"Okay." Debra nodded in agreement, following Joe to the adjacent lounge. "Madam, is there anything special you'd like to eat?""Just pour me a cup of tea, please.""Of course."Joe moved to the tea set. Debra sat down on the sofa and asked, "How has Juan been at the company lately?""Mr. Nichols? Lately, he's been distracted and drinking more than usual. Today is the most normal he's been in a while. It's all thanks to you, Madam.""He's been drinking?""Don't you know? The last time Mr. Nichols went to McKinney Group, he was drunk. He's been drinking too much these days. I'm really worried about him.""Why did he suddenly go to McKinney Group? Do you know?""Um... not really."Debra could tell he was hiding something. She lowered her gaze thoughtfully.Joe must know something, but knowing and telling were different. After all, her status was dubious. Even the board members thought so, let alone others."I see. Well, you can go now. I'll handle him. I'd like to rest a bi
Just as Debra hesitated, the door to the lounge swung open abruptly.Joe stepped in, balancing a silver platter with several slices of cheesecake arranged elegantly on top.Debra, with the phone still pressed to her ear, hurriedly wrapped up her conversation. "I have some matters to attend to here. Let's reconnect tonight.""Understood, Ms. Frazier."The call ended.Joe approached the table and placed the platter in front of Debra. "Mr. Nichols asked me to bring you this, saying it's your favorite."Debra cast a glance at the cheesecake. She used to love it. She wondered how Juan knew. He had never shown much interest in her preferences before."Thank you, Joe. I'll rest here for a bit. Please let me know when he is done.""Of course, madam."Joe exited the room.Debra stared at the cheesecake, her mind whirring. 'What game is Juan playing?' she thought.She didn't believe he was helpless against the McKinney Group, and his actions today were uncharacteristically strange.
Debra strode out of the lounge. Joe came in and advised, "Sir, even if you want to compensate Mrs. Nichols, there must be a better way. If you transfer these shares to her, your rights..."The power dynamics of a company were intrinsically linked to its stakeholders.With twenty percent of the shares now in Debra's hands, the future of Nichols Group could be at stake if they ever had a falling out.Juan watched Debra leave, his eyes darkening with a mix of resolve and apprehension. "It's alright, Joe. This is just a gamble I'm willing to take."Debra wasted no time in returning to Frazier Entertainment. She needed to ensure her newfound leverage was airtight.She handed the contract to Ben, who looked puzzled. "Ms. Frazier, what's this?""Take it to the Legal Department. I want it scrutinized for any loopholes.""Will do."As Ben prepared to leave, Debra stopped him. "Wait.""Anything else?""Help me investigate Shelia's background," she said. "Focus on her middle and high sc
Debra found Michael's thought process inscrutable, but she decided to play along.By evening, she had booked a lavish restaurant, securing a private room to accommodate Michael's public status.She found herself seated in the passenger seat of his sports car, the thrill of the ride coursing through her veins.It was unexpected that Michael, who maintained a daily facade of depth and mystery, was revealing a mischievous side that relished such exhilarating activities."Princess, please step out," Michael announced, opening the car door with a flourish.Debra had dressed casually without any makeup on. She even donned a mask to suit Michael's status.In contrast, Michael seemed relaxed, strolling about and showing no sign of wanting to conceal his identity."Michael, you're a popular celebrity now," Debra remarked. "Walking around like this, you're bound to be recognized. Tomorrow's headline might be 'Michael dines with a mysterious woman'."Michael chuckled. "Creating some news.
