Debra's voice dropped to an icy calm. "I can tell that. I entrusted the company to you because I believed in you. Now, I find it in disarray. I need a reasonable explanation."The elevator hummed to a stop, and the doors slid open to reveal the third floor. Debra's brow furrowed."Why are we stopping here?""Madam, it's not convenient to talk here. Let's head to my office first."The apprehension in Ben's expression sent a chill down Debra's spine. While no one was around, he added, "Your office has been occupied by the new GM."Debra let out a laugh, sharp and frustrated. "New GM? Who authorized a new GM? I'm the owner of this company. Nothing happens here without my say-so."Ben sighed heavily. "It was Mr. Nichols.""Juan?""Yes, Madam.""And where does he get the authority?""While you were away, the company came under attack from the Nichols Group. At first, Michael was caught in a scandal and couldn't extricate himself. Then, he got into a fight and was arrested. He's st
Debra's voice was steady, but her eyes held a storm as she asked, "So, my office is currently being used by Shelia, right?"Ben shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "Yes."He understood Debra had been planning to step away from the Nichols Group, but Juan's betrayal had changed everything."Where is she now?""Upstairs. The employees are all opportunists, but please don't get angry, madam. Right now, the most important thing is figuring out how to remove the Nichols family from the equation, and then there's Michael...""I'll get him out. And how is the situation with the Odom family?""Edgar still thinks he can take down Oscar. He's been investing heavily since this morning. But don't worry; our PR team has been working nonstop. We prepared ahead of time, so the negative news about Oscar is being minimized.""I see. I'll leave this to you for now. Officially, I'm still in a resigned status, so don't let anything slip.""Understood."Planning to leave, Debra opened the do
Debra chuckled to herself.It appeared Shelia hadn't changed after all. She was still as arrogant as before.People like her, who flaunted their rise, usually had the hardest falls.In the underground parking lot, Marion had just stepped out of his car. He popped a lollipop into his mouth when a pair of hands covered his eyes from behind."Quit messing around.""How did you know it was me?"Marion grabbed her hand, a smirk playing on his lips."Even with my eyes closed, I know it's you.""I heard you never let anyone sneak up on you from behind.""That's true.""I've got some bad news."Debra turned serious, recounting everything that Ben had just shared with her, watching as a deep frown formed on Marion's face.She reached out, smoothing his furrowed brow with her thumb."What's with the face? I'm not even that upset, but you seem more worried than I am.""It's my fault. I thought Ben and Michael could handle it."Debra linked her arm with his, offering a reassuring sm
Neither Debra nor Marion had brought the necessary papers.On the way back, Marion's face remained dark and brooding.Debra stole a few glances at him. "You didn't know you needed identification documents to get married?"Marion shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I didn't have any experience."If he had known earlier that getting married required certain documents, he would have carried them with him every day.Debra couldn't suppress her laughter. It bubbled out of her, filling the car with a light, airy sound that contrasted sharply with Marion's mood.Perhaps feeling stung by her laughter, Marion suddenly turned the car around.Shocked, Debra grasped the door handle to steady herself. "Marion, what are you doing?""Going home," he replied tersely.He meant the Houston Mansion.When the two of them arrived at the study room hand in hand, Caleb was tending to the plants.The watering can in his hand was suspended mid-air. He echoed, his voice filled with disbelief, "Marria
As Debra and Marion walked hand in hand out of the house, Debra couldn't shake off a sense of unease."Is Caleb reliable?""Well, I can't say for sure. But you remember the engagement banquet my parents were supposed to have? Caleb wanted to handle that too, but my dad was against it. Now, he finally has a chance to be involved in my engagement, so let's just let him have his fun.""Well, let's hope it's not too over the top."She hadn't even finished her sentence when suddenly, the alarm sirens pierced the air. Squads of guards scrambled into formation, and a booming voice echoed from the speakers overhead."Attention! Mr. Marion Houston is about to get married. All departments prepare for security measures. All personnel on alert!"Debra covered her face with her free hand, embarrassment flooding her cheeks. Hopefully, things at the engagement banquet wouldn't get out of hand.When they arrived home, Debra found Erica had called multiple times, and when Debra finally called he
Joe hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door to the CEO's office."Come in."As he entered, Joe found Juan meticulously trimming a bouquet of roses.In a good mood, Juan glanced at him and asked, "What is it?"Joe cleared her throat, choosing his words carefully. "Ms. Frazier and Marion have set a date for their engagement party. It's the same day as yours, sir."He observed Juan's reaction, but the latter showed none."As long as it's not at the same venue, I don't care," Juan replied nonchalantly. "I wouldn't want Shelia to be bothered by it."Setting the bouquet aside, he looked up at Joe. "Did you make a reservation at the restaurant I asked for?""Yes, it's all set.""Good. Make sure you pick up Shelia yourself and take her there.""Yes, sir."Joe lingered as he watched Juan adjust his tie."Sir, about Ms. Frazier's engagement, do you really not feel anything?""My relationship with her was nothing more than a business arrangement. The Houston family announc
