Eve was delighted. "With your silver tongue, if I do manage to win Mr. McKinney's heart and marry him, I'll make sure you get your shot at stardom.Ashley's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Eve, you're an absolute doll!"Eve, accustomed to Ashley's honeyed words, barely registered the compliment. Her gaze sharpened as she spotted Debra entering the house."You, over there. Come here," she commanded.Joe, who had been searching for Debra at Juan's behest, paused mid-stride as Eve intercepted him. As Juan's secretary, only Juan and Melody held sway over him.Maintaining a diplomatic tone, he responded, "Good evening, Miss. Is there something I can assist you with?"Eve snorted, "Debra is just a lowly manager from the McKinney Group. What makes her worthy of being here? Have someone remove her. She's sullying the atmosphere."Eve's imperious tone made it clear she mistook Joe for a mere butler. Ashley, ever the opportunist, fanned the flames. "Exactly. This is the Nichols fa
"Indeed, Ms. Frazier," Joe acknowledged with a slight bow.He flicked his gaze at a maid standing nearby. The maid sprang into action, stepping forward and splashing a glass of ice-cold water onto Eve's face.Eve gasped, her makeup streaking down her now-drenched face. Her expression darkened like a storm cloud."Have you all gone mad? I am a guest here. How dare you treat me this way?""The Nichols family has no interest in hosting ill-bred guests. Besides, we have no record of you." Joe regarded Eve with an icy stare, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had pulled strings through her father's connections to secure an invitation. Normally, this kind of grand event was beyond their reach.Feeling the weight of countless eyes on her, Eve gritted her teeth. "Regardless, I am still a guest. Even if I've erred, it is Mr. Nichols' place to reprimand me, not yours. You're just a secretary. Since when do you have the authority to act like this?"Ashley immediately echoed he
Eve hadn't even laid eyes on Tracy before the security guards manhandled her like a ragdoll.In the blink of an eye, a man in a crisp butler's uniform stood before her. Eve wrenched herself free from the guards' grasp, her voice shaking with rage and humiliation. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on me?"She frantically brushed at her clothes, as if their touch had left a stain. "You must be the butler. I demand to see Mr. Nichols. He should know how his staff is treating his guests."She was a rich lady, and no one had disrespected her like this before.The butler looked down his nose at her, his voice dripping with disdain. "Mr. Nichols is not for anyone to see."He signaled the guards with a flick of his wrist. "Miss Blair has expressed her displeasure with this outfit. Remove it.""Yes, sir."The guards advanced on Eve, their hands grabbing at her designer dress. She paled, her eyes wide with terror. The sound of ripping fabric filled the air as her haute couture gown was
Debra and Juan were to maintain the facade of a happy couple in public.Post-divorce, neither could have any lingering claims. She was explicitly forbidden from tarnishing the Nichols family's name. And to keep up appearances, neither party could remarry within a year.She couldn't help but laugh. "Juan, this is absurd.""I've already signed," Juan stated, his voice as unyielding as stone. "These are my conditions. Meet them, and you'll receive a ten-billion-dollar settlement."Debra knew Juan's resolve was set in stone. This was the biggest compromise he could make."And what about Shelia? Today's supposed to be your engagement announcement.""I never said today was about an engagement."Realization dawned on her like a harsh light. Juan wasn't planning to announce his engagement to Shelia. He was staging a reconciliation with her instead.Her brows furrowed. "What's your endgame, Juan?""That's not your concern. Leave it or take it."Debra stared at the agreement, the weigh
The moment Edgar strode into the room, Declan's face flushed a shade of crimson.The history between the Blair and Odom families was no secret, and the Blair family's recent actions had left the Odoms smarting from public humiliation.Declan's smile was more a grimace, but with all eyes on him, he steeled himself and extended a hand. Before he could grasp Edgar's, the latter withdrew and asked, "Where's Jade?"To the casual observer, Edgar still cut the figure of a man hopelessly in love. The room buzzed with whispers as Shelia descended the staircase.Clad in a couture gown that shimmered under the chandeliers, and dripping in jewels that could fund a small nation, Shelia commanded attention.Guests flocked to her, their congratulations echoing through the marbled hall.Having attended many events with Juan in the past, she smiled politely in poise, as if she were already the future Mrs. Nichols."Dad," Shelia cooed, sidling up to Declan.He beamed with pride, patting her hand
The ladies from high society buzzed around Shelia like bees to honey, their glasses clinking in endless toasts.Ashley, eyes darting about like a hummingbird, spotted her chance and swooped in. She plucked a glass of wine from a nearby tray and offered it to Shelia with a gracious smile."Miss Blair, your reputation precedes you. I must say, the rumors don't do your beauty justice. Please, allow me to toast to you," she gushed, downing her wine in one smooth motion.Shelia raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar face. "And you are...""Ashley Steele, formerly a trainee at Potter Entertainment," she introduced herself, batting her eyelashes with practiced sincerity. "I've always admired you, Miss Blair."Shelia was unmoved by the flattery. As the newly discovered daughter, she was more accustomed to envy than admiration.Still, she played along. "A trainee at Potter Entertainment? Then you must be acquainted with Debra."The name dropped like a stone in a pond, ripples of tension spr
