Marion's arm was robust, his muscles taut beneath his shirt. As Debra steadied herself against him, she could almost feel his heartbeat and breaths.She pulled her hand back. "Sorry, I didn't steady myself.""I've got you. You won't fall."A maid entered the room, handing him a set of brand-new clothes. Marion placed them on a nearby table and turned to Debra. "I'll wait for you outside."Debra nodded, her body still warm from the fever last night. She was covered in a thin layer of sweat. Only after Marion stepped out did she head to the bathroom to wash off the remnants of her illness.Outside the door, Marion listened to the sound of water running, the warmth of Debra's touch still lingering on his arm. He swallowed hard.After a while, Debra emerged from the bathroom, dressed in clean clothes."I'm ready. Let's go."She wore a crisp casual shirt and jeans, her hair still damp and cascading in waves over her shoulders. Marion approached her, gently gathering her hair in his
Debra looked at Ralph, her eyes filled with concern. "Uncle Ralph, have you thought this through?"She feared that Ralph might come to regret his decision later, but Ralph's expression was resolute."This beast dares hit his father. What else would he hesitate to do? Today, not only will I sever our father-son relationship, but I'm also calling a press conference to announce my divorce from Rosalie. From now on, none of my inheritance will go to them."Stanley was devastated. "Dad! You can't do this to me. Everything in the Frazier family should rightfully be mine. How can you leave it all to outsiders?"Ralph's eyes narrowed. "Outsiders? Everything in the Frazier family is from my brother's legacy. All these years, everything you've eaten and drunk was money brought by Debra. How can you shamelessly turn against her?"He had once thought Stanley was merely troublesome, but he never imagined Stanley would commit such an unforgivable act.His voice was like ice as he declared, "I
Debra shifted uncomfortably under Ralph's gaze. "It's not what you think about Marion and me.""Everyone can see the way Marion feels about you. But he is a man with a past, and that past is stained with blood," Ralph said with concern. "All I want is for you to be happy and safe. A life with Marion will never be tranquil. If there's even a shred of doubt, don't walk down that aisle. Our family has more than enough wealth to ensure you a comfortable life."Debra offered him a reassuring smile. "I understand your concerns, Uncle Ralph. But please, focus on your recovery. I can take care of myself."Ralph nodded in agreement.Stepping out of the hospital room, Debra spotted Marion and Randy deep in conversation at the far end of the corridor. She decided not to interrupt them.Ralph's words echoed in her mind, casting a shadow of doubt over her feelings for Marion."Debra!" A voice suddenly came from behind her.Debra turned to see Erica rushing over, still dressed in her evening
Marion turned around, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed the commotion behind him. Cathryn was trying to make her way towards him, but Randy intercepted her. "Miss Bernard, you shouldn't be out of bed. Doctor's orders. Let me help you back."He had been there all night and worried that she might faint again under yet another stimulation."Marion, I need to talk to you alone," Cathryn pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.Her eyes were rimmed red, threatening to spill over with tears at any moment. However, Marion's gaze was fixed elsewhere, and he completely ignored her plea.Cathryn followed his gaze to see Debra standing behind her. She bit her lip, a pang of jealousy coursing through her.Randy, noticing Debra as well, muttered under his breath, "Oh gosh, this is turning into a battlefield."With a sudden burst of determination, Cathryn walked up to Debra and grabbed her hand. "Mrs. Nichols, can you ask Marion to talk to me? I need to clear things up."She cried
Debra stood with a calm demeanor, her voice steady as she spoke, "This is between Marion and Cathryn. We shouldn't interfere.""But Marion likes you," Erica insisted, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Cathryn is just causing a scene. Marion never once said he wanted to marry her or even liked her. She's just putting on a show, acting like she's the victim. Didn't you see how those passersby looked at you?"They acted as if Debra had done something bad to Cathryn, though the whole thing had nothing to do with her.Erica stomped her feet and continued, "If it weren't for her father, Marion wouldn't have paid her any attention."Debra shrugged, but her gaze betrayed her as she glanced at Marion and Cathryn.Cathryn attempted to grab Marion's arm, but he deftly sidestepped her."Do you dislike me touching you that much?" she asked, dropping her eyes.Marion replied indifferently, "I promised Shawn that you'd be safe for the rest of your life, but if you keep pushing me, I'll ha
"Do as you please," Marion said indifferently, turning to leave.Randy hastily followed him, leaving Cathryn standing alone amidst the crowd.Debra also turned on her heel and walked away. Erica sidled up to her."Did you catch what they were discussing?""Yes, I did."Randy’s voice had been loud, so it was impossible not to hear. But Cathryn had inadvertently caused her a lot of trouble.Erica's expression turned serious as she noted Debra's darkening mood. "Has Cathryn joining Nichols Entertainment caused you problems?"Debra remained silent, but her expression gave away her feelings."Is it serious?""I hope not."The Bernard family had substantial influence overseas, and with Marion backing them, their power had only grown. Nichols Entertainment inviting Cathryn to join them was a strategic move to cover up Sean's recent scandal.Cathryn's overseas connections could attract significant investment. That was why she and Marion had been trending lately. The Nichols Group wa
