"Don't worry, I've got it under control. Thanks anyway," said Debra, adjusting her backpack and leaving the classroom.Randy was right. She had deliberately approached Jordan.Everyone knew how ruthless Andrew was, but few knew that Jordan would become someone even more formidable. Making friends with Jordan early on would pave the way to her future success.But Jordan was different from others. He abhorred flattery and forced friendliness.In essence, Jordan was like Juan. She had tried so hard to please Juan, only to be despised by him.But if she ignored them, they would pursue her relentlessly.So, Debra took another path to avoid meeting Jordan.As dusk fell, Debra woke up feeling groggy, only to discover it was pouring outside.Being prone to illness since childhood, rainy days always triggered a fever.Preparing to buy medicine, she noticed a note on the bedside cabinet, detailing the medications inside.Opening the drawer, she found cold, fever, and pain relief medici
Jordan frowned, turning to see Juan holding an umbrella.Apart from his brother, few in Seamar City had such a presence."Juan?" Jordan snorted. "Why should I listen to you?""Because I'm her husband," Juan replied, his deep eyes carrying a dangerous edge.Jordan froze in place.Juan tossed the umbrella aside and took Debra from Jordan's arms. Joe raised an umbrella and followed Juan closely.Jordan remained dazed.He couldn't believe Debra was Juan's wife.In the hospital room, Debra stirred awake to the same gloomy, rainy weather outside.She vaguely remembered being stopped by Jordan at the entrance of Building #2 but had no idea what happened afterward.Debra struggled to sit up and saw Juan sleeping on his hand."Ms. Frazier, you're awake." Joe entered the room with a briefcase.Juan opened his eyes and saw Debra awake on the bed.Debra looked at his tired face, asking, "You brought me to this hospital?"Juan didn't respond to her question. Joe took out a laptop from
The look in Juan's eyes made Debra realize there was no point in protesting anymore.If she continued to challenge him, he could force her to go home today.Debra took a deep breath.A wise woman knew when to yield, and sometimes patience was the best strategy."Alright," Debra said. "I'll be home at least twice a week. Is that okay?""Three times," he countered.Debra was about to get angry but held back at his gaze.Being a graduate student at Arcane Academy wasn't overly demanding academically, and going home three times a week wasn't an insurmountable issue. Juan must have consulted the principal.Debra adjusted her attitude and forced a smile at Juan. "Three times it is. Anything else, Mr. Nichols?""You must come home whenever I call. Joe will escort you."Taking another deep breath, Debra continued smiling. "No problem. Anything else?""Not for now."It implied there might be more conditions in the future.Suddenly, Debra felt like studying at Arcane Academy had giv
Shelia had always dreamed of entering this classroom, but Debra seemed to have effortlessly gained admission.With that thought in mind, Shelia acted involuntarily, opening the classroom door.Her action caught everyone's attention. Randy glanced over, feeling the person at the door looked familiar. Shelia recognized Randy from the auction, where he had helped Debra."Which class are you from?" Randy asked, puzzled.Debra also noticed Shelia at the door.Startled by her own action, Shelia blurted out, "Sorry, wrong classroom."With that, she shut the door hastily.As the door closed, Shelia's heart pounded.The lecturer hadn't recognized her just now, but she knew him, Randy Osborne, the CEO of Osborne Corporation.They had met before, but he didn't remember her at all.It showed how insignificant she was in these rich people's minds.Inside the classroom, laughter erupted from Randy's joke, but to Shelia, it sounded like mocking.She turned, fleeing in shame and indignatio
Colleen pulled Debra into the car and drove them to a nearby nightclub.Debra stepped out of the car and was led to a reserved private room.Compared to the noise outside, the room was relatively quiet.As soon as the door opened, Debra saw Jordan sitting on the sofa.He was dressed in a punk style, his gaze icy. His fierce appearance added to his wild aura.The moment she had seen that car earlier, Debra had realized this was Jordan's set up.Colleen left without saying anything. Now it was just Debra and Jordan in the room."Mr. Jordan Potter, is it necessary to meet me here?" Debra turned to leave, but the door had been locked.It didn't scare her, though. Since she was Juan's wife, Jordan wouldn't dare to do anything to her, which was why she had come alone in the first place."It's safe here. No one will notice.""Meeting Juan's newlywed wife late at night could become scandalous news for both families."Debra shrugged. "I'm already notorious, so a little more infamy do
As Debra's smile faded, Jordan felt a rush of satisfaction.But in the next instant, Debra smiled again and said, "I never expected you to be so immature."Jordan frowned. "What did you say?""If you really had the guts to make a move on me, would you have secretly arranged to meet me?" Debra pushed him aside and sauntered around the private room."There are no cameras here, and it's noisy outside. No one would notice this small room. Are you afraid that your attempt to meet me secretly will be discovered by Juan or Andrew? It means you don't dare do anything to me."She sat down on the sofa and casually took a bite of an apple.She had been to such places before. Rooms like this were classified as top-tier in terms of secrecy. Usually, only important figures conducted deals here, and even a fly couldn't escape unnoticed.She looked at Jordan with a challenging gaze. "So, stop your childish threats. You can't scare me."Compared to the kidnapping by Aaron, this was child's play
