Debra spoke meaningfully. "Oh, by the way, Melody has started to suspect Shelia's identity. I'm sure you'll be receiving a call soon to arrange a meeting so she can conduct her interrogation. Melody is old and cares about status. I hope that won't bother you."She stood up and signaled to the waiter. "There's no need to serve the food. Please pack everything up for Mr. Blair to take away. I believe Declan has lost his appetite, at least for dining with me."The waiter nodded, though his expression revealed confusion. Debra didn't wait for a response, turning on her heel and leaving the restaurant.Declan slammed his fist on the table, his face contorted with displeasure.Debra knew what Declan was thinking. Whether Shelia was his daughter or not, he had clearly made up his mind. After the humiliation Melody had dealt him, he wouldn't let this go easily.Melody's pride was legendary, and tomorrow's dinner invitation promised a spectacle worth watching.Outside the Royal Grand Hote
Melody's words sliced through the air like a sharpened blade."Hmph, how can you expect me to greet you with a smile when you've stolen Shelia away?"Declan had initially harbored doubts about Debra's claims, but the scene unfolding before him was swiftly dispelling them. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of life Jade would have if she married into the Nichols family.Next door, Debra continued her meal at a leisurely pace, while Randy and Erica, who had been engrossed in conversation earlier, now quietly munched on seeds.They exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the poor soundproofing and their unexpected entertainment.Debra felt a sense of satisfaction as she perceived the escalating tension. Had Declan come alone, Melody might have feigned kindness and engaged in polite conversation.But Declan's decision to bring Edgar was a clear sign of disrespect toward Melody. And if there was one thing Melody didn't handle well, it was disrespect.Declan slammed his hand on t
Declan stormed out of the room, leaving behind a wave of stifled laughter from the eavesdroppers in the next room.It was hard to believe a supposedly philanthropist could argue so bitterly with a renowned old lady.Randy was holding back laughter so hard that his face was turning an interesting shade of red.A loud crash echoed as Melody, in her rage, upended the table. The sudden noise startled everyone, and a waiter rushed in to clean up the mess. Only then did the suppressed laughter burst forth."I didn't expect Melody could be so harsh. She was almost cursing," Erica said. "This is the juiciest thing I've ever heard."She turned to Debra and continued, "This has dashed Shelia's hope of marrying into the Nichols family."Debra raised an eyebrow. "With things having turned out like this, Melody has no more reason to keep Shelia around."In truth, someone like Jade would have been a prime marriage partner for the Nichols family. Her age was suitable. Her family background was
"Marion..." Debra murmured, blushing.Marion closed the door and whispered, "So, this was the show you wanted to see.""Are you upset about it?" Debra's eyes, usually so full of life, now held a spark of naive guilt. "I didn't expect you to come."She had only intended to bring Erica to the show. She hadn't anticipated Randy's presence, nor had she thought they would tell Marion.Marion stroked her cheek. "So, you didn't plan to tell me from the start?""I was afraid..." Debra tried to explain, but his intense gaze silenced her.Marion croaked, "Afraid I'd be jealous?"Debra managed a small, almost imperceptible nod. She was too entangled with the Nichols family. Legally, without a divorce, she was still Juan's wife."I'm not so petty." He pinched her cheek and murmured his warning, "Dealing with the Nichols family is fine, but if you dare rekindle old feelings with him...""It won't happen," Debra interjected, her voice filled with sincerity. "I don't have old feelings for hi
'I must be crazy to share my bed with Marion,' Debra thought.The sound of running water from the bathroom only served to amplify her nervousness.The bathroom door creaked open, and she quickly shut her eyes, feigning sleep. Marion tiptoed across the room, the soft click of the bedside lamp being turned off signaling his approach. The mattress dipped slightly as he lay down beside her.The heat of Marion's body was palpable, sending Debra's nerves into overdrive. There was no way he could sleep like this.She shifted, turning her back to him, but Marion's arm draped over her, pulling her close.His deep voice was a whisper in her ear. "Sleep tight."Before she could respond, Marion nuzzled her neck, his lips brushing against her skin in soft, tender kisses. The numbing sensation made her tremble."Marion...""Yes?""It's itchy.""Itchy?"Marion's voice was a low rumble, captivating and intense.Debra turned to face him, and he immediately captured her mouth in a deep, pass
Debra woke up to a bright morning, her body aching and stiff. As consciousness slowly returned, she realized that her legs were almost numb.The memories of the previous night came flooding back. Marion had promised to be gentle, but his passion had been anything but. She had been swept up in his fervor, their bodies entwined in a dance that left her breathless and exhausted.Embarrassment washed over her as she recalled her own eager participation. She thought that she must be crazy to invite him to stay over and initiate such intimacy.She groaned softly and pulled the covers over her head, wishing she could hide from the day."Get up and have lunch." Marion's deep voice called from outside the door, a hint of amusement in his tone.Debra struggled to sit up, her body protesting with every movement. Marion entered the room, his expression a mix of tenderness."Do you need help getting out of bed?" he asked."My legs," Debra whispered. "I can't stand."After their second round
Debra answered the phone to hear Hannah's anxious voice on the other end. "The show's this afternoon. Did something happen? Should I send someone to pick you up?"Debra glanced at Marion sitting across from her, noticing his amused smile. She quickly looked away, feeling a slight flush on her cheeks."No need. I just got up late," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll be back soon."Turning to Marion, she said, "I'm full. There is a show today, and I need to go over.""I'll give you a ride," Marion offered.Seeing Debra struggle to get up, he went over and scooped her up in a bridal carry.When Debra arrived at Potter Entertainment, she found all the trainees ready to leave. In the lobby, Eve led the group, her voice dripping with disdain. "Acting all high and mighty, making us wait for you."Hannah frowned and whispered to Debra, "The show tonight requires preparation this afternoon. Why are you so late?"Debra whispered back, "Don't ask now. Just take them over."
