"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..."
"I've changed because of you," Michael said, his eyes sparkling with an unmistakable warmth.If it hadn't been for Debra, he might still be the same struggling actor, clawing his way up in the industry. But in just six months, he had skyrocketed to stardom.Because of Debra, he could now afford to take care of his grandmother and give her the life she deserved. To him, Debra was a beacon of light in his darkest times, illuminating his life.Debra kept her thoughts to herself. She didn't tell Michael that the debt the Frazier family owed him from her past life didn't warrant such a profound statement from him.The car pulled up outside the Maple Hotel. Michael stepped out, opening the car door for Debra.This chivalrous act caught the attention of many high-profile women nearby, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Michael.He was known for being low-key, never attending parties or dinners, so seeing him in person was a thrill.Debra leaned in, whispering, "Act a bit aloof. Or
When Michael returned to her side, Debra asked curiously, "What did you say to him?"Michael's lips curled into an enigmatic smile, a hint of amusement flickering across his usually stoic face. "I merely suggested that if he continued filming, I might be forced to smash his camera in public. And who knows? Perhaps his rival media outlets would catch wind of the story and splash it across their front pages. He'd lose his camera and his scoop. Essentially, he'd be finished as a reporter."Debra stared at Michael, momentarily speechless. She had always suspected that beneath his calm exterior lay a cunning and devious mind. Now, she was certain of it.Across the room, Juan noticed the intimate exchange between Debra and Michael, his brows furrowing in displeasure. His thoughts were interrupted by Joe, who approached him with a pale face."Mrs. Nichols Sr. and Miss Miles are here."Juan's eyes hardened. "Who let them in?"Joe swallowed nervously. "Sophie couldn't stop Mrs. Nichols Sr
"Grandma, you shouldn't have come today," Juan said, his voice laced with disapproval.It would have been fine if Melody had come alone. She shouldn't have brought Shelia along.Melody, however, swept her gaze over the Frazier Group's executives, her chin held high."This is a significant day for the collaboration between the Nichols and Frazier families. How could I not be here?"Her imperious demeanor was a remnant of a bygone era when the Nichols family held uncontested power in Seamar City. Times had changed, but Melody had not changed with them. The murmurs of discontent around the room grew louder."Mrs. Nichols Sr., it's highly inappropriate to bring someone like her today.""Ms. Frazier is still present. Have you no respect for the Frazier family?""This isn't a collaboration; it's a humiliation."...Melody still held her head high, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort she was causing.Debra observed the spectacle with a calm detachment. She understood Melody's in
The room buzzed with heated voices, each one vying to be heard over the others."Exactly! We still haven't gotten to the bottom of the incident where Ms. Frazier fell into the sea. How do we know if the Nichols family didn't orchestrate it to make way for that mistress?""If it weren't for Ms. Frazier, do you think we'd even consider working with the Nichols family?""And you have the nerve to stage this banquet to humiliate us? Is this how the Nichols family treats its associates?"...The shouts echoed through the grand hall. Debra observed the scene unfold with a keen eye.She had orchestrated this chaos, and if it hadn't escalated, her elaborate plan would have been in vain.Juan's gaze shifted to Debra, realization dawning on him. This chaos was all her doing.Joe was struggling to manage the situation. Juan had hoped to use the banquet to mend his relationship with Debra and create a public image of harmony to stabilize the market.But Melody's interference, bringing She
"I don't know," Shelia replied, her face turning pale. "It can't be that the Frazier family is stronger than us now."The Nichols family had always been the dominant force in Seamar City. Everyone in the business circle knew that.The Frazier family, on the other hand, had long been in decline. She didn't know why Juan even suggested that they were now a force to be reckoned with."Mrs. Nichols Sr., you disrupted all of Mr. Nichols' plans today," Joe said in frustration before chasing after Juan."Mrs. Nichols Sr., don't take it to heart. It's all..." Shelia started, trying to placate Melody.But the latter slapped her across the face.Melody snapped, "It's all because you seduced Juan. Or there wouldn't have been such a scandal."Shelia was furious, but she dared not say a word. After all, she wasn't married to Juan yet and still needed Melody's help to secure her position.She bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "I know my relationship with Juan isn't hono
