Stanley's face flushed a deep red. "You're talking nonsense.""Am I?" Debra said, turning to Rosalie. "What do you think? Ralph was your husband, and I presume you know about his doing."Rosalie was stunned. She hadn't known about Ralph's gambling, but Debra's words stirred old suspicions. She wondered if Ralph was really addicted to gambling.Unwilling to give up, Stanley interjected, "Even if he did gamble, it was just a little money. Our family raised you for so many years."Debra slammed the glass onto the table, the sound echoing through the room like a gunshot. "Don't you know what kind of life I had in your house?"In her past life, she had arrived at Ralph's house with her family's inheritance, only to be met with resentment and mistreatment. Rosalie had always viewed her as a burden, a sentiment that Debra had endured silently for years.Ralph hadn't intervened, and Debra had understood that he was busy with the company and fond of Rosalie. But now, it seemed that Ralph
By night, a steady stream of visitors began to arrive at the Frazier family's villa.Each one was a shareholder in the Frazier Group, and they all had one thing on their minds: withdrawing their investments. Among them were even members of the Frazier family itself, all eagerly awaiting Debra's solution.The expansive hall was abuzz with whispered conversations and tense anticipation. When Debra descended from her second-floor study, the room fell silent. She was a vision in a shimmering long dress, her makeup delicate yet striking.The elder shareholders spoke up."Ms. Frazier, given the current circumstances, we believe it's time for you to provide us with a solution.""All our projects have ground to a halt. We can't just sit back and watch the company go bankrupt.""And while the McKinney Group has acquired us, who's to say they won't terminate the contract, given the situation?"...Debra listened intently, her expression calm and composed. "I understand your concerns," sh
The executives of the Frazier Group cast worried glances at Debra.The prospect of shareholders withdrawing their support now could be a crippling blow to the company. The stark reality was that they lacked the money required to buy out these shareholders.Debra, however, maintained her composure. "If anyone wishes to leave, just sign here and leave."The shareholders weren't sure about the situation. One of them pointed at Debra and snapped, "Well then, we'll all withdraw our shares. If you can't produce the funds, we'll settle this in court."With that declaration, they began to file out of the house.In the aftermath, at least half of the people present in the hall had departed. Debra surveyed the remaining managers and directors, her expression unreadable. "Is there anyone else who wishes to leave? You can have your pay now."One of the executives stepped forward and said, "We're here because of Mr. Frazier. Now that he's gone, there's no reason for us to remain."Several ot
The next day, Debra initiated the transfer of five billion dollars into the accounts of the former board members.By the time the city was fully awake, Frazier Group had officially declared bankruptcy.Reporters swarmed like bees, buzzing with questions and eager to get Debra's take on the sudden collapse. She stepped out of her car and headed toward the entrance of the McKinney Group headquarters when microphones were thrust into her face, a barrage of questions following her every step."Ms. Frazier, do you have any comments on Frazier Group's bankruptcy?""There are reports that Mr. Frazier embezzled hundreds of millions and misappropriated one billion in public funds. He's facing decades in prison. What's your view on this?""Ms. Frazier, there's talk that you're remarrying Mr. Nichols. Is there any truth to that?"...The questions came thick and fast, but Debra remained stoic as she walked straight toward the building.Ben stepped in, blocking the reporters. "Sorry, Ms. F
If Debra, the person in charge, ever decided to step into the glittering world of show business, one could only imagine the storm she'd stir. The mere thought of it was exhausting.Debra stood up and patted Ben's shoulder. "I have every confidence in you, Ben. You can handle this. Consider your bonus doubled."Ben, however, couldn't summon even a hint of joy at the news.In the afternoon, Debra found herself seated across from Erica in a café downstairs. Erica nearly choked on her coffee when Debra shared her news."You're entering showbiz?" Erica sputtered, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin. "You can't be serious."Debra raised an eyebrow. "Why the surprise?"Erica leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Even though the Frazier Group went bankrupt, you still have the McKinney Group. There's no need for you to step into that circus and invite all that gossip."Celebrities were dazzling to commoners, but in their elite circle, celebrities were commodities and pawns to be mo
The coffee in Debra's hand sloshed onto the ground. Marion, in a swift motion, bent down and wiped the stain from her high heels."Sorry, I'm late," he murmured.Debra was taken aback. She rarely saw Marion like this—humble, remorseful, almost vulnerable.Her gaze fell upon his hands, noticing the fine scars that crisscrossed his skin and the bandage wrapped around his wrist. He was hurt.She reached out, her fingers gently encircling his arm, to inspect the injury. "You're hurt?"In the world, few people could hurt the formidable Marion.Erica paled at the sight of the bandage. "What happened? Wasn't Randy with you? Where is he?"She looked around, but there was no sign of Randy. "Is he..."Marion replied calmly, "He's still on the plane."Erica's shoulders sagged with relief, her anxiety dissipating as quickly as it had come. "I knew it. That careful guy would never risk his life on anything."Debra turned her attention back to Marion. "You've been away for days. What were