"What's the story behind the private school?" Debra asked, her voice laced with suspicion.Michael shook his head. "I can't say for certain, but Shelia wasn't a student at some prestigious private school. Anyone attending Beaconridge High comes from a modest family background. From what I recall, her mother was addicted to gambling, leaving them in a tough financial situation. Our homeroom teacher once pressured her about tuition fees. Although Shelia insisted she could raise the money, she ended up dropping out."Debra's brows furrowed as she listened intently.'So, Shelia isn't an orphan after all," she thought."I know that the private school only accepts girls from orphanages," she said. "Every year, the Nichols Group and other enterprises sponsor one or two girls from there."She remembered how, in her past life, the Nichols Group had sponsored many students, but Shelia was an exception. It all began when Juan caught Shelia feeding stray cats during a sponsorship meeting.In
As Hester retreated from the room, Juan turned to Debra, his voice low. "Aren't you angry at all?"Debra shrugged. "Why would I be angry? I'm not blind, Juan. I saw her spill that tea on purpose. It's not your fault."She had entered the room just in time to see Juan resisting Hester's advances."I've drawn hot water. Go take a bath.""Alright."As she headed upstairs, she breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't follow her.Pulling out her phone, she found a message from Erica.Erica: [You haven't been back for two days.]Debra: [Juan's grandmother moved in. I can't leave for a while.]Erica: [I'm so bored!]Debra: [Go find Randy.]Erica: [Randy's accompanying Marion abroad on business. Otherwise, I wouldn't be this bored.]Debra paused mid-tap at the news.She hesitated before opening her chat with Marion.He wasn't one for chatting apps, and his messages were always brief. She scrolled through their chat history, noting that he never mentioned any business trips. He wo
Melody took a deep breath. "I don't understand what you're saying, but this damages the Nichols family's reputation and yours too. If these things are published in the newspapers, everyone will know. Think of the humiliation our family will endure. I don't care about publicity. Just handle this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, don't bother coming back to see me."Her face was a thundercloud. Beside her, Hester interjected with a smooth, placating tone. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., this is just a matter concerning Debra's work. Please don't be angry. I've heard that Debra often isn't at home, probably because she's very busy with her duties. Don't pressure her too much."Hester's words sparked suspicion in Melody's mind. "So, that's why you've been absent recently."She suspected that Debra was dating another man.Debra didn't bother to explain herself. Winning Melody's favor no longer mattered to her. "Debra!" Melody snapped, slamming her hand on the table. "Where do you place Juan?"
Debra and Juan retreated to their room. Juan broke the silence first. "I'll have someone take down the news. It won't affect you.""Aren't you going to ask about it?" she asked.After all, the photo of her and Michael was real, and she expected some kind of reaction from him.Juan met her gaze steadily. "If you want to talk about it, you will."Debra looked away, her voice firm. "I don't want to."Juan nodded, accepting her decision. "Okay."Just then, Debra heard faint footsteps outside their door, knowing it was Hester.Debra didn't bother to pretend. She strode to the door and swung it open.Hester froze, clearly not expecting Debra to catch her eavesdropping."Madam..."Debra's voice was blunt. "I don't like people eavesdropping on my door. If there's nothing important, please stay off the second floor."Hester blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, madam. It's Mrs. Nichols Sr. who was worried you two might argue. She sent me here to check. It won't happen again.""Alr
Bert's expression turned grave. A servant approached him. "Sir, I heard that Miss Bernard is getting engaged to Drake. Invitations have been sent out, but Miss Eaton doesn't know yet.""Keep it that way," Bert ordered. "Liza is impulsive and might do reckless things if she finds out. She's spoiled, but she values her friendship with Cathryn. It would break her heart to know Cathryn is with Drake now.""Understood. I'll make sure the news is contained," said the servant.Juan silently watched the scene. Garland peeked through the door crack."What's got you so captivated?""Nothing."Juan sank back into the couch, his expression unreadable."You know, Liza has got a way with people," Garland said, his tone smug. "When she gets involved, your grandmother has to pack her things and go back.""That's not what I'm worried about.""Then what are you worried about?""Did you get the invitation?""Invitation? What invitation?""To the engagement party of Cathryn and Drake.""What?
