"What papers?" Debra was puzzled.Marion, with a flourish, produced a document adorned with stamps and signatures. "It's a voluntary gift. No strings attached.""You...""It's all official. These are yours now."He knelt before her, took her hand, and slipped the ring onto her finger. The sapphire gleamed in the candlelight, casting a soft glow on her fair skin.He pressed a tender kiss onto the gem, his eyes never leaving hers."This ring is called 'Loyalty,'" he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you. I'll stand by your side for life."The candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows and bathing them in a warm, intimate glow. Debra's cheeks flushed, the heat from Marion's touch sending electric jolts through her.The ship swayed gently, and the only sound the rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull could be heard.After a long pause, she finally found her voice. "Did you forget something?"Marion was confused.Debra hesitated, h
Erica's voice blared through the phone, loud enough for Marion to hear.Debra's cheeks flushed pink as she glanced at him, whispering into the receiver, "Did he arrange a dinner for me?""Yep, it's all set up at the Royal Grand Hotel. We're just missing the guest of honor. Randy and I are en route to pick you up. Where are you?" Erica chirped.Debra cupped her hand over the phone and mouthed to Marion, "Did you plan something at the Royal Grand Hotel?"He shook his head, and realization dawned on Debra. Erica and Randy were behind this surprise."Is Marion with you?" Debra asked, suppressing a laugh.Erica stammered, "Of course. He's waiting at the hotel.""But if Marion's with you," Debra said, grinning, "then who's sitting next to me?"There was a pause, then a burst of noise from the other end. Then Erica and Randy exclaimed in unison, "What? You're with him?"Debra heard the screech of brakes, followed by Randy's exasperated voice. "Why didn't you tell us you were together
"It's not too late, you know," Marion said softly, his eyes filled with a tenderness that belied his fearsome reputation.To the world, Marion was a specter and a messenger from the shadows. But with Debra, he was different—quiet, sometimes playful, and unruly.He was cute and not scary at all."Wait here for a moment," he said, disappearing downstairs.When he returned, he held a plate with a cherry jam-filled cake. Its red center gleamed like a jewel.It was quite surprising that a man like Marion would craft something so delicate. She was touched."Try it," Marion urged.Debra took a small bite. The flavors exploded in her mouth. It was a dance of sweet and tart that lingered on her tongue."It's a shame you didn't become a chef.""I used to be a chef.""I remember you mentioned being a barber too.""Yep.""Can you tell me more about your past?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity."Sure."Debra leaned in, eager to hear his story. She'd heard whispers from Randy and Erica
Debra pondered the underlying meaning behind Marion's words.The story swirling around was indeed the stuff of legends, but something didn't add up.With the Houston family's vast empire, tracking down Marion should have been a cakewalk. Yet, for sixteen years, no one had found him. And in all that time, not a whisper of the Houstons surfaced in the tale."Do you know how my family rose to power?""The military?"The Houston family had always leaned on their military might to build their business. Over time, they'd gone legit, but their roots remained firmly planted in the armed forces. Even now, their old loyalists held sway in major military units."Debra, the reason I couldn't always be by your side was because I had to follow orders from the Houston higher-ups. But now that I'm in charge, that won't happen again," he said, squeezing her hand. "I'll protect you from all sorts of harm."Debra didn't press further. She understood Marion was trying to keep her safe and to keep h
The sky was dark, and after Shelia saw the news on TV at Edgar's home, she began to fidget.There, on the screen, was Juan, and nestled beside Melody was none other than Hester. The media was abuzz with speculation that Hester was poised to replace Debra as the next Mrs. Nichols.Shelia's hands fluttered to her slightly rounded belly. 'That old bat wants Hester to take my place in the Nichols family. Over my dead body!'Edgar was unhinged, and she couldn't stay with him. If she wanted to survive, she had to cling to Juan like a lifeline.As Edgar emerged from the bathroom, Shelia instinctively recoiled, but she quickly composed herself. She had to play this smart."Edgar," she began, her voice laced with caution. "I haven't been home in days. I miss my dad. Can I..."Edgar's sneer cut her off. "What are you scheming again?""No schemes. I just miss home."Edgar's eyes narrowed, his voice as cold as ice. "If you're thinking of crying to Declan about how I've mistreated you, thin
Edgar cast a nonchalant glance at the TV, where a news report was airing about Melody causing a ruckus at the mall."Don't worry about her.""Understood."Meanwhile, in the back of a sleek sedan, Debra was a whirlwind of activity, her fingers dancing across her phone screen. Randy eyed her through the rearview mirror, curiosity piqued."Debra, you've been at it since we got in the car. What's got you so engrossed?""I'm stirring the pot. Mind giving me a hand? I need some influencers to boost its visibility.""What kind of article?"Erica leaned in, her eyes widening as she scanned the post. It was a meticulously crafted exposé, complete with nine incriminating photos, implicating Shelia in Michael's car accident. The comments section was already ablaze with speculation and conspiracy theories.Soon, people started connecting the dots based on Debra's post. They speculated that Shelia, upset with Debra, had plotted against Michael to hurt Debra financially.Others pointed fing
