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
Chapter 26"That's just an employee from my company, helping to choose gifts. I thought girls might pick more carefully," Juan replied, looking at Debra with affection.If she hadn't known Juan's thoughts, she might have been fooled by his gaze.Seeing their intimacy, Rosalie couldn't hide her embarrassment.She heard that Juan was dating a college girl, and everyone knew that Juan didn't like Debra."Juan is not only talented but also cares for our Debra. I feel reassured that she is with you. Her father in heaven would also be reassured. And this is a family banquet. There is no need to be so formal," Ralph said, urging Juan to take a seat.Debra held Juan's arm and whispered, "Didn't expect your acting skills to be quite good.""Likewise," Juan said indifferently.Rosalie felt uneasy, glancing at Juan and Debra from time to time, as if trying to spot any flaws."Rosalie, is there something on my face? Why do you keep looking at me?" Debra said."Mr. Nichols and you are qui
Chapter 27In her last life, Juan could have helped her, but he hadn't, merely watching from the sidelines.Thinking about it, Debra pulled her hand away from Juan's.Juan wrinkled his brows.Fortunately, no one noticed her movement.After the banquet, Juan and Debra left, hand in hand. Once outside, Debra withdrew her hand at the right moment.Juan felt uneasy.After a while, Debra spoke up. "Why did you come?""Knowing they'd make things difficult for you, why did you still come alone?"Debra paused. "I asked you.""It's Shelia's birthday today. I had to make a quick visit," Juan said."Shelia's birthday?" Debra was surprised. "Then why did you come?"Juan always seemed to prioritize Shelia.Juan frowned. "This banquet concerns the relationship between the Frazier and Nichols families. I have to come.""A grandiose excuse," Debra muttered.Juan didn't catch that. "What were you saying?"Debra didn't reply. In her last life, Juan knew it was the Frazier family's banque
Chapter 28Since the last time she saw Debra in that glamorous dress, Shelia had realized the gap between them. Juan always treated her like a little girl, seldom seeing her as a woman. She had to seize this chance to confess her love to Juan.The door opened, and Shelia's heart raced.She turned around, saw Juan enter, and threw herself into his arms."Shelia?""I thought you wouldn't come."Shelia's voice was low, tinged with sadness.Juan pulled away, saying, "It's your birthday, and I promised you to come."Shelia blushed.But Juan frowned at Shelia's outfit and the room's decor."Juan, I..."Juan interrupted her. "This outfit doesn't suit you."Shelia was stunned. Juan turned on the lamp next to him. "Do you still like the birthday gift I picked for you today?""Very."Shelia hadn't fully recovered from what Juan had just said."I asked Joe to arrange this room for you, so you can invite your friends over to play. It's close to your school," Juan added.She
Chapter 29Shortly after the Frazier family banquet, Debra received her acceptance letter from Arcane Academy.Her enrollment was explosive news within their circle.Everyone knew that Arcane Academy was the top-notch institution in the finance world, and Debra, a debutante who had never been exposed to finance before, got enrolled.In the afternoon, Debra received a call from Ralph.Ralph sounded serious over the phone. "Debra, is it true that you got admitted to Arcane Academy?""Yes, it is."Debra didn't plan to hide it. Secrets didn't last long in their circle anyway.Ralph sighed. "How much did you pay? Did Juan help you?""I was just lucky. I didn't ask Juan for help.""Then you paid?" Ralph was disappointed, "How could you use your father's money to bribe others? That money was meant to secure your future. You're making me furious."Debra frowned. "Did you check my bank records?""I did it for your good. That's two billion dollars, and you used it to get into Arcane
Chapter 30If it weren't for Rosalie suspecting Debra, plus the disappearance of two billion dollars, he wouldn't have made this call.After Ralph hung up the phone, Debra couldn't help but sneer.She didn't expect Rosalie to covet her father's legacy so early. At the slightest suspicion, Rosalie urged Ralph to check her bank accounts.Apparently, this was premeditated.Debra called the bank, and a receptionist answered the call. "Ms. Frazier, how can I help you?""I want to transfer my assets to another account.""Okay, we'll assign a specialist to assist you.""If anyone from my family inquires about my assets, please ask for my permission first," Debra reminded her."Understood, Ms. Frazier."Debra hung up the phone.That piece of land cost her two billion dollars, and there wasn't much left in her bank account. Her father's inheritance had been stored in this account, known only to Ralph.She didn't expect Ralph to tell Rosalie about such an important matter.It showed
