Kai scrambled to get to Drake's feet, groveling as he spoke. "Mr. Lowe, I just drank too much. I'd never dare cause trouble in front of you. I'm so sorry."He punctuated his words by slapping himself across the face.Drake seemed entertained, but Peter said, "Sir, this guy has been a regular here. He's one of our VIP members. Maybe we should...""Drag him out," Drake interrupted. "Give him ten beautiful women as compensation."Everyone in the room froze for a moment, clearly surprised by this. Debra frowned, thinking this seemed more like a reward than a punishment. Even Kai looked stunned. He hadn't expected to be handed such a golden opportunity. He thought about all the money he'd poured into the Lowe Group, becoming a top-tier member, and felt like this was his rightful treatment.But just as Kai was about to offer his thanks, Drake's cold voice cut through the air again."That new batch of medicine we received? Give it all to him. He can leave once he's finished every last
But to everyone's surprise, Drake didn't seem offended. Instead, he chuckled softly, his lips curling into a sly smile as he continued to advance toward Debra."Did Andrew not warn you? Once you're here, I'm the king. Everyone answers to me. And that includes you."His casual, predatory tone made the hairs on Debra's neck stand up.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from across the room, drawing everyone's attention. A maid had accidentally bumped into Edgar, causing the wine bottle she was holding to shatter on the floor.Edgar snapped, "Can you not do your job right?""I'm so sorry, sir," the maid apologized profusely.The distraction gave Debra the perfect opportunity. She quickly put some distance between herself and Drake."Mr. Lowe, you're right. I should learn the rules around here. If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave. Have a good evening."She quickly turned on her heel, heading for the exit before Drake could stop her. "Mr. Lowe, should we bring her back?" Peter asked
Even though Debra didn't like Edgar, she took his advice to heart.It was clear that Edgar had been entangled with the Lowe family for years, but he had managed to keep it under wraps so well that even Andrew hadn't uncovered the connection.Debra meticulously noted every business tycoon attending that banquet. Some were familiar faces, others were on the rich list, but everyone present was either wealthy or influential. The Lowe family had ties with so many powerful people, which explained why they had remained untouchable for so long.As Debra was deeply focused on memorizing each attendee, she suddenly bumped into someone's chest. Startled, she stepped back and looked up to see who it was. Despite the mask, she recognized Jordan instantly.Debra froze, and so did Jordan for a moment. Quickly regaining his composure, Jordan pretended not to know her and murmured, "I'm sorry."He then walked past her without another glance. Debra watched his retreating figure. He was dressed in a
Those who worked for Drake knew his temper. Outsiders might be oblivious, but his employees were all too familiar with it. If things didn't go as planned, they could kiss their jobs goodbye."What now? We have to figure something out," Peter said.As long as the banquet wasn't over, there was still hope."I can't drink anymore."A woman's crying caught Debra's attention. She looked toward the source of the sound and saw Ashley surrounded by two middle-aged men. Their hands were anything but respectful.Ashley had already been forced to drink several glasses of wine, and one of the men had deliberately spilled more on her chest.Her pink dress was already soaked through, making her discomfort painfully obvious. Even worse, her mask had been maliciously removed.Ashley was crying hysterically. She'd thought this was a golden opportunity for actresses like her to rise, but now she realized it was nothing more than a playground for rich businessmen.Catching sight of Debra, Ashley
Ashley bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. "I got it through a director."Debra raised an eyebrow. "You're still a trainee at Potter Entertainment, and you went behind their back to meet a director? You're breaking your contract.""I didn't have a choice. I just want to make it. I want to debut so badly. The director told me this banquet was my chance. He even gave me his card and said he'd recommended me. But I swear, I didn't know this was what it was about."Ashley had never seen anything like this before. She had no idea that this so-called "opportunity" was nothing more than a hunting ground for businessmen to indulge their desires."Which director?""It's the one from the program we were working on. He said he saw potential in me and gave me his contact info. I was desperate.""And you fell for that? Let me guess. He told you to come here with a business card, but he didn't bother to show up himself, did he? Think about it. If this event is such a big deal, wouldn't he
Drake rushed over and ripped off the woman's mask, revealing a face he didn't recognize. The voice was different, and the features didn't match.Ashley, her face flushed, lunged forward to grab Drake's collar. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and he let out a growl, "Get out!"Peter, hearing the commotion, rushed into the room. He saw Ashley sprawled on the bed. Her consciousness was hazy."Sir...""Open your damn eyes and look carefully. What have you brought me?"Peter was bewildered. He had never seen Debra's face and had no idea if the woman before him was the right one."I oversaw this. There's no way I could be wrong."Peter scrutinized Ashley's features more closely. He suddenly recognized her as the woman who had been drinking with Debra. His expression turned grim."That woman tricked us."He had approached Ashley, asking her to deliver a drink to Debra in exchange for a generous reward. He hadn't expected Ashley to be so easily manipulated, ending up in Drake's bed ins
Even now, the image of those two men trapping that woman between them still haunted Debra's mind.Marion immediately barked, "Head to the hospital.""Got it." Randy understood the urgency.In places like that, it was all too easy to pick up diseases.Debra shook her head. "No need for trouble. Let's just go home. I didn't use their restroom, and I didn't eat anything there."Erica advised her, "Better safe than sorry. Marion's just worried about you."Randy, hands gripping the wheel, cursed under his breath, "Those bastards!"He knew their business dabbled in dirty stuff like drugs and gambling, but to think they'd run some sick membership system for this filth, selling women out in the open like that at a party, it was almost sickening.That explained why they didn't allow male guests to bring their wives. Even female guests from outside the entertainment circle need to be pre-approved. Only those with enough status could attend.Once at the hospital, Debra got a thorough che
Marion rubbed his temples, exhaustion pressing down on him.In the main hall, Debra was seated, photos and profiles of various people spreading out in front of her. She was trying to remember the faces she'd seen that night.Although many of the guests had been masked, they weren't strangers. Most of them were well-known figures in Seamar City, and Debra had made a point to study the local business elite before the event. As she looked over the images, she filtered through her memories, recognizing more than a few."Yes.""Yes.""No."...She methodically picked out each person. Erica, standing nearby, couldn't help but marvel, "Your memory is insane, Debra. I can't believe you remember all these people."Andrew, watching from his wheelchair, commented with a casual air, "Well, she got her master's degree at seventeen."The Frazier family's academic pedigree ran deep, and it showed in the next generation.Debra managed to identify 53 people before she started to grow weary. H
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