The next day, Debra was chauffeured back to Potter Entertainment in Marion's car.The rumor mill among the trainees was already churning, the hot topic being Debra's dramatic exit with Juan and the subsequent uproar caused by Mrs. Nichols at the mall."Some people just don't know their place. They think they can waltz back into high society just because they want to.""Did you see the car that dropped her off today? She's got some serious backers.""After going broke, she has no other options."...Debra was unfazed by the whispers.Eve sauntered up to her and scoffed, "Mr. Nichols's investment is probably going south. What good is it to stubbornly refuse to divorce, Debra? In the end, you won't get anything."Debra raised an eyebrow. "What are you implying?"Eve smirked, "Stop pretending. We all know the Frazier family is broke. You're desperate to get back with Mr. Nichols, but with your current status, it's impossible. As long as Mrs. Nichols Sr. doesn't agree, you're done
The trainees at Potter Entertainment were no strangers to luxury, and Eve, the richest of the bunch, was particularly smitten with men like Edgar. At the news of his arrival, they whipped out their makeup kits, touching up their lips and powdering their noses.Debra frowned in contemplation, not believing it was a simple visit. She wondered if it was connected to the news she'd posted yesterday, but it would be reckless if Edgar came to confront her there at Potter Entertainment.Before she could think further, everyone had rushed downstairs.Eve's father, Henry, was beaming like he'd won the lottery. First Juan and now Edgar. Potter Entertainment was on a roll."Mr. Odom, all our trainees are present," he announced, gesturing to the gaggle of starry-eyed girls.He had gathered only the girls, but Edgar's gaze zeroed in on Debra. "Ms. Frazier."She met his stare, her voice cool. "Hello, Mr. Odom."Envious eyes swiveled towards Debra."Aren't there male trainees here?" Chace ask
Debra took the medicine and band-aids, but the atmosphere in the living room suddenly felt awkward."I'm going upstairs.""Can you put it on by yourself?""Yes.""Let me see you do it."Debra cleared her throat, determined to prove she could do it. She sat down on the sofa, opened the medicine, and sprinkled it on her wound. But since her right hand was injured, using her left hand was tricky, and some of the powder spilled.With the medicine on her wound, she couldn't move her right hand at all. The band-aid lay untouched on the table. Opening a band-aid one-handed was harder than she thought."I rushed it," Debra said, trying to save face. "If I had opened the band-aid first..."Before she could finish, Andrew had already opened the band-aid and carefully applied it to her finger. His movements were gentle and precise."Do you know where Marion went?""Probably went to find someone who knows the identity of the mastermind.""Robert?" Debra was surprised.She wondered if h
Robert didn't dodge, but the bullet didn't hit him.It grazed past his ear, drawing blood.But through that action, Robert figured out something. "You didn't tell her, did you? You're such a coward. If Debra found out that your love for her isn't what she imagines, would she still love you?"With every word Robert uttered, Marion's gaze grew colder.Unfazed, Robert pressed on, "I heard Mrs. Houston is picky when it comes to relationships. If she knew that the love between you two over the past year was nothing but a joke, do you think she'd kick you out of her world and hate you for the rest of her life?""You really have a death wish." Marion's face lost every trace of humor.One of the men nearby quickly stepped forward, grabbing Marion's arm. "Sir, don't fall for it. He's trying to provoke you. If he dies, we'll never find out who's behind all this."Marion's face was icy. Robert knew that was his true nature. He was born without emotions, sympathy, and empathy.Medically sp
There were fewer people than Marion had expected.In the courtyard, a man backed away in fear, but Marion's knife was already flying towards him. The knife hit the wall before the man could escape, making him break out in a cold sweat.Marion darted over and kicked the man to the ground."I'll count to three," Marion said, pressing his foot on the man's chest. "Call Robert out.""One...""Two...""No need to bother him."A deep voice came over.Marion looked up and saw Robert standing there.Robert liked solitude and had many enemies, so Marion had spread the word that Robert was in Seamar City, drawing them over.Then it was easy to find Robert's hideout by looking for areas suddenly crowded with outsiders.Marion sat on the sofa, his voice low. "I helped you take care of your enemies. Won't you return the favor?""Favor? You spread the news in the first place," Robert scoffed. "If you want Theda to hand over that 10% stake, I can't help you.""I never said I wanted share
