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
'With her looks, she could go anywhere. Why did she have to come to Arcane Academy's finance department?' Wendy thought.She said to Shelia, "I think she's here to compete with you, trying to steal your boyfriend."Shelia turned pale, her mind elsewhere.Debra's arrival meant a risk of her lies being exposed."Shelia? What's wrong?" Carrie waved a hand in front of Shelia's eyes.Shelia snapped out of it. "I-I'm fine. I suddenly feel unwell, so I won't go to class this afternoon."On her bed, Shelia pondered how Debra managed to get into Arcane Academy.'Could it be that Debra didn't rely on Juan but paid her way into Arcane Academy?'The thought made Shelia clutch her blanket, a surge of anger coursing through her.Years of hard work secured Shelia's place at Arcane Academy. But for some, wealth paved the way to dreams she'd toiled for. She couldn't accept it.After everyone left the dorm, she called Juan, who answered after a while.Before this, no matter how busy he was,
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju
Debra's heart sank.Back when she'd teamed up with Michael, she had nothing, offering him Frazier Entertainment shares to seal the deal. Later, Frazier Entertainment merged into the McKinney Group, and she handed it off to him.To keep her identity hidden, she'd tossed him more shares. With Frazier Entertainment, he'd racked up 30%.She'd thought he deserved it. For two years, he'd run the show plenty. She'd never seen this coming."Madam, you there?" Ben's voice shook.This was huge and should stay quiet. Otherwise, the company would fall into chaos.Debra's blood ran cold. She hadn't expected Michael to go so far."I'll be there soon," she said, hanging up.She turned to Marion. "Michael scooped up loose shares. He's gunning for a vote as top shareholder."Over 40% wasn't half, but it made him the biggest player. Calling a vote was his right.Debra only had 40%. If 10% of the rest sided with Michael, he could oust her."Don't sweat it," Marion said. "We'll hit it together.
That shut everyone up.If Jordan was right, Drake was gambling with his neck."That's too risky. I've gotta drag him back." Debra spun to leave.Erica grabbed her. "Jordan's guys are on it. They'll ping us if they find him. You can't go out like this and become their target.""I'm not their focus anymore," Debra said. "They'll zero in on Drake."She looked at Marion. "Get your people searching. We need his trail fast, or he's dead."Once the Illuminati squeezed the stone's location out of Drake, they'd kill him.Orkgate was now controlled by Lara. Drake had no other value for them."On it," Marion said.They split up. Erica and Randy tapped their networks."Debra, don't freak," Jordan said. "Drake is not dumb. Injured like that, he couldn't have gone far. As long as he keeps that secret, they won't kill him."Debra nodded. "Hope he doesn't do anything stupid."She should've seen it coming. A proud guy like Drake couldn't handle being down for so long.His injuries were bru
Outside their room, Drake froze mid-knock.His head was down, and his expression was hidden. Eventually, his hand dropped, and he sighed.He turned around and shuffled downstairs, leaning on the wall. He was a broken mess now, unwilling to drag them down....Debra woke up the next morning, reaching for Marion.He wasn't there. She bolted upright, threw off the covers, and ran barefoot downstairs, shouting, "Marion?"In the hall, Marion and Jordan turned as she stumbled in, still in her pajamas.Marion rushed up, slipping off his slippers for her. "What's with the panic?""I didn't see you." She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought you'd...""Any luck?" Jordan asked Kale, who'd just walked in.Kale shook his head. "Not yet.""What's up?" Debra asked, clocking everyone's grim faces."Drake's gone," Marion said. "No note, nothing. We're looking.""Did the cameras catch anything? Could it be the Illuminati...""Not them. He walked out himself.""Why the hell would he just up a
Debra jolted awake from a nightmare, her forehead slick with sweat."Still torn up about Michael?" Marion's voice came from beside her.She settled into his arms, finally feeling a little relieved. These past two months, they'd faced everything alone. She hadn't curled up with him like this in forever."It's my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't trusted Michael so much, the Eaton family wouldn't have been a mess. Mr. Eaton Sr. wouldn't have been in the hospital.""It's your fault," Marion said, patting her back. "Even without your trust, the Illuminati would've found a way in. That was their goal.""I just can't wrap my head around why Michael's one of them," she said.She'd spent all night recalling the past, from meeting Michael to building the McKinney Group with him. He was key to its success, but everything had been a lie."Maybe he was never with us," Marion said. "The Illuminati's everywhere. Didn't you check his background when you teamed up?""I..." Debra faltered.S