Debra jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat.Juan was nearby, soaking a towel. When he noticed she was awake, he asked, "Do you want something to eat?"The sight of Juan only deepened her fear. Instinctively, she scooted away from him, a motion he couldn't help but notice."Did you have a nightmare?" he asked.It was indeed a nightmare.In her dream, it felt as if she had been transported to her past life. She had observed everything as a ghost.When she had seen the gravestone, the pain of dying on the operating table had rushed through her all over again."I..."Juan silenced her with a look, mouthing, "There's a camera."Debra composed himself and forced a smile. "Yeah, just a bad dream.""You've got a fever," Juan said, glancing at the thermometer. "101 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm making some oatmeal for you, and the medicine is on the table.""Okay," Debra replied smoothly.After Juan left the room, her mind replayed the dream over and over.'If that dream was a glimpse of
"The show has been halted. It must be all over the news by now. If you won't tell me, I'll just check out myself," Debra said, picking up her phone.Juan tried to stop her, but she had already scrolled through the news.[Divorce Papers Exposed: Debra Caught Cheating with a Gigolo]Debra skimmed through the trending headlines and found herself laughing. One of the comments mentioned that, despite the mystery man's face being obscured, his figure was good."I'll handle this. You don't have to worry about it," Juan said."I'm not worried." Debra put her phone down. "But I want to know how this information got leaked.""Joe said she saw Shelia and Melody together."The moment Shelia's name was mentioned, the smile on Debra's face vanished.That nightmare replayed in her mind, and her intuition screamed that Shelia was involved in her past life's death.She used to think Shelia was an innocent, harmless girl and that her place should have been Shelia's. But ever since her rebirth,
Debra sat on the edge of the bed, staring at her phone. The trending post about her scandal still hadn't been taken down, and the comment section had become a warzone.[Rich people are all the same. They play around behind each other's backs. No one's clean.][Remember when Debra got into Arcane Academy by pulling strings?][A friend of mine went to school with her. She was wild, always partying.][I used to feel sorry for her, but now? She deserves everything coming her way.][Word is Juan used to adore Debra, but after she started fooling around, he found a mistress. The mistress got pregnant, and that forced Debra to stage her kidnapping to trick him and milk the Nichols family for money.]...The rumors got more and more ridiculous, making Debra roll her eyes before finally closing the app.Her phone buzzed with an incoming call from an unknown number. Debra answered it, only to be greeted by a deranged voice on the other end."You filthy bitch. Stay away from my idol.""
Debra remembered that in her past life, after she married into the Nichols family, Violet had always lived overseas. It wasn't until the fourth year of her marriage that Violet returned.And the reason for her return was simple. Her husband had developed a gambling addiction. Although Violet was still dressed well, her wealth had been exhausted. Her husband sent her back to ask the Nichols family for money.In this timeline, it was only the second year of her marriage. Her return was out of the timeline.It seemed that since Debra's rebirth, more than just a few things had deviated from the original course. And Violet was someone particularly difficult to deal with."You must be Debra," Violet sneered, sizing her up. "You're not bad-looking. No wonder Juan keeps revolving around you."Debra's head was throbbing with a dull ache. She wasn't in the mood to play verbal games with this woman. "Mrs. Sosa, what do you want?"Violet stiffened, suspicion flashing across her eyes. "How di
"I heard your family went bankrupt and you don't have any money. You know, if you begged, we might give you some for you to get by," Violet said, her voice dripping with condescension.Debra was unimpressed. "I don't understand what you're talking about."Violet was pissed off. "Debra, you're forcing my hand here."She shot a glance at her bodyguards. In an instant, they stormed upstairs, rifling through every corner of the house.Debra furrowed her brows, watching as Violet leisurely made herself comfortable on the sofa. The bodyguards overturned tables and rummaged through drawers like they were conducting a raid."How's it going?" Violet asked lazily."Ma'am, we didn't find Mr. Nichols anywhere," they replied.Violet's frown deepened. She turned to Debra with a look of suspicion."I didn't expect you to be so capable. Tell me now. Where are you hiding him?""Mrs. Sosa, I've already explained. He's not here. Your people have searched the place. Are you going to leave now?"
