The restaurant area of the Emerald Hotel was exclusively reserved by Juan. The lighting was dim, and retro music played softly in the background. The chef meticulously arranged the dishes, the presentation creating a somewhat ambiguous mood.Debra glanced at the dishes on the table, her expression cool and detached. "I thought you came to see me to sign the divorce papers."Earlier that day, there had been a significant uproar at the Nichols Group. The resentment towards her was palpable, and Debra couldn't believe that Melody hadn't made any move in such a high-pressure situation.Juan was supposed to discuss the divorce with her now, not arrange a private dinner."Does Marion know about your relationship with Tracy?" Juan suddenly asked.Debra frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"Juan replied, "Tracy opposed the Nichols Group for your sake. Before you had the accident, you had the Frazier Group merge with his company. Your relationship must be special."Realization dawned
Shelia's public tantrum drew the attention of everyone around them.People outside the restaurant cast curious and disapproving glances at Debra and Juan, their expressions filled with silent judgment."Sir." Joe rushed into the scene, but Juan's steely gaze cut through him like a knife. "Who brought her here?""I..." Joe stammered, unable to form a coherent response. He knew it was useless to excuse himself.Hidden in the bushes outside the hotel, a figure snapped a photo of the drama and slipped away.Debra's patience was wearing thin. "You keep making a scene. Don't bother me.""You're not allowed to leave." Shelia, her face contorted with jealousy and rage, grabbed Debra's hand. "Everyone, look. This woman is divorced and trying to seduce my husband."More and more people gathered around. Juan snapped, "Shelia, what do you think you're doing?""I'm carrying your child. Yet you're here looking for your ex-wife. Do you even want this child?""I never wanted this child."Deb
In a nearby corner, a wheelchair lay tipped over on its side. A familiar figure came into view.Debra's eyes widened in surprise. "Andrew?"Then it clicked. The Emerald Hotel was owned by the Potter family, so it wasn't unusual for Andrew to be here, even at this late hour."It's nothing, thank you," Andrew said politely.Debra noticed that his legs weren't entirely paralyzed but seemed difficult to use. He managed to pull himself back into the wheelchair with a grimace of effort.He didn't seem particularly surprised to see her, which made sense. Juan had booked the entire restaurant in the Emerald Hotel, and as the owner, Andrew would naturally be aware of the arrangements.Debra's initial instinct was to flee, but she hesitated, caught in a moment of indecision. She decided to make small talk to buy herself some time. "Mr. Andrew Potter, where's your assistant?"Andrew replied calmly, "He's handling something for me."Debra nodded. "Should I..."Her eyes darted towards the
As Debra settled into her seat, Andrew slid a cup of instant coffee towards her.She glanced at the steaming cup and raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you really have it."Andrew took his seat across from her and began meticulously brewing his tea, seemingly uninterested in discussing the commotion downstairs.Debra, however, couldn't contain her curiosity. "Mr. Andrew Potter, you mentioned a disturbance downstairs. Was it caused by Shelia?"The Emerald Hotel was owned by the Potter family, and no one had dared to cause trouble within its walls.Shelia, not being part of their elite circle, was an exception to this unspoken rule. If an ordinary person had caused a scene, the hotel would have handled it discreetly.But Shelia was now practically a member of the Nichols family, and she was carrying Juan's child, which made it a different matter. Any repercussions would likely fall on the Nichols family."Shelia..." Andrew mused. "I don't remember that name.""You don't?" Debra was taken a
The efficiency with which the matters were handled, from sorting materials and drafting titles to managing overall content and coordinating online support, was truly astonishing."Consider it a gift for your help today," Andrew said.Debra raised an eyebrow. "This gift is a bit expensive."The Nichols family was already under immense pressure, and with the recent commotion, it seemed like all the stress was falling squarely on Juan's shoulders.Juan would have no choice but to divorce her.Debra probed, "Mr. Andrew Potter, why are you helping me get a divorce? Is it because of Jordan?"Andrew set down his teacup and looked at Debra.Though not intense, his stare made her instinctively lower her head, a slight flush creeping onto her cheeks. She avoided direct eye contact, feeling a sense of sudden shyness.Andrew was undeniably handsome, with a slightly delicate look in his eyes. Debra had heard stories about him since she was a child. Her parents had spoken of his decisiveness
"Ms. Frazier, is there anything else?" Andrew asked."No." Debra shook her head."Then you can leave," Andrew said bluntly.Debra felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration. In front of him, she felt like an inexperienced schoolgirl.Across town at the Nichols family's house, a different kind of tension was unfolding.Melody slapped Shelia across the face, and the latter burst into tears."What's your problem? Who told you to make a scene at the Emerald Hotel? Do you even know what that place is? You brought this on yourself, and now you're dragging the Nichols family into your mess."Juan, sitting silently on the sofa, made no move to defend Shelia.Shelia, between sobs, tried to explain, "Mrs. Nichols Sr., Juan went to see Debra, and it was at a hotel. I just couldn't stand it."Melody sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "When you climbed into Juan's bed, how could Debra tolerate it?"Shelia's face paled, the weight of her actions settling heavily on her shoulders.
In the dimly lit room, moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow on Shelia's skin.She removed her top, revealing her pale chest. Juan averted his gaze, but Shelia grabbed his hand. "Juan, I'm your woman. Why are you avoiding me?"She pressed closer, attempting to ignite his desire, but Juan pushed her away abruptly.Shelia stumbled back onto the bed, her eyes wide with shock. Juan looked at her as if she were something distasteful, his voice cold and unyielding."I warned you. Since you refuse to behave, you'll move out tomorrow.""Juan!" Shelia's voice trembled, but Juan didn't look back as he strode out of the bedroom.The next day, Debra received an unexpected piece of news. "Shelia moved out of the Nichols family's house?""Yes, someone saw her leave early this morning.""Did Melody agree to this?""Shelia offended the Potter family. Melody probably had to consider Mr. Andrew Potter's influence," Ben replied firmly.Debra thought about it and believed
As far as Debra remembered, the Frazier Group had never encountered financial scandals in her previous life.This sudden turn felt surreal and inexplicable."Ms. Frazier," Ben called out, rushing towards her with a helpless expression.Debra shook her head, signaling him to stay calm. Given the circumstances, she knew she had to cooperate with the police to prevent the situation from escalating. She was determined to clear her name and prove her innocence.As she was escorted out, news outlets began reporting her arrest for embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. The public, who had once championed her yesterday, now turned against her with astonishing swiftness.The comment sections were flooded with vitriol.[Rich people are never clean. No wonder her husband wants a divorce.][They say she embezzled billions. She'll probably be in prison for life.][Rumor has it she was involved with many men during her marriage. She's not a good person.]...The negativity was overwhe
"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