Randy's gaze darted around the room as he deliberately avoided eye contact with her. Erica sensed something was amiss."Did something happen when you and Marion went abroad?""No, absolutely not. Don't overthink it, and please, don't mention it in front of Debra."Randy glanced around furtively, ensuring no one was within earshot. "Let's not talk here. Come with me."He grabbed Erica and led her out of the house. "Explain yourself, Randy. Explain right now," Erica demanded.Unbeknownst to them, Debra had overheard their exchange from the car. She rolled down the window, and Ben broke out in a cold sweat.After a moment of tense silence, he asked, "Madam, should we get out?"Debra didn't respond. Her mind raced as she processed Randy and Erica's peculiar behavior. It was evident that something had transpired between Cathryn and Marion."Let's get out.""Okay," Ben responded, swiftly exiting the vehicle and opening the door for her.Debra emerged from the car, a vision of ele
Debra's eyes dimmed.Randy covered his eyes, unable to bear witness to the impending drama. Erica, on the other hand, watched Debra anxiously.Marion spotted Debra in the crowd almost instantly, but his expression remained unchanged. Cathryn, standing elegantly by his side, noticed the shift in his attention and followed his gaze, her eyes landing on Debra.She frowned, asking, "Marion, who is she?"Marion replied indifferently, "Someone you shouldn't ask about."Marion withdrew the hand she had linked with his, leaving her staring blankly.Marion began to walk towards Debra, but she turned away and headed in the opposite direction.Unable to stop Debra, Erica rushed up to Marion. "What is going on between you and Cathryn? And you..."Marion put a hand up to interrupt her, his eyes never leaving Debra's retreating figure. "Marion!" Erica stomped her foot in frustration.Randy placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's their private matter. We shouldn't interfere."Erica wh
Cathryn's smile froze on her face. She felt awkward about Marion's slight toward her.A trio of noblewomen huddled together, their eyes following the three people as they whispered among themselves."Isn't that Mrs. Nichols? Why is she holding hands with Mr. Houston?""I always suspected their relationship was unusual. I didn't expect them to be together before she's even divorced.""Isn't Cathryn supposed to be Mr. Houston's fiancée? This is going to be interesting."...Their whispers were cut short as a few bodyguards approached them."Sorry, ladies, Mr. Houston has instructed us to ask you three to leave.""Why should we leave?" one of the ladies protested.Then she felt a cold glare from nearby. She looked over and lost her momentum at the sight of Marion. She was quickly ushered out, her companions following suit.Cathryn felt a pang of jealousy and humiliation. She walked up to Marion, her voice trembling with emotion. "Marion, Mrs. Nichols is a married woman. What you
Marion explained, "I promised to take responsibility because Shawn entrusted me with it on his deathbed. What were you thinking?"Randy stared at him, dumbfounded. "What? Entrusted on his deathbed?"He realized how bad Marion was at expressing himself.Erica huffed, "Why didn't you speak clearly? Any woman would misunderstand that."Randy, realizing the gravity of the situation, urged Marion. "You should go find Debra. If you delay any further, she might cut ties with you completely."Marion was already striding away, his figure disappearing into the crowd.Randy watched him go, muttering under his breath, "What's the point of having a mouth if you can't use it properly?"Debra slid into the backseat of her car. Ben asked, "Madam, are you going home?""Yes."Debra's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the screen, expecting to see Marion's name, but it was Rosalie calling.She answered, and before she could utter a word, Rosalie's panicked voice filled the line."Debra, somet
Stanley's chair screeched across the floor as he abruptly stood, his eyes blazing with indignation. "Debra, what kind of tone is that? Who do you think you are, questioning my mother?"Debra cast a cold, unyielding glance at them. "I am the head of the Frazier family. I have every right to question her, and even if I were to send her to prison, it would be within my authority."The weight of the Frazier family's name and its generations-old traditions hung heavy in the air, causing Stanley to turn pale.Rosalie tried to smooth things over. "It's a misunderstanding, Debra.""A misunderstanding? Weren't you trying to send me to Juan's bed?"Rosalie was left speechless. That had indeed been her plan, but Debra's unexpected return had thrown a wrench into her machinations.Debra's voice was as cold as ice. "I'm lenient enough to forgive you a couple of times. This time, I won't let you off the hook."As she pulled out her phone, Stanley lunged forward. "What are you doing?""Callin
Rosalie's eyes glinted with a cold, calculating ruthlessness as she dragged Ralph towards the sofa. "Now's the time. Get Debra into Juan's bed. The Nichols family has stricter rules than ours. Melody is not one to be trifled with. As long as Debra is still Juan's wife, they won't tolerate her controlling the Frazier family. Then we can find a way to take over the company.""I'll drop Debra off at the hotel. Mom, you handle things here.""Okay."Stanley glanced down at Debra, who lay unconscious on the floor. With a grunt, he effortlessly hoisted her onto his shoulder and strode out of the room. In the garage, he threw her into the backseat of his car.Outside the villa, Ben was waiting anxiously for Debra's news when a sports car zoomed past him. A sense of unease washed over him, and he called Debra. He waited for a long time, but no one was answering."Shit!" he muttered, his heart pounding in his chest. Feeling the urgency of the situation, Ben immediately called Marion."He
