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
Shelia's lips curled into a sneer as she stepped forward and slapped Debra across the face. Erica stared in shock and tried to hit back. But Shelia's bodyguards formed a barrier, blocking her path."Shelia, have you lost your mind?" Erica shouted. "How dare you hit Debra?"Debra's mouth was bleeding. Her ears rang from the force of the blow. It was clear Shelia had put all her strength into that slap.Shelia scoffed, raising her chin. "The Frazier Group is bankrupt, and she is now nothing but an empty shell. Why wouldn't I dare to hit her?"Erica shot back, "Even if the Frazier Group is bankrupt, I'm still here. You slapped Debra, and I'll make sure you pay a heavy price."Shelia smirked, unfazed. "Maybe you're not in a position to make that call.""Try me," Erica scoffed, dismissive.She was the head of the Mathis family and a relative of the Houston family. In Seamar City, no one dared to provoke her.But as she spoke, ten more bodyguards burst into the restaurant, surroundin
Edgar's voice was as hard and unyielding as steel. "Yes."Erica met his gaze head-on, her lips curling into a sneer. "Mr. Odom, it seems you've been the top dog in Booton for too long. You're forgetting that Seamar City has its own rules. Even if the Frazier Group is bankrupt, I am protecting Debra. With Marion and the Osborne family backing her up, you might find it hard to leave Seamar City tomorrow if you do anything stupid today.""Are you threatening Edgar?" Shelia growled defiantly, pointing at Erica. "What's Debra to you? Why are you protecting her? She's dragging her feet about divorcing Juan while stringing along Marion. You should be disgusted with her."Erica's temper flared. "Shut up!"Debra, sensing the storm about to break, quickly intervened. "Miss Miles, don't get worked up. It's bad for the baby."All eyes turned to Shelia's belly. The news of her pregnancy with Juan's child had spread like wildfire, ensuring that everyone in the country knew of her condition.At
The Odom and Blair families shared a rich history, their bond strengthened over generations. Years ago, Kate gave birth to a daughter named Jade Blair. However, when her husband, Declan Blair, engaged in an extramarital affair, Kate took their child and vanished.Declan yearned to find his daughter, especially since the Odom and Blair families had arranged a marriage between their children long ago. Despite his efforts, the search yielded no results and eventually stalled.When Edgar assumed control of the Odom family, he made it his mission to locate Jade. He employed every resource at his disposal, sparing no expense in his quest.Erica was engrossed in the tale and impressed by Edgar's devotion. Then she looked up and asked Debra, "But how did you know Edgar was doing this for the Blair family?"Debra didn't know how to respond. She couldn't very well reveal that in her past life, Edgar's fiancée had died, causing a significant uproar.Instead, she fabricated a story. "I happen
Melody was no ordinary senior citizen. Her loud voice immediately drew a crowd. Whispers and gossip filled the air."What kind of person is this, kidnapping someone's great-grandson?""How could she do something like this?""Even harming a child, this woman is a beast."...The condemnations grew louder, each one adding fuel to the fire of public opinion. Melody, having learned the power of such pressure, was more than willing to stoke the flames.Erica returned from fetching water for Debra, only to find the hallway outside the ward packed with people. Nurses tried in vain to disperse the crowd, their efforts met with stubborn resistance."What are you all doing here?" Erica demanded, her voice cutting through the chatter.Melody turned to face her, a frown creasing her brow. "Miss Mathis, you're a prominent figure in Seamar City. Are you here to stand up for someone like Debra?"Erica had enough of Melody's haughty attitude. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., you know well that both of us a
Fuming, Melody burst into Juan's office and called out, "Juan!"Her sudden entrance startled Joe, who was in the middle of a discussion with Juan. He quickly excused himself. "Sir, I'll step out for a moment."Juan nodded, his gaze shifting to Melody, who marched straight to his desk and snapped, "You're still working here, as if nothing has happened. Do you know your child is going to call someone else Dad?"Juan was confused. "Grandma, what are you talking about?"Melody slammed her palm on the desk, her voice rising. "I'm saying Shelia ran off with another man. She is pregnant with your child. How could you let her leave?"Juan remained indifferent. "I let her go."Melody staggered back, shock written all over her face. "What?"She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Who in their right mind would push their child and woman onto another man?She spluttered, "Do you know what you're doing? Why do I have such a cowardly grandson like you? I thought Debra took her away. Do yo
Marion finished examining Debra's injuries and stood up. "The Odom family?"Erica nodded, her voice laced with anger. "Edgar Odom. I had Randy investigate. He found out that Edgar came to Seamar City looking for Shelia. He claims Shelia is the lost daughter of the Blair family and his fiancée."Erica's voice grew agitated as she spoke. "He backed Shelia and had his men hit Debra.""Erica." Debra shook her head, trying to stop Erica from saying more.Marion made up his mind and said, "It's not safe these days. Go and stay at my place."From his expression, Debra could tell that the situation was more complex than it seemed.She asked, "Is the Odom family that powerful?""Not exactly powerful, just a bit tricky," Marion replied, stroking her cheek. "I'll be back soon."Outside the door, Juan watched the scene in silence for a moment before quietly walking away.The news of Edgar finally finding the lost daughter of the Blair family spread like wildfire online.Everyone was shoc
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