"Hey, that's my 98-inch Ultra HD TV!" Randy lamented, turning to Marion, and grumbled, "What is wrong with you? It accompanied me for countless days and nights. Just because you were in a bad mood, you broke it. You're simply...""I'll compensate you," Marion interjected.Randy sniffled, changing his tone. "You're simply rich."Marion had no mood for this banter. Randy continued, "Debra was so affectionate with her husband on TV. Does that bother you? Honestly, you should give up on her.""That's just for show.""She even purposely got close to Jordan at school. Is that also for show?""I saw that coming," Marion replied nonchalantly.He knew Debra wouldn't let such a valuable magnet slip by.Sure enough, in just a few days, Jordan and Debra had become acquainted, and the Potter family had even subtly helped Debra handle this matter. It was not merely for the sake of their reputation.They had every reason to distance themselves and smear Debra.After all, she was Juan's wife
Juan never guarded against Melody, who had brought him up.But Debra knew what Melody was capable of.In her previous life, her marriage to Juan was orchestrated by Melody.Melody had tampered with the wine without telling her.That was why she had avoided drinking earlier.After searching fruitlessly, Debra was filled with doubt. "Could it be my imagination?"In the dead of night, she tossed and turned in bed, faintly hearing movement downstairs.Since he started coming back often, Juan had cleaned up a guest room, and they had been sleeping in separate rooms like before.Debra pushed open the door and found the light in the kitchen on.She went down the stairs and saw Juan in a loose bathrobe, drinking cold water from the fridge."Juan?" she called out softly.In the dim light, she vaguely saw him stiffen."Why are you out here?" he said, his voice hoarse. "Go back!"His cheeks were unnaturally flushed, and she could tell something was wrong.Panic clawed at Debra's thr
Debra swiftly pulled out a stun gun as Juan was about to tear her clothes.Juan collapsed on the floor, his face flushed red.Rubbing her temples, Debra muttered to herself, "If this isn't handled properly, it could affect his health."Dragging Juan towards the bathroom, Debra drew a tub of cold water. After confirming it wouldn't be lethal, she started removing Juan's clothes.But just then, Juan opened his eyes.Debra froze in mid-motion. 'Damn! Looks like the stun gun isn't strong enough.'"Listen, I'm trying to help you, nothing more," she said, raising her hands high.The effects of the drug still lingered, but the shock had jolted Juan awake a bit."Get out!" he croaked.Debra ran out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.Soon, the sound of running water filled the bathroom.Seizing the opportunity, Debra went upstairs. As she reached the guest room, a strange fragrance greeted her.It was mixed with the aroma of the essential oil Juan often used for better sl
"Really?" Carrie's eyes lit up, but soon she deflated. "Someone so impressive wouldn't be interested in me. I wonder why he's here at our school. Can't be to pick up his girlfriend, right?"Shelia quickly thought of Debra.At the auction, Marion had defended Debra, so something might be going on between them.Sure enough, after Debra and Randy came out of Building #2, they headed towards Marion's car together.Marion even courteously opened the car door for Debra.This scene left Carrie stunned. "Isn't she a mistress trying to steal your boyfriend? How come she's getting into someone else's car? Does she know Mr. Houston? Unbelievable!"Shelia felt jealous. 'Why does Debra always have men surrounding her?'Inside the car, Randy naturally took on the role of the driver."You called me over so urgently. Did you find out who anonymously spread the rumors?"Marion was always so efficient."The ID was newly registered, but we managed to track down her IP.""Where is it?""Right
"Marion, are you crazy? How could that piece of sewage area be worth billions?"Even if they used it to launder money, it wouldn't be worth ten billion dollars.Randy gestured as if to pat Marion's forehead, but Marion swatted his hand aside. "The municipality has issued a document.""What kind?" Randy scratched his head, clueless.Debra explained, "For urban environmental protection and greening, the municipality will fund the redevelopment of all sewage areas. So, this place will soon become a greenbelt, and I won't need to spend a dime.""For real?" Randy was skeptical."Additionally, I'll receive a two-billion-dollar subsidy for corporate development," Debra said."What?" Randy stood up from his chair.Marion calmly added, "Moreover, the surrounding land was owned by the real estate tycoon, Mr. Stephen. For this conversion, he has started a new project to transform the area into high-end residential and commercial developments.""Are we talking about a major redevelopment
Debra, who had kept her phone on mute the whole way, took it out and saw two missed calls from Ralph.She raised an eyebrow. "He sure finds out things fast."Randy asked curiously, "Who is it?""My uncle," Debra replied. "Looks like I won't be going back to school today. Could you guys take me to his home?"They understood what she meant.Ralph wanted a piece of the cake."I'll take you there," Marion said.Debra was surprised.Marion didn't have to do this for her."What? You don't trust my driving skills?""How could I? I just feel bad troubling you so many times."Randy couldn't hold back a laugh. "Really?""I'll never forget your help," she said, glad to have Marion escort her.Marion drove her to the Frazier family's house and even opened the car door for her.Word of this quickly reached Rosalie's ears.Rosalie couldn't believe it. "Who did you say? Marion Houston?"The servant nodded.Ralph heard it and asked, "What's going on? Marion is here? We've never offend
