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
"Chill, man. Here I am," said a blonde, trotting up with a medical kit in hand.He looked to be in his late twenties, his appearance sharp and professional. Yet when he spoke, a thick accent tumbled out, totally out of place with his handsome looks."Hurry up! If something happens to her, Marion will demolish your hospital," Randy urged."Then please, tell him to do it. I've had enough of this job. Demolish the hospital already," William Weaver quipped.Marion chimed in, "Be quick, or I'll break your head."William dared not joke around anymore. William shut up and got to work.After a quick examination, he shrugged. "She's running a high fever. Other than that, nothing serious."Randy rolled his eyes. "What, you were hoping for something more? Shouldn't you be happy she's not worse off? Do your job before Marion breaks something."William shot him a mournful look, and Randy urged, "What are you waiting for? Give her the fever reducer."William complied, taking the fever medic
Drake realized who he was facing."Sir, back when Ralph lost a fortune gambling at our place, it triggered the collapse of the Frazier family. I suspect that Debra is getting close to you for ulterior motives. Should we..." Peter said, slicing a finger across his throat."No. Leave her to me," Drake responded calmly.Peter blinked, surprised. "You're going to handle this yourself? Isn't that too much trouble?""You mentioned she's filming some reality show on our island?" Drake inquired."Yes, but due to some public backlash, the filming has been paused. However, their lease is still valid, so I doubt the crew or the guests will be leaving any time soon," Peter replied."Make preparations. I feel like switching up my vacation spot," Drake said."Sir, Debra isn't the only one on the island. Juan is there too. Should we..." Peter reasoned.Drake's eyes narrowed. "Are you telling me how to run my affairs?""N-no, sir," Peter stammered, bowing his head."Do as I say.""Yes, sir.
William had been losing at cards all night. From the other room, Debra could hear the occasional bickering between William and Randy.In her room, Debra turned on the TV. The late-night news was plastered with scandalous headlines about her and Juan's rumored divorce. In the corner of the screen, a blurred image of Marion appeared, alongside the caption 'Gigolo'.The situation was serious, but the moment she saw the caption, she burst out laughing.Marion raised an eyebrow at her. "What's so funny?""Gigolo?" Debra managed between giggles. "You're one of the most feared men in the city, right alongside Juan, and now they're calling you a gigolo."Marion lightly tapped her forehead. "Ungrateful little thing.""Ungrateful?" Debra shot back. "I should be asking you. Who told you to come to this island? And you were the one who stuffed crabs and lobsters into the nets, right?"She had thought it odd at the time but had brushed it off as a trick by the production team. Now, it was ob
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.
In the afternoon, Debra showed up at the Buchan Mansion.Sitting across from Theda, she sipped on her tea. "The tea has been ready for a while. You knew I would come.""Let's just cut to the chase," Theda said. "It's your setup, isn't it? The termination of the partnership and the sale of Buchan Entertainment at a low price. Now everyone knows that the Buchan family and the Nichols family have severed ties. Since it's my mistake, people will force me to step down."She observed Debra's expression and continued, "You're even sharper than I expected. I mean, who would have thought a pampered lady like you could orchestrate such a complex scheme and predict the outcome so accurately?""You flatter me," Debra replied. "Your solitary nature must have been formed when you were sent to the countryside as a child, and your strained relations with your family were easy to deduce. People act out of self-interest. You cause them financial losses, and they demand paybacks. Now here we are, sit
Theda sneered in response.Everything she had done for the Buchan family had earned them enough money to last generations, but now, they were biting the hand that fed them.Robert stood up, and the sight of him made everyone visibly afraid.Theda noticed his stern expression and grabbed his arm. "Sit down."Robert frowned, unwilling to back down. These people had no right to treat Theda this way."I said, sit down," Theda repeated, stressing her tone.Robert finally withdrew his murderous gaze.Joanne scoffed, "Seriously, Theda, you should find a normal secretary. We don't know where you picked him up, but he's a time bomb. You don't want him to bring trouble to our family.""That's my business. Stay out of it," Theda countered. "As for the lost money, I will figure out a way to make it up. You don't need to worry. Now you can leave. My dogs don't like outsiders here."Joanne was annoyed, but since Theda promised to pay back the money, she relented a bit."If you're going to
Theda frowned at the news. "What's the panic? I'm busy here. Tell them I won't see them."But then, a voice came from the doorway."We came all the way from Wrastow City to see you. It's a bit disrespectful to dismiss us like this, don't you think?"The voice carried a tone of arrogance and provocation. Theda turned to see a well-dressed woman in her thirties, adorned with jewelry.Her expression remained calm as she said, "Oh, it's you, Joanne. But you're not even part of the Buchan family. What brings you here?""It's not her who wants to see you. It's us," said the major shareholder of the Buchan Group, emerging from behind Joanne Tarrant.Following him were other core family members, all wearing expressions of anger."You said you wanted to expand into Seamar City and have used a massive amount of our resources. But now, not only have you failed, you've lost the Nichols Group as a partner. How can we not be upset?""Exactly. We came all this way to demand an explanation."
Debra took the medicine and band-aids, but the atmosphere in the living room suddenly felt awkward."I'm going upstairs.""Can you put it on by yourself?""Yes.""Let me see you do it."Debra cleared her throat, determined to prove she could do it. She sat down on the sofa, opened the medicine, and sprinkled it on her wound. But since her right hand was injured, using her left hand was tricky, and some of the powder spilled.With the medicine on her wound, she couldn't move her right hand at all. The band-aid lay untouched on the table. Opening a band-aid one-handed was harder than she thought."I rushed it," Debra said, trying to save face. "If I had opened the band-aid first..."Before she could finish, Andrew had already opened the band-aid and carefully applied it to her finger. His movements were gentle and precise."Do you know where Marion went?""Probably went to find someone who knows the identity of the mastermind.""Robert?" Debra was surprised.She wondered if h