"You don't know who owns this place, and you're making a scene here? Gotta say I overestimated you," Debra sneered.Violet fidgeted, her haughty demeanor crumbling under the weight of Debra's words.Debra bent down, picking up a shard of broken glass. She sighed dramatically, "Oh dear, such a priceless vase was smashed just like that. If I were the owner, I'd be furious."She pulled out her phone, acting as if she was about to call someone."It's just a few million. We can afford it," Violet Sosa huffed, trying to save face.Debra smirked, not missing a beat. "Well, since you were the one who did this, it will be your family's liability. You wouldn't expect Melody to cover for you, right?""I...""I've heard you married a wealthy businessman overseas. A few million dollars? That's not even as valuable as the rock on your finger."Violet instinctively covered the ring, guilt flashing across her face. Debra had her. That diamond was likely fake.The Sosa family had been rotting
Juan stormed into the room, his anger palpable. The bodyguards quickly let go of Debra.Juan rushed to her side, checking her over. "Are you hurt?""I'm fine," Debra replied weakly.Juan glanced at those bodyguards, who quickly bowed their heads."We just followed Mrs. Sosa's orders.""Who pays your salary, the Sosa family or the Nichols family? How dare you disrespect my wife?""We were wrong, Mr. Nichols."Violet saw the cold glint in Juan's eyes and fidgeted. Trying to pacify his anger, she said, "Juan, it's been so long since we've seen each other. There's no need to get so upset. Debra's fine, isn't she?""If anything had happened to her, this wouldn't end so easily," Juan said coldly.Seeing that her attempts to smooth things over weren't working, Violet forced a smile. "You're right. Thank goodness she's okay. I'd feel terrible if anything happened.""I'm exhausted," Debra murmured."I'll help you sit down," Juan said gently, guiding her to the couch.Only then did h
The bodyguards wisely retreated, seeing Juan's cold expression.Debra finally relaxed. Juan stepped closer, his hand brushing lightly against her forehead."You're burning up. What happened?""Why don't you ask your dear aunt? She stirred up quite the storm here."The house was in disarray, and Debra felt helpless about the disturbance."I'll take care of it.""I know. I wasn't planning to get involved."She tried to stand up, but the moment she rose, a wave of dizziness hit her.In that haze, she thought she heard someone calling out to her. Juan rushed forward and caught her just before she collapsed, but the next second, she was lifted into another set of arms."No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Nichols. I've got a girlfriend."Marion's voice was steady as he cradled Debra close, not even sparing Juan a glance."Stop!"Juan blocked Marion's path. His gaze lingered on the unconscious Debra, now safely held by Marion.With a mocking smile, he said, "Your girlfriend? Is thi
"Let him go. Whoever contacted him will likely do so again," Debra said, turning to Robert. "You're still in touch, right? Next time they reach out, I want to know the time and place of your meeting. If it's online, I want a recording. Any objections?"Robert glanced up at Debra, realizing that she intended to use him as bait. She was smart enough to figure out their contact mode."Alright, I'll do it, but I have one condition.""You have no leverage here. Your lives are in my hands."Debra never went easy on her enemies. If she did, it was only because they were still useful.Robert struggled to his feet and knelt before her. "Mrs. Houston, please grant my wish. In return, I'll do anything for you."The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned.The scene reminded Debra of her capture by Drake. He had asked her if she wanted dignity or life. She had chosen dignity.But later, she realized that for people like Drake and Robert, dignity was a luxury. They only sought it when surviv
As soon as Marion stepped into the room, he saw Debra with a head injury. His brows furrowed, and the next second, he kicked Robert hard in the knee.The pain caused Robert to kneel on the floor.Marion grabbed a baton from one of his men and was about to strike when Randy rushed forward to stop him.Randy exclaimed, "You can't use that. He'll die."The baton hung high in the air, showing Marion's desire to kill. But at Randy's words, he put it down and handed it over to Debra."He's all yours. Do whatever you want to vent your anger," he said.Without hesitation, Debra took the baton and walked behind Robert. It swung down on his head, and blood streamed.Theda cried out, "We had a deal.""Yes, we did," Debra replied, dropping the baton to the ground. "We also agreed that it was fine as long as I didn't kill him. I've been merciful enough."Robert was still conscious, but the injury was heavy.Theda walked to his side. "To the victor go the spoils. We've lost. I just want to
The impact was brutal, sending Robert reeling backward.Marion said, "To be honest, I can't beat you in a fair fight. Too bad, you don't know how to use your brain."Robert was reeling from the pain, unable to utter a sound.Marion turned to his men. "Cuff him and take him back in the trunk."His men quickly restrained Robert....At the Potter Mansion, Erica looked at Debra's head injury.She huffed, "Robert went too far. We need to teach him a lesson."Randy reassured her, "Don't worry. Marion probably has beaten him to a pulp."Erica turned to look at Theda, who had been silent the entire time."It was your order, wasn't it?" she snapped. "Debra showed you mercy, but you kidnapped her. How low can you get?"Theda shrugged. "It was. What are you going to do about it?"Erica was enraged, ready to strike. Debra chimed in, "It wasn't her.""Come on. I know you're kind, but we don't have to be soft on her. People like her stab others in the back.""It really wasn't her.""
