Andrew's car pulled up outside the apartment building.Debra got out with a heavy heart. When she reached the entrance, the security guard hurried over, his voice urgent."Ms. Frazier.""What's up?""You've got a visitor. He's been here for over an hour," the guard said, jerking his thumb toward the reception room.Through the glass, Debra saw Marion sitting inside."I don't know him. Tell him to leave.""Okay."The guard nodded, starting to turn away before Debra's voice stopped him. "Wait.""Ma'am?""Let him in."The guard blinked, thinking he had heard wrong."Ms. Frazier, if he is bothering you, we can help you drive him away.""No, he's my boyfriend.""Huh?"The guard's jaw dropped. He glanced down at his phone, where a news alert blared the reconciliation between Juan and Debra.However, the one in the reception room didn't look like Juan.He scratched his head and went back. "Mr. Nichols, your wife will see you now.""What did you call me?""Mr. Nichols?"Mar
Marion's brows knitted together as he spoke softly."I'll tell you everything you want to know. No more secrets."He cradled her face in his hands and planted a soft kiss on her forehead."There's nothing and no one more important to me than you. But there's something I need to do.""Andrew told me you were investigating your parents' deaths.""Not just that.""What else?""Your parents too."Debra squeezed her hands and asked nervously, "Who killed my parents?"Marion looked into her eyes and then glanced away."What did Andrew tell you?""He said he didn't know. But I didn't buy it. The Potter family has the best intelligence network in Seamar City. There's no way he doesn't know who the killer is.""He just wanted me to be the one to tell you.""How thoughtful! It seems like he genuinely wants to help us reconcile.""It seems I owe him a proper thanks."The pot in the kitchen began to boil over. Marion patted Debra's head gently."Wait in the living room. I'll tell y
The gambling debt was just the tip of the iceberg. It seems that Ralph has been a pawn in a much larger game. The organization behind it failed to sway your father, so they targeted Ralph.""Under Ralph's leadership, our family has been on a downward spiral," Debra mused. "Was their goal to destroy us?"Looking back, the Frazier family's decline began with Ralph. His gambling debts had nearly wiped out their centuries-old fortune.The organization had orchestrated it masterfully, swallowing the Frazier family's business in just a few years. It was chilling."The evidence we have now points to Ralph bribing a driver, Jaycob Ewing, to cause a fatal crash. But with Jaycob and your parents dead, there's no concrete proof. Who would suspect a bribe that led to the driver's own death? It seems unreasonable."Marion paused and added, "Andrew's people found Jaycob's son, who had leukemia. Jaycob took the bribe because he desperately needed money for the surgery. It was a matter of life an
"That can wait," Debra said, turning to leave.Marion swept her off her feet and carried her towards the bedroom. Debra's face flushed with irritation."Marion, put me down.""No way.""Don't be a jerk.""I'm never a gentleman."Debra's protests died on her lips as she was gently deposited onto the bed. Marion's kiss was soft, yet it ignited a fire within him. He brushed his lips against her cheek, his voice a low rumble."Let me stay with you tonight. I won't touch you.""Not touch me? Then what are you doing now?"She pushed him away, turning her back to him. Marion wrapped his arms around her from behind, his breath warm on her neck. "I'm just kissing you, nothing more."Debra felt a sense of déjà vu and sighed. "Fine. But if you touch me tonight, you won't be in my bed again."Marion's body tensed, and Debra could feel the battle raging within him. Satisfied with her teasing, she closed her eyes.Marion held her tighter, his desire a war he was determined to win. He kis
Marion stood outside the bathroom, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.After Debra came out, he drove her straight to the prison, where Pedro was already waiting.Pedro led them inside. "We keep all personal items in storage. Since you're here to see Mr. Frazier's belongings, I'll have them brought out immediately."A guard approached, depositing a tray on the table. On it lay a meager collection of items: a set of clothes, a wallet, and a car key.Debra frowned. "Is this all there is?"Pedro nodded. "That's everything."Debra's brows furrowed as she touched the clothes Ralph had worn upon his arrest. Suddenly, her fingers caught on something hard. She flipped the jacket over, revealing a faint outline on the chest area.A dense seam formed a small square, almost invisible to the naked eye. She tore it open, and an old key tumbled out."Yes, this is it," Debra murmured, recalling the lock the key fit perfectly."Glad you found what you were looking for," Pedro said.
