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
It seemed that Juan would get away with punishment."Please come with us to the police station," said one of the police officers.His tone was much softer, but this was not an outcome Juan wanted.Joe chimed in, "Didn't your chief explain the situation to you?"The officer nodded, unmoved. "He did, but we still need the three of you to come with us for a statement."Their insistence prevailed, and Juan laid his eyes on Marion. 'Is Marion behind this?'Debra was also surprised. She didn't know that Marion's influence had already permeated Seamar City.In her previous life, Marion had only established himself here three years later. She wondered how he had gained such clout so soon."We are just doing our job. Please don't make this difficult for us, Mr. Nichols," the officer reiterated, gesturing for them to follow.It appeared that a trip to the police station was inevitable.Juan cast Marion a cold glance. "Mr. Huston, well played.""Likewise," Marion responded, escorting D
Debra found herself unable to avoid Marion's intense gaze. His eyes, serious and sincere, bore into hers."I don't like being in debt, and I don't have any romantic debts. My heart belongs to you alone, now and forever.""I don't believe in love," Debra said, her voice flat. "Maybe in the past, I could have fallen for you. But now, I don't want to easily fall for anyone."The lessons from her past life were too painful. She admitted that Marion's words had momentarily moved her, but it wasn't enough to risk the rest of her life.Life was precious, and having been given a second chance, she wasn't about to drown in love again."Alright, then I'll stay by your side until you accept me.""You..."Just then, the driver got into the car, interrupting the intimate atmosphere."Mr. Houston, Ms. Frazier, don't worry. It won't take long," a police officer said politely, taking the passenger seat.Debra suddenly remembered that the Houston family had a strong military background. The mi
Hester felt a surge of happiness when she heard Melody's promise. "I will follow your instructions."The police car loitered outside for half an hour before slowly making its way to the station. As they finally arrived, Juan stepped out, his face grim and stormy. Joe followed closely behind, his body tense with barely contained anger.The driver had intentionally driven in circles, aiming to make a spectacle of them and stir up public opinion. They cursed at Marion for this underhanded move."Mr. Houston, Ms. Frazier, please get out of the car."Debra emerged, wrapped in Marion's coat. Her eyes met Juan's gaze with an icy resolve.Juan glanced at Marion, his voice cold and accusatory. "Mr. Houston, you've got some impressive tactics. I've seen it now."Marion was unruffled. "Compared to yours, my methods are indeed more sophisticated.""Mr. Nichols, please come with us to make a statement," the officer instructed, leading Juan away. Juan's gaze lingered on Debra, but she refus
"Stop right there."Marion's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. Melody halted mid-step, her eyes narrowing as she turned to face him. "What's the matter? You're just a mere junior, an illegitimate son of the Houston family. Do you think you can lecture me?""You're right." Marion shrugged.Debra's heart swelled with a mix of emotions. Marion was ready to stand up for her, even against a prominent figure like Melody. After all, this wasn't a conflict between men but a war between women.Melody's gaze flicked between Marion and Debra, her lips curling into a sneer. "Oh, I see. You two are in cahoots. Debra, you betrayed Juan and hooked up with Marion, right? No wonder you're so eager for a divorce. You must think you've landed a better catch."Debra snapped, "Melody, I respect you as an elder and usually give you some leeway. But don't push your luck. If you go too far, I won't be so accommodating."In her past life, Debra had shown Melody kindness, only to be met wit
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