Erica playfully nudged Randy. "Take notes. That's how one gets a girlfriend. You? You're gonna be single forever at this rate."Randy shrugged, lighting his cigarette. "If I ever managed to land the woman I love, I wouldn't just quit smoking. I'd stop even breathing smoke."He had barely taken his first drag when Marion stood up and snatched the cigarette right out of his hand, stubbing it out.Staring at the ash scattered on the floor, Randy blinked in confusion."What the hell, man?""Debra doesn't like smoke."Randy gave him a thumbs-up."Well, romance before bromance. Fine, I'll go smoke outside."Randy grabbed his pack and headed for the balcony. Erica rested her chin on her hand, grinning at Marion."Wow, you're protective, cousin."As Marion tidied up the scattered ash on the floor, Debra couldn't help but smile sweetly.The next day, the McKinney Group's trainee team officially debuted. In contrast, the trainee program at Potter Entertainment had been shut down for s
It wasn't long before Freya caused a commotion at the McKinney Group's headquarters.Ben blocked her way, but Freya was relentless. "Let me in. I need to see Debra Frazier."Inside her office, Debra set aside the financial newspaper she'd been reading and calmly said, "Let her in."Ben stepped aside, allowing Freya to barge through the door. Her eyes were blazing with anger as she confronted Debra."You lied to me!" Freya spat, her voice shaking with frustration.Debra remained unfazed. "Miss George, I'm not sure what you mean. Haven't I given you everything you asked for?""You promised I'd debut," Freya snapped. "Oscar has debuted, but I'm still stuck at Potter Entertainment. You tricked me."Debra leaned back in her chair. "Miss George, I fulfilled every request you made. As for the timing of your debut, that's up to the Potter Group. I don't have the authority to make those decisions for them."She paused and added, "If you came here looking for some explanation, I'm afraid
At the Odom family's villa, a video interview with Oscar played on the large computer screen.In just half a month, Oscar had managed to secure the best resources in the industry, and his popularity had skyrocketed. His name had been trending almost daily, and his fanbase had already crossed ten million.Chace knocked on the study door."Come in."Chace stepped inside, noticing Edgar's agitated expression."Sir, the company has been facing significant losses lately. Do you think it might be time to return and address it?"Ever since Marion conned him out of five billion dollars, and then Debra took another five billion, Edgar's finances had taken a serious hit. His company was short a total of ten billion dollars, and to make matters worse, the investment in Potter Entertainment had cost him several more billion.Even though the Odom family was wealthy, they weren't prepared to move around such a massive amount in such a short time."My family's assets are still worth hundreds
"Contact Edgar. Tell him that I'll meet him at 8 PM at the Royal Grand Hotel.""Yes, ma'am."Later that evening, the Royal Grand Hotel had been set up with an elaborate feast. Debra arrived, dressed in a black gown. Silver tassel earrings glittered by her ears, accentuating her long hair, which tumbled down her back like a river of night.She was a vision, mesmerizing enough to make anyone stop in their tracks. Even Edgar, who had arrived earlier, found himself momentarily lost when she walked in.He had seen plenty of beautiful women in Booton and even more within his circle, but none of them were like Debra. There was something about her, especially those eyes, which seemed to hold an almost hypnotic allure.By the time Edgar snapped out of it, Debra had already seated herself across from him. Her smile was polite but carried an edge. Edgar finally remembered the goal of this meeting."Mr. Odom, you've been in Seamar City for a while now. How are you finding it? Settling in alr
Debra remained silent, which made Edgar believe his threats were starting to take effect.His tone softened, as if offering her a lifeline. "Think about it before you give any answer."He raised his glass of wine, prepared to take a sip, when Debra broke the silence."You won't dare."Edgar paused mid-motion, his eyes narrowing dangerously."What did you just say?"His gaze grew darker, a silent promise of consequences lingering in the air, but Debra didn't waver."I said, you won't dare," she repeated, tilting her head slightly. "Otherwise, you would've made your move already instead of negotiating with me here. If you make a move, it won't just be the McKinney Group you're fighting.""Is that so?""I'm one of the McKinney Group's shareholders and, as you know, the legal wife of Juan. Opposing me means opposing the Nichols family. But that's just the beginning," Debra continued, her voice steady and measured. "The McKinney Group's biggest strategic partner is the Potter Group
"So, you noticed I was provoking him.""Crystal clear."Ben knew Debra's personality. She'd never stir the pot without a reason. But every word she had spoken earlier was aimed at Edgar's weakest spots. While he might have appeared outwardly calm, Ben could sense that inside, he was already fuming."You can tell it, but he's too caught up in his pride to realize it," Debra said, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Edgar wants to take down Oscar. If he can't negotiate with me, he'll turn to someone else. We'll give him exactly what he's looking for, just enough to make him act recklessly."Ben caught on to her strategy. "You're setting a trap for him."Debra nodded. "Tomorrow, have our people reach out to him. Someone like Edgar, with his massive ego, won't be able to handle the humiliation for long. He'll rush into action and try to find allies who'll help him go against us.""But won't he think about the consequences?""I've already spelled out the consequences for him. If Edgar
Early the next morning, Ben handed a stack of contracts to Debra."As per your instructions, all our business partners have agreed to go along with the plan. They'll contact Edgar and express interest in signing contracts with him. In return, we'll compensate them generously."Debra nodded as she skimmed the documents, her lips curling into a small smile."If they reach out to Edgar directly, it'll be too obvious," she remarked, tapping her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "Let's leak a little information to lure him. Once he takes the bite, our partners can bleed Edgar dry. They don't need to worry about anything else after that.""Will Edgar fall for it?""Oh, he will," Debra said affirmatively. "After getting disrespected and humiliated, he will be desperate to prove himself. Once he's fixated on a victory, he won't care how much money or effort he pours into it."Ben nodded thoughtfully. "By the way, there's something else I need to bring up." "What is it?" Debra asked, t
Debra tidied up the desk and said, "Please keep an eye on some of my tasks for me. There's nothing extraordinary. Just ensure everything runs as usual. For business-related issues, consult with Marion and Randy. Most importantly, keep a close watch on Edgar. Report every movement of the Odom family to me.""Yes, ma'am."The phone in her office rang. She picked up the receiver, and the voice of the receptionist came through."Ma'am, Mrs. Nichols Sr. insists on seeing you. We can't seem to stop her.""What does she want?""Well, she didn't say.""Don't let her come up. I'll go down shortly.""Understood."The receptionist hung up, glanced at the glamorous elderly lady, and went to pour her a cup of tea."Madam, Ms. Frazier is coming down.""I'm her grandmother-in-law. She should come to greet me properly."Melody settled herself into a chair, sipping her tea with a scowl. "What kind of tea is this? It's terrible. Does the McKinney Group think it's acceptable to serve such poor
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