"Because here..." Marion continued, tapping his temple, "you're not as good as me."Robert's sharp instincts quickly picked up on something unusual. The area around the courtyard had been surrounded. Given the footsteps, he could roughly tell their number. There were at least a hundred people.He couldn't believe Marion had mobilized such a force just to rescue Debra."As I said," Robert continued, "as long as I'm here, no one gets through."His eyes glinted with cold determination."Sir, we've found Mrs. Houston and Ms. Buchan," someone reported.Robert snorted, "That's impossible. Stop bluffing.""They're in the basement of the Buchan Mansion," Marion smirked. "You like playing tricks, and I play along. Truth be told, I came here for you."Robert was still holding the detonator, but it was no longer a threat.Marion had figured out the game. At first, they hadn't found Debra and Theda in the basement because Robert had moved them. Later, when they were gone, Robert brought t
Debra felt dizzy. "Why are you telling me this?""Because you and I are alike," Theda replied. "Despite our differences, I envy your life. I know Robert can't beat Marion. If Robert fails tonight, I beg you to show mercy and spare his life.""He didn't show any mercy when he hit me. Why should I spare him?""We're all businesspeople. Name your price. If it's within my power, I'll do it. Just spare his life.""Fine, remember your promise. I'll spare his life, but I need to hit back.""Deal. Just don't kill him."In the courtyard, Robert opened a can of cat food and fed the stray kittens. They seemed familiar with him, purring and rubbing against his hand.Robert smiled, but his expression changed as he heard a noise outside. The kittens arched their backs, hissing at the disturbance.Robert patted their heads. "Go on. Don't get hurt."But the kittens refused to leave, licking their paws and sitting behind him.Robert didn't chase them away. He waited until Marion and his men a
"She can't take your call right now," Marion replied.Drake shot up from the sofa. "What do you mean by that?""Robert took her.""Robert?"Marion hung up the phone and headed straight to the courtyard where Robert used to live.Kale came into the hotel suite with a cup. "Boss, what would you like for dinner?"Drake muttered with a heavy tone, "Debra is taken by Robert."Kale froze, wondering about Robert's motives.Drake took a deep breath. He had warned Debra before, but she wouldn't listen. Now the situation was grave.He knew Robert all too well. The man was a cold-blooded killing machine, dealing with anyone who posed threats to Theda."Get the car. Search the entire city. Find Robert.""But this is not Orkgate. Our people operate in the shadows here. If Marion's men discover them, all our efforts over the years will be wasted.""I said, find him. No excuses. Get moving."Drake was irritated. He had always known Debra would cause trouble for him, but he hadn't expecte
"Kidnapped? Really?" Erica muttered."It's got to be fake," Randy replied. "This is Seamar City. Who would dare kidnap Debra right under Marion's nose? Unless they have a death wish."Erica nodded thoughtfully. "You're right."But then she realized something was off. "Wait. You left out Robert, that desperado who doesn't care about consequences. Debra went out to meet Theda.""Damn! How could I forget him?" Randy panicked. "What do we do? I'll gather people and head to Buchan Mansion.""We're running out of time," Erica said urgently. "Hurry up and call Marion."She whipped out her phone and started making calls. Randy started rallying people too....Meanwhile, Garland and Liza had just landed and were eagerly entering the Potter Mansion with their luggage in tow."Guys, I am back!" Garland laughed, hands on his hips.Liza tilted her head. "Where is everyone? Why isn't anyone here to welcome us?""Yeah. Why is the living room empty?" Garland wondered.Suddenly, two figures
"I don't care. I'll make them return everything to you," Robert said.Theda was at a loss for words. She stepped forward and propped up the unconscious Debra.She said, "The shares don't matter to me at all. You didn't have to go this far. The situation in Seamar City is treacherous. I overestimated myself. We should take Debra back to them and end everything."She reached for her phone to call Andrew, but Robert grabbed her wrist."What are you doing?" she sulked. "I've decided to stop fighting them. What you're doing is pointless and dangerous.""It's not pointless," Robert said firmly. "I don't want to see you lose. To me, you'll never lose to anyone."Without waiting for her response, he carried her over his shoulder and pocketed her phone."This is all my idea," he said. "Even if I fail, it has nothing to do with you. I've cut the phone lines in the house and locked the front door. Without the password, you can't leave. Just stay here and wait for my good news. I'll get the
"It's simple. The Nichols Group's shareholders aren't clean either. Drake has dirt on them, so they have to do what he says."Theda laughed, understanding the whole thing. That explained why the mention of Drake's name alone had influenced those shareholders' decisions during the last meeting. It was because Drake had their secrets."Alright, I lost fair and square. Actually, I hold no personal grudge against you. That's why I warned you that getting those shares wouldn't be good for you. The person behind this wouldn't let you go.""You know who's behind this, don't you?""Even if I do, we're destined to be enemies. I lost to you, but next time, someone even more formidable will come after you. You won't be so lucky then."Theda poured Debra a cup of tea and continued, "We're alike. We've both been through things others can't understand. You're lucky, with so many people around you, helping you, but the path ahead is harder for you. Not something enviable."Debra didn't get it.