Clearly, Jordan and Andrew had a unique bond.It just wasn't well-known to outsiders.Perhaps sensing Debra's thoughts, Jordan turned away and said, "Don't think you have me figured out.""I don't. Just talking randomly." Standing up, Debra said, "Alright, I've been here long enough. Can I go now?"Scowling, Jordan reached out a hand to stop her. "Wait.""You've kept me here and threatened me. What else do you want?" Debra asked.That was his plan of revenge, but Debra hadn't suffered any losses.On the contrary, Jordan got the short end of the stick.Feeling depressed, he had never been treated like this by any woman before."Do you know Juan has other women in Seamar City?" he suddenly asked."I do," Debra replied casually.It was Shelia.Debra's indifference puzzled Jordan. "You don't care?""It's a business marriage. What's there to care about?" Debra shrugged and added, "Are you trying to drive a wedge between Juan and me?"Jordan snorted, "I'm just saying this man i
"I've already had Randy investigate this. I believe we'll have results soon," Marion said steadily.His words reassured Debra a little."Can you guess who did it?" Marion asked.Debra rubbed her temples, and countless faces flashed through her mind. But no clear answer emerged."I have no idea, but it definitely wasn't Jordan."Marion chuckled, "So, the person you met privately was Jordan.""At a time like this, please don't joke around," Debra replied."If it was Jordan, it would be easy to handle," Marion said.Debra fell silent.That was true. The trending topic only mentioned her meeting a man at a nightclub without revealing his identity.This suggested either the poster didn't want Jordan's identity revealed or simply didn't know who he was, guessing only based on her jacket.The latter seemed more likely. After all, few would dare expose this matter online if they knew it was Jordan."Will the Potter family intervene?" Debra asked."Based on my understanding of Andr
Ivan instinctively tried to step back but stopped himself, remembering his mission to earn her trust.Debra noticed his subtle movement and raised an eyebrow. It looked like he was still reeling from the fear of getting hit.Marion came downstairs and approached them. Ivan quickly retreated."Saw that earlier," Marion murmured."Just messing with him," Debra said, chuckling. "He thought he could win me over by playing innocent. Scared stiff but trying not to show it. Hilarious.""Was it so fun?" Marion flicked her forehead. "Not worried I'd get jealous?""He's just a kid. Why would you?" She flashed her phone at him. "This is what you should worry about."Marion glanced at the viral news headline. His expression stayed neutral until he spotted Juan and Andrew's names."Give me a minute.""What're you doing?""Taking them down."He pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen.Debra bit back a laugh at his intensity. Just then, her phone rang. It was Ben."Let me
Barton pushed open the door and entered Andrew's bedroom. "Sir, Mrs. Houston has found all the ledgers.""I see." Andrew nodded.Barton hesitated. "Sir, the mastermind will act soon. Should we...""Life goes on. No need to borrow trouble," Andrew replied. "You can go now."After Barton left, the gauzy curtains fluttered in the breeze.Andrew gazed at the dark sky outside and whispered, "This time, I'm here with you."...The next morning, Debra grabbed her bag, ready to go to work.Ivan blocked her path. "Mrs. Houston, have you eaten breakfast?""Not hungry, thanks." She sidestepped him.He scrambled in front of her again. "Maybe a sandwich?"Debra forced a polite smile. "I'm really not hungry."Ivan blocked her a third time. "Coffee, maybe?"Debra dropped her bag. "Out with it. What's going on?"Ivan looked torn. Debra crossed her arms. "No? Then I'm leaving.""Wait." Ivan quickly took out his phone. "There's news. Today's headlines."Debra snatched the phone. The scre
Marion's gaze turned icy when he saw Drake blocking Debra's path.Drake glared. "I wasn't done talking.""'Finished now,' Marion said coolly.Drake turned to Debra. "I need to..."She waved dismissively. "I'm going to hit the sack. You should too."Debra walked off, and Marion closed the door for him.Drake lunged forward, but Kale held him back."Boss, your injuries..." "Screw the injuries. Let me at him."Marion opened the door, deadpan. "Don't like it closed? I'll leave it open.""Damn..." Kale clamped a hand over Drake's mouth.It was not wise to fight Marion there at the Potter Mansion. Besides, they hadn't gotten the Lowe Group back.Back in their room, Debra smirked at Marion. "Thought you weren't worried. Why eavesdrop?"Marion pulled her close. "How could I not worry?""Then why let me talk to him alone?" She tilted her head. "I know you're jealous."He pressed his lips together. "I don't want to restrain your freedom. It was just a talk. He couldn't steal