"Yes, madam," Ben said, but he didn't leave immediately.Debra noticed his uncertainty. "Is there something else you want to discuss?""There is one more thing." Ben hesitated. "Cathryn has signed a contract with Nichols Entertainment, and they reached out to us with a proposal. They want Cathryn to do a magazine shoot with Michael.""The McKinney Group or the Frazier Group?""The Frazier Group."The Nichols Group wouldn't dare approach the McKinney Group directly, but they seemed eager to exploit old connections with the Frazier Group.Michael was now a top-tier star with a massive fan base and numerous awards. If Cathryn could work with him, it would undoubtedly boost her career."It seems the Nichols family wants Cathryn to start at the very top," Debra mused, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.Starting at the top wasn't always a good thing, and she knew that better than anyone."Should we agree to their proposal?" Ben asked.Debra replied, "You can ask Michael directly. Se
"Madam, Michael has agreed," Ben reported.Debra waved her phone. "I already knew."She turned the screen towards Ben, revealing a message from Michael. [Leave it to me.]Ben was puzzled but swiftly moved on to the next matter at hand. "The Nichols Group has sent an invitation for dinner tomorrow night. They request the presence of Frazier Entertainment's top management at the collaboration dinner."Debra nodded indifferently. "Let me see the invitation."Ben forwarded the invitation to her. Debra glanced at the seal, recognizing it as Juan's insignia."Who else is invited?""All the senior staff from both Frazier Entertainment and Nichols Entertainment, and the media."Debra merely sneered, knowing what Juan was up to.He liked to manipulate public opinion to his advantage. By inviting the media, he was broadcasting his intentions.Ben hesitated. "Madam, maybe you should skip this one."Debra, however, was undeterred. "No, if he wants me there, I'll go.""But the media..."
"But I heard you say you wanted to exchange true hearts," Marion said."I did," Debra replied. "My desire to save Liza is genuine. But that doesn't mean I have to die for it.""So why go through all this trouble? Trying to manipulate her feelings?""Not manipulation but a little strategy. Someone has to take the first step in any relationship."Marion sighed, flicking her nose. "Always scheming, aren't you?"Debra grinned, her earlier sharpness replaced by a playful gleam. This move had been unexpected, but it had worked beautifully.Not only had they caught Edgar, but Liza now owed her a huge favor. Even if there was some calculation involved, her desire to save Liza was genuine.Suddenly, Debra remembered Frederic, who had been with them. When she turned to ask about his injuries, she found him gone. Edgar was missing too.She frowned, wondering if Frederic had taken Edgar away on Fermin's orders."Hey, are you two done talking?" Liza complained. "It's freaking cold here."
The coldness in Debra's eyes deepened.Cathryn laughed mockingly, "Debra, this is all you've got? All you ever do is talk big with nothing to back it up.""If I do that," Debra said, "you'd let Liza go, right?""Of course. If you die, I'll let her walk free," Cathryn said, glancing at Liza. "We're friends. I don't want to hurt her. I just want you dead."Liza's heart sank. She didn't believe for a second that Debra would do that for her.Debra turned to Frederic and extended her hand. "Give me the knife."Frederic didn't move, and she frowned. "I said, give it to me."When Frederic still didn't respond, she added, "I'm doing this to save your lady. If something happens to Liza, how will you explain it to Fermin?"But Frederic still refused to comply. Debra leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "Trust me. Just give me the knife."Frederic's gaze flicked to the gun in Debra's right hand. Something clicked in his mind, and he slowly handed her the knife.Debra turned back to C
Debra's eyes narrowed. "I get why you want to kill me, but Drake was your ally. Isn't this a bit too cruel?"Cathryn spluttered, "Drake used me like a pawn. I just want him to pay for it. Compared to the humiliation he put me through, 20 billion dollars is nothing. It can't even restore my dignity.""Dignity is something you give yourself," Debra retorted. "Drake gave you choices. You were blinded by greed.""Shut up!" Cathryn snarled. "Don't act all high and mighty with me. You think you're so pure? If you were, why did you throw yourself at Marion? At your engagement party, Erica protected you. Randy stood by you. Andrew had your back. You have Michael and Oscar supporting the McKinney Group for you. Even Juan can't forget you. With all these people loving you, why did you have to steal Marion?"Debra hadn't realized Cathryn harbored so much resentment. She let out a cold laugh. "Everything I have, I earned with my blood, sweat, and tears. Do you think Marion would love you if yo
