Pedro found himself in a delicate situation. He needed to maintain a balance between Juan's influence and the truth at hand. He glanced at Marion and chose his words carefully."Mr. Nichols, it's not that I don't want to cut you some slack, but..." His voice trailed off, hinting at the complexity of the situation.Juan, catching the implication, turned to Marion. "Mr. Hardy, you'd better understand who's really in charge in Seamar City."Marion said nonchalantly, "You might have been the overlord before, but now it's me."The atmosphere between them grew tense. Suddenly, Debra's phone buzzed with a series of incoming messages. She glanced at the screen, and her eyes turned to ice as she looked at Juan with renewed disdain."Mr. Nichols, is this your handiwork?" she asked.Juan didn't know what she was referring to. Debra held up her phone, revealing a series of explicit photos. The images showed her, clothes torn, lying unconscious in a dimly lit room. The implications were clear
The conclusion drawn was that Debra had deliberately found an excuse to let Juan go.She explained, "I don't think Joe was telling a lie. This has nothing to do with Juan."The situation had caught her off guard, and she had doubted Juan would resort to such despicable methods. Looking back, the plot was riddled with flaws.If Juan wanted to capture her, he wouldn't have stooped down to collaborate with someone like Rosalie. Something didn't add up.Despite her desire to divorce Juan, she didn't want to accuse him without just cause.Debra turned to Marion, her expression earnest. "I know you're worried about me and went to great lengths to deal with Juan. But in the end, I let him go. I..."Marion reached out and flicked her forehead. Debra's eyes widened in surprise. Marion looked at her with a gaze filled with affection."What's there to explain?""I feel quite sorry for you.""Do what you want to do with confidence. You have me behind you."His simple words seemed to prov
Stanley glared at Debra, his eyes burning with a mix of hatred and fear. "So what if it's me? Do you want to throw me back in prison? You selfish, vicious woman, you stole my things and wanted to ruin me. I'm not something you can push over."He struggled against the grip of the man holding him, but another hard punch landed on his jaw. "Behave yourself!"Stanley winced, his bravado deflating like a punctured balloon. Debra looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of pity and disgust."I used to let things slide because you are Ralph's son. As long as you didn't go too far, I wouldn't make a fuss. But that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Listen, the Frazier family was built by my father, and I am the sole heiress. My position has never been something you can covet.""You're talking nonsense. The Frazier family is mine. Do you have no conscience? Have you forgotten who took care of you after your parents died? It was my dad. And now you treat me like this, you ingrate!"
Rosalie and Stanley were dragged into the dimly lit basement. Debra glanced at Rosalie, who crumpled to the floor and shook with fear."It wasn't me." Rosalie frantically waved her hands. "It wasn't our intention. We..."Debra stepped forward and reached down to pinch her jaw. Rosalie had never seen such a terrifying side of Debra before.Debra snapped, "Has Ralph ever failed you? From the moment you married into the Frazier family, hasn't he always protected you? He satisfied your every need and insisted on marrying you, regardless of his reputation. What did you do in return, you ungrateful wretch?"Tears welled up in Rosalie's eyes, and she huddled herself on the cold floor.Debra continued, her voice unforgiving, "If anything happens to him, Stanley and you can expect to spend the rest of your lives in prison.""Debra," Rosalie tried to plead for leniency, but Debra was focused solely on Ralph.Marion instructed his men to take Ralph out of the basement. Then he said to Debr
Marion said, "You did nothing wrong. When dealing with people like this, you can't afford to be soft-hearted."Debra nodded, understanding his words all too well. She had shown weakness once before when Stanley had tried to kill her. Then Rosalie and Stanley attacked Ralph. Her previous compassion seemed like a joke.Marion took Debra's hand, feeling the slight tremble in her fingers. His voice softened, a rare tenderness that he reserved only for her. "Trust me, nothing will happen."Marion was known for his rebellious nature and his usual indifference to everything around him. But now, Debra saw a different side of him. Marion was dubbed a messenger of death, bringing cruelty and bloodshed wherever he went.Yet, in her eyes, Marion always hid a gentle tenderness. He merely pretended to be indifferent, refusing to let anyone get too close.In Juan's study room, Joe stood in front of the desk and reported, "We've found out. Those photos were most likely taken by Stanley."Juan wa
"I..." Hester's face flushed a deep shade of red.She had never expected to be dismissed so callously by Juan, but she couldn't deny the truth in his words. Her family was indeed a minor household, and every socialite in Seamar City dreamed of becoming Mrs. Nichols.Juan observed her mortified expression and demanded, "Get out. I won't repeat myself."Hester bit her lip and reluctantly stormed out of the room. Joe, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward."Sir, Miss Vargas is just a naïve girl. There's no need to be so harsh.""Are you telling me how to do my job?""I dare not, sir."In the past, Juan had always been more tolerant of young girls, even if it was just for show. He would never have spoken so harshly to one. Moreover, the Vargas and Nichols families shared a decent relationship, making his abrupt dismissal of Hester all the more surprising.Juan stated, "From today on, I don't want any outsiders in this house. Do you understand?""Yes, I'll t
Shelia's ears perked up at the mention of Juan. She leaned over and asked hopefully, "Are you guys talking about Juan Nichols?"One of the prisoners shrugged. "Who knows his name? I just know it's the CEO of Nichols Group.""Don't talk to her. She'll just start claiming she's a rich lady again," another prisoner sneered. "The CEO was reportedly accused of attempted rape, but he was released from the station within an hour. If she were Mrs. Nichols, how could she be stuck here for days without being bailed out?"Shelia bit her lip, the reality of her situation sinking in. She had been languishing in this prison for several days, and Juan hadn't made any move to secure her release. It was no wonder these prisoners didn't take her claims seriously.Just then, the sound of intense crying echoed through the cell. A prisoner was sobbing in the corner, clutching a ring in her hand.Having been around Juan and his luxurious lifestyle, Shelia was no stranger to valuable items. Even from a
The doctor anxiously dialed Juan's number."Mr. Nichols, your wife is bleeding heavily, but the blood reserves have already been moved. Please, come and see her one last time."In the operating room, doctors and nurses rushed around the table. Debra lay on the operating table, her life hanging in the balance. She thought that perhaps a word of concern from Juan would bring her some comfort in her final moments.But instead, his cold, cruel voice echoed in her ears. "She's not yet? Call me when she's gone."Debra snapped open her eyes, her back drenched with sweat. The warm, sticky blood, the cold scalpel, and the smell of antiseptic felt so real."Had a nightmare?" Marion said.Debra realized she had been resting her head on his shoulder."I must have fallen asleep," she murmured, fatigue etched on her face.The surgery was still ongoing. Marion suggested, "I'll take you home. My people will stay here and keep us updated."Debra shook her head. "I'm worried about Ralph."He w
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