"What's the fuss?" Debra said.Drake hesitated. "I..." Outside, Erica and Randy shoved past Kale, ducking behind Marion.Kale initially tried to block them but retreated under Marion's icy glare.Inside, Drake noticed the door was slightly ajar. He scowled. "Hold on."Before Debra could react, he yanked the door open, exposing the three eavesdroppers.Debra raised an eyebrow. 'Really?'Erica cringed, looking at Randy. Randy pointed at Marion, and Marion blinked innocently.Debra smiled at them, slammed the door shut, and locked it.Randy gaped. "Did you hear that? She locked us out."Marion's jaw tightened."Let's go." Erica dragged Randy down the hall.Inside the room, Debra muttered, "We're alone now. Spit it out."Drake silently stared at her, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have things to say or not?"Drake awkwardly cleared his throat. "Do you know Fermin likes you?"Debra barely flinched. "Yeah. Why?""You know?" Drake looked like his brain short-circuite
Everyone snapped to attention, flipping through the records. But the entries were pretty much the same—lists of expenses for rice, oil, flour, and other mundane supplies."Any maps or codes?" Randy scratched his head.Erica smacked the ledger. "Nothing. Just numbers and grocery lists."Debra traced a column of figures. "Right, numbers!"Erica was puzzled. "Numbers? How's that a treasure map?"Randy muttered, "Could it be that we've been thinking in the wrong direction? Maybe this isn't a treasure map after all?"Erica echoed, "Could it really be, like the elders said, just an account book that we've somehow turned into a myth?"As the group agonized, Drake finally snapped. "Debra, we need to talk.""Hm? About what?""Let's talk outside.""Can't say it here?""Outside." Drake stormed out. Debra sighed, turning to Marion. "Can I?"Erica and Randy glanced at him nervously.Marion nodded. "Go ahead."Erica and Randy gaped. 'No jealousy?' The second Debra left, Erica hiss
The dust on the lock was uneven. Clearly, someone had opened it recently.Marion pulled out an old key. "These locks are century-old designs. No key, no entry."He clicked it open, revealing rows of tablets. The hall was wider than that of the Fraziers.Debra hesitated. She'd never properly paid respects here since marrying Marion."Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma," Marion said softly, squeezing her hand. "I'm here with Debra."Debra tightened her grip. "We're here to visit you guys. Please watch over us. Help us find who's targeting the four families.""They will." Marion nodded. "Let's find the ledger."To her surprise, it sat under a pillar, barely hidden. "This isn't exactly hard to find.""Getting in is the challenge." Marion checked the ledger's age. "Let's head back. See if combining all four families' records reveals anything."If the ledgers combined meant a map, they'd be one step closer to the treasure.At Potter Mansion, Erica glanced at her watch and gaped. "Back
Drake's face darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting?""If you're not a spy, why stare at Mrs. Houston? I stare because I like her. You too?"Garland's words made Drake bark a laugh. "You like Debra?"Though shaky, Garland puffed his chest. "Yeah. I confessed to her right in front of Marion, and she let me look. You? Suspicious."Drake clenched his teeth. "Is Debra out of her mind?""See? You're the shady one." Garland jabbed a finger. "Admit it. You've got a crush.""Kale." Drake yanked open the locked door and shoved Garland out. "Get him out of my face.""Yes, boss.""Hey. Don't get mad just because I called you out. Drake, you're just..." "Gag him." When Kale returned, Drake paced angrily."This guy's identity is questionable. Should I...""He is not Fermin, but why is Debra keeping him around?""But Miss Eaton calls him brother. Maybe they're twins?""Twins?""Explains the mismatch. The other one is a genius, and this one a clueless idiot.""Clueless and blin
Before Garland could react, Drake had already shoved him into the room and pinned him against the door.Garland gulped nervously. 'What the hell? I'm not into guys.'"What's this about? This closeness is a bit much," Garland laughed awkwardly, trying to duck.But Drake flipped the lock with one hand and blocked his escape with the other.Garland's heart dropped. 'Gosh! Is Drake really gay?'"Back off! I'm straight.""What the hell are you babbling about?""You dragged me here alone. Isn't it obvious you want to..." Realization hit Drake. His face darkened, and he smacked Garland's head. "You think I'd hit on you? I'd need brain damage first.""Then why the sneaky moves? And why'd you hit me?" Garland hopped back, indignant."Cut the act. You're not Fermin." Drake got straight to the point.Garland stiffened but doubled down. "Of course, I am. We've fought before. You know my face.""I don't know what game you're playing, but Juan is in it with you," Drake hissed."Juan?
Edgar's face twisted like Randy had hit a nerve.Randy smirked, "Know your place, Edgar. We're being nice by chatting. Push us, and we'll demand repayment. You'd be jumping off a building by noon.""Why are you rapping so much?" Erica sulked.Randy mimed zipping his lips.Debra turned to Ivan, who'd been hovering near the kitchen. "Escort Mr. Odom to the guest room upstairs. The one at the end. He prefers privacy."As Ivan approached, the bruises on his neck from Debra's strike were still visible.Drake narrowed his eyes, figuring out her plan to isolate the two.Once they were gone, Debra tapped the table. "The ledger."Randy shrugged silently.Erica kicked his shin. "The ledger." "You told me to shut up.""Want another kick?""It's in your bag. You forgot."Erica blinked, then dug through her bag. "Got too intrigued by the story."She then placed the Osborne family's ledger on the table.Debra compared it to the Fraizer and Potter records. "Only the Houston family le