'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
"But if we do that, what we've been doing might not stay hidden," Chace reasoned.They all knew Shelia wasn't truly Declan's daughter. If Declan learned about the truth, all their efforts would be for naught.Edgar understood the risks but wasn't about to let Juan emerge as the ultimate winner."There's always a backup plan.""You mean...""Go get the car. We're going to see Declan.""Understood."When they arrived at the Blair family's residence, the security guard immediately recognized Edgar's vehicle and hurried over to greet them."Mr. Odom, bad timing. Mr. Blair isn't home today."Edgar rolled down the window from the back seat. "Where did he go?"The guard hesitated. "Uh, we're not sure.""What about Miss Blair?""She went out with Mr. Blair and hasn't returned yet."The guard's expression said it all.Edgar noticed the lights on in the house. Shelia and Declan were seated in the living room, and Juan was with them. They seemed to be enjoying each other's company l
After having dinner at the Blair family's house, Juan left and got into his car.Joe said, "Marion has booked the place.""Then let's go," Juan replied, his eyes gleaming with a cold determination.He had been wanting to have a serious talk with Marion, and tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity.The car pulled up to the nightclub. Marion had rented out the entire place. The manager, recognizing Juan, immediately approached him with a fawning smile and led him to the most luxurious private room at the back.The hallway was lined with Marion's men, their presence a clear display of power.Joe muttered, "What does Marion want? Is he trying to show off?"Juan remained silent. For years, Seamar City had been his territory, but with Caleb's retirement and Marion's rise, the dynamics had shifted.The city was now a formidable three-way standoff between Juan, Marion, and the elusive Tracy, who never appeared in public.In the private room, Marion sat on the couch, a defiant sm
Marion smirked. "As I said, I have ways to deal with anyone trying to hurt Debra. How about you take a guess at what I've been up to these days, running around all over the place?"It took only a moment for Juan to realize the implication behind Marion's words. His eyes narrowed as he said, "You're the one who cut off our key funding chains?"Recently, major partners and overseas suppliers had suddenly come to a halt. Payments were delayed, and if it weren't for the Nichols family's reserve funds, their business would have ground to a standstill.Juan had initially thought this was due to the McKinney Group's impact, causing hesitation among partners and suppliers. He hadn't expected Marion to be involved.Marion's smile widened. "Every business has some dirty work to handle. You should remember what the Houston family used to do, and you shouldn't have forgotten what I used to do either."Juan clenched his fists. Few had dared to threaten him so openly. "Marion, have you thought
Debra woke up from a dream of her past life.In her dream, Seamar City had eventually become Marion's domain. She rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the lingering images. She dismissed it as just another ordinary dream.The morning sunlight streamed through her window, and she saw several missed calls on her phone.She called Ben back, and he said, "Madam, Mr. Cameron wants to see you.""Now?""Yes, he called you last night, but you didn't answer.""I see," Debra said. "Did he say why he wanted me there?""It seems to be about the trainee program."After leaving Potter Entertainment, Debra announced her new role as General Manager of McKinney Group.It was no surprise that Henry was anxious. Without Juan's sponsorship, most of the trainees had canceled their contracts, leaving him facing massive compensation fees to the production team. It was likely that Edgar's investment had already gone down the drain.At noon, Debra walked into the office building of Potter Entertai
Ashley strode towards Debra, enveloping her hand in a warm, affectionate grasp. "Ms. Frazier, we've both been in the trenches together as trainees. You know Eve, so please, don't take this the wrong way.Anyone with a pulse in the industry knew Debra wasn't someone to be underestimated. Though she held the title of general manager at the McKinney Group, whispers of her special relationship with Tracy, the group's real master, had long since spread like wildfire.The recent parade of luxury cars ferrying Debra around only served to fuel Ashley's suspicion that Debra and Tracy were entangled in a romantic liaison.Debra, however, swiftly extricated her hand from Ashley's grip, leaving the latter awkwardly suspended in mid-air.Henry stepped in, his voice dripping with sycophantic charm."Ms. Frazier, why don't we head upstairs and have a little chat? After you," he gestured, as if ushering royalty.Eve, witnessing her father's groveling display, felt a hot surge of anger and anxiet
Henry swiftly read between the lines of Debra's words. He gave a firm nod and said, "I get the picture, Ms. Frazier. Consider it done.""Excellent," Debra replied, rising from her seat. "Freya is chomping at the bit to debut, but the truth is, Potter Entertainment doesn't have the resources to make it happen. I trust you grasp the sensitivity of the matter."Henry met her gaze steadily. "Leave it to me. I'll keep the trainees in line."Debra nodded, satisfied. "I'll be heading back. Don't worry. Your position here is secure.""Understood, Ms. Frazier. Let me show you out," Henry said, gesturing towards the door.Outside the meeting room, Eve watched the exchange, her jaw clenched tight enough to crack walnuts.Ashley, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, leaned in and whispered, "How does Debra still wield so much power? I heard Juan is about to get engaged to Miss Blair. Debra's not Mrs. Nichols anymore, so why is your father bending over backward for her?"Eve's e