"A marriage certificate can't trap me, Juan. Do you even look like the head of the Nichols family right now?"Debra delivered this scathing remark and walked out.Juan stood there, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He knew he didn't embody the image of the Nichols family head at that moment.The family always expected their leaders to prioritize the family's interests above all else. With the Frazier family bankrupt and Debra having lost her chance to be Mrs. Nichols, it was time to find a more suitable candidate.Yet, despite Debra publicly asking for a divorce months ago, Juan still hadn't agreed. The elders of the Nichols family were growing increasingly unhappy with him, but they couldn't force him to change his mind.Juan watched Debra's retreating figure, his expression darkening. Joe approached cautiously and said, "Sir, Mr. Hardy is still waiting upstairs.""Tell me what happened tonight in detail," Juan said, regaining his composure.He was unaware that Melody had de
"Go handle it. I want to see the results tomorrow.""Yes, sir."Juan headed upstairs. Pedro, who had been anxiously waiting in the study room, hurried up. "I'm sorry about what happened to Miss Blair's baby."Juan cut him off. "I don't want today's events to get out. You should understand that."Pedro nodded repeatedly. "Family troubles shouldn't be aired out. I get it."Juan added, "I want you to arrest Shelia tomorrow."About to agree, Pedro paused and then looked up in confusion. "What?"He thought he had misheard. "Mr. Nichols, technically speaking, causing a miscarriage intentionally isn't a criminal act. If we're to arrest someone, there's no solid reason. Plus, you mentioned not wanting today's events to be known. If we arrest her, it will cause a stir.'Juan's gaze was unyielding. "She caused a scene at my place today, framing Debra. You just need to make a big show of arresting her. Don't worry about the rest. You can even release her on the same day."Pedro hesitat
It was late at night when Edgar returned to the hospital room after sending Declan away.Shelia was lying on the bed, with her eyes closed. Her face was an unsettling shade of pale."Stop pretending to be asleep," Edgar said, grabbing her arm.Shelia gasped in pain, her eyes flying open. "I-I did what you said. Please, spare me."Edgar's eyes were cold and unforgiving. "You fool. You ruined my plan. How dare you ask me to spare you?"He released Shelia's arm, and she recoiled, her face contorting with pain and fear. "What are you talking about? My child is gone. Debra pushed me down the stairs. Everyone saw it."Edgar scoffed, "You're so clueless. Do you think Debra is as stupid as you? She had already planned for this. Now everyone knows you tried to frame her and ended up killing your own child. Declan is utterly disappointed in you, and Melody would love to see you dead. Debra will come after you too. You've offended so many people. Even if I spare you, they will not."Shelia
"I didn't come here to hear your explanation.""Juan.""If Debra hadn't asked me to check on you, I would never have come."Shelia froze, but she didn't think Debra would be that kind. She believed Debra had sent Juan there to laugh at her.Shelia bit her lip. "I was forced into this. Who would kill their child? It was Edgar who pressured me. He asked me to frame Debra, and I didn't dare disobey him."Juan watched coldly. He had once been fooled by her acts of kindness and weakness, but now he saw her for what she truly was. He had no more pity left for her."I don't care what your relationship with Edgar is or what he's plotting. I will not allow anyone to target Debra. Otherwise, I will make sure you pay."His expression made it clear he was serious, and her face turned pale."Juan, we're a couple."She tried to play the emotional card, but Juan's dangerous glance silenced her. She quickly changed her approach."I was wrong. Could you please forgive me and help me? I failed
Tears welled up in Shelia's eyes.For years, she had been the epitome of obedience and docility by Juan's side. He had once showered her with affection, making her feel like she was on top of the world. But now, that love had been cruelly withdrawn, leaving her in a state of despair."You know best what happened that night."Juan clenched his fists, regret coursing through him. He had shown Shelia sympathy, and in a moment of weakness, he had fallen into her trap, losing his chance with Debra.He knew Debra would never forgive him. There was no way she could accept him now."You used to dote on me so much," Shelia choked out. "When I said I was tired from studying, you'd take me out to relax, even if you were busy. When I said I was hungry, you'd send Joe to take me out for a meal. You introduced me to all the big shots in business and taught me how to handle myself. I've been with you for so many years, even longer than Debra has known you. So, why are you treating me like this?"
The next morning, Debra woke up in her apartment to see some news notifications.The headlines were ablaze with reports that Shelia, who had just suffered a miscarriage, had been taken from the hospital to the police station under public scrutiny.The city was abuzz with speculation about the truth behind Shelia's miscarriage and her subsequent arrest. Many speculated that Juan, still hung up on Shelia, had spent a fortune to bail her out.Debra's phone chimed with an incoming call. She picked it up to see Erica's name flashing on the screen."Debra, I'm at the Nichols Group headquarters with a hoe. Do you want to join me?""What?"Debra's head was still groggy, and she struggled to catch up. When the information sank in, she jumped out of bed, quickly getting dressed as she replied, "Don't act rashly. I'm on my way."Marion had been busy with family matters and had been called away by Caleb, leaving Erica to her own devices.In Seamar City, there was nothing Erica couldn't do.
