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 He lowered his head and saw Debra had already withdrawn her hand.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
After introducing Shelia, Liam left. Carole, who looked down on everyone, unexpectedly stepped forward to praise Shelia."Graduates from prestigious schools are indeed different. I'll need to learn a lot from you!" Carole said.Shelia responded with a polite smile on her face, but a hint of pride flashed in her eyes.Debra, uninterested in the flattery around her, was about to leave when Shelia suddenly called out to her, "Debra, I didn't expect you to be interning at this company too. Can you join me for a coffee after work?"Carole glanced at Debra, then at Shelia, asking, "Do you two know each other?"As Shelia was about to speak, Debra quickly interjected, "Not really acquainted." After that, she left abruptly.Shelia briefly showed embarrassment on her face, but Carole dismissed it. "She relies solely on her looks and looks down on everyone. I can't stand such women!""Don't be so quick to judge. Maybe she has her reasons. I remember hearing about some incidents involving
Sheila sneered, thinking Debra was just trying to save face. She said, "We didn't use condoms that night. If I get pregnant, you won't have a choice but to divorce him! Why embarrass yourself like this?""Get your facts straight. I'm not the one unwilling to divorce now. You should talk to Juan about that."Debra glanced at her watch. She really shouldn't waste time with Sheila here.As Debra left, Sheila couldn't help but feel suspicious.Could it be that the one who had been unwilling to divorce all along wasn't Debra, but Juan?In the evening, as Debra hurriedly arrived at the McKinney Group's entrance, a figure suddenly lunged at her from behind.Startled, Debra looked up and saw Juan in front of her. She was momentarily stunned. "Juan?"With a scent of tobacco and alcohol on him, Juan's cheeks slightly flushed, appearing somewhat unclear-headed. "Debra, you finally come.""Are you out of your mind?"Glancing at the McKinney Group and then around to ensure no one was the
Debra walked into the company, while Juan's face was deathly pale. Joe, who had just arrived, draped a cloak over Juan. "Mr. Nichols, it's too cold out here. You've drunk a lot. Let's get you home quickly.""She knows everything...""What?""She already knows about me and Shelia..."Juan's voice was barely above a whisper. He had thought that by cutting ties with Shelia, he could forget about what happened that night. But now it seemed that what was done couldn't be undone."Mr. Nichols, let's leave first..."Joe felt sorry for Juan. Juan's expression darkened. "Why is Shelia at Tyson Enterprises? Find out for me.""Mr. Nichols, why not ask Ms. Miles first?""I don't want anything to do with that woman anymore!"He blamed himself for being kind and helping Shelia back then. He had only felt pity for the girl and, considering her talent, had shown her some extra care. But he never expected Shelia to have other intentions.Meanwhile, Debra had just entered the preside
"Marion, that's nonsense!"Debra quickly handed the family emblem to Marion.The emblem of the Houston family was so important that even an outsider like her knew it, yet Marion had placed such a crucial emblem in her hands."Debra, whatever I give away, I never take back."Marion placed the emblem on Debra's chest.The Houston family's emblem represented the head of the Houston family. With this emblem, one had absolute authority within the Houston family.Marion looked at Debra with a smile and whispered, "You're the wife I have chosen."Debra's heart pounded, unsure how to respond.In her previous life, she had always been focused on Juan and had never been decisively chosen.But Marion's words stirred something in her heart."I..."Just as Debra was about to speak, Randy's voice suddenly came from outside the door. "Marion, the things you asked me to buy..."Randy's voice abruptly stopped upon seeing the scene inside.Debra hurriedly distanced herself from Marion.Ran
"The McKinney Group is clearly trying to take a piece of our cake. Why don't we resort to extreme measures?"The directors whispered to each other.Unable to confront The McKinney Group openly, they resorted to underhanded tactics behind the scenes.In the past, Juan might have readily agreed without hesitation.But now, Juan fell into silence.That evening, driven by intuition and alcohol, he visited The McKinney Group and indeed encountered Debra.Could Debra truly be connected to The McKinney Group?Or perhaps, is there a connection between Debra and Tracy?Rubbing his temples wearily, Juan sighed, "I have matters to attend to. Let's discuss this later."With that, Juan got up and left.Beside him, Joe suggested, "Mr. Nichols, how about taking a sobering pill first?"After consuming a fair amount of alcohol the previous night, Juan's state of mind was visibly off."I tasked you with investigating Tracy. Have you found anything?""Not yet. His information is well hidden.
Joe said to Liam, "Mr. Tyson, you can go and deal with your work. Mr. Nichols will finish questioning soon and leave.""Great! The conference room is just ahead. It should be all set up. Please!"Liam glanced at Debra as he said that.He really didn't know what the relationship was between this intern and Juan.Shouldn't Shelia be the one most closely related to Juan?The relationships in this circle were truly complicated!Arriving at the conference room, Debra said, "You came all the way to Tyson Enterprises to see me. What else do you have to discuss?"She thought she had made things clear during their last meeting.Juan asked in a deep voice, "What's your relationship with the McKinney Group?""You already asked that yesterday," Debra replied. "Is it because Mr. Nichols drank too much yesterday and doesn't remember?"Frowning, Juan said, "Debra, I'm doing this for your own good. Tracy is a ruthless businessman. If the Frazier family cooperates with him, you won't end well
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