"I'm not here to cause trouble. I just have something to say to you."Melody tried to maintain her composure, but there was already a crack in her expression."Well then. But if I catch you making a scene here again, things won't be so civil.""Are you threatening me, your grandmother-in-law?""Not really. Just don't forget that I still have your IOU. If I were to push for repayment, I doubt you could come up with that much money in such a short time."Melody was furious but found herself trapped.Debra had the upper hand, and she had no choice but to swallow her pride."I see you don't want to make this mess any bigger. So, remember what I said. Don't test my limits," Debra added, restarting the elevator.Melody was not happy, but she couldn't afford to escalate things further.Once they stepped into the office, Melody glanced at the space."Looks like your boss treats you quite well.""Get to the point," Debra said as she sat down in her chair.Melody sat across from her
Debra's smile slowly faded. "Shameless? Me? Perhaps your memory is failing you. When Juan cheated on me with Shelia, didn't you once say, 'What man doesn't fool around a little?' Why does the tune change when it's a woman in question?""Men and women aren't the same.""You sure are hard on your own gender."She knew what kind of person Melody was. She didn't want to waste any more time arguing. Her tone turned cold and distant."If you're here to talk about that, then I think we're done. I have work to do, so I won't see you out."Melody's temper flared. She slammed her hand down on the desk."I'm giving you a chance here. Don't you dare be so ungrateful.""A chance? What kind of chance?"Debra leaned back in her chair, calmly watching Melody puff herself up with righteous indignation.Melody snorted, "You know just how many women would kill to marry into the Nichols family, don't you? The only reason you're wearing the title of Mrs. Nichols? Juan favors you. But if I were t
"Just now, when Melody came by, his car was already waiting downstairs." Debra was stunned, not expecting Andrew to show up so soon."Madam?" Ben called out.Snapping out of her thoughts, Debra gave a helpless sigh and got up from her seat. "Alright, I'm heading down."Andrew's luxury car was unmistakably parked near the entrance. Debra opened the car door, assuming it was just the driver inside.To her shock, Andrew was seated there in the back. The air between them immediately thickened with awkwardness."Mr. Andrew Potter, you're here in person?" She laughed drily.From what she knew, Andrew was always swamped with work. 'What on earth made him come here at this hour?'A faint smile played on Andrew's lips. "The doctor suggested I get some fresh air. But judging by your expression, it seems you weren't expecting or wanting me to show up.""Of course not. Your personal visit really flatters me."Andrew's smile deepened. "Get in the car.""Alright," she muttered, biting ba
The car pulled up to the Potter Mansion. The driver helped Andrew out of the vehicle.Debra marveled, "You're able to get up?"As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her faux pas and tried to correct herself. "I mean...""Yes, I can get up," Andrew replied with a hint of dry humor. "It's just that walking is quite laborious."With a smooth transition, he was eased into a wheelchair. He continued, "Having these legs or not doesn't make much of a difference to me, so no need to feel awkward."Andrew's perspective was always a bit unconventional. Seeing that the butler was absent, Debra took the initiative to push his wheelchair.Once they reached the study on the second floor, she took a seat opposite Andrew, her posture reflecting a hint of nervousness.Andrew began, "Since you're entering the industry, you'll need a professional team. Potter Entertainment will provide you with the best resources. You don't need to achieve monumental success; making a profit is enough.
"He won't refuse you," Andrew said affirmatively.Debra fell silent for a moment. Then, she asked cautiously, "Aren't you worried that if Marion found out, he might turn against you?""He wouldn't dare," Andrew responded with an enigmatic smile.Debra nodded, reaching out her hand. "Alright, I'll do it. Here's to a smooth partnership."Andrew glanced at her outstretched hand, smiling slightly before gently clasping her fingers. "There's someone else coming in a bit. Want to meet him?""Who?"Just then, a familiar voice resonated from the doorway, deep and steady."It's me."She turned around, her gaze landing on Jordan.It had been a long time since she last saw him. His skin had tanned into a healthy bronze from time spent outdoors, and his once-red hair had been dyed black, cut short into a close crop.He wore a white shirt and a pair of slacks, accentuating his tall, straight frame. He looked more muscular than before. His eagle's eyes now carried a deeper intensity.A sm
As Debra carefully examined the medals, Jordan couldn't help but ask, "Are you and Marion together now?"Even though he had access to his phone each week while in the military, there were always gaps in the news he received. During Debra's time missing at sea, he had desperately wanted to return, but the military rules kept him from appearing by her side. He had to rely on Andrew for help.Now that he was back, he had learned about Debra and Juan reconciling. But seeing Debra's reaction when Marion was mentioned, he felt a pang of unease."Yes, we are," Debra admitted, patting him on the shoulder. "You're getting older, too. It's about time you found someone you like."Jordan suddenly gripped her hand and asked, "Why Marion?""Some things in this world don't have a reason. They just happen. You like who you like, and when you meet someone special, you'll understand what I mean."Jordan withdrew his hand. "If it were someone else, I might have fought him. But if it's Marion, I hav
As Jordan extended his hand, Andrew stepped forward and gently pressed it down. "Did you forget? Marion never shakes hands with anyone."Jordan glanced down at his hand, realizing that maybe he hadn't yet earned the privilege to shake hands with someone like Marion.Andrew smiled, turning to Marion. "Mr. Houston, would you do me the honor of coming upstairs? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."Marion slipped an arm around Debra's waist. "Debra's coming with me."Debra's cheeks flushed. She shot him a sharp look. "Who said I'm going with you? Whatever you two need to discuss, go ahead. I'm not getting involved."She slapped his hand away from her waist.Andrew smiled and then instructed the butler to wheel him into the elevator.Erica nudged Debra playfully. "Why don't you go with them? Those two always keep their talks so secret. Neither Randy nor I have ever gotten a word out of them. You could spill some juicy gossip to us later."But Debra had no interest in the
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.Just then, the door swung open, and Debra's voice came over."What are you two doing?"Marion immediately lowered his gun and, pretending nothing was amiss, turned to her. "Haven't seen Andrew in a while. We were just having a drink."Andrew's face held a faint smile. "My health doesn't allow for much drinking. He's had a bit, but I haven't."Debra raised an eyebrow. "And you're drinking up here instead of downstairs? Mr. Andrew Potter, Jordan's already drunk. Maybe you should check on him."She hadn't expected Jordan to have such a low tolerance, considering he'd only had three drinks before passing out."He's been off alcohol for a long time while serving in the unit. I'll go check on him," Andrew replied.As the butler came in and wheeled Andrew out, Debra's gaze landed on Marion's waist. "Show me."Marion didn't bother hiding it and handed her the gun. She studied the weapon in her hands."How does it work?""Want to learn?""
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