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
"I see." Debra paused, her brow furrowed in thought. "Have someone go to the police station and check if there have been any recent arrests of prostitutes around Shelia's age.""Prostitutes? Ben was puzzled.He couldn't see any connection between the two matters.Debra recalled the grim details from her previous life. When Edgar finally found Jade, the newspapers had been quick to report that she was a prostitute. She had been imprisoned for her actions and suffered greatly, enduring illness and pain in jail for over six months before ultimately succumbing to her fate.Following this clue, they should figure out something."Just follow my instructions," Debra said. "I believe it will lead us to some answers.""Got it." Ben, though still bewildered, agreed to comply.Debra hung up the phone, and Erica asked curiously, "Are you suspecting that the real Jade was imprisoned for prostitution and Shelia took her identity?""It's just a guess," Debra admitted. "Since Clarissa insists
Debra chimed in, "Marion owes you a lot of money?""Yeah. From the first time he met you, he..." Randy replied.Erica swiftly stepped on his foot, silencing him mid-sentence. Randy grunted and corrected himself. "Well, it's nothing. Marion's got plenty of money. It's just that he hasn't finished handling it yet."Erica elbowed him and spluttered, "What do you mean he hasn't finished handling it? Can you speak clearly?"Randy clammed up. Erica sat down next to Debra, her voice softening."That is just man-to-man stuff. Don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll give you everything he has to win you over."Debra blushed. "What are you talking about?""Er, it's just a metaphor," Erica chuckled, hugging her. "Anything, you're the best woman in my mind."Debra fell silent, her mind wandering. She never wanted a fortune. After so many betrayals and schemes in her past and present lives, she only hoped to find her destined partner and live a peaceful life together.Without betrayal, conspi
Joe nodded and shouted toward the door, "Bring him in."Edgar's frown deepened as a man was brought in by two bodyguards. The fight in the room immediately ceased.The man was forced to his knees, his hands bound behind his back. His face was bruised and swollen.Juan, his voice as cold as ice, issued a chilling command. "Cut off the hand that did the hitting."The man struggled frantically, his eyes wide with terror. Edgar remained silent, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene.One of Juan's bodyguards grasped the man's wrist and, with a swift and brutal motion, brought a heavy object crashing down. A scream echoed through the room before he slumped to the floor, unconscious.Edgar's gaze was icy, but he knew better than to intervene. Seamar City was Juan's territory, and picking a fight here would not end in his favor. Moreover, Marion's men had come to warn him earlier that day."This is settled." Juan stood up, his eyes locked onto Edgar. "Mr. Odom, if you want to settle acc
Debra took a moment to overcome her shock. "So, you're playing the rogue."Marion thought for a moment. "Pretty much."Edgar thought he could resolve the matter with money, but that was his wishful thinking.Marion had first extorted money from him and then planned to settle scores later. It was a devious move, one that Debra couldn't help but admire."So, what do you plan to do next?" Debra asked, her curiosity piqued.Marion's eyes twinkled with a hint of a smile. "Want to know?"Debra nodded eagerly. Marion tapped his cheek with a finger and whispered, "Kiss me, and I'll tell you.""Marion," Debra exclaimed, her face turning a shade of crimson.Marion was a real jerk, always teasing her and pushing her buttons. From their first meeting, he had deliberately raised the auction price to grab her attention, causing her to scramble for funds.At that time, she hadn't thought much of it, but now she realized it was all part of Marion's scheme to get to know her."Alright, I'm no
Garland jumped in fright and almost tumbled down the stairs.His jaw dropped when he saw Juan standing there. "You got caught too?"Barton glanced at them before sensibly stepping away to give them space. His actions further confirmed Garland's guess.He dragged Juan to a quiet corner and bombarded him with questions. "How did you walk into their trap? What do they plan to do with you? What's your situation now? Are they going to lock you up with me? Should we pretend we don't know each other?"Though he'd only been in this house for a few days, he had realized that every single resident was shrewd and cunning.Outmaneuvering them was just mission impossible.Juan said calmly, "No one can know I'm here, especially not Debra. Got it?""Why not? Didn't you come back for her? Why do something good and keep it a secret?" Garland leaned in and whispered, "And about that wife-killing thing... Is it true or false? It's all over the news. I don't want to believe it, but knowing your tem
Late at night, Barton brought Juan to Andrew's study.The mansion was quiet, with no one on guard. Andrew was seated there at ease, and Juan asked, "Aren't you worried about being found out?Erica, Randy, Garland, and Liza were all staying there. And if Debra and Marion came back, his meeting with Andrew would be exposed.Andrew casually replied, "Marion is in the hospital getting treated. They won't be back anytime soon.""What about Garland and Liza?""Isn't Garland your sidekick? You think he'll rat you out?"Andrew always seemed to have everything under control, and it was hard to read his mind.Barton invited Juan to sit down and poured him some tea.Andrew said, "Debra must hate you to the core because of your actions. With all this media attention, you would have to step down. Are you really fine with that?""I've wanted to quit for a long time," Juan replied. "I don't believe you don't want to retire."The burden of the Potter family would crush anyone else within thr