Ralph took a deep breath."Yes, the key is mine. It's just a regular key to the warehouse. Nothing valuable.""To the warehouse or the ancestral hall?"Ralph's expression shifted, and Debra pressed on."I don't want to beat around the bush. Did you steal the key from my father?""Preposterous! He gave it to me."Ralph stood up in agitation, but Marion stared him down."Sit down."Ralph's bravado deflated like a punctured balloon, and he timidly sat back down."Debra, even though I did bad things, I'm still your uncle. How could I steal from my own brother?""To pay off gambling debts, what wouldn't you do? If you could harm me, you might not hesitate to harm my father."Ralph's face darkened. "What do you mean? Suspect that I was responsible for his death?"Marion's voice was like thunder, his expression stormy. "It seems you won't speak honestly."Ralph was frightened, gritting his teeth. "Fine, whatever you think. I won't be able to get out anyway. Put the blame on me. I
The Frazier family, with its wealth and prestige, was governed by ironclad rules.Debra knew her father was a man of principle, unyielding even for his brother. Ralph's gambling was more than a personal failing. It was a rot that could harm the entire family. And it did.Ralph's face contorted with anger, his silence a damning confession.Debra pressed on. "I'm asking you one last time. Did you kill my father?"Ralph lost his nerves and shouted, "Yes. I did it. He was so stubborn. He found out about my gambling and decided to cast me out. I'm his brother. I just needed to borrow money, but he scolded me and threw me out. That's my family too. Why was he so harsh to me?""You were gambling, and my father kicked you out according to family rules. He did nothing wrong. Look at what you've done to the Frazier family. And you killed my father for that?"Hearing the truth from Ralph's mouth was a bitter pill to swallow. For years, he had been a second father to her. Betrayal stung like
Ralph's expression turned to stone as Debra's words landed like a physical blow."Your greed is one thing," she said. "But now you're dragging the entire Frazier family down with your idiocy. I think my dad was right to cut you off."Ralph slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. "Who are you to lecture me?"Before Ralph could take another breath, Marion was on his feet, the prison cell door swinging open. Ralph's anger dissolved like smoke in the wind as Marion placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat.Marion warned coldly, "Behave yourself and ask the questions."Ralph squirmed, his eyes darting around the room. "This is a prison. If you lay a finger on me, that's illegal."Marion's grip tightened, his fingers digging into Ralph's shoulder like a vise. Ralph cried out in pain, his face contorting. "Help! Anyone there?"Marion leaned in, his voice a low growl. "There are no cameras here. Without my orders, no one will come in to save you. B
Josh had booked the most expensive presidential suite.When Debra walked in with him, Josh went over to the table and asked, "Want a drink? I noticed you haven't really had much to drink tonight.""No thanks." Debra sat down on the couch and took off her other earring, placing it on the table. "I'll buy you for the night. You don't have to do anything. Just stay in this room and don't go out."Josh was puzzled. "What do you mean?""I mean, you can go to sleep now," Debra replied. "I don't like sleeping on the couch, so you'll be sleeping there tonight."Josh gaped. "You're spending all this money just for me to sleep on the couch?"He couldn't believe his ears. The rich ladies usually lined up to date him. Yet Debra wanted nothing from him."Not really," she replied, walking over to him. "Take off your shirt."Josh paused and complied.His figure was seductive. Debra smiled, clearly pleased with what she saw.Josh thought she was just playing hard to get, so he leaned in towa
It wasn't surprising that Debra took a liking to Josh.Josh followed her out of the club, his steps a little hesitant.Debra raised a hand, and for some reason, that simple gesture made Josh feel like a nervous rookie on his first day of work."What's wrong? Don't know how to offer your arm to a lady?" she said.Her voice had a teasing lilt to it, but she wasn't mad.Josh quickly held out his arm, and Debra smiled with satisfaction."Where do you wanna go?" he asked eagerly, unable to resist Debra.Her entire presence was magnetic. Different from the other female customers, she had a glow that made people stop and stare."Let's go to a hotel," she replied.Josh swallowed hard. For a split second, he even thought about paying for the room."I have a car. I'll drive you," he blurted."Let's just walk." Debra gestured ahead. "There is a five-star hotel straight down this road.""You wanna walk in those heels? Won't your feet hurt?" Josh asked with concern.He had always been
When they heard that one earring cost 100 thousand dollars, the six escorts began to grab the wine.Debra leaned back on the couch and scanned the room, enjoying herself.Sure enough, happiness could be bought with money. Being rich was indeed wonderful.Soon, her attention was drawn to a guy sitting in the corner.He was wearing a simple white hoodie, pale-skinned, and his features looked a bit youthful compared to the others.But his eyes were deep and captivating. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and he looked a bit tense.When he looked up and met Debra's eyes, he panicked and quickly lowered his head.Debra raised an eyebrow and beckoned to him. The young man hesitated, not fitting in with the atmosphere."What's your name?""Miss, my name is Troy Phelps.""Troy..."Debra repeated his name, clearly liking it, and her gaze shifted to the others at the table.They paused, sensing her interest in Troy.The one who had interacted with Debra earlier was not happy.
