No matter how much Erick shouted, nobody paid any attention. Marion's people quickly took him away. Debra turned around to leave, and Ralph said, "Debra, I'll hand all the decision-making power in the company over to you. I'm getting old, so run it well. Those people in the company dare not disobey you." Debra turned back, furrowing her brows slightly. Regardless of how Rosalie treated her, Ralph always cherished her and never changed. "Uncle Ralph, thank you." After leaving the Frazier's, Debra walked briskly, avoiding contact with Marion. "Debra! Why are you walking so fast?" Erica caught up with Debra. Debra didn't even lift her head. "N-Nothing." "What's wrong?" Seeing Debra's face burning red, Erica put her hand on Debra's forehead, saying, "You're not sick, so why is your face so red?" Debra bit her lip. She really didn't want to think about what had happened today. Marion, walking behind Debra, smirked slightly. Randy honked twice to snap Marion out o
"Erica!"Debra quickly interrupted Erica, shaking her head at her."What happened?" Juan sensed something was wrong and said solemnly, "I have no idea today the Fraziers were having a family banquet. You should have called me...""You don't know? Debra called you, but you didn't pick up! Don't you have a mouth? Can't you ask questions?""A call? What call?"Juan looked bewildered. He had never received any calls today!Erica sneered, "How ridiculous! Now you're pretending to be clueless."Anxiously, Juan explained, "Debra, listen to me, I really didn't receive any call...""I just wanted to inform you, not necessarily have you accompany me. It's fine that you didn't pick up."Not wanting to argue with Juan there, Debra said, "If you want to apologize, I'm telling you I don't blame you anymore. Can we leave now?"Juan fell silent, unsure of what to say, and simply moved aside.Debra and Erica got into the car and soon drove into the neighborhood.Watching Debra leave, Juan t
Shelia frantically pulled out her phone to call Juan, while Joe stood by coldly watching. "Ms. Miles, no need to bother. Mr. Nichols won't take your call."Shelia didn't believe it and called Juan one after another, but there was no response.Completely devastated, Shelia knelt down as if seeking help, pulling at Joe's sleeve. "Joe, please, help me. I can't just leave like this. Can you call Mr. Nichols?"Joe had a frown. Shelia burst into tears. "I-I belong to Mr. Nichols already. If he doesn't want me, he can tell me directly! But he can't treat me like this!"Losing Juan's sponsorship meant she was nothing at school. She would face hunger, poverty, and the disdain of her classmates again.In the end, Joe relented, handing his phone to Shelia, saying coldly, "Even if Mr. Nichols answers, it won't change anything. What Mr. Nichols decides, no one can alter. And besides, you brought this upon yourself!"He had been a bystander by Mr. Nichols' side for so long.He saw through S
"Mrs. Nichols returned to the Frazier's today. It seems there was an accident at the family banquet, causing the Frazier family members to leave early. Later, someone saw Marion cause a scene and take away Ralph's wife's brother, Erick.""You mean Rosalie's brother?""Yes."Joe said, "Rosalie came to us for cooperation before. For the sake of the Frazier family, we gave her a project."Juan remained silent."Mr. Nichols..." Joe hesitated, then said, "I heard that Marion has caused trouble at the Frazier's before.""What do you mean by 'before'?"Juan frowned.Joe continued, "The last time Marion caused trouble with the Frazier family was over three months ago when Mrs. Nichols had a car accident.""Was't that an accident?""It's said it wasn't an accident. It was Ralph's son who made it happen. Marion probably went to seek justice for Mrs. Nichols, so he caused a scene at the Frazier's."Juan furrowed his brows.He never knew any of this, and Debra hadn't mentioned a word t
"It's really Marion."For Debra, Marion had caused a scene at the Frazier's twice.There must be something going on between them, or Ralph wouldn't have stayed silent."Tell Debra I disagree with the divorce and she should stop thinking about it!"Juan turned and left the Frazier's.Ralph wiped his brow, then quickly contacted Debra.On the other end, as Debra answered the phone, her expression darkened. "Okay, I understand."Erica, still half-asleep, asked, "Who's calling at this late hour?"Debra hung up the phone, coldly saying, "Looks like the schedule needs to be moved up.""Huh?"The next afternoon, at the McKinney Group office.Debra stared at the badges collected from the masquerade ball night and said, "Have these been sorted out?"Ben replied, "Yes. We found out the identities of everyone who attended the masquerade ball that night.""Good, compile this information and indirectly leak it to Juan carefully.""Yes, Ms. Frazier."After Ben left, Erica asked in con
Debra put down her phone. Carole sat in the office waiting for Debra to come in. After seeing Debra, she didn't look friendly."Michael instructed me to have you assist with his shoot as a general assistant. There's nothing else for you to do at the moment," Carole said in a displeased tone, clearly suspecting Debra of some manipulation behind the scenes."Okay, I understand." Debra was about to leave when Carole suddenly added, "Some interns don't focus on learning anything else. They just like to set their sights on men. Young people these days really make the workplace chaotic!"Debra ignored her. She didn't want to waste time on someone like that."Did you hear? Michael specifically asked for this intern to be his assistant. I wonder what kind of relationship those two have.""What relationship could they have? She's simply relying on her looks to flirt around.""I even saw her sneakily meeting Michael in the hallway last time. She's so pretty. I never would have thought.
