Violet was indignant.She had traveled back from overseas, expecting to use her connection to Juan to rake in some money in Seamar City.But barely two days after her arrival, she had been unceremoniously dismissed by Juan right in front of those bodyguards.Fuming at the thought, Violet pounded her fists harder as she lamented, "Melody, you've got to stand up for me."Melody rubbed her temples. "You're useless."She had assumed that after all those years abroad, Violet would have gained some experience.Still, Debra had outsmarted and disgraced Violet."Melody," Violet whined, hoping to elicit some sympathy.Melody cut her off. "Say no more. Since you couldn't bring her back, someone else will.""Someone else?" Violet was puzzled.Just then, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the grand hallway.At Melody's signal, Sophie went to open the door. In stepped Shelia, looking radiant in a champagne-colored bodycon dress, pearl earrings, and a massive diamond ring."Long ti
Violet felt increasingly uncomfortable as she watched Shelia and Melody interact so intimately. After exchanging pleasantries, Melody glanced at her and asked, "Why are you still standing there?""I..." Violet felt humiliated, unsure how to respond.Melody waved her hand dismissively. "You can go now. I need to have a private conversation with Jade.""But..." Violet wanted to protest, but Melody's tone left no room for negotiation.Sensing the shift in the room, Shelia smiled and said, "It seems Mrs. Sosa has something important to discuss with you. Maybe I should come back another time?"Melody didn't answer. Violet, catching the unspoken cue, quickly interjected, "It's nothing important. I've got something at home. I'll leave now."Before leaving, she sneaked one more glance at the ring on Shelia's finger.If her memory served her right, the ring was the Nichols family's heirloom.She couldn't help but wonder if Melody wanted Juan and Shelia to get married again. That meant
Edward walked over to Juan and greeted him politely, "Mr. Nichols, I'm Edward, one of the artists with the Nichols Group."Edward was a sunny, bright young man. Juan merely nodded at him in acknowledgment, offering little in the way of conversation.The other couples stood nearby. One pair was a once-famous couple in the industry.Axel Decker was a veteran actor in his fifties, and his ex-wife, Emilee Carlson, was a goddess of her time."Well, if it isn't our legendary boss-man."A sultry voice called out from behind. Everyone turned, their faces filled with thinly veiled disdain.The owner of the voice was Wendy Black, a once-popular actress. She wore a revealing dress and sported heavy makeup. Her features were striking, a mix of classic beauty and a hint of foreign ancestry, thanks to her foreign father.Wendy had once ruled the entertainment world with her bold style and stunning looks. Her husband was upset about her style and eventually divorced her.Debra recalled Wendy'
"I guess that's why we are here," Debra replied.Her directness sparked a flurry of comments online.[Dang. Did she just drop that truth bomb without a second thought?][She's so honest. Wait for her to leak more.][Is it just me, or does Megan seem a little sneaky?]...Debra's straightforwardness instantly won her more fans.Megan asked again, "Why? Is it because of those photos?"The cameras zoomed in on her, causing an uproar online.[Girl. You just went there, huh?][I wouldn't be that bold.][Spill the tea. We all wanna know the juicy details.]...The director watched in amazement as the viewer count skyrocketed. It seemed like everyone was tuning in to hear the gossip."That man in the photos? He's my boyfriend," Debra replied.The internet went wild.[Wait! Did she just say boyfriend? Not a gigolo?][This is the kind of drama I live for. This just got way more interesting.][Uh, did anyone notice Juan's face? Man looks like he's about to explode.]...Megan
After a quick round of introductions, everyone was thrown into the first challenge. They were to venture into an untouched part of the island, a region chosen specifically by the show.The production team had set up safe zones and handed out survival wristbands to each participant to ensure their safety.Debra stared at the smart wristband in her hand and asked Juan, "Do you know how to use this?""Designed for adventures, it's durable and of great quality," he replied."Do you know how to use it?" She repeated, too embarrassed to admit she was clueless when it came to gadgets like these.Juan pointed to the buttons. "This one's for an SOS signal. That's your location tracker. These show directions, and here's the flashlight."She nodded, making mental notes of everything.At a loss, Megan muttered, "Edward, do you know how to use this?""Nope," he confessed, scratching his head.Megan threw him a frustrated look. "Ugh, you're useless."In contrast, the other two pairs were s
At the villa, Marion sat in the study room, watching the live stream on his computer. Randy was lounging nearby, munching on sunflower seeds."Seriously, island survival? That's ancient. Are they really doing this? Is Andrew losing his touch? I mean, Debra is straying from stardom," he grumbled."I don't know," Marion replied, staring at the screen.The live feed showed Debra and Juan heading deeper into the jungle. The terrain was unforgiving. Trees and thick brush made it hard to see the path ahead.Suddenly, Debra lost her footing. "Ah."Juan immediately grabbed her wrist, pulling her back upright."You okay?""Yeah."She pulled her hand away and continued her way forward.The live chat went wild.[Why am I feeling things? Flipping.][Who could say no to a rich, handsome CEO?][I'm shipping Debra and Juan so hard right now.][Forget that gigolo. Debra needs to be with Juan. He's cold on the outside, but you just know he's warm on the inside.]...Marion's expression d
He needed to make sure Debra was safe.Just then, the butler burst into the room, panic written all over his face. "Mr. Houston, Mr. Osborne, something's happened."He rarely lost his cool like this, and Marion could sense the gravity of the situation. He immediately rose to his feet and headed toward Andrew's study.Inside, Andrew looked grim. As soon as Marion entered, he said, "Call your people. Have them here immediately.""What happened?""Drake has arrived."The tension in the room skyrocketed."What the hell is he doing here?" Randy asked, frowning deeply."I underestimated how much a pull Debra has on Drake. He's treating her like his next prey. The production team said they spotted two men, carrying backpacks, heading into the restricted area," Andrew replied.Marion's fury flared. "If you knew something was off, why didn't you stop them?""The production team didn't realize there was a problem. That area is usually off-limits to anyone, and they only purchase the ri
"No, it doesn't," the cameraman stammered, conflicted as he glanced at the lens.What none of them realized was that the camera had already switched over, and their conversation had been broadcast live to the whole audience.[Report: we have a couple not trying hard enough in this competition.][LOL, everyone else is playing seriously, and then there's the Debra-Juan duo trying to bend the rules.][Why am I finding Juan so attractive right now? Like, who cares about winning? His girl comes first.]...Debra could barely manage a smile now. She could imagine what kind of storm was brewing online because of their exchange. She just hoped Marion wouldn't see this.As time ticked by, the weather began to change.Debra glanced at the sky. "Is it about to rain?""Looks like it," Juan replied as he dug into his backpack, pulling out a simple raincoat, prepared in advance by the production team."Put this on," he said, handing it to Debra."Wait, what about you?" she asked, noticing
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