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
Debra looked at Andrew, asking, "Mr. Andrew Potter, are you suffering from depre..."Before she could finish, Andrew wrinkled his brows, a silent warning that made Debra swallow her words.She couldn't reveal his secret to his face. His severe depression was likely his most closely guarded secret. If news of his mental illness spread while he was at the helm of the Potter family, it would be exploited mercilessly. Those vying for power within the family would seize the opportunity to employ underhanded tactics.Debra opted for a more indirect approach. "Mr. Andrew Potter, taking medicine alone won't solve the problem. Why not find the root of your issue and resolve it completely?""Thank you for your suggestion," Andrew said blandly, turning to the butler. "See Ms. Frazier out.""Yes, sir," the butler replied, his voice trembling slightly.It was the first time he had witnessed someone speak so candidly to Andrew. He had half-expected a storm to brew, but Andrew remained calm.A
Outside the house, Michael stood tense, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. His face was a mask of calm, but his hand gripped the knife hidden in his sleeve, ready to act at the slightest provocation.Debra stepped out and said, "Why so tense, Michael? It's time to leave."Michael asked, "It's settled?""Yeah."Seeing that she was unharmed, Michael relaxed his guard, but only slightly.The Potter family was like a bottomless quagmire filled with unknown dangers. If Juan was the ruler of Seamar City, then Andrew was its most mysterious king.Everyone knew that while one could cross Juan and live to tell the tale, offending Andrew was akin to signing their death warrants.Once inside the car, Michael reached over, his hands gently checking Debra's shoulders and arms for any signs of injury.Satisfied that she was unharmed, he asked despite the presence of the driver, "Did you offend him?""No.""Then why did he meet you?""He gave me a friendly reminder."Debra leane
"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