Ashley's words were like a grenade tossed into the midst of the gathered elite, leaving them stunned and speechless.Shelia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "I never knew Debra was like that."Ashley whispered, "Miss Blair, there's so much you don't know. Some people might look like they're cut from fine cloth, but underneath, they're just cheap polyester."The other ladies immediately voiced their disdain toward Debra and their support for Shelia."Well, after tonight, Miss Blair will be Mrs. Nichols. No matter how many men Debra warms her bed with, Mr. Nichols won't even spare her a glance.""That's right, Miss Blair. You're a rare gem, beautiful and pure. Debra, well, she's just a woman of the world. Mr. Nichols is lucky to have you.""Isn't that so? Miss Blair graduated from Arcane Academy on her merit, while Debra had to sneak in through the back door. That alone speaks volumes about her character."Shelia basked in the glow of their praise. Her smile was as radiant as
Declan's voice boomed."Today, I demand an explanation. What have you done to Jade? She was committed to marrying you and even lost a child over you. Is this how you repay her?"His outburst was met with Juan's cold stare. It sent a shiver down his spine.The weight of Juan's presence pressed down on him."Juan, you promised me that we would get engaged. Why? Did Ms. Frazier say something to you?" Shelia sobbed.Her eyes already rimmed red, she turned to Debra. "Ms. Frazier, if I have ever wronged you, please forgive me. I beg you, don't take my Juan away. I can't live without him."Her voice trailed off as she swayed, collapsing into Declan's arms. He staggered, barely managing to keep them both upright.Summoning his courage, Declan addressed Juan, "Mr. Nichols, look at my daughter. Don't you owe us an explanation?"All eyes were on Juan. He took Debra's hand, his voice steady and clear. "I never intended to divorce Debra. As for the rumors of an engagement with Miss Blair, I
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju
Debra's heart sank.Back when she'd teamed up with Michael, she had nothing, offering him Frazier Entertainment shares to seal the deal. Later, Frazier Entertainment merged into the McKinney Group, and she handed it off to him.To keep her identity hidden, she'd tossed him more shares. With Frazier Entertainment, he'd racked up 30%.She'd thought he deserved it. For two years, he'd run the show plenty. She'd never seen this coming."Madam, you there?" Ben's voice shook.This was huge and should stay quiet. Otherwise, the company would fall into chaos.Debra's blood ran cold. She hadn't expected Michael to go so far."I'll be there soon," she said, hanging up.She turned to Marion. "Michael scooped up loose shares. He's gunning for a vote as top shareholder."Over 40% wasn't half, but it made him the biggest player. Calling a vote was his right.Debra only had 40%. If 10% of the rest sided with Michael, he could oust her."Don't sweat it," Marion said. "We'll hit it together.
That shut everyone up.If Jordan was right, Drake was gambling with his neck."That's too risky. I've gotta drag him back." Debra spun to leave.Erica grabbed her. "Jordan's guys are on it. They'll ping us if they find him. You can't go out like this and become their target.""I'm not their focus anymore," Debra said. "They'll zero in on Drake."She looked at Marion. "Get your people searching. We need his trail fast, or he's dead."Once the Illuminati squeezed the stone's location out of Drake, they'd kill him.Orkgate was now controlled by Lara. Drake had no other value for them."On it," Marion said.They split up. Erica and Randy tapped their networks."Debra, don't freak," Jordan said. "Drake is not dumb. Injured like that, he couldn't have gone far. As long as he keeps that secret, they won't kill him."Debra nodded. "Hope he doesn't do anything stupid."She should've seen it coming. A proud guy like Drake couldn't handle being down for so long.His injuries were bru
Outside their room, Drake froze mid-knock.His head was down, and his expression was hidden. Eventually, his hand dropped, and he sighed.He turned around and shuffled downstairs, leaning on the wall. He was a broken mess now, unwilling to drag them down....Debra woke up the next morning, reaching for Marion.He wasn't there. She bolted upright, threw off the covers, and ran barefoot downstairs, shouting, "Marion?"In the hall, Marion and Jordan turned as she stumbled in, still in her pajamas.Marion rushed up, slipping off his slippers for her. "What's with the panic?""I didn't see you." She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought you'd...""Any luck?" Jordan asked Kale, who'd just walked in.Kale shook his head. "Not yet.""What's up?" Debra asked, clocking everyone's grim faces."Drake's gone," Marion said. "No note, nothing. We're looking.""Did the cameras catch anything? Could it be the Illuminati...""Not them. He walked out himself.""Why the hell would he just up a
Debra jolted awake from a nightmare, her forehead slick with sweat."Still torn up about Michael?" Marion's voice came from beside her.She settled into his arms, finally feeling a little relieved. These past two months, they'd faced everything alone. She hadn't curled up with him like this in forever."It's my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't trusted Michael so much, the Eaton family wouldn't have been a mess. Mr. Eaton Sr. wouldn't have been in the hospital.""It's your fault," Marion said, patting her back. "Even without your trust, the Illuminati would've found a way in. That was their goal.""I just can't wrap my head around why Michael's one of them," she said.She'd spent all night recalling the past, from meeting Michael to building the McKinney Group with him. He was key to its success, but everything had been a lie."Maybe he was never with us," Marion said. "The Illuminati's everywhere. Didn't you check his background when you teamed up?""I..." Debra faltered.S