"Whatever. With so many people in one group, how can the audience focus on anyone? Isn't it better that Debra is gone?"The trainees whispered among themselves.The director's team entered the room, silencing the chatter. "Make sure everyone's makeup is perfect today. Mr. Nichols and Mr. Odom will be joining us."The news sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd."Mr. Odom is coming? That's big. But is Mr. Nichols coming too? This show is going to be a hit!" "Could Mr. Nichols be coming because of Debra?""They've been in the middle of a divorce for ages. Debra's whereabouts are unknown. How could Mr. Nichols be coming for her?"...Amidst the lively discussion, no one noticed a female staff member standing quietly in the corner, her face obscured by a baseball cap.Juan stood in front of the stage, glancing at his watch. "Has Debra arrived yet?"Joe shook his head. "I checked. Mrs. Nichols isn't backstage."Juan fell silent for a moment. He pulled out his phone, inten
Jeffrey nodded. "Let them search harder. Whoever finds it will be rewarded handsomely."Joe chimed in, "Sir, you've been planning for this day for so long. A few more hours of waiting won't matter. I'll go supervise their work.""Go ahead," Jeffrey agreed.Juan wasn't surprised by their conversation. He had long suspected that Joe was Jeffrey's man.He could even guess that his memories from his past life were a result of Jeffrey's manipulation through Joe. It was probably some kind of hypnosis.Juan glanced at Jordan. Their eyes met briefly, and they understood each other's intention.Andrew spoke up, "I remember a place.""What place?" Jeffrey jerked up his head."I'm not sure if it's the right place.""Tell me. I'll decide.""There's a second basement level. When I was a kid, I wanted to go down there, but my parents and brother never let me. It's like a forbidden area. Maybe the treasure is hidden there?"Jeffrey thought for a moment. "Let's go check it out."Joe quickl
Joe was about to open the iron door when Jordan spoke up. "Hold on."Joe froze, his hand still on the door.Jordan stepped forward and explained, "The residents of the place may be gone, but their security is still top-notch. If this door gets forced open, it'll trigger the alarm system and the traps inside. Things will get very tricky."He faced the scanner and input the password. Although he had deflected, his data was still in the system. This door could not stop him.Jeffrey, who had been worried about traps, finally relaxed. After all, with security like this, anyone who tried to force their way in would not end well.Once the door was open, Jordan said, "You guys should follow me. Just don't touch anything."Jeffrey raised his hand, signaling his men to follow Jordan's lead.When they finally reached the hall, everyone was amazed by what they saw. The Potter Mansion had always been mysterious because the hosts never entertained outsiders.And now? A glimpse of the family'
Firstly, Juan didn't think Claudia would want to reunite with Jeffrey.Secondly, he had long given up on the idea of a complete family.He was used to being alone, and even if the world started over, nothing would change. Jeffrey's regret could not save their family."Let's save these words for after we succeed," Juan said, leaving the study.In the hall, his men were already gathered. Jordan looked up at him."Everyone's ready. When do we leave?""Anytime, but you can't come.""What do you mean?""Only my father and I can go in. I need you to guard the outside."Jordan was unhappy. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have located the treasure. Now, do you want to burn the bridge and keep it all to yourself?""Not at all," Jeffrey interjected, walking up to Jordan and patting his shoulder. "We need you to guard the outside. It's a crucial task. I promise you'll get your share of the treasure."He paused and added, "I know you don't want to live in Andrew's shadow forever. On
Debra wheeled Andrew into the elevator, and he pressed the B2 button.Once the elevator stopped at the second underground floor, Debra wheeled him out.She had never been to this floor before. She had expected a parking lot or a wine cellar. Surprisingly, it was an archive room filled with old filing cabinets.Each one had its numbering system, and the dust on them indicated that no one had been there for a while."Is this your intelligence station?""Yep. This used to be the intelligence database from decades ago. But it's useless now."In the digital age, old-school places were outdated. One computer could handle all the data, and no one would bother with the time-consuming task of organizing physical files anymore.Debra wheeled him forward. "Are we waiting for someone here?""Correct," Andrew replied. "Someone will be coming soon. We just need to hide and wait."He then pointed to the back of the room, where stood a row of file cabinets. "Let's go there."Once there, Andr
