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
Debra thought for a moment."Yeah, it is.""That's all you have to say?""I was thinking. Mr. Blair doesn't look like he knows Shelia isn't his daughter.""Huh?"Erica took a closer look at the news article, her eyes scanning the details intently. Declan was indeed crying genuinely.Debra turned to Randy, asking, "Do you know who organized this press conference?""Who else could it be except for the Odoms?" Randy replied, clicking his tongue. "You don't know how grand it is. They invited everyone from the high society they could, mostly from Booton and a few big shots from Seamar City who are close to the Blair family."Debra's mind raced, piecing together the implications. "Those big shots coming to Seamar City for Edgar's sake means he is trying to show Marion who's boss."Marion had just met with Edgar the day before, and this move seemed like a blatant show of strength, a power play designed to assert dominance.Randy nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It does seem that
"That money is useful," Marion replied.Erica teased him, "Really? For the bride's price?"Marion shrugged. "Yeah, something like that."Erica was surprised. "No way."Debra, who had been listening to their exchange, blushed deeply. She quickly took a seat on the sofa, clutching a glass of water as if it were a lifeline. "I'm hungry too. Why isn't breakfast ready yet?""It's coming," Randy said. "You three have three mouths to feed but can't spare a hand to help me.""I'll do it," Erica declared, rushing into the kitchen.Randy rolled his eyes dramatically."Oh, please, are you really helping? Just please don't mess things up.""You're bold enough to question my sincerity. I'm gonna wring your ears off.""Come on! I'm not."The kitchen was filled with the clatter of pots and pans, punctuated by the occasional bickering between Randy and Erica.Noticing Debra's stiff posture, Marion pulled away a little, giving her space to breathe.Debra stole a glance at him. He was dress
Debra glanced instinctively towards the kitchen. Marion stood at the stove, wearing a black apron. He looked quite relaxed, the spatula in his hand moving deftly as he fried eggs.Sensing her gaze, Marion looked up. Debra quickly averted her eyes, but it was too late. He had caught her staring."Breakfast's ready," Randy shouted from the kitchen, carrying three plates piled high with food.Marion placed a dish in front of Debra, the eggs cooked to perfection.Randy, setting the plates down, remarked with a playful pout, "Man, when will you ever be this considerate toward me?"Erica chimed in, "Maybe in your next life."As just Debra began to eat, her phone buzzed with an incoming message from Juan.She glanced at Marion to see if he had noticed, and seeing that he was engrossed in his own meal, she opened the message.Juan: [8 PM, Royal Grand Hotel.]Debra hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. She thought about the dream she'd had and typed her reply.Debra: [No ne
Erica rolled her eyes. "I think they're birds of a feather. Did you resolve the issue with Cathryn?"Debra shrugged. "Cathryn can't stir up any trouble. Marion wouldn't even bother looking at her."Erica's mood soured further, and she kicked Randy. "It'd better be that way."Randy yelped in pain, "Hey! Why did you kick me for no reason?"Debra's arrival at Nichols Group headquarters caused quite a stir."Isn't Ms. Frazier? What is she doing here?""Isn't it obvious? She was publicly at odds with Mr. Nichols before. Now that the Frazier Group is bankrupt, she's naturally here to seek his help.""I thought she had a lot of pride, but it turns out she's just here to beg Mr. Nichols to reconcile?"...The whispers reached Debra's ears, but she ignored them.The recent news about the Frazier and Nichols families had been quite unpleasant, and her visit to the Nichols Group was bound to spark gossip. But she wasn't focused on that right now.Joe, who had been waiting on the first
Juan's words carried a ring of truth that was hard to dismiss.Debra fell silent, contemplating the notion that perhaps people could indeed change.In this life, Juan had seen through Shelia's façade, which explained his withdrawal of affection for her."Do you have impressions of these companies?" she asked, placing several files on the table.The files contained detailed information about various companies that Juan had targeted in her previous life. Although she knew the likelihood of getting a positive response from Juan in this life was slim, she felt compelled to try.Juan shifted his gaze to the files, his expression thoughtful. "No."Sure enough, because of her intervention, Juan had not yet taken notice of these subsidiaries of the Frazier Group.Debra took a deep breath, her mind racing with memories and revelations. Ever since having that vivid dream, she had instructed someone to investigate the accounts of those subsidiaries. The findings were grim; the companies ha