Rosalie was not happy about the revelation, but she didn't think Debra would reject Ralph's request.That was a piece of land measuring 60 thousand square meters.She didn't want Debra to benefit from it.Debra feigned surprise. "Green zone? Why wasn't I informed?""Because you've never been involved in these matters. Ralph is looking out for your best interests. This large piece of land will make us rich," Rosalie said, her eyes sparkling.Anyone with brains knew the value of the land once the municipal document came through.Debra sighed, "Ralph, why didn't you tell me earlier? It's too late now.""What do you mean?" Rosalie tensed up.Ralph stammered, "You wouldn't have...""I sold it three hours ago.""What?" Rosalie exclaimed."In fact, I bought it on a whim. Later, I regretted it because it turned out to be in a sewage area. It was a hot potato I was trying to sell, but there were no buyers until Marion found me today. He wanted it, and afraid he'd change his mind, I s
"I've reserved a private room at Maple Hotel. Come on and get in the car," Marion said."Thank you!" Debra said.In the afternoon, Juan was headed to a banquet with Joe. As they passed by Arcane Academy, he glanced at the students bustling on campus, and Debra's image involuntarily came to his mind."Pull over," he said.He surprised himself by giving that command.Joe promptly pulled over and asked, "Sir, do you want to pick up Miss Miles?"Juan remained silent.Joe asked again, "Should I call Mrs. Nichols?"Juan lifted his head, his eyes cold in the rearview mirror. Joe immediately shut his mouth.At the school gate, Wendy spotted Juan's car and nudged Shelia. "Shelia, isn't that your boyfriend's car? Is he here to pick you up?"From afar, Shelia recognized the license plate and blushed at Wendy's words.Carrie teased, "Guess you can't dine with us today. Next time, you're treating.""Okay, I'll catch you guys later," Shelia chirped, hurrying towards Juan's car.It had b
Ivan grew anxious at the news.Debra took Marion's hand and said, "Let's go upstairs and order some takeout.""Sure." Marion followed her obediently.Garland thought Debra was exaggerating, but when he took a bite, a foul, fishy taste instantly filled his mouth. He could feel the fish scales dancing on his tongue."Actually, this is quite... gag... good. Keep it up... gag. I need to go upstairs for a second." He covered his mouth and rushed upstairs.The food looked good but tasted awful. Debra's earlier comments were actually mild."Wait." Liza dropped her fork and chased after him.With a poker face, Ivan walked over to the dishes he had prepared and dumped them into the trash.The time left for him was limited. He needed to speed up his plans.That afternoon, an invitation arrived at the Lowe Mansion.Kale handed it to Drake, who glanced at it briefly. "They think I'll go to every little gathering?""Boss, this invitation isn't for you," Kale reminded him.Drake frowned
The call ended abruptly, leaving Ivan to stew in his thoughts.He hadn't intended to waste time on Debra, but since it was an order from his boss, he decided to play along.By noon, Ivan had prepared a lavish lunch. The table was laden with exquisite dishes—a far cry from the simple meals Garland had grown accustomed to at the Eaton Mansion.He shook his head, marveling at the luxuries Drake enjoyed.Garland watched Ivan meticulously arrange the plates. The kid seemed clueless that Debra was toying with him.Debra descended the stairs, supporting Marion. In the meantime, Drake and Kale came down from the other side.Ivan stole a glance at Marion and quickly looked away.Debra, on the other hand, surveyed the table and commented, "Well done, Ivan.""Thank you, Mrs. Houston. I'll get back to work," Ivan replied, dutifully returning to the kitchen to clean up.Garland clicked his tongue. "Using a kid as a servant. That's a bit cruel."He sympathized with Ivan, who seemed to be a
"You figured that out?" Juan asked."I overheard," Garland replied seriously. "Don't doubt a journalist's eavesdropping skills."Juan felt helpless. "What's the kid's name?""I think it's Ivan Trennery.""Got it."As Juan was about to hang up, Garland hurriedly added, "That's it? Aren't you even a little worried?" "Since Debra brought him back, she has suspected him and is trying to keep him under watch. With Marion by her side, she won't be in any danger.""You trust your rival so much.""Are you done?" "Yeah.""Bye."Garland stared at the screen and shook his head. He couldn't understand why Juan chose to fade into the backdrop and continue to help Debra, who was now his ex-wife. There was nothing to gain.Humming a song, Debra went back to her room.Marion was lounging against the headboard of the bed. "You seem in a good mood.""You noticed?""I heard everything. You're messing with that kid. Aren't you worried he'll just quit on you?" "He wants to spy on us,