Garland looked at the files, his initial spark of interest instantly extinguished.Just then, Liza's voice echoed from outside the door. "Why are you still here? My dad doesn't like you. Why are you still hanging around?"Juan frowned, and Garland perked up his ears. "Sounds like a fight. Should I go break it up?"But Juan knew better. Garland was more likely to stir the pot than calm things down."Miss Eaton, please take it easy."Juan cracked open the door to see Liza tossing Melody's luggage out, scattering expensive jewelry and dresses across the floor.The maids tried to calm her down, but Liza was beyond control.Melody's face darkened as the scene unfolded. The noise drew Bert out of his room.He scolded, "Liza, mind your manners.""Dad! Why are you letting her stay in our house? I don't like her. I don't want her here." Liza threw a tantrum.Seeing her belongings strewn across the floor, Melody said bitterly, "I guess I've overstayed my welcome. I'll pack my things an
Debra chuckled, "Sometimes, you're really cheap."Marion said seriously, "But I'm always honest with you, dear.""Really?""Absolutely.""Then how do you explain the eight billion dollars you cost me at our first meeting?"Marion took a sip of his tea and grimaced. "This tea's gone cold. Let me get you a fresh cup.""Get back here." Debra grabbed Marion and yanked him down into his seat."I'll do whatever you say to make up.""Put that aside for now. Now tell me your plans for handling the banquet.""Guess we can't miss the show.""Cathryn's crush on you is public knowledge here. Are you planning to hand her fresh gossip on a silver platter?""I'm not attending it. You can go. I'll stay outside the hotel to keep guard. Won't glance at any other woman.""Wise choice."...Across town at the Eaton Mansion, Garland sat hunched over his computer.He typed and retyped search terms, only to come up empty each time."What happened to my trending topics? They're all gone?" he m
Marion set down his newspaper and walked over to examine the invitation in Debra's hand."Drake is in such a hurry. He must be desperate to secure resources.""He's eager to deal with you?""Not necessarily. It could also be trouble brewing in Orkgate.""Something happened there?"Debra tried to recall any signs of trouble from her last stay in Orkgate, but there hadn't been anything that would warrant such urgency.In truth, Drake could just stay there and rule.There was no need for him to venture overseas and stir up trouble, which ultimately led to his broken engagement with the Eaton family and his near-total loss of face.Anyone else in his position would have slunk away in shame, but Drake was too proud for that."I'm not sure," Marion admitted. "Orkgate is his territory. I promised not to interfere there."He then noticed her disappointment for not getting any juicy news. He smiled and ruffled her hair. "But I have my informants. If anything happens, they'll let me
Drake's logic was persuasive, almost hypnotic.Cathryn found herself wavering. "But Liza... ""She's your friend, right? She'll understand. Besides, this is just a business arrangement, not a real marriage. It's just to create some tension for Marion."Cathryn was convinced. "Alright, I'll prepare the gala. But you must explain everything to Liza afterward.""Okay," Drake replied.But his smile faded as soon as Cathryn left.Kale asked, "Boss, are you really going to explain this to Miss Eaton?""Explain my ass," Drake snorted. "Once I get engaged to her, I'll gain control of the Bernard family's resources. Then I'll have enough power to take on Marion. Who cares about her petty little scandals?"Kale mused, "So, you were fooling her?"Drake explained, "She's the only one left in her family. If it weren't for those resources, do you think I'd even consider an engagement with her? She's clueless. Once she hosts the gala and announces the news to the media, do you think she can
Drake sneezed in his study.Kale came in and reported, "Miss Bernard is here."Drake waved his hand. "Let her in."Kale opened the door to reveal Cathryn standing hesitantly outside. She had come upon learning that Marion had taken Debra away.Drake glanced at her and read her mind. "She was rescued. Helping you cost me a lot."Cathryn stammered, "Don't make it sound so noble. You did it for yourself.""What now? We're in this together. Marion has learned you collaborated with me to kidnap Debra." Drake rested his cheek on his hand. "But it's not a bad thing. At least, Marion can't ignore you anymore."Cathryn bit her lip, stepping forward. "I know you have other plans. We can't let her stay with Marion. You gotta help me for my father's sake."But the mention of the past only served to annoy Drake.Cathryn quickly added, "If it weren't for my father, you wouldn't have made it to Orkgate or become the Lowe family's adopted son. You owe me."Drake snorted, "You're right. I owe
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