"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
In the meeting room, Juan approached Debra and whispered, "Debra, I'm doing this for your good. Stay away from Marion, and people like Tracy. They have ulterior motives when they get close to you."Debra didn't respond but instead took a step back. "Mr. Nichols, if there's nothing else, I should leave now."Debra was the first to exit the meeting room. As soon as she pushed the door open, she saw employees in the work area craning their necks to watch.A hint of jealousy flashed in Sheila's eyes, but her expression changed when she saw Juan coming out of the meeting room.Walking in high heels, Sheila approached Juan with a bright smile, "Juan, hi!"Frowning, Juan didn't want any interaction with Sheila. He was about to bypass her when she reached out and grabbed his arm. She behaved like a girlfriend being affectionate with her boyfriend."Juan, did you come to see me?"Sheila's eyes were full of anticipation, as Debra, not far away, silently observed the scene."Debra, do y
"I didn't mean it.""Just heed my advice. Marion's sweet-talk game is stronger than you think. The news must have covered both kidnapping cases. Figure out why those three are hiding it from you."Drake went back to his room, leaving Debra outside.Her mind was a mess. She couldn't understand why even Marion chose not to tell her the truth.Footsteps creaked upstairs. Debra looked up to see Ivan descending.Her eyes narrowed. "I told you not to clean the second floor and above. What were you doing up there?"Ivan stammered, "I'm sorry. Someone mentioned the attic hadn't been cleaned in years. I wanted to help." "Attic?""The one on the third floor. It's locked, so I came down."Debra's pulse quickened as she realized the mastermind was feeding her clues through Ivan.She played dumb. "Alright. Remember, don't come up here again without my permission.""Yes, Mrs. Houston." Ivan retreated.Debra stared at the staircase for a while and turned to look at Andrew's room. It was
"I..." Erica was lost for words.Debra came upstairs, suspicion flickering. "Are you hiding something from me?"Erica shrank back, and Randy jumped in. "How is that possible? I was just helping her pick an outfit. Right, Erica?"Erica forced a nod. "Y-Yeah." Marion also came up. Randy seized the lifeline. "Marion, take Debra back. I need to help Erica change."He dragged Erica away like the floor was lava.Debra's suspicion grew. Marion gently brushed her hair. "I'll find the newspapers. It's been a long day. You need to rest.""What if they're gone?" she muttered.It was a major event. She had no memory of it, and her parents had never mentioned it. It didn't make sense."Do you think Vickie's kidnapping is connected to what happened to the Potters?" she said, recalling what Erica had once told her.It was Jordan who had been kidnapped. The incident killed their parents and crippled Andrew.The thought of it always made her chest tighten. When Vickie had mentioned it, her
Erica rolled her eyes. "We've been over this. Everyone knows Vickie's a fraud, but Juan's backing her is real. In this circle, folks cozy up to powerful families to climb the social ladder. They just play dumb and prop up Vickie to get close to Juan."Liza blinked, clueless. "Why don't they just work with Debra instead?"Debra laughed bitterly, "The business owners surviving in Seamar City aren't fools. The McKinney Group and the Nichols Group are at war. From this drama, they can tell Juan is targeting me. He is untouchable here. When he wants someone to be gone, they're gone. And with Caleb's sudden death, Andrew's illness, Jordan's betrayal, and Drake's downfall, we're clearly in a tight spot. Who would bet on the underdog?"Liza gasped, "So, this is their power play to win allies?"Debra nodded.Garland gaped at Liza. "You figured that out?""Didn't you?" she asked back.Garland bristled. "Of course. I'm the family pillar. I saw through everything."Liza side-eyed him.Deb
Marion fell silent. "I wasn't in Seamar City back then. No idea what happened."Debra frowned, troubled. Marion's eyes dimmed."Let's go home.""Okay."Half an hour later, we were back at the Potter Mansion."What? You're not the Frazier family heiress?" Garland's jaw dropped.Liza smacked his arm. "Seriously? Someone named Vickie popped up claiming to be the real heiress. No one said Debra isn't.""Oh," Garland exhaled in relief. "So, that chick is a fake?""Fake," Debra said firmly.Liza tilted her head. "Why are you so sure? What if she's legit?""Girl, you're smarter than this." Erica rolled her eyes. "It's an obvious scam. No one's buying it.""Then why bother?" Liza pouted. "If everyone knows she's fake, why embarrass herself?"Debra explained, "Truth doesn't matter. She wants the title, not assets.""Why is that?" Liza remained puzzled.That title alone didn't seem so alluring."She wants the identity because of the hidden treasure," Debra replied. "One of the fou
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