"We do have an agreement, but..."It was not compulsory. Instead of voicing her protest, Debra picked up the contract from the table.The document was labeled as a contract with Potter Entertainment. She scanned the pages, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion."The agreement is there, but it's not a sell-yourself contract."Andrew glanced at her, and she quickly corrected herself. "I mean, you want to hire me?"Andrew replied calmly, "That's the idea. The contract is very clear."Debra struggled to find the right words. "I did consider entering showbiz, but I...""But you plan to enter showbiz with McKinney Group, not with me?""Uh... Yeah."Debra squirmed under his gaze, feeling trapped.Andrew pressed on. "Don't forget our previous agreement. The Frazier Group's collapse has affected my family. This is a chance for you to make up."Debra felt a pang of unease. Andrew knew her weak spot and was pushing her into a corner. She put down the contract, her shoulders slumping slig
At the Nichols family's old house, Melody turned over a table. "Debra, how dare she do this? Control the media now. Don't let this blow up.""It's too late," Joe faltered. "The news is all over the place. An agency called New Age is behind it. I tried to negotiate with them, but they refused to take down the story.""New Age? Who are they to cross us?" Melody fumed.She had never heard of this news agency.Joe looked worried. "The news is spreading fast. It's unfavorable for Mr. Nichols. We need to find him and get his side of the story. If he was framed, we could hold a press conference to clear things up."Melody agreed, "Then what are you waiting for? Go.""Yes, Madam," Joe said, rushing out.Melody sat down, her mind racing. She couldn't let the family empire crumble."Sophie, call the Buchans. If something happens to Juan, we must stand strong.""But they..." Sophie hesitated."Just do as I say," Melody insisted.Meanwhile, Debra arrived at the ruined Nichols Mansion,
Debra was too smart to fool.Marion sighed, "Can I lie?""No, you can't," Debra replied firmly.Marion pulled out his phone and showed her the call log. On the top of the list was a call from an unknown number from last night.But to Debra, that number was all too familiar. "Juan self-directed that show?"...Barton stepped into Andrew's room, clearly troubled. "Sir, you have to step in and do something.""He told her himself," Andrew replied blandly. "I didn't force him.""But Mr. Houston is going to destroy everything in the house."Andrew rubbed his temples, regretting bringing these people to his house."Take me to him.""Yes, sir."Barton wheeled Andrew to the hallway, and they saw Marion sitting in the living room.Darts were thrown at a glass vase worth five figures. A second later, the vase shattered into pieces.As Marion went on to pick up a knife from the table, Barton rushed up to stop him. "Mr. Houston, you can't throw that.""Who said I was going to throw i
Debra sighed, "Just drive normally. I won't ask anymore.""Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Houston," Barton said.The car ride smoothed out after that."Thanks, honey," Marion said."Just shut up." Debra glared at him, and he quickly zipped his mouth.When they arrived at the Potter Mansion, Debra helped Marion out of the car.The hall was empty except for a maid cleaning."Barton, do you know where Erica and Randy are?" Debra asked."They went out for a meal last night and never came back. Maybe they stayed out," Barton replied."Stayed out?" Debra muttered.Just then, a voice echoed from upstairs. "You're finally back. Where were you all night? Why is no one here?"Garland looked down, surprised to find Marion injured.Remembering Juan's visit last night and his talk of disappearing for a while, Garland had a chilling thought. 'Eventually, Juan made a move against his rival in love.'It was understandable. No men could stand their loved ones being with someone els
Juan was never one to run from a fight. Yet Barton looked all serious."If you don't believe me, you can go and ask the police. Juan has fled. Mr. Andrew Potter has sent people to track him down. As long as he doesn't leave Seamar City, everything is still in control.""Honey, is the car here yet?" Marion limped into view behind her.Barton fought back the urge to laugh and said, "Mr. Andrew Potter has instructed me to escort you both home.""Oh, much appreciated," Marion replied, tossing his cane to Barton.He grabbed Debra's arm and said, "Walking is hard for me. Be my crutch, honey."She glanced at his hand. "Behave yourself. Don't make me slap you."Knowing she was still mad at him, Marion turned back to Barton. "She's not in a great mood. Don't mention anything that'll upset her. Go bring the car around."Once Barton left, Marion leaned heavily on Debra, his voice soft and dramatic. "I'm really too weak to walk."Debra sighed and helped steady him. "Juan being picked up b
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