Marion splurged on the apartment, and the price was high because it wasn't just in any school district. It was around an elite school.With those thoughts in mind, Randy shot a sharp glance at Marion in the rearview mirror."What were you saying?" Debra didn't catch it.Marion chimed in, "He said it's fine, not too pricey."Suddenly, the car made a sharp turn and stopped. The inertia threw her into a pair of broad arms, and then a steady voice sounded from above her."Randy, easy on the speed!""Got it!"Inwardly, he grumbled, 'Romance over bromance!'The car stopped outside a high-end complex across from Arcane Academy. Marion handed an electronic card to Debra. "Your personal information is already recorded. Just swipe it to enter and exit. This complex is highly private. Most residents here are prominent figures, and you can expand your friend circle."Debra glanced at the complex.When she had decided to come to Arcane Academy, she had considered renting here.To describ
Debra arrived at the school in the afternoon for registration. Though dressed casually, she still caught everyone's eye."Wow, she's pretty. Is she a freshman?""Have you seen her before? Is she even from our school?""I think I saw her during the entrance exam. Must be a freshman."Whispers followed Debra as she walked through the campus.A handsome guy approached her. "Hey, are you new here?"Debra nodded. "Sort of.""Need help finding your dorm? Want me to take you there?""No need, I'm a day student.""Alright, how about I take you to registration? I'm a junior, and Building #1 is for freshmen.""Actually, I'm going to Building #2.""Building #2?" the boy repeated, puzzled."Exactly!" Debra confirmed."But isn't that for graduate students?" the boy asked wonderingly.He scrutinized Debra, who looked like any other young woman in her early twenties. He couldn't imagine her among those older, more serious graduate students. After all, it normally took at least three to
Marion looked at the bandages on the table. "Weren't you just crying from the pain a second ago?""It doesn't hurt when I remove it myself. But when you do it in front of me, I feel bad and want to cry," Debra replied.Marion didn't know what to say. He sprinkled some medicine on her wound, and she immediately felt a cool, soothing sensation."Did you used to eat candy when you were hurt?""No.""Huh?""I don't like sweet stuff. It's Drake. We used to go on missions together. He was hot-tempered and often got hurt. He didn't bother carrying any candy, so he'd always stuff it in my pocket. I didn't know if it worked or not, but it seemed to help him.""No wonder.""There you go. Just rest for now. Don't think about anything.""Alright." Debra lay down but poked her head out from under the blanket. "Aren't you curious about how I made it back?""I don't want to ask.""Why?"Everyone else had been eager to know.She noticed his frown and said, "Actually, it was..."Marion qu
At the Potter Mansion, Debra was lying by the edge of the bed.Marion woke up in the middle of the night, feeling someone holding his hand. Startled, he turned to see Debra lying beside him. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming."Debra?" he murmured.Debra slowly opened her eyes and flashed a sweet smile. "You're awake."Marion realized this wasn't a dream. Without a second thought, he pulled Debra into his arms. His sudden movement tugged at Debra's wound, causing her to gasp in pain.Marion quickly let go, his face filled with concern. "Did your wound tear? Let me see."He carefully unbuttoned Debra's top. Sure enough, there was some blood seeping from her shoulder.The wound on her shoulder had been caused by a bullet from Fermin. While it only pierced the skin, it couldn't handle any rough movements.Debra teased him, "I didn't expect the fearless Marion to be so anxious one day."Marion said seriously, "It's bad. I'll treat your wound."He got up from the bed and hur
"Alright." Debra got up from the bed.Juan added, "Give me your ring."Debra looked down at her ring and took it off.Juan said, "I'll give it back later."Debra left the room, knowing Juan didn't owe her anything anymore.Juan sat down and looked at the dim table lamp. His mind drifted to the previous night when he invited Vickie there.When she arrived, Vickie took in the surroundings and frowned. "What do you want to see me for?"Juan looked at her face, which resembled Debra's, and felt a wave of disgust. In his mind, one could replace Debra, and no one else could have that face."You've always wanted to take Debra's place, right? I'm giving you that chance," he said, tossing a set of clothes to her. "Put these on. You know how to look more like her.""What are you getting at?" Vickie asked suspiciously."Debra is dead," Juan replied. "From today on, you are her.""Really?" Vickie's face lit up with joy.She had suffered so much only for this moment."Yeah." Juan nodde
"Debra is back from the dead!" Randy screamed.Erica smacked him on the back of the head and snapped, "Look closely. She's not dead.""Not dead?" Randy pointed at Debra's face. "But her face..."Debra wiped her face with the sleeve. The grayish powder came off, revealing her bare skin."It's just makeup," she said."Almost gave me a heart attack. I thought you were..." Randy gaped.Drake's lips curled up, and he poked Debra's head. "Why didn't you wake up sooner? Wanted us to mourn you?"Debra explained, "There were spies outside. If they found out I wasn't dead, Juan would be in danger."Erica froze. "Juan? What's this got to do with him?""Let me explain later. I need to wash my face first." Debra stood up and looked around. "Where's Marion?""He passed out," Robert replied. "I used almost all my strength. It'll take him some time to wake up."Debra furrowed her brow. "Why did you hit him?""Ask him," Robert said. "He rushed to the Nichols Mansion, got into a gunfight, an