"Let go!"Debra tried to push Juan away, but his grip was like a vice. She couldn't break free, no matter how hard she tried. Her eyes flashed with defiance."Do you think this will make me love you? All it does is make me hate you more.""As long as you're with me, I don't care whether you love me or hate me."Juan's gaze bore into her, filled with a deep, almost desperate affection. It was a far cry from his image in her past life.But Debra knew better. She didn't forget what he had done to her and how he had killed her. Her feelings for him had been long gone."I don't want to be with you. Even if you use every trick in the book against the Frazier family, I will never stay by your side."She felt his fingers dig into her wrist. Now Juan's voice held suppressed anger. "Debra, don't force my hand."A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "When did the great Mr. Nichols start using these kinds of tactics on women? Do you know what you look like right now? You're like a humble suitor
Marion swiftly removed his coat and wrapped it around Debra, pulling her tightly into his arms. His voice was cold, laced with a hint of anger as he glared at Juan."You're despicable, Juan."Ben arrived belatedly, panting heavily."Madam," he said, catching his breath, "I've already called the police. They'll be here soon.""The police?" Juan snorted, looking at Marion. "Are you out of your mind?"He knew Marion's background and his involvement in illegal activities. It was a risky move for someone like him to invite the authorities.Debra was also taken aback. She whispered sharply, "Marion, do you even know what you're doing?"She wasn't sure if Marion's illegal activities had reached Seamar City. If they had, calling the police could spell trouble for him. He had been in this line of work for years and knew the game well."A certain CEO kidnaps his wife in the middle of the night, tries to rape her, and is then arrested by the police," Marion said, his voice icy and cutting
On the big screen, a comparison of Vickie's before-and-after photos appeared. The details were thorough with her initial consultation, follow-up appointments, and the final results of her plastic surgery.It also included information about Vickie's so-called adoptive father. This proof was solid.A reporter stood up and asked, "A recent article from New Age has been accused of containing false information. Mrs. Houston, was this article published under your instruction?"Garland tried to get up and clarify, but Debra beat him to it.She replied calmly, "That article was written by a friend of mine. He was too eager to clear my name to verify the content. It was provided by a third party and later proved to be a trap. If anyone wishes to know the details, you may approach me after this press conference. I will provide you a copy and let you see their filthy tricks."Another journalist followed up, "Mrs. Houston, how can you prove that you are the real heiress?""Vickie claimed to
Vickie was touching up her makeup backstage when she heard the commotion outside.She asked with a frown, "What's going on outside?""Miss Donaldson, it seems like the reporters are going to the press conference.""What?" Vickie stood up and looked outside.Sure enough, only a few cameramen remained. Those reporters had vanished."Where did they go? Why would they suddenly leave?" Vickie panicked.There were only five minutes left before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. They would lose face if no one attended their event."Where's Juan?" Vickie anxiously looked around, but there was no sign of him.If the reporters didn't return for the ceremony, all their efforts would go to waste."Madam, I've found out what happened," her assistant said. "Debra invited some of the most influential figures in the news industry to her event. The reporters caught wind of it and all rushed over.""So, this is her plan," Vickie muttered in surprise.She had assumed that Debra would be too overwhel
Juan's tactics were predictable, cycling through the same old tricks. Debra had anticipated this."They have a big story? So do we," Debra said calmly. "News thrives on spectacle. And we've got seasoned veterans on our side.""Seasoned veterans?" Erica's question hung in the air as Garland strode into the room."That will be me," he said confidently.Erica was surprised. "Mr. Eaton? What brings you here?""To save the day." Garland snapped his fingers.The doors swung open, revealing a lineup of New Age journalists and every heavyweight contact Garland had ever cultivated.Among them were legendary paparazzi who had exposed industry scandals, former chief editors of blockbuster publications, and elite reporters holding the hottest insider resources. Together, they formed an intimidating wall of media prowess."These are the titans of journalism," Garland introduced. "With them here, the others will just flock to us."Erica and Randy gave him a thumbs-up. In this city, only Gar
"Since they want to play games, we'll play along," Debra smirked.The car soon pulled up at the Royal Grand Hotel, where reporters had already gathered outside. The moment Debra and Marion stepped out, cameras started flashing."Mrs. Houston, do you have any response to the viral rumors about the real and fake heiresses?""Is Miss Vickie Donaldson truly the Frazier family's daughter?""Did you orchestrate the online smear campaign against her?"...The questions were sharp, each reporter eager to pry answers from Debra.She remained silent, but Marion's icy glare swept over the crowd. Instantly, the clamor died down.Randy stepped forward, flashing his trademark charm. "The press conference begins shortly. Save your questions for the session. Mrs. Houston will address them all."His words carried authority in media circles, and the crowd obediently dispersed into the hotel.Across the street, in the Donaldson Corporation's high-rise office, Juan stood by the window, his eyes
Andrew looked up at Debra."Barton mentioned you visited the attic.""I did.""What did you see?"Debra lowered her eyes. "Just some old belongings. It was a whim."Andrew didn't press further. Instead, he glanced at the white gown she wore and asked, "Are you heading out?""There's a press conference. I need to resolve some matters.""I've heard bits about the online rumors. They don't seem critical, but if you need my help, I'll have arrangements made.""It's fine. I can handle them," she said, standing up. "Take care.""I will." Andrew nodded.Debra paused at the door, and he asked, "Is there anything else?""I had a dream.""A dream?""In it, I seemed to have lived here for a while. The attic was a beautiful room. A gentle boy stayed by my side and told me stories."Debra wanted to ask if Andrew knew anything or if he was that boy.But when she turned back, Andrew's expression remained unchanged. "A dream is just a dream. I don't recall meeting you in my childhood."