Once they were gone, Debra asked, "Is Juan in the interrogation room?""Yes, he's being questioned right now," Pedro replied. "It's not a good time for visitors."Debra fell silent. She had rushed from the hospital to find out why Juan had acted like that.He wasn't the type to lose control or try to kill someone so recklessly. Something was not right."Then I'll wait here until he's done," she said, sitting down in a nearby chair.Pedro faltered, "Well, the interrogation could take all night, and I heard Mr. Houston is injured. Shouldn't you take care of him? I'll let you know the results first thing tomorrow morning."Debra was indeed worried about Marion's injuries. If the police station weren't so close to the hospital, she wouldn't have taken the time to come here.Now that waiting seemed pointless, she stood up and said, "Alright, please keep me posted. I'll be next door at the hospital.""Of course, I'll send someone to handle that," Pedro replied.Once Debra was gone,
"Watch your mouth. This is Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Joe chided, standing beside Melody.The officers recognized him and fell silent."Where are you keeping Juan? Release him now!" Melody demanded, disregarding her manners.Pedro appeared, smiling nervously. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., what brings you here so late?""Juan was taken by your people. Why do you think I'm here?""Well, this is tricky. He injured Mr. Houston, which should be handled through legal procedures. He is in our interrogation room. If you want to see him, I can arrange that.""Mr. Houston? Since when does he rule Seamar City? Juan would never do anything illegal. It must be a setup."It was known to all that Marion used to be an outlaw. Framing someone was easy for him.Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind her."A setup? Marion is injured by him. Juan tried to attack me. If Marion hadn't saved me, I'd be the one in the hospital," Debra accused.Melody turned to look at her. "It was you. I knew it. Juan did so much for
The knife sank deep into Marion's right abdomen, blood seeping through his clothes."Freeze!" A group of police officers stormed in from behind, quickly surrounding Juan in a tight circle.Juan raised his hands in surrender, but his gaze locked onto Debra, who was nervously tending to Marion.Debra glared at him. "Juan, are you out of your mind?"She had imagined a thousand ways he might come after her, but she never thought he'd resort to such a crude and desperate attempt to kill her.Juan sneered, "Shame I didn't kill you. But at least I've settled the score with Marion for the stab he gave me.""Take him away!" The police hauled Juan off to a waiting squad car.Paramedics rushed up quickly. Marion glanced at Debra, who was worried sick. He reached up to ruffle her hair and managed a weak smile. "I'm fine. It's just a scratch.""The knife was in your gut. Why did you follow me, you idiot?"Debra smacked him on the shoulder. Marion's strength faltered, and he dropped to one
Debra drove to the outskirts of the city to meet Juan at their agreed spot.He was standing in the middle of a deserted lane surrounded by rundown houses."Why did you call me here? What do you want to talk about?" Debra asked.Juan looked her up and down. "Drake vowed to take you out within three months, but here you are, still standing. You're tougher than I thought."Debra scoffed, "You don't seem too happy about that.""Enough for chitchat. Did you leak those news stories?" Juan demanded.Rumors about him killing Shelia were everywhere, and the police had started investigating. Juan's disappearance only added to the suspicion."You think I did that?" Debra laughed. "Am I that despicable to you? We're done with each other. I wouldn't go out of my way to cause you trouble. If that's why you called me here, you're wasting your time. It wasn't me."She turned to leave, but Juan stopped her. "Wait!"Debra turned back. "What now?""I killed her," he admitted.Debra froze. "Why
Debra shook her head and said, "I'm not sure, but keeping them around doesn't hurt. They have their freedom as long as things are under control."Randy came downstairs. "Chatting alone is not fun. Let's watch some TV."He grabbed the remote and switched on the television.A news report blared from the screen: "The Nichols Group CEO is suspected of killing his wife and is currently missing. The police are investigating, and the case is under further review."Erica and Randy both turned to look at Debra.Randy threw up his hands. "It wasn't intentional. I just selected a random channel.""Chill." Erica smacked him on the arm. "It's just fake news. Someone like Juan wouldn't get his hands dirty to kill someone."Debra frowned and headed upstairs. The door to the study was closed, with Barton standing guard outside."I need to see Andrew.""Mr. Andrew Potter is unwell and not taking visitors.""Who are you kidding?"Debra shoved past him and opened the door.Inside, Andrew was
Drake froze mid-bite of his apple. Pointing to himself, he asked, "Debra wants me to foot the bill? I'm not her husband. She must've made a mistake."Kale explained, "Well, she sent a message saying that the machine only heats up and does nothing else. She's already being kind by not reporting it to the authorities."Across town at the Potter Mansion, Erica examined Debra's face."Doesn't look any different to me. Is this the effect of a five-figure beauty program?""Lowe brand—sold on name alone."The Lowe Group was infamous for its shady dealings in gambling, drugs, and other vices. It would take a miracle for them to develop legitimate beauty products.The company existed to scam gullible customers, pushing overpriced luxury beauty brands with celebrity endorsements and flashy ads while delivering next to no real results.Erica clicked her tongue. "If it were me, I'd smash their store to pieces.""Why didn't you bring me along?" Liza grumbled, descending the stairs.Being c
Debra felt the machine start working on her face. After a while, she asked, "This machine is pretty good. I haven't seen anything like it elsewhere.""It's developed by our company and air-freighted here," the manager replied."Which company is that? I might know them.""We're a subsidiary of the Lowe Group. It's all legit, safe, and medically certified.""I have a friend in this business who wants to buy some of these machines. Is that possible?""Well, our machines are provided by the company and aren't for external sale.""That's a shame. My friend is willing to pay a high price for the right machine. I thought this one was good, but oh well...""How many machines does your friend want to buy?""We're opening a chain store, so that will be at least 50 machines per store and around 500 in total. We also want some other instruments, so it will be around a thousand machines."Debra had calculated the cost—over ten million. Such a large order was rare in this industry.The man