of foreboding. For the past few days, no one knew where Robert had been. She had searched everywhere
Drake didn't hear any noise downstairs."Haven't Debra and Marion come in?""They should have.""Then why hasn't anyone come to report me?""Boss, you said you weren't going to welcome them."Lately, Kale found it hard to figure out what Drake was thinking. One moment he was against something, and the next he was going along with it.The wedding was an example. At first, he said he wasn't going, but later, he did. Then it was this recent event. He didn't mean to hurt Marion, but he claimed that it was intentional.Now, he was doing it again, inviting them over but refusing to welcome them."Yeah. I don't care if they stay or leave," Drake said, standing up. "I'm hungry. Tell someone to make dinner."He came downstairs, but Debra was nowhere to be seen.He glanced at Lara, who was still cleaning. "Have they gone to their rooms?""Yes," Lara faltered, "but they went to the same room."Drake frowned. "I told you to prepare two rooms. Why are they sharing?""Mrs. Houston said