Randy exclaimed, "This is fake. Who did this? I'll tear them apart."Erica chimed in, "This news can't be true. It must be a smokescreen to confuse us."Theda looked at the ring in Robert's hand. "Could Marion's desperate actions today be because of this?"Everyone was taken aback....Jeffrey read the news. "Well done."Juan asked, "Aren't you sad about killing Vickie after training her for so long?""Dying as the daughter of the Frazier family is a blessing for her," Jeffrey replied indifferently. "Debra's body has been burned to ashes, and Vickie is no longer useful. Sacrificing her to create chaos and shake the Four Great Families was a brilliant idea."He paused and added, "Send the body to the Potter Mansion. I want them to understand that with Debra dead, their resistance is meaningless.""Got it," Juan replied, slowly retreating.In the basement, he dismissed everyone and looked at the lifeless woman in the coffin. "Once you're back, don't show up again," he whisper
William fidgeted at the sight of so many big shots in the room. Robert's presence alone sent a shiver down his spine.Earlier, when Marion was carried in on Robert's back, he didn't dare utter a sound.William cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders, trying to muster some courage.Standing on the side with Chace, Oscar spoke up. "Do we need medical equipment? I can have some brought over.""No need. This house has everything," William replied.He stepped forward and worked on loosening Marion's stiff arm. It took quite a while before he finally pried open the tightly clenched hand.Blood had pooled in Marion's palm. William let out a low whistle. "What an iron!"He pulled the bloodstained diamond ring from Marion's grasp and studied it. "That's a huge rock. Must've cost a fortune."Everyone's gaze fell on the ring."Wait... Isn't that Debra's ring?" Erica rushed inside. "Why is it covered in blood? Is she..."Drake snatched the ring from William's hand and inspected it. "
"How could this be?" Theda smiled faintly. "We just want to take our people and avoid any casualties. That's all.""If that's all, I might consider it," Jeffrey replied, looking at Marion. "But someone might not want to leave."Drake stepped forward. "We can settle the score later. Even if we don't take your life now, we will eventually."Marion knew Drake was telling him to leave. His hand, clutching the ring, was already bleeding.Drake and Robert noticed and grabbed Marion's arms."Let's go," Robert said firmly.They had to leave now. Otherwise, mutual destruction was unavoidable.But Marion refused to move.Finally, Drake said, "If you don't leave, we'll all die here. I'm not ready to die yet. Don't drag me down with you."Oscar said, "Mr. Houston, let's go. We can save Mrs. Houston another time. If we keep this up, we'll just be making useless sacrifices."Marion still held his ground.Robert frowned and struck Marion on the back of his neck."You guys talk too much,"
"I'm gonna kill you!" Marion shouted.He raised his gun and fired three shots at Jeffrey.But Jeffrey seemed to have already anticipated Marion's move. With just a quick motion, he pulled Ivan in front of him.The three bullets hit Ivan right in the heart. Ivan slowly looked down at his chest. It was only then that the pain hit him all over his body. He finally realized he was dying.He turned to look at Jeffrey. His lips parted, but no words came out. By the time he collapsed, Jeffrey's men had surrounded Marion.Marion's hand tightened around the bloodstained ring. He had come for a bloodbath. If he couldn't save Debra, he wasn't planning to leave alive.Juan spoke up. "Save your energy. No matter how much you fight, the result won't change. You might as well think about how to make your exit.""He's not leaving," Jeffrey said, turning to Marion. "Your bullets have run out, and I won't give you a chance to reload. Everyone who came here is going to die."At his command, sever
Jeffrey muttered, "A shame. She was promising."Pulling a blanket over Debra's face, he turned to Juan. "The four families will retaliate now that she's dead. Clean this up.""How?""Burn her. Suppress the news of her death. Let no word leak tonight."Without hesitation, Juan strode to the bedside, flicked open a lighter, and set the curtains ablaze. Flames crawled hungrily across the sheets, engulfing the figure beneath the blanket. Only when fire fully consumed the body did Jeffrey nod and exit....At dawn the next day, Melody's funeral procession began.Pallbearers carried the coffin through the mist-shrouded gates. The air seemed to thicken with foreboding.The first gunshot tore through a pallbearer's chest before anyone registered the danger."It's Marion Houston!" someone shouted.Marion emerged from the fog, his forces fanning out behind him. Bullets rained down as the remaining bearers collapsed. The Nichols family guards rushed forward, only to fall under crossfire