"But..." Shelia still wanted to protest.Edgar cut her off, his voice firm. "I've had a long day. Go to bed."Shelia finally retreated to her room, her shoulders slumping in defeat.In the spacious living room, Edgar's phone rang sharply, breaking the silence. He answered it before his secretary's voice came through the line."Mr. Odom, we've found the illegitimate child of your father and that woman."Edgar's eyes narrowed. "Who is it?""They've been living in Booton all these years. We found out the child's name is Oscar Harper."As far as Edgar remembered, that woman's family name wasn't Harper. It seemed that after all these years, she still dreamed of joining the Odom family and hoped her son would become the heir."What a fantasy!" Edgar snorted."There's one more thing.""Go ahead.""It's about Miss Miles," Chace said hesitantly. "Our people said Miss Miles sent them to cut Michael's brake lines today. Michael is now in the hospital."Edgar's brow furrowed deeply. "W
"Where can we find Michael?" Edgar asked.The nurse looked at him wonderingly. "Are you a family member or a colleague of Michael?"Edgar's bodyguard, growing impatient, interjected, "Our boss is here to visit Michael on behalf of the company. Just lead the way."The nurse, fearing Edgar's displeasure, quickly complied and led them towards Michael's room.Meanwhile, Debra had already arrived at Michael's room. Due to Michael's special profession, the room was guarded. Even so, the hospital was never entirely secure, and it had been decided that Michael would be taken home by the following day for his recovery.Michael lay in bed, his face pale and his body clad in a hospital gown. His head was wrapped in bandages, a testament to the severity of his injuries.When he saw Debra, he instinctively tried to sit up."Don't move," Debra said.Michael complied, sinking back into the bed.Debra took a seat nearby and turned to the director. "Didn't you say it was not serious?""Well..
A soft knock echoed through the hospital room, drawing Michael's attention to the door.When he saw Edgar's face peering through the small window, he quickly realized that Debra's identity needed to remain concealed.He calmly called out, "Sorry, it's not convenient to see visitors right now. Please wait for a moment."Michael's refusal was direct, but Edgar merely nodded and took a seat in the corridor.Debra swiftly gathered the documents scattered across the table. She exchanged a glance with Michael, who gave her a subtle nod of understanding.Debra moved to the door and opened it, stepping out into the corridor to face Edgar. "Mr. Odom, it's quite late. What brings you here?"Edgar stood up, his tall frame towering over Debra. "I heard that Michael was injured, so I came to see him."Debra pulled away from him a bit and said, "Are you aware who caused the accident?"Since Shelia was behind the accident, she must have someone backing her up.Edgar was silent for a moment b
This was a case of intentional homicide. If a private settlement couldn't be reached, Shelia would be behind bars for years.And Shelia hadn't hurt just anyone. Michael was a high-profile star. If her involvement was exposed, she would face the wrath of fans and critics alike.Edgar expressed his remorse. "I'm really sorry. I'll make sure Jade apologizes to you tomorrow."Debra, however, was in no mood for apologies. She said brusquely, "Since you've finished speaking, you can go now. Michael needs to rest, and we won't see you out."Edgar nodded, understanding the dismissal. "Alright, I won't disturb Mr. Austin's rest any further. However, Ms. Frazier, it seems you and Michael are no longer connected, right?"Debra glanced at the half-finished documents on the table before replying, "Yes, I just came to visit an old friend. Since you mentioned it, why don't you give me a ride home?"Her sudden request took Edgar aback. He frowned briefly, but given the circumstances, he had to a
"What's so urgent that it can't wait till morning?" Shelia eyed Edgar skeptically.She didn't buy his story for a second. Men were all the same—if they weren't up to no good at home, they were sure as hell up to no good elsewhere.Her gaze sharpened as she spotted a smudge of lipstick on his white collar.She reached out and grabbed his collar, thrusting it towards him accusingly. "What's this?"Edgar's mind flashed back to Debra's calculated lean-in, her smirk as she left him in the car. He'd been played. She'd wanted Shelia to see this, to sow discord.His hesitation was all Shelia needed. "You're unbelievable. You say you love me, but you won't even touch me. It's all a lie, isn't it? I knew you were cheating.""Jade, just listen...""No. I won't listen!" she screamed. "I'm telling my dad. You don't love me. It's all just a sham."Usually, her tantrums got her what she wanted, but not this time. As she turned to storm out, Edgar's hand shot out, sending her sprawling to the
A shiver ran down Shelia's spine like a drip of ice water.She'd once pegged Edgar as a gentleman easy to push over. But she'd been dead wrong.He was as ruthless as they came, and his so-called affection was nothing more than a smokescreen.What he wanted was just the Blair family's support to boost his influence in Seamar City.Edgar's voice cut through the air, cold as steel. "If you don't want to end up like her, you'll toe the line and stay on my good side.""I won't make that mistake." Shelia shook her head fervently. "As long as I remain Jade and your fiancée, I'll do whatever you ask.""Excellent!" Edgar shrugged off his coat. "Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to the hospital. You'll apologize to Michael.""What?" Shelia blanched. "You want me to bow to Michael?""Not just Michael. Debra too," Edgar specified.Her face drained of color. "No. I can't do that."Edgar's gaze sharpened, and Shelia wilted. "Just not Debra. Anything but that."Edgar scoffed. "Would you rather
In the tense silence that stretched out, Michael made no move to let Shelia get up.Edgar, trying to smooth over the situation, interjected, "Jade was indeed harsh with Ms. Frazier, but it was due to old grudges. I had a long talk with her last night, and she assured me that she'd let go of the past."He turned to Shelia, his gaze encouraging. "Jade, didn't you say last night that you were ready to bow and apologize to Ms. Frazier?"Shelia nodded eagerly, her eyes wide and repentant. She stepped forward and bowed deep. "Debra, I'm truly sorry. I let my feelings for Mr. Nichols cloud my judgment, and I did terrible things to you out of jealousy. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."Debra looked at Shelia's innocent face, her brow furrowing slightly. Shelia seemed genuinely repentant, but Debra knew better than to take things at face value.There were only two reasons for such a drastic change: either Shelia had truly turned over a new leaf, perhaps under the influen
As Shelia sauntered off with Edgar, Michael blew out a breath. "That was daylight robbery."Debra shrugged. "They started this game. If I didn't beat them at it, I'd be their pawn.""So, is this settled?""Not quite.""But you just...""Is there a signed agreement?""I didn't realize you were so calculating.""I learned from the best.""Who?"Debra's mind flashed to Marion, but she sealed her lips and rose from her seat. "Your problem is solved. Once the money comes in, I'll wire it to you.""Okay."Debra called Hannah, who promptly sent a car. As she stepped into the practice room, the chatter hushed, all eyes zeroing in on her.Hannah waved her in. "Debra, come on in."Eve's voice sliced through the silence. "Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence. Did you spend the night charming a sponsor? It's nearly noon."Ashley sidled up to Debra, circling her like a vulture. "Can't blame her. Her family is broke, and she owes a fortune. What's a girl to do but