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
Hannah approached Juan with a composed smile."Mr. Nichols, everything is fine. Why not take a seat and enjoy the show first?"Juan's brow furrowed in impatience. "Debra is sick. Why didn't you tell me?"Hannah maintained her calm demeanor. "While Ms. Frazier is indeed under the weather, it won't impact the program. Moreover, it's Ms. Frazier's express wish that the show must go on."Joe asked, "Sir, should we proceed?"Juan remained silent, and Hannah added, "Mr. Nichols, the show is about to start. I'm sure you don't mind this little delay." Hannah leaned in and whispered, "Ms. Frazier will be here soon. Don't worry."At her reassurance, Juan's frown eased slightly.Just then, the guests and judges arrived. Many of them came to greet Juan and Edgar."Mr. Nichols, Mr. Odom, it's a pleasure to meet you."Hannah stepped aside and wiped her sweat. Debra had certainly passed the responsibility to her effectively. The man before her was none other than the formidable Juan. Angerin
The director, acutely aware of Cathryn's status, maintained a respectful demeanor towards her. Cathryn approached Juan, greeting him with a polite nod. "Mr. Nichols."Juan hummed in response.Cathryn glanced around the set before inquiring, "Where is Mrs. Nichols?"Juan's heart constricted slightly. The director quickly interjected, "Ms. Frazier isn't here today because she's not feeling well.""Oh, that's a shame," Cathryn replied, taking her seat in the special guest area. As today's honored guest, she had been looking forward to controlling Debra's debut. It was indeed a pity that Debra wasn't present.Seeing that no one else was speaking, the director wisely moved on to other tasks, and the show continued as planned.The female trainees from the trainee team took the stage, their energetic dance routine eliciting excited cheers from the audience.Debra sat in the most conspicuous spot, wearing a mask to conceal her identity. She clapped slowly, her eyes not on the performe
The words that were supposed to help Debra seemed to only push Freya further into her madness.Juan, realizing this, shouted, "Shut up!"Cathryn was scared into silence.Edgar asked Freya sternly, "What do you want?""I just want to destroy her and this show," she shouted, her voice shaking with emotion. "I've sacrificed so much for this show. But just before it started, I got kicked out and was required to pay a huge penalty. You made me do this."Debra, surprisingly calm, just smiled and spoke quietly."It was Cathryn who made you do this, right?""It has nothing to do with anyone else. I want your life.""If you take my life, Oscar won't like you. You won't continue with the show, and you'll still face the penalty. Who's going to pay that? I think it's Cathryn."Freya's grip on the knife loosened slightly, her resolve wavering. Debra pressed on, her voice steady and reassuring."Now that the show is ruined, Cathryn's demand was probably for you to kill me. She'll pay the p
Cathryn watched with bated breath as Freya held the knife, anticipating the moment she would stab Debra.But to her dismay, Freya's hand dropped. The instant Freya ceased her threat, security guards stormed in, seizing her and pulling her away from Debra.Debra took two hurried steps back, and Juan rushed over to check on her. His gaze lingered on a red mark marring her collarbone.He froze, and Debra adjusted her clothes. "I'm fine. Thank you, Mr. Nichols."She pulled away from him. Cathryn was disappointed, her eyes fixed on Freya. She couldn't comprehend why Freya hadn't followed through with their plan.Freya, in turn, shot Cathryn a cold, knowing look. A hint of panic flickered across Cathryn's face as she realized the potential consequences if Freya ratted her out.Even if her words were seen as false accusations, they might alert Debra."Mr. Nichols, what should we do with her?" one of the security guards asked.Juan replied sternly, "Take her away and send her to the
"Yes."Debra saw no reason to hide it from Juan any longer. She took a deep breath and said calmly, "I hope we can proceed with the divorce as soon as possible."Juan felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest. It was so intense that he could hardly breathe."Does it have to be this way?"Debra paused mid-step, her back to him. Slowly, she revealed the harsh truth. "Juan, I don't love you anymore."Those simple words felt like a dagger twisting in his heart. He instinctively clutched his chest, the pain almost unbearable.As the head of the Nichols family, he had weathered many storms and losses, but he had nearly forgotten the raw, aching sensation of heartbreak. Until now.Debra went on to leave, her expression serene. Before uttering those words, she recalled the first time she met Juan and how he held her hand, guiding her forward.She had truly loved him, but that love belonged to a different lifetime. Given a second chance, she refused to repeat her mistakes.Her love for Ju