Frederic caught Liza, who was paralyzed with fear, and pushed her toward the car.Meanwhile, Debra kicked Edgar in the chest and pinned him under her heel. "Tell me, what's in Seamar City?"She had gone to great lengths to corner Edgar, intending to have Randy keep an eye on him in Seamar City until she could return to confront him.But Edgar had fled overseas, taking Liza and Cathryn hostage in his desperation.With his thigh pierced, Edgar could barely fight back. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he spat, "What's in Seamar City? Are you seriously pretending you don't know? It's wealth beyond imagination. The kind of fortune every merchant dreams of.""What treasure?" Debra leaned in, her expression intense. "Be specific."Edgar's hand suddenly darted to his waist. In a flash, he drew a concealed dagger and slashed toward her. In reflex, Debra caught it.Frederic immediately raised his gun, only to find it hard to aim at Edgar. He was trying to use Debra as a shield."Help
"True." Drake stood up. "Get the car ready. We're going.""Yes, boss." Kale shook his head.Drake never cared about his reputation. He just needed an excuse to go.Once in the car, Kale started the engine and asked, "Boss, where are we headed?""How would I know? Didn't Cathryn tell you where she was?""No, she didn't."Silence settled in the car.Inside the abandoned factory, Edgar glanced at Liza. "Fermin hasn't shown up yet. Looks like he doesn't care about you that much."Liza retorted, "No way. He loves me the most. He'll come to save me.""Seems like we can't rely on you. I should contact Marion instead." Edgar pulled out his phone, planning to instruct Marion to leave the money in a safe spot.Suddenly, a pair of headlights penetrated the darkness, shining directly at him."See? I told you my brother would come to rescue me." Liza pointed at the black car in the distance.Quickly, a figure emerged from the car. It was Frederic, who was dressed in a sharp suit that bo
"Me?" Debra muttered.Edgar held no personal grudge against Liza. The only person he hated there was Debra.She was the only reason for his downfall."Yes, you," Edgar replied. "You're full of tricks, and I don't trust you. If you don't take her place, I won't let her go."Debra laughed, "Then don't let her go. The Eatons are not after me anyway. And a little heads-up. If I get a scratch, Marion will make you pay a heavy price."Before Edgar could respond, she continued, "Well, I can go over and take her place."Edgar's eyes narrowed, and she added, "Relax! I might be able to fend off a couple of amateurs, but against you? I wouldn't stand a chance."Edgar scoffed, "At least you're self-aware."Only then did he cut Liza loose. The marks on her skin were deep. For someone who had lived a life of luxury and privilege, the humiliation was unbearable.She glared at Edgar, eager to slap him, but the cold steel of his gun kept her rooted in place.Meanwhile, Marion sped down the de
Kale hesitated.Drake furrowed his brow. "What is it?"Kale sighed, "Miss Bernard was kidnapped by Edgar.""Oh, and what does that have to do with me? Edgar needs money, right? He wants a ransom?""Yes.""Well, he should be asking Marion for money. Marion was the one who promised to take care of Cathryn."Drake brushed it off and loosened his tie. "Go pack your things. We don't need to get involved in Cathryn's affairs. Someone else will take care of it.""But...""What is it now?""Debra has also been kidnapped.""By Edgar? Ha!""I heard it over the phone. Besides Debra, Liza has also been taken. It sounds like Edgar is demanding a ransom of one trillion dollars.""One trillion? Has he lost his mind?""Desperate people do desperate things."Inside the abandoned factory, Debra leaned against the van and took out her phone."Are you sure you don't want me to call Marion? Both of them have already made calls. What's holding you back?" she said."Shut up!" Edgar snapped.
The line went through, but the one answering the call was Kale.He warned, "Miss Bernard, I believe Mr. Lowe made himself clear. If you insist on bothering him, he'll show you no mercy."Cathryn hadn't expected this number to belong to Kale. It turned out Drake hadn't given her his number at all.But with Edgar staring at her from the side, she had to bite the bullet and try again. "Can you please let Drake take the call? I have something very important to tell him.""Mr. Lowe isn't interested," Kale refused flatly, ready to hang up.Cathryn cried out, "I've been kidnapped by Edgar. He'll kill me if I can't come up with a ransom of 20 billion dollars."But Kale was unimpressed. "Well, you're no longer engaged to Mr. Lowe. Whether it's 20 billion or 20 dollars, it has nothing to do with us."Cathryn's last hope was dashed. Edgar heard it and said, "So, you're useless now.""No. Don't kill me," Cathryn pleaded.Edgar snorted, "The Eaton family would pay 40 billion for Miss Eaton
"Not your concern," Edgar spat, pressing the gun barrel against Liza's forehead. "Call Marion and tell him to prepare the ransom. Otherwise, I'll kill her.""Go ahead," Debra said indifferently. "Cathryn and I are rivals, and I've never gotten along with Liza. Killing either of them won't affect me."Liza was pissed off. From the look on her face, Debra knew she was cursing her.Debra added, "Save your energy. Using their lives to threaten me won't work. You'd be better off making them call their families. Maybe Drake cares enough about his fiancée to pay up. As for Mr. Eaton Sr., he's old and ruthless. I'd suggest contacting her brother instead. Maybe then, you'll have a chance to walk away with the money."Liza listened with growing irritation. Undoubtedly, Debra was the devil's advocate."You make a good point," Edgar admitted, ripping the duct tape off Liza's mouth.She immediately shouted at Debra, "You shameless viper! You...""Shut up!" Edgar pressed the gun harder agains