Liza darted off like a rocket."You little brat, I didn't let you go with him," Bert shouted.The butler advised him, "Sir, it may not be a bad thing for Miss Eaton to see more of the world.""She brings nothing but trouble to me," Bert sighed. "Seamar City is dangerous. What if something happens to her?"He banged his cane on the floor and ordered, "Send more people to keep an eye on her. Ensure her safety at all costs.""Yes, sir," the butler replied.But before he could leave to carry out the orders, Bert called him back."Wait.""Anything else, sir?""Pull back everyone watching them.""But that would put them in danger.""They can't grow without trials."Bert felt he had spoiled the two children too much.In contrast, Juan was raised with an elite education. He had endured unimaginable hardships to forge the determination and success he had today.Then there was Marion, who had wandered overseas since childhood and built his empire with bare hands, becoming a living
Verna felt a pang of guilt.Garland continued to play the emotional card. "If you don't let me out, I'll spill about when you wet the bed at 12. And when you were 13, you wrote a farewell letter during your first period. I still remember every word. I...""Stop." Verna's face darkened. "Be a gentleman, okay? If you dare say these things, you're dead.""Verna, please, I really need to get out. I'm not Fermin. I want to live for myself. Debra and the others treat me like a friend. I can't just hide here knowing they're in danger. You understand me and will agree, right?""I..." Verna hesitated.Just then, Bert stepped out of the room. Seeing his stern face, Garland tensed up."I was bored in my room. Just chatting with Verna.""You think I don't know what you're planning? You want to go out? Not a chance."Before Garland could argue, he added, "But I do have a task for you."Garland scoffed, "You won't let me out, and now you want me to work for you? Dream on."Bert's face dark
At the Eaton Mansion, Garland grumbled, "I've already told you. I can't go out. You have no idea what kind of man my dad is. If you can bust me out, I'll give you all the credit in the world. Hello? Juan, are you still there?"He glanced down at his phone screen and found that Juan had already hung up. Frustrated, he threw the phone onto his bed.He'd been stuck at home for days now, yet all Juan ever cared about was Debra. If it hadn't been for helping Juan get close to Debra, he wouldn't be under house arrest now.He poked his head out of his bedroom. Verna noticed and slammed the door shut, not caring if it might hurt his head.Garland reacted quickly and blocked the door with his hand. He flashed a cheeky grin and said, "Verna, let me tell you a joke.""Not interested.""Do you know why I'm smiling at you? Because you don't hit someone who's smiling at you."Verna rolled her eyes and turned her head away, unimpressed.Garland didn't give up. "Come on, we're best buds. If I
Erica tossed back the wallet and card. She smirked, "You said you'd give us everything, so I'll take it as your gift to us youngsters."Melody didn't expect her to be so shameless, taking all that money without batting an eyelid.Joe stepped in. "Let's go, Madam."Erica added, "Don't worry. We'll fix your Ferrari and send it back. But whether you'll dare to drive it again, who knows?"To avoid any more humiliation, Joe quickly helped Melody onto the tractor.The tractor could only hold two people and was completely see-through. Anyone outside could see who was inside.Joe didn't mind, but Melody, who always cared about appearances, felt mortified.As Joe drove the tractor away, Erica laughed so hard she doubled over. She turned to Debra, who had been hiding in the security room."Did you see that? It's so funny.""I saw it all."Melody had probably never ridden a tractor in her life. Debra could imagine her anger now.Debra warned, "She's the type to hold a grudge. Be care
"Madam?" Joe froze.Melody had always cared about her reputation and had never been humiliated like this before. Forcing her to ride away on a tractor was probably more unbearable than death.Yet she agreed."What choice do we have?" she sighed. "We can't just walk back?"The summer heat alone was unbearable, and she was wearing high heels. Walking two kilometers would be the end of her. No matter how much she hated it, she had no other options.Joe nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Madam."Just then, Erica winked at Randy, who sat back in the seat."What now?" Melody asked impatiently."Not much," Erica replied, her tone casual. "You see, we're not friends or family. If you're taking our vehicle, shouldn't you pay for it?""What? You're charging me for this hunk of junk?" Melody snorted."Well, this junk protects you from wind and sun. That makes it valuable," Erica reasoned.Melody finally lost it, raising her hand to strike her.Erica quickly dodged and said, "How about a discou
"What? Mrs. Houston would never do something like this. Maybe the car hit a nail on the road," replied the guard."What are you waiting for?" Melody sulked. "Get a car to send us back."It was a scorching summer day. She wouldn't just walk home like that.The guard hesitated. "I'm sorry, Madam. Mr. Andrew Potter took all the cars out today. There's nothing available to send you back."Melody's face darkened. "Are you telling me the Nichols family doesn't have a few cars to spare?"She was already upset about giving all her savings to Debra, and this incident was the last straw.The guard explained, "Mr. Andrew Potter is thrifty. I'm sorry, but you might have to walk about two kilometers to the commercial street to catch a ride. Mr. Andrew Potter likes his quiet, so no cars are allowed in this area."Melody was furious. "You did it on purpose."Erica came out of the house. "What are you talking about? We've always been polite to our guests. Well, there is one vehicle available,