Marion drew in a sharp breath, and Debra, thinking she had caused him pain, swiftly moved closer to inspect the wound."What's wrong? I didn't use much force," she said, concern etched on her face.A faint smile tugged at the corners of Marion's mouth. Debra quickly caught on to his ruse and glared at him."I was genuinely concerned, and you're just teasing me," she chided.As she turned to leave, Marion acted swiftly, pulling her into his embrace."I was wrong. Forgive me," he whispered.The room seemed to crackle with an unspoken intimacy. Debra's face flushed with embarrassment, and she found herself torn between wanting to push Marion away and not wanting to aggravate his injuries. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the steady rhythm of their heartbeats."Hey, don't push me."Erica's muffled voice suddenly broke the silence, coming from just outside the door. Startled, Debra quickly extricated herself from Marion's embrace just as Randy and Erica stumbled into the
Debra wanted to escape, but Marion had blocked every possible way out."Debra, answer me," Marion insisted.She looked up, seeing the sincerity and longing burning within his eyes."I- I'm not divorced yet," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Once I do, I'll give you an answer."Marion stroked her cheek. His touch was warm, almost feverish. His voice was deep and resonant. "Alright, I'll wait for you."Debra turned and opened the door, only to find Erica and Randy standing at the entrance, their ears practically pressed against the door. Her face flushed a deep shade of red, and for the first time in a long while, she looked genuinely rattled. She grabbed her bag and hurried away."I'm going with you," Erica called out, quickly following her.Randy slipped into the room, where Marion was buttoning up his shirt. "Man, you're such a flirt on the down-low. Who told you to confess now? You totally scared her off."Marion ignored Randy, his expression calm as he finis
Debra interrupted Erica and Randy's bickering. "Alright, guys. I'm just thinking. If the opponent has been planning this for a while, these artists in their pocket will be serving some enterprise after they gain fame, right? But we know all the entertainment companies in Seamar City. Are there any upstarts?" Randy shook his head. "Nope, at least I haven't found any. But that's the weird part. Suddenly, there are all these new arcades and casinos, and even the entertainment industry is flooded with new faces. Whoever is behind this can't stay invisible."Debra thought for a moment. "I'll find a chance to check it out.""Think twice," Randy cautioned. "That place is a mixed bag. It's fine if Drake is behind this. If not..."That would mean another force was at play.As evening fell, Debra changed into casual clothes and blended into the crowd, making her way to a newly opened arcade.The arcade was on the second floor of a mall, surrounded by old residential areas. Despite the loc
Randy gave Oscar a thumbs-up. "Well said. Next year, I'm nominating you for the Top Ten Youth Role Models award. You've got my vote.""Yeah, right. Like it's your job to hand out awards," Erica snorted, smacking Randy on the back of his head.Randy winced, rubbing his head. "Erica, could you not hit me every time I say something?"Chace stepped forward and addressed Debra. "Ms. Frazier, we're returning to Booton to take care of the Odom Group. We're here to say goodbye."Debra nodded. "Okay. Seamar City has been chaotic lately. You might be better off staying away for now."Oscar hesitated. "Michael wanted me to pass on a message. The entertainment industry has seen an influx of fresh talent recently. They're all incredibly skilled—too polished to have come out of nowhere. Someone's been grooming them for years. No one knows who's backing them, but each one is rising fast. If they make it to the top, the capital behind them will reap unimaginable profits. Michael thought you'd und
Randy and Erica exchanged a glance, speechless."Figures," Randy muttered. "He never lifts a finger when I ask him to pass a file, but when Debra asks him to manage the company, he agrees without a second thought."Erica chimed in, "Well, they're a loving couple."She turned to Marion and reminded him, "Speaking of which, Caleb is still planning the wedding. He insists on having the wedding first before getting the certificate. He wants a grand affair, with the betrothal gifts and dowry all going to the bride as a show of our family's approval."Marion replied, "I just want to get the certificate. If he drags his feet, I might just take over the wedding planning myself."Erica shook her head. "You can't do that. He is looking forward to this. If you take it away from him, he might just throw a tantrum in the streets."Marion rubbed his temples, regretting ever agreeing to let his grandfather plan the wedding.Debra reassured him, "Don't worry. We have plenty of time. You think I