Any woman would be amazed to see these handsome guys.Debra stepped into the middle of the group. Michael stood off to the side, one hand in his pocket and the other making a phone gesture by his ear.She knew he was signaling for her to have fun and call him afterward.The club was loud and chaotic.One man, dressed in an open-collar black suit, approached her. His deep, captivating eyes sparkled with an intriguing desire. He raised his drink and gestured toward her with an inviting hand.Debra glanced at his drink and smiled. His wine was not up to standard.She made the usual nightclub gesture, ordering ten drinks and another most expensive bottle on the menu.Her move caught the attention of those around her. Before long, she became the center of attention.A group of exotic beauties wearing bikinis and holding lighted signs danced around the club. Then they brought the wine to Debra's booth.She grinned and raised her hand again.The waitresses were all stunned.Debra r
Michael was driving a convertible, and Debra sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery outside.Even this late at night, the city was alive with bright lights, bustling streets, and neon flashing everywhere.The wind brushed against her face as Michael picked up speed.She closed her eyes, letting the rush of the ride wash over her. Compared to everything she had been through, this was nothing.After a while, she opened her eyes. "You've circled this area for half an hour. Think it's about time we head back?"Michael slowed down. "Feeling better?"Debra nodded. "A little. Probably not as fun as bungee jumping, though."She used to be terrified of heights. But after everything she had faced over the past two years, extreme sports seemed almost childish compared to real life-or-death situations.Michael chuckled, "I'll take you somewhere fun.""Sure," Debra nodded, "if it helps me unwind.""Buckle up." Michael stepped on the gas, and they sped through the city.Soon, the
Michael held an umbrella, shielding Debra from the wind and snow.Once they got in the car, Debra leaned against the window, not saying a word.Inside the house, Marion sat on the couch, silent.Randy and Erica had been trying to reach him nonstop, but he ignored every call.As evening approached, Erica booted open the door and stormed into the house."You jerk!" She swung a punch at his face. "Why weren't you answering our calls? What's going on? Randy and I came all the way from Seamar City. Don't tell us you don't know.""Erica, calm down," Randy tried to soothe her."Calm down?" Erica glared at him. "You knew about his condition, didn't you?""I thought he was fine," Randy muttered weakly.Erica turned back to Marion. "Although I'm not part of the Houston family, I am still your cousin. Why didn't you tell everyone? You could keep it from me, but why hide it from Debra? Weren't you aware of the consequences? Now that it's exposed, not only will the company have problems, b
Debra hesitated for a moment before answering the call.There was a moment of silence before Michael started, "Are you okay?""I'm fine," she replied, her voice hoarse.She had been lying in bed doing nothing all day."I'm outside," he said.Debra froze for a second before slowly getting out of bed and walking over to the window.She lifted a corner of the curtain and saw Michael standing outside.He was wearing a white shirt, neat and clean. Probably to avoid being recognized, he had put on a mask."If you don't want to stay here, I'll take you away," he added."Okay," Debra agreed without hesitation.She hung up the phone, but her eyes dimmed.Outside, Marion saw a glimmer of hope when he heard the door opening."Debra, please listen to me...""Mr. Houston, please don't block the way."Marion's smile froze on his face. Debra had never been so different to him like that."What did you call me?""Mr. Houston. I told you before. I trust you, but if you ever deceive me, I
"Do you want a brother or a sister?" Marian Eaton asked.Fermin placed his hand on her belly and thought for a moment. "A sister."Marian laughed, "Smart boy, knowing it's a girl before she's even born."Bert walked over, concerned about her health.Marian asked, "What should we name your sister?""Liza." Fermin crouched down, pressing his ear to Marian's belly.He closed his eyes and whispered, "She's my long-awaited little sister."His thoughts drifted back to the present.Fermin remembered the warmth of that dream, but he also knew how cruel reality was.He hadn't been lost in that dream because there were more important things to take care of.He smiled at the sleeping Liza, carefully removed the face mask, and tossed it into the trash.Before leaving, he left the lamp on. Liza couldn't sleep well in complete darkness.Outside the room, his smile faded, replaced by his usual coldness.The maid stood nervously by the door."Keep an eye on Liza. Don't let her run off."
Fermin ruffled her hair and spoke softly. "You've grown up."Liza tilted her head and looked at him. "Stop fighting with Dad. Can't we just be together as a family, like we used to?""Of course." Fermin nodded. "Once I've handled these things, we'll all be back together and live happily as a family."Liza lowered her eyes. "Debra is a friend I treasure, and you're my brother. You're both smarter than me. If you two could work together, there's nothing you can't handle. We're already so rich; there's no need to get involved with the..."Fermin reached out and covered her mouth. "I think I've told you before. You're not allowed to say that word."Liza blinked, silently agreeing not to speak any further.Fermin withdrew his hand. "I have my path to follow, and you have yours. Everyone has a role in this world and a choice to make. I just want you to live happily. No matter how spoiled or bratty you get, no one will dare say anything. Even if you make the worst mistake, I'll make it