Michael whispered, "Are you hiding something from me?"Debra tightened her belt one last notch, causing Michael a slight discomfort. He lowered his head and saw Debra had already withdrawn her hand. "I'll tell you when you become a movie star.""What's going on? Why is it taking so long?"The production assistant was pushing hard from the side. Approaching Debra, he frowned. "Can you do your job? If not, get lost!""If my actions are slow, does that mean I should leave too?"Michael's tone was indifferent, causing the production assistant to change his expression immediately. "I'm sorry, Mr. Austin, let's quickly take the photos," he said.Michael remained still, his gaze cold as he looked at the production assistant. "Shouldn't you apologize?"The production assistant didn't expect Michael to confront him for a mere staff member but couldn't afford to offend the currently popular male artist. He turned to Debra, saying, "I'm really sorry. I lost my temper.""It's okay. Just be
"Look, who is this woman?""I have no idea. Mr. Tyson personally welcomed her. It seems like she has quite a background.""Given her appearance, could she be some rich family's daughter here to experience life?"...People below started whispering again."Ms. Miles's abilities are evident to all of us. Whatever position you desire, you can choose freely here!"Liam carefully pleases Shelia.Shelia sat in the general manager's chair and glanced at the office area outside, expecting to see Debra but couldn't find her anywhere."I don't need a high position. After all, I'm here to learn. Is the team leader position still available?""Of course! But the team leader role might be beneath you. Ms. Miles is more than capable of being our vice president."Shelia smiled faintly, saying, "Vice president is unnecessary. I fear it might cause gossip.""Alright! No problem. Do I need to inform Mr. Nichols?"Upon hearing Liam's words, Shelia felt a sudden panic. She said, "Juan doesn't k
Marion leaned against the doorframe and smiled, "No need."He'd always known. Debra had grown into a hawk soaring freely through the skies. Even without his protection, she'd fly higher and farther.His smile deepened as he listened to her passionate plans for the company's future. That alone was worth his trip....At the Potter Mansion, Andrew unlatched the golden cage, releasing the canary inside.It fluttered clumsily toward the window. Trapped too long, it had forgotten how to fly. Yet it flapped its wings and pushed onward until it took flight and disappeared into the distance."Sir, that was your favorite bird," a servant said hesitantly."Loving something doesn't mean clutching it in your hand," Andrew replied with a smile. "To love is to let go, find its true self, and pursue what it wants."His voice lowered. "To love is to step back and watch her enjoy her life."A storm brewed outside, but he knew no matter how fierce the rain was, she'd endure....After seeing
"Something to return to you," Debra said blandly as she unpinned the orchid brooch from her blouse.She'd once wondered who gave it to her until she realized only Juan fit.The brooch clattered to the floor. Juan's eyes flickered imperceptibly before he said flatly, "Never seen it. You're mistaken.""Maybe I am." Debra's voice stayed calm.Juan took Vickie's hand and left without glancing back. Debra didn't spare the brooch a look either.She turned back to the room. "Thank you for your support. Let me be clear. I'm the only heiress of the Frazier family, and the McKinney Group has one leader. Stay, and I'll honor your trust. Leave, and we go our separate ways."The shareholders pledged their loyalty one after another."I'm staying. Juan paraded some lookalikes and claimed she owned the world. I don't give it a shit.""We follow Mrs. Houston as a business leader, but some heiress title.""We'll never bite the hand that feeds us. Where was this lady when the Frazier Group nearl
It was a gemstone of the Four Great Families."This is proof." Vickie smiled faintly at Debra. "The Frazier family heirloom. I was weak as a kid, so my parents turned it into a pendant for me. You never had one."When Debra stayed silent, Vickie addressed the room. "Don't believe me? Look it up. I wore this necklace in childhood interviews. My parents mentioned it publicly. The records are there."Debra said nothing.Juan stepped forward and declared, "Vickie is the true heiress of the Frazier family. All the family assets and this company belong to her."The shareholders erupted."Bullshit.""We won't accept this.""This company is Mrs. Houston's life's work. We won't hand it to a stranger.""That's right. We've stood by Mrs. Houston through hell. We won't let this impostor take over.""We only follow Mrs. Houston's head. We don't care if this lady is the heiress or not."Debra glanced back at her team. Memories flashed through her mind. These people had been there for her
A woman who looked eerily like Debra strode into the room in sleek black heels. She had the same sharp brows, porcelain skin, and confident smile as Debra.Dressed in a tailored black pencil dress with a slim brown belt cinching her waist, she carried herself like royalty."Mrs. Houston," the woman said, extending a hand with a smile that felt like a twisted reflection.Debra bristled. It was like staring into a funhouse mirror.She ignored the handshake, turning instead to Juan with a glare. "What games are you playing?"Juan shrugged. "The truth's right in front of you.""What truth?" a shareholder snapped. "You think some knockoff can waltz in here and match our boss?""What are you up to?" another echoed. "Explain yourself."The wavering partners hung back, watching the chaos unfold.The woman raised her chin. "The truth is, I'm the real Debra. I was kidnapped as a child and taken abroad. After I escaped, my adoptive father raised me. I've spent years searching for my pare
"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