"I'll get it done by tomorrow noon," Marion replied."No." Andrew shook his head. "Everyone needs to be gone right after the funeral."Marion nodded. "Have Barton give me a roster. I'll make sure no one stays behind."Andrew added, "Also, I need your help gathering forces and weapons.""Don't you have weapons?""We do, but we need more. And Debra will stay with me tomorrow. Do you have a problem with that?""Can I?""No, you can't."Debra tugged at Marion's sleeve. "You'll be busy tomorrow, and I'll be safer with Andrew."Marion understood her point. "I'll leave someone to protect you.""No, you can't," Andrew insisted. "No one else stays."Marion frowned. "What are you planning?""Barton will assist you tomorrow. Come back at six in the afternoon," Andrew said. "Everything is arranged. You can go rest now."Debra chimed in, "I still don't understand."Marion cut her off. "Got it. I'll handle everything."He took Debra's hand and led her to leave.Debra asked, "Why didn
At the Potter Mansion, Marion was bandaging Debra's wound.She saw his careful look and teased him, "Relax. You're hurting me more like this."He stiffened, and she smiled, "I'll do it myself."She reached for the bandage, but he gently stopped her hand. "You don't have much time to heal."She nodded. "I know."Marion looked up. "I believe they'll make a move soon.""I have the same feeling.""So, we need to come up with a plan.""Indeed."Debra's voice dropped even lower. The past few days, she had been feeling like their time together was running out. Jeffrey's appearance was a threat to their lives.Among them, only she knew about rebirth. If Jeffrey managed to reset everything, she didn't know if they could still remember everything that had happened. She and her friends might forget each other.She didn't want to lose Marion or any of her friends.Marion took her hand. "Rest for a few more days and leave everything to me.""Okay." Debra nodded.Barton knocked on the
"No." Liza shook her head. "I'm just curious."Fermin put a finger on his lips and whispered, "Kids shouldn't be so curious."Liza stopped talking and left with him. She noticed the guards' fearful looks and asked, "Why are they all so scared of you?""The weak fear the strong. That's the rule of society." Fermin paused, looking at her. "But you don't need to worry. With me around, no one can bully you."Liza leaned forward. "Can you make peace with Debra and her people?""Oh?""You shot her.""Look, I didn't kill her for your sake.""But she was kind to me.""So, I only shot her in the shoulder.""That makes me upset.""Well, next time, I'll let her shoot back."Fermin opened the car door, placed her favorite pink pillow on the seat, and adjusted it to her liking before letting her get in. Then he helped her buckle up.Liza pouted. "You're making me lose all my friends."Fermin, driving with one hand, asked casually, "Who is more important, your friends or me?""You're
Feeling someone behind him, Fermin swiftly turned and struck out.Juan dodged but saw a dagger hidden in Fermin's sleeve."Mr. Eaton, aren't you being a bit too cautious?" he said.Fermin smiled, but his voice was cold. "I don't like people sneaking up on me. Next time, this knife might slit your throat."Juan threw his hands up. "I mean no harm."Liza tugged at Fermin's sleeve. He looked down at her and slowly lowered the dagger. "I'm taking her with me. If Jeffrey has any problems, he can talk to me."He went inside and grabbed Liza's suitcase."I don't..." she protested."Don't want to go?" Fermin pinched her cheek. "Say that again."Liza held back her words. "I'll go with you."Satisfied, Fermin let go of her cheek.Juan suddenly spoke up. "Mr. Eaton, do you have time for a private talk?""There's nothing to talk about between us," Fermin said flatly.Liza glanced at Juan and blurted, "Just talk to him."Fermin raised an eyebrow. "Why do you speak up for him?""I nee
"I can cover your airfare," Juan replied."I'm not leaving," Liza sulked. "I'll stay here. Tell Fermin to come see me, or I'll..."Jeffrey's voice came from upstairs. "Or what?"Liza shivered and looked over. The man was looking down at her from a commanding height.She had seen Jeffrey in that cave, but she hadn't felt anything unusual at the time. Now, his presence was so overwhelming that she found it hard to breathe.Jeffrey then turned to Juan. "Miss Eaton is a guest. Give Fermin a call and tell him to come over."Juan nodded and ordered the maid, "Prepare a room for Miss Eaton."The maid quickly went to prepare the room. Liza restrained her arrogance and followed behind the maid.Late at night, Liza was tossing and turning. There wasn't even a bottle of water in the room.Suddenly, footsteps in the hallway broke the quietness of the night.A wave of fear swept over her. She was afraid that some freak from the Nichols family would come to harm her. She quickly ducked bac