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
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
The cleaners were devastated, and Lara turned even paler.Drake sat on the sofa and said, "Why are you back here? What are you up to?""Boss, I'm sorry I messed up, but I swear, I didn't say anything," Lara pleaded."Is that so?" Drake scoffed. "I'd be a fool to believe you.""I'm telling the truth," Lara said. "They brought me back to get rid of me. You can't fall for their trap."Drake pondered her words. "Whose idea was it to send you back? Debra's or Marion's?""It was Mrs. Houston's idea," Lara replied.Drake nodded. "Well then, you can stay."The quick change in his attitude took Lara aback."Boss, isn't this a bit hasty?" Kale interjected."Do you think so?""Yes.""Then go to my office and print out a new contract for her. Sign it, stamp it, and then it won't be hasty anymore.""Boss...""Do it.""Yes, boss."Lara watched Kale leave, still in disbelief."Go upstairs. You don't need to clean.""Then what should I do?""Whatever you want. Can you order takeout?
Debra pulled Marion's hand away. "Alright, no more talk like that."Outside, the night deepened. Lara stood at the gates of the Lowe Mansion, hesitating to enter.The security guards spotted her. "Lara?"Lara froze in place. Her first instinct was to run away, but a glance toward the shadows revealed Marion's men watching her intently.Caught between flight and surrender, she noticed a black car slowly emerging from the gates. Her gaze drifted to the figure in the back seat, and she stopped cold.'Juan? What is he doing here?'Before she could make sense of it, Kale, who was escorting Juan out, noticed her presence.He demanded, "What are you doing back here?"Lara was startled and instinctively took a step back. Her face went pale as she stammered, "Mr. Mclean, it's Marion and Debra. They sent me back.""Sent you back?" Kale was skeptical. "Come inside.""Okay." Lara paused and explained urgently, "I didn't tell them anything. They brought me back and left."Kale didn't eve
"Silly," Debra murmured, reaching up to pinch Marion's cheek. "Why do you have a beard now?"Marion took her hand in his. "Who do you think has been standing guard outside the Lowe Mansion all this time?""You haven't left at all?""Not even for a moment.""What about bathroom breaks?""I have my ways."Debra chuckled and nestled into his arms, feeling exhausted. "Now I know why I've been sleeping so well these past few days. It's because you've been watching over me."Her soft hair brushed against his chest, tickling him.His throat bobbed, his voice growing husky. "Since I've been so good, don't I deserve a reward?""Yes, you do." Debra paused. "But you men suggested killing people and smashing cameras. Don't you think... Ah, put me down."Marion simply scooped her up and carried her inside."Marion!" Debra protested, her cheeks flushing.He set her down on the sofa, looking at her with a soft smile. "No fuss. I'll go run you a hot bath.""Bedtime prep?" Debra quipped.
"But there's one thing I know. Drake kept me around as a backup for Yvonne. If something ever happened to her, I was supposed to step into her role and take over her duties," Lara said, looking at Debra. "It wasn't just Yvonne's beauty that drew those CEOs to her. What they really wanted was the thrill of sleeping with the Sharp family's daughter and Drake's fiancée. After all, on the surface, the Sharp and Lowe families were untouchable, but behind the scenes, those men were feeding their egos by having someone so far out of reach."Her voice dropped, her shame evident. "Honestly, I thought if I could take over Yvonne's position, I'd find a way to gather evidence against those people and expose Drake's crimes. But instead of putting me in Yvonne's place, he just dropped the Sharp family altogether."Debra folded her arms. "He didn't let you take over because he'd already decided to align with the Eaton family. Looks like you were just unlucky."Lara's lips trembled, her frustration