'Shelia has lost her child, and Juan, who once cared for her, might soften upon seeing her grief," Debra thought.Just then, several employees of the Nichols Group passed by, whispering to each other."Did you hear? Mr. Nichols and Miss Blair are getting engaged.""For real? I thought it was just a rumor.""Totally real. I overheard it in the meeting room today. Mr. Nichols really is going to get engaged to Miss Blair.""But why would they get engaged after losing the child? What's Mr. Nichols thinking?"...The chatter reached the ears of Erica and Randy, who both turned to look at Debra.Debra, however, seemed unperturbed. "Let's go to my place.""Okay," Erica replied, her voice filled with worry.She knew that Debra had once adored Juan, and their impending divorce was a hot topic in Seamar City. She couldn't help but feel anxious about how Debra was handling the news.In her car, Debra pulled out her phone and called Ben."Madam.""Send another copy of the divorce agre
Melody's voice trembled with anger and disbelief. "At least, Debra didn't kill my great-grandson, unlike Shelia. I've already been more than lenient by not sending her to prison. Yet you bailed her out. How can you be so foolish? I trained you for so many years. Why are you still stubborn?"Juan remained composed, looking at her without a word.Sophie came up to advise him, "Sir, you know Miss Miles' character. She went as far as killing her child. How could you..."Juan cut her off. "I've made my decision. I will take responsibility for Shelia. I'll get engaged to her and take care of her for life."Melody stumbled, her hand clutching her chest as if she might collapse. Sophie rushed to her side, offering support."How could I have a grandson like you?"Juan ignored her outburst, turning away and heading upstairs.Across town in his office, Edgar watched the news on the TV and kicked over the table."What's going on?" he barked.Chace bowed his head, replying, "Sir, I don't k
"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
Under the cover of the night, Liza slipped out with her suitcase.When Randy sent someone to take Liza to the airport, they found her room empty."Did you check the surveillance footage?" Debra asked upon hearing the news."An hour ago, she left with her suitcase," Erica replied.Randy sighed, "She just can't stay put. Going home was the best choice for her."Debra wasn't so worried about it. "Cancel the ticket. No matter where she goes, she won't be in danger.""Why not?" Erica was puzzled."She's Liza Eaton. Most people won't dare touch her. And since she's Fermin's sister, Jeffrey won't harm her. Just have someone follow her and make sure she gets back to Fermin."Erica sighed, "Now we have to clean up her mess. Doesn't she ever use her brain? If Fermin listened to her, he wouldn't have shot you in the first place.""What can we do? She's a rich girl who has never known real hardship." Randy shrugged, turning to Debra. "I'll let my people follow her.""Good," Debra replied
Randy didn't argue with Liza, knowing it was Bert's trick to comfort her.But everyone else there could see the truth.Fermin must have cracked under the pressure of growing up in the Eaton family and developed a second personality.Debra still felt something was off. The Eaton family had been keeping this whole thing under wraps. There had to be more to it.Erica muttered, "No wonder the media never reported anything about twins. Turns out Garland doesn't even exist."Liza sighed, "I've told you everything I know. I just want to apologize on Fermin's behalf. Debra, I don't think he really wanted to kill you. He..." "He was just blinded by greed and desperate to find the treasure?" Randy chimed in.Liza hung her head. Given the influence of the Eaton family, they didn't need any treasure. With the time and effort spent searching for it, they could've closed countless big deals.And yet, Fermin still went ahead with it.Debra concluded, "It doesn't matter why he did it. Fermi
Marion and Debra came down the stairs hand in hand.Randy teased, "Well, well, look who finally decided to get out of bed."Marion tossed an apple to him. Randy caught it and wiped it on his shirt. "Hey, don't waste food."Debra noticed Oscar, Chace, Theda, and Robert were all there. She stepped forward and said, "It's rare to see everyone together like this."Drake said, "Thanks to you, we're all on the same team now."Erica frowned. "We chose to be on this team."Drake shrugged. "I was speaking the truth."Just then, Liza quietly came downstairs. Everyone fell silent."Debra, I'm sorry. I didn't know Fermin would shoot at you," she muttered."I kept him close. It's not your fault," Debra replied."I thought he wouldn't show up," Liza said, her voice trailing off."I'm not mad at you. But I want to know more about his condition," Debra replied.Liza lowered her head and began to explain, "Actually, I had two brothers. My mom was pregnant with twins. One of them died, but h
Marion looked at the bandages on the table. "Weren't you just crying from the pain a second ago?""It doesn't hurt when I remove it myself. But when you do it in front of me, I feel bad and want to cry," Debra replied.Marion didn't know what to say. He sprinkled some medicine on her wound, and she immediately felt a cool, soothing sensation."Did you used to eat candy when you were hurt?""No.""Huh?""I don't like sweet stuff. It's Drake. We used to go on missions together. He was hot-tempered and often got hurt. He didn't bother carrying any candy, so he'd always stuff it in my pocket. I didn't know if it worked or not, but it seemed to help him.""No wonder.""There you go. Just rest for now. Don't think about anything.""Alright." Debra lay down but poked her head out from under the blanket. "Aren't you curious about how I made it back?""I don't want to ask.""Why?"Everyone else had been eager to know.She noticed his frown and said, "Actually, it was..."Marion qu