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
As the tension in the room thickened, Debra suddenly piped up."It seems Mr. Odom has a particular fondness for male trainees. I suppose that means us ladies are out of luck when it comes to investments."The implication hung in the air like a thick fog, and Edgar's frown deepened. He withdrew his hand from Oscar's shoulder as if it were on fire.Henry began to sweat bullets, not expecting Debra to be so blunt.In a bid to smooth things over, he interjected, "Haha, you're joking, Debra. Mr. Odom will invest in the whole program. All of you will be funded. Mr. Odom is a real man."But his effort only made things worse as everyone struggled to stifle their laughter.Edgar's voice turned silky, a mocking undertone barely concealed. "Mrs. Nichols, it seems I must have offended you in the past. Why else would you be so keen on targeting me now?"Debra shrugged. "Mr. Odom, you're joking. There is no such thing."Edgar leaned in, his voice a low whisper meant only for her ears. "The n