Michael's senses immediately went on high alert as the car deviated from its intended route. The driver replied in a low voice, "Ms. Frazier, there's no need for concern. Our master simply wishes to see you. There's no ill intent.""You master?" Debra's mind raced.She didn't know many people in Seamar City, and there were only a handful of people who could know her itinerary and replace her driver.While she was lost in thought, Michael pulled out a small knife hidden in her sleeve. Debra quickly grabbed his hand.Michael frowned, his eyes filled with concern and a silent question. Debra shook her head subtly.The driver didn't seem to harbor any malicious intent. If they wanted to harm her, they could have done so without going through such elaborate measures.Since they wanted to see her, it meant they had something to say. The long night stretched ahead, and Debra decided to meet this mysterious man.The car soon pulled up to a familiar location. As Debra's eyes landed on th
Andrew possessed an icy demeanor that kept others at arm's length. Even when he smiled, his eyes remained cold and piercing.Debra had heard tales of Andrew's cunning and ruthless methods in both her past and present lives. If not for his tragically short lifespan, he might have already seized control of Seamar City, leaving no room for the likes of Juan."Ms. Frazier," Andrew said suddenly, his voice calm yet laced with an unmistakable warning. "I advise you to reconsider your current course of action."Debra shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She barely knew Andrew, having only encountered him a handful of times. She didn't know why he suddenly invited her there and said those things to her."Mr. Potter," she replied, feigning ignorance. "I don't understand what you mean."She attempted to hold his gaze but found herself quickly looking away, her heart pounding in her chest."The Nichols family may appear weakened, but their century-old foundation remains strong. They have coun
The journey into the mountains was unlikely to be peaceful.Marion sensed her unease and took her hand in his. "Don't worry. I'll bring enough people to ensure everyone's safety.""Alright." Debra nodded.Precaution was indeed necessary.That night, she knocked on Andrew's door."Come in," came his calm voice from inside.She pushed the door open and saw Andrew playing chess under the dim glow of a single lamp."Andrew," she started."I know." Andrew lifted his gaze and said, "You're eager to find out who's behind all this."Debra paused. "Is the treasure really hidden in that mountain?""I don't know.""You don't?""That mountain was leveled by my ancestors decades ago. They spent five years on the project, but after that, the land was left untended and eventually became overgrown. Now, it's nothing more than an ordinary mountain trail. I've sent people to search for it before, but they found nothing.""So, you suspected all along that this mountain might be hiding someth
Debra noticed everyone's eyes had settled on her.She asked, "Remember those ledgers?""Yeah. The ledgers only contained numbers alongside regular inventory records," Erica replied.Debra mused, "If those four ledgers truly hide a treasure map, could those numbers represent geographical coordinates?"Erica shook her head. "But there are so many numbers. How could it be..."Marion cut in, "It's possible."Randy tilted his head. "How so?"Marion explained, "31°N and 120°E mark Seamar City's position relative to the equator, but Seamar City has more precise coordinates."Debra said smoothly, "Seamar City spans from 120°52' to 122°12' east longitude and 30°40' to 31°53' north latitude. Don't the numbers 30 and 120 seem familiar?"Erica clapped her hands. "Those numbers appeared repeatedly in the ledgers. They were highlighted in red.""What if they correspond to coordinates centered around Seamar City's downtown?" Debra said."30... 120..." Erica murmured, her finger tracing the
While the others might not know Debra's uniqueness, Andrew certainly did."Sir, shouldn't we thank Mr. Nichols?" Barton said."It's best not to contact him at this time." Andrew shook his head. "The mastermind wants to reap the benefits without lifting a finger. Why not grant his wish and find the treasure?""But if we do that, won't Seamar City fall into chaos?""Seamar City is already in chaos. I'll set off another fire."...Debra and the others returned to the Potter Mansion.Barton greeted them, holding old scrolls covered in dust."Where are you going with all that?" Erica asked wonderingly.Barton glanced at the scrolls in his hand and said, "These are maps of the old city area from decades ago. Mr. Andrew Potter said they need to be aired out to remove the musty smell, so I took them out, planning to air them tomorrow morning.""Maps of the old city area?" Garland curiously remarked. "Can I take a look?""Come on. They're so dirty," Liza chimed in."You don't unders
In the office of Donaldson Corporation, Vickie was fuming.She complained, "Juan never intended to help me. He was just pretending to switch sides. Boss, this mess was all because of him."She pointed at Juan, who frowned with displeasure.Across from her was a man sitting behind the desk. His posture was straight in a sharp suit, but his face was covered with a white mask, making it impossible to read his emotions.He croaked, "Is that so?"Juan sneered, "Such a petty scheme was never going to shake Debra's standing. She has Marion and Andrew by her side. As long as those two are alive, the McKinney Group will remain untouchable, standing strong against us."He turned his gaze toward Vickie and added, "No offense, but she's useless. Aside from bearing a slight resemblance to Debra, she has nothing of value."Vickie glared at Juan, seething with rage. She wanted to lash out but dared not go out of line in front of the masked man."I think you're just hung up on Debra," she snor
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."