Debra came out of the study with the document and saw Ivan standing downstairs, looking lost."Ivan, you can start preparing lunch," she ordered. "But we always use fresh ingredients. You'll need to drive to the farmer's market three kilometers away for vegetables, then the seafood market 3.8 kilometers away, and finally the butcher five kilometers away for meat. Then come back and cook.""Oh, and after lunch, you'll have half an hour to clean up and do the dishes," she continued. "Then prepare our afternoon tea. At three, go buy ingredients for dinner. After dinner, you'll have an hour to clean up, prepare hot water for everyone, and heat the milk for bedtime. That should take you to around ten, which is when you'll need to start prepping for tomorrow's breakfast. The breakfast here consists of 12 dishes, so it might be a bit labor-intensive. You'll need to wake up at four to start preparing. I suggest you go to bed at ten."Ivan's brows furrowed. They had so many servants, but Deb
Grover chimed in. "Well, Ivan has always been lazy and uneducated. He probably won't be capable of the job. Maybe..."Debra interrupted smoothly, "I'm asking for Ivan's opinion.""Alright," Ivan agreed quickly.Debra smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Don't agree so quickly. I do have some conditions.""Conditions?""Well, I value loyalty above all else. Unless you can pass my test, I won't hire you.""I'm willing to take any tests."Debra saw his determination and nodded. "Recently, I needed a cook. The food at the Lowe Mansion doesn't suit my taste. If you can cook meals to my liking, you'll be an employee of the McKinney Group. I will never treat you unfairly.""Got it.""Alright, shall we go? I need a reliable driver too."Grover was dumbfounded. He had never seen anything like that before.Ivan followed Debra out without hesitation, even opening the car door for her with an air of professionalism.Inside the car, the driver was baffled.Back at the Lowe Mansion,
Grover panicked. "Did my son offend you, Mrs. Houston?""Why don't we go inside and talk?" Debra suggested.Grover nodded eagerly and ushered Debra and her entourage into the house.Following behind Debra, Grover explained anxiously, "Ivan is young and ignorant. If he has offended you in any way, I hope you can forgive him.""It's not a big deal," Debra said casually. "He just cut my brake lines, punctured my gas tank, threw a lighter into it, and almost blew me up. That's all.""What?" Grover stumbled, nearly falling to the ground.That was a near-fatal offense."Get that brat down here," he barked, his voice shaking with anger and fear.The maid hurried upstairs to fetch Ivan. Moments later, he reluctantly came out, fidgeting at the sight of Debra."Get over here." Grover dragged him to stand in front of Debra.Debra rested her chin on her hand. "The car he messed with doesn't belong to me; it belongs to Mr. Lowe. He has a bit of a cleanliness obsession and doesn't like his
"Alright, sweet-talker." Debra looked up at Marion. "So, what do you think I should do next?""They want your life," Marion replied seriously. "This time they failed, but they'll likely try to get closer to you and seek another chance.""I feel the same way," Debra murmured, her brow furrowing. "They've been going around in circles only for the share transfer agreement. Theda was fine when she had it, but they won't let me have it.""It seems like they're afraid of our momentum," Marion said."Hopefully, through the visit, I can figure out who is behind the Trennery family.""Good luck.""Thanks."Debra left the Lowe Mansion and spotted a car outside.The driver got out and approached her with a polite smile. "Mr. Lowe arranged a car for you, Mrs. Houston. I'm here to take you to the Trennery Mansion."Debra glanced at the car and the bodyguards surrounding it.She raised an eyebrow. "How long have you been standing here?""Not long, just about an hour.""An hour?""Mr. Lo
Drake chewed over her words and nodded."Alright. Can I go back to sleep now?" Debra said."Go ahead." Drake waved her off but soon called out, "Hold on.""What else?""Did Theda give you the share transfer agreement?""Yes, she did.""I'm buying those shares."...After leaving the Lowe Mansion, Ivan got into a black sedan. His previously meek demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold, disdainful expression. "Debra isn't so hard to fool after all."The driver pulled his cap low, cautioning, "Our boss said not to underestimate her. She's cunning and might already suspect you."Ivan scoffed, "If she suspected me, would she have let me go? She's not that clever. Without Marion protecting her, she wouldn't have gotten this far.""You're young and inexperienced," the driver insisted. "You can't judge a book by its cover. Do your best to gain her trust and be our eyes and ears."Ivan bristled, "Don't talk to me like a senior. You're my underling here.""I'm just looking out for you
Debra straightened up. "You said you got the wrong car. Which car were you originally after?""I..." Ivan hesitated.Drake was eager to kick him. "Answer the question.""It was my stepmother's car. I'm sorry.""That's attempted murder. Don't you know?" Debra said."I didn't think that much.""So, no one put you up to this?"Ivan shook his head. "I'm willing to pay for the damage.""Alright," Debra said coolly. "I'll be coming to collect that money."Ivan swallowed nervously but agreed.Debra paused as something occurred to her. "Oh, the gas tank and the lighter too.""No, that wasn't me," Ivan replied in a shaky voice.Debra nodded. "That's all. Take him away.""Wait," Drake interjected. "We finally caught the guy, and you're just going to let him go? My gut tells me he's lying. He stays until I get the truth out of him.""I'm the victim here. I'm letting him go," Debra said, winking at him.Knowing that look too well, Drake ordered his men to take Ivan away.Holding ba