Debra continued, "Take the evidence to Hester. Let her know that while she can have the evidence, the Nichols family will never give the Vargas family any more benefits, nor will they collaborate on any projects in the future. If Hester is still upset, she can use that evidence to threaten Melody and get the one billion dollars in compensation."Joe, treading cautiously, asked, "Madam, are you trying to clear Mr. Nichols from all of this?""He had nothing to do with this in the first place. I'm not doing him any favors," Debra replied nonchalantly.The truth was, even if Juan were to handle the situation himself, he would have done so even more cleanly than she ever could. But Debra had no intention of letting Melody live out her days in peace.The evildoers had to pay for their actions.Soon after, the Vargas family members arrived at the Nichols family's house, accompanied by a lawyer. The atmosphere in the room shifted the moment Melody saw Hester walk in with her parents."Wh
Melody stood frozen, her mind reeling from the revelation that she had never anticipated. She didn't believe Juan would give them any evidence."This is impossible. You're just trying to drive a wedge between us.""Mrs. Nichols Sr., you've built a solid reputation in this industry. But if we take this to court, you'll be facing a serious lawsuit. Let's see where your precious reputation will land you then."Jenson hit her soft spot.Melody's reputation had been built not only on her own merits but also on the powerful men in her life—her husband, her son, and now, Juan.But now, Juan had chosen not to protect her. She realized with a sinking heart that she was on her own. She slumped down onto the couch, unable to fathom how the very grandson she had raised and nurtured could turn his back on her like this.Sophie rushed to support her, glaring at the Vargas family members. "Mrs. Nichols Sr. is not well. She needs to rest. If you don't leave now, I'll call security." Jenson kep
That was one billion dollars. There was no way Melody would let that kind of money fall into Hester's hands.The Vargas family wasn't even a big player in the business world. If they had any value at all, it was only because they'd been lucky enough to cross paths with her."Yes, Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Sophie responded.She sighed and called Debra, who was waiting in the hospital corridor for Juan's surgery to finish."Madam, how is Mr. Nichols?""The surgery isn't over yet. Why?""Well, the Vargas family came to cause trouble earlier," Sophie said, casting a glance at Melody, who was lounging on the couch nearby. "Mrs. Nichols Sr. wants him to call her once he wakes up."Debra spoke calmly. "Juan isn't waking up today. If Mrs. Nichols Sr.'s got a problem, she'll have to solve it herself.""But the deadline...""Sophie, whose name is on that contract?""It's Mrs. Nichols Sr.'s.""Since she signed it, she can pay for it herself. One billion dollars is hardly anything, right? I'm
Melody opened one of the jewelry boxes and took out a sapphire, its deep blue glow mesmerizing. "Just this sapphire alone is worth a billion. Tomorrow, you take it to the Vargas family. Let them get a good look at what real wealth looks like."Sophie blurted out, "This sapphire is an heirloom, isn't it? They say it once belonged to royalty. It's far too valuable."Melody waved her off. "I've got things in this suitcase that are worth much more. Debra wants to drain me dry, but does she even realize who she is facing? A billion dollars is nothing. Give it to her. And when I'm gone, not a cent of this will end up in her hands.""But...""Just take it away."Melody kept her composure, pretending this was no big deal. But the moment Sophie left the room, she felt a deep pang of regret.Even though her jewelry collection was worth a fortune, the liquid assets in her possession didn't amount to a billion dollars. Over the years, most of the family's wealth had gone into buying jewelry
The atmosphere grew tense. Joe stepped in to break the awkwardness."Sir, how about I go get the car? You should head back with Mrs. Nichols. She's been waiting here throughout your whole surgery.""Yeah, go get the car.""I'm not going with you."Joe advised her just in time, "Madam, the press is waiting outside. If you don't leave with us now, the tabloids might spin some nasty rumors."Debra thought about the situation. Now that she had just gotten back together with Juan. If she left alone, it would give rise to gossip."Let's go together then."Without further argument, the three of them got into the car. As they pulled out of the parking lot, a swarm of reporters rushed forward, cameras flashing and questions flying."Lose them.""Yes, sir."Joe quickly accelerated the car. Within moments, they had sped past the crowd, leaving the reporters behind in the dust."Sir, I believe Mrs. Nichols Sr. is still at the house.""I already told her to leave.""She might not want
Juan's cold response infuriated Melody. She pointed at Debra and demanded, "Is it really that you refuse to get involved, or is she stopping you?"Debra suddenly found herself dragged into the fray. With an innocent expression, she blinked and said, "Grandma, what do you mean by that? Why drag me into this? What does any of this have to do with me?""Don't you play dumb with me!" Melody's eyes were wild with accusation. "Juan was in surgery, so how could he have possibly handed over evidence to the Vargas family? Do you think I'm senile and foolish? This is clearly your doing. You're trying to drive a wedge between me and Juan."Debra just gave her a small smile. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding between us.""Misunderstanding?" Melody sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "Don't try to fool me. I don't care what tricks you used to trick Juan, but let me remind you, Juan is my grandson. He would never choose you over me.""Enough!" Juan's voice cut through the tension
Debra pushed the door open and found Melody sitting by the bedside."Melody, are you still angry with me?""Cut the act, Debra. Don't think just because Juan likes you, you can do whatever you want in this house. Let me tell you, men are fickle creatures. He used to be all about Shelia, and now it's you. Who's to say he won't move on to someone else next? And when he stops protecting you, what will you be then? Nothing."Debra wasn't fazed. "You're right. Men are unpredictable, so it won't matter to me who Juan likes in the future.""What are you getting at?""I suppose you know what will happen to the Nichols family if I don't make peace with Juan right now, don't you?"Melody's frown deepened, her lips pursing tightly. Debra smiled knowingly, continuing, "But then again, you've spent your whole life enjoying the luxuries. You've never once bothered with business affairs, so naturally, you wouldn't be aware of how the stock has been plummeting these past few months.""Stop sp
Joe hesitated, and Debra quickly reassured him, "Don't worry. I'm just going to have a simple conversation with them. It won't drag your boss into anything."Joe bowed his head. "Yes, ma'am."The Vargas family, basking in the glow of the newly signed contract in their hands, hadn't anticipated Debra's arrival. When the maid announced her presence, the mood in the house shifted immediately.Jenson frowned deeply. "What's she doing here?"Lauren Vargas chimed in, "Maybe we should just send her away. She's Juan's wife after all. She's probably here to speak on behalf of the Nichols family."Jenson nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Let's get rid of her."But Hester interrupted, "Maybe we should let her in."Lauren turned on her, shocked. "Don't be foolish. Don't you realize why she's here? She's probably going to plead on behalf of the Nichols family."Hester shook her head. "No, that's not true. Debra reminded me to demand that contract in the first place. Without her advice, we wouldn'
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