In the CEO's office of the McKinney Group, Randy looked like a puppy that had just been scolded for chewing up a favorite shoe."Look," he began, gesturing helplessly, "it's not my fault that the sales numbers dropped. I'm doing the work of three people here. I just can't keep up anymore. And it's not just that. Lately, we've had all these clients wanting to terminate their contracts early. I'm running all over the place, attending back-to-back meetings, and juggling both domestic and international issues. I mean, come on, you guys have to cut me some slack."Erica chimed in, "I can vouch for him. These past few days, he's been running himself ragged. It's not that he's incompetent. It's that the competition is too fierce right now. He's swamped.""Exactly." Randy straightened up. "Erica nailed it. That's exactly what I've been saying. Marion, where's my hardship bonus, huh?"Sitting comfortably on the couch opposite him, Marion didn't even blink. Instead, he calmly poured Debra a
The maids' eyes widened in disbelief. Debra's lips twitched as she watched the scene unfold.Each maid reluctantly handed over a bill to Andrew before rushing out of the room.Debra was puzzled by their dramatic reaction, but then Andrew opened a drawer in the table, revealing a thick stack of bills. The amount was equivalent to two months' salary for the maids."Are you short on cash?" Debra asked tentatively."Not at all," Andrew replied casually. "But winning money feels good."Debra rolled her eyes but didn't press the matter further. She sat down across from him."Why fake being sick?""Ever been fishing?""Fishing?""The Potter family is like the pillar of Seamar City, always steady and reliable. I was curious to see what would happen if I suddenly fell ill."Andrew placed the stack of bills he had won on the table and produced a new deck of cards, setting it down in front of Debra. "In one hour, I made 20 thousand dollars with just this deck of cards. How much do you t
Randy dropped off Debra and Erica at the Potter Mansion before heading to the company with Marion to assess the situation.As soon as Debra and Erica entered, they noticed a group of foreign medical experts bustling through the first-floor hall, deep in discussion.Meanwhile, stewards and maids hurried back and forth between the first and second floors, creating an atmosphere of tension and urgency.Debra's brows furrowed. In her past life, Andrew's illness hadn't progressed so quickly.Though many things had changed since her rebirth, an illness advancing its natural course didn't seem possible."I wonder how bad it is now," Erica muttered nervously.The sight of the bustling household had unsettled her. The last time the Potter family was in such chaos was when their former lead passed away.Debra glanced at her. "I'll go check upstairs.""I'm coming with you," Erica insisted.The second floor was just as chaotic. The maids, preoccupied with their tasks, barely noticed the t
But if they both snuck out, he could blame it all on Liza. Bert wouldn't be as hard on him then.With that thought, Garland hurried after Liza, making sure to emphasize, "Remember, I'm only going to Seamar City to protect you. This is all for your sake.""I know. You're the best brother ever," Liza chirped.In Seamar City, Randy and Erica were waiting at the airport.Randy, with dark circles under his eyes, was seeing double. Everyone looked like Debra and Marion to him."Erica, we could've just waited at home," Randy grumbled. "They're not kids; they won't get lost. I finally took a break. I don't want to do fatigued driving.""Oh, stop whining," Erica retorted. "I'll drive later."Randy's eyes widened at the thought of Erica's driving skills. He suddenly felt wide awake. "You know what? I can drive."Just then, Debra and Marion exited the airport. Debra spotted Erica and Randy bickering in the crowd."What do you mean by that? Do you think I'm a bad driver?" Erica demanded,
"The waters in Seamar City run too deep. I don't want her to know too much," Juan replied, kicking the sack toward Garland. "Load him up. I'll meet you upstairs.""Hey, you're seriously dumping this on me?" Garland growled, glancing at the motionless Edgar inside the sack.His face was pale from blood loss. Of all the people he could've kidnapped, it had to be the two most cherished women. Edgar brought this on himself....Drake and Kale finally arrived at the factory, only to find the place deserted.Drake scanned the place and asked, "You're sure this is the place?""Yes, boss," Kale replied firmly. "The team tracked the signal from the phone call. It came from here."Drake glanced at his watch. Two hours had already passed since they'd set out.Maybe it was all over.His jaw tightened as frustration flashed in his eyes. "Damn Edgar! Can't even hold out for long enough to make it worthwhile."The next morning, at the Eaton Mansion. "Debra left? How could she just leave?
Garland knew Juan had been going to save Debra. It was a relief to learn that Juan was safe."Get inside and clean up," Garland urged. "Dad doesn't know yet. Or he'd have broken loose.""Let it break loose," Liza fumed. "Edgar teamed up with Cathryn to kidnap me. He's a dead man.""Cathryn?" Garland was shocked by the revelation."Son of a bitch!" Garland rolled up his sleeves.Liza quickly grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?""Of course, I'm going to beat the hell out of those bastards. How dare they mess with you?""Garland!"Just then, a figure wearing a mask entered the room.Liza scowled, "You have the nerve to come back. You..."Garland intervened, "Liza, go upstairs. I need to handle this. Go."She pointed at Juan, fuming. "Brother, you should punish him. He didn't care about my safety, opened fire while I was still around, and then just disappeared. No bodyguards do their jobs like that. He...""Alright, I'll teach him a lesson," Garland assured her, pushing her