"To achieve my goals, I'll use anyone as a tool," Juan replied indifferently. "If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."The man on the other end probed, "If I asked you to kill Debra one day, would you do it?"Juan scoffed, "A woman who no longer belongs to me? I'd show no mercy.""Good. Mark your words," said the man before ending the call.Juan stared at the screen and saw a dozen missed calls from Garland. He muttered to himself, "Debra, stay strong. Don't let this break you."...At the Potter Mansion, Garland paced like a cat on a hot tin roof. "What the hell's going on? Answer the damn phone."He tried calling Juan again, only to find himself blocked."Screw this. I'm done trusting you!" He hurled his phone across the room. "Lying snake."Liza pushed the door open just as the device clattered against the wall. "What's wrong?"Garland composed himself and replied, "Just frustrated about the mess. Don't worry. I'll fix it.""This isn't your fault," Liza reassured him. "
"Come on. Why did you blab?" Erica glared.Drake deadpanned, "I'm not part of your group. I'll say what I want."Debra frowned. "So, you were thinking about countermeasures?"Erica explained, "Don't worry. Just focus on your recovery and let us handle it.""Yeah," Randy chimed in. "We've got it covered."Marion's voice softened. "I'll take care of it."Debra pressed his hand to her forehead. "I'm fine now. See? No fever. This involves me directly. How can I sit by while you all scramble? Besides, I can't rest well with Vickie parading around.Marion's jaw tightened, but Debra gave him a reassuring look. "I'll rest if I feel unwell. Promise.""Alright," he compromised.From Erica and Randy, Debra pieced together the situation. Juan had been showcasing Vickie at galas and press events for two days, thrusting her into the spotlight with ruthless efficiency.Debra was not surprised. Juan's reputation and connections made it effortless to manufacture hype. No wonder he'd kept the
That afternoon, Vickie made an announcement, revealing that the article accusing her of plastic surgery was traced back to New Age, a press agency Debra had purchased.Netizens theorized that Debra, threatened by Vickie's claim to the Frazier family legacy, had launched a smear campaign.Vickie effortlessly countered the allegations, cementing public belief in her "true heiress" status.The air at the Potter Mansion was thick with tension."I wanted to help. I didn't expect this to happen," Garland stammered.Juan's devotion to Debra was obvious, yet Juan fed him false intel. He felt like he had misplaced his trust, and the betrayal stung.Erica paced. "Regrets won't fix this. They baited the trap, and we walked in. We need a plan to expose Vickie's lies.""The resemblance can't be a coincidence," Randy said thoughtfully. "The plastic surgery claims must hold truth. They're mixing facts with fiction.""Standard corporate warfare," Drake chimed in. "Leak scandals first for buzz,
"Alright." Debra noticed nothing amiss.After escorting her back to her room, Marion reemerged. "Randy, rein in your girlfriend."Erica planted her hands on her hips. "I'm your cousin.""Then act like one. Don't make Debra worry," Marion countered.Erica's defiance crumpled. "I was just a little nervous."Randy feigned sternness. "Show some respect. I don't even dare speak to her like that.""Breaking news!" Liza burst out of her room, waving her phone. "Have you seen this? The article's gone viral.""What article?" Randy and Erica were confused.They'd been too preoccupied with Debra's situation to check the internet."Seriously? You missed this bomb?" Liza jabbed her screen. "Earlier today, Vickie claimed to be the Frazier family heiress. Then, within an hour, the hashtag vanished. Now this exposé drops, detailing how she got plastic surgery to impersonate Debra.""Let me see." Erica snatched the phone.The article laid out Vickie's cosmetic procedures abroad."She reall