Debra came straight to the point. "Since Mr. Hardy is aware of the situation, please take me to see Michael."The officer nodded, jumping to his feet. "Of course, everything's ready. Right this way, Ms. Frazier."He led her through a maze of corridors until they reached the interrogation room. Michael had been locked up for days now.His once-clean-shaven face was covered with rough stubble, and dark circles hung beneath his eyes.The moment he saw Debra enter, he shot to his feet. The guards at the door stepped forward, ready to intervene if necessary."Ms. Frazier, you can speak with him here," the officer said. "We'll be right outside if you need anything."Debra said calmly, "No need. I'm here to take him with me."The officer stammered, "Uh, that's not something we can authorize."Debra sharply glanced at them. "Michael is an artist under the McKinney Group. Our lawyers have been negotiating with you for days. If he assaulted someone, we'll pay damages. But you've kept him
"Where's the surveillance footage?""There aren't any. That area was a blind spot, not caught on camera.""Is she one of your fans?""I always keep my schedule private. Only a handful of people know where I'll be. I've never seen her before."Debra realized what was going on. Someone had set up Michael on purpose.Her mind raced, piecing together the timeline. When Michael was framed, Juan was still on the island, which meant he must have arranged things ahead of time. This so-called victim was likely someone from the Nichols Group, and the one behind it was probably Joe."So, they've been holding you this whole time?""Yes. I believe someone put in a word with the authorities. But I can't figure out who. In this city, no one usually dares to go up against the McKinney Group.""It's Juan."Michael was surprised, and Debra added, "It has to be connected to the Nichols Group.""Was he also behind the accident on the island?""No, that wasn't him. I'm sorry for putting you into
It was late into the night when Debra got off the plane.Jordan's car was already parked by the airport. It felt empty with few passengers at that hour.She spotted him at a glance and threw a package at him. He tossed his cigarette aside and caught the package.Debra said, "Kid, you've learned to smoke now?"Jordan protested, "We are the same age. Don't talk like a senior.""Force of habit," Debra smiled. "I thought you were still that red-haired guy who'd always stick up for me back in school. But just two years later, you've grown up.""Debra.""Sorry. It's kind of ingrained."Having lived through a life, she couldn't help but speak to him like an elder."Aren't you going to explain it?""There's nothing to explain. I just came back alone.""Is that all you're going to say?"Together, they walked out of the airport, and he opened the car door for her.Jordan followed her to get into the car, and she finally said, "The news is all true."Jordan froze. "A nightclub model
Josh finally got a good night's sleep.Opening his eyes, he saw Debra was already up."Are you hungry? I can go grab some breakfast for you.""No need. I'm not used to regular stuff."Marion had always made breakfast for her since they got together. At first, these were just simple little things. But now, they had become an inseparable part of her life.Debra shook her head. "Your job is done here. Think about it and come back when you're ready."Before he could respond, she turned and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.Just then, the doorbell rang.Josh threw on his jacket and opened the door.A waiter was pushing a food cart. "Sir, here's your order.""My order?" Josh pointed to himself.The waiter did not explain. He simply rolled the cart inside and left.Debra finished freshening up and stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes landed on the cart."I said I wasn't eating. Did you order this?" she said.Josh removed the lid. Inside lay a freshly baked soufflé, topped w
Randy glanced at the car and said, "Don't be fooled by his façade. Watch how I tear it off."He yanked open the car door and grabbed Marion's arm, trying to drag him out. "Come on," Randy urged. "Erica is mad. Just do me a favor and come out."Marion didn't resist it.Erica stepped forward. "Debra is not the type to mess around. She's doing this to piss you off. I believe she's still waiting for you to explain yourself. Just get up there, talk to her, and deal with whatever's wrong with you. Got it?" "Don't be stubborn," Randy echoed. "Keep this up, and Debra is gone for good."He shoved Marion toward the hotel, but the latter just stood there, unmoving.Several guards arrived. Without a word, they started to drag Erica and Randy away."What the hell? Let go of me. Do you want a fight?" Erica snapped, raising a fist.But then, she recognized those people as well-trained soldiers of the Houston family. There was no way she could beat them.Randy didn't fare any better. He wa
"Really?" Debra raised an eyebrow."Don't judge me by appearances. I'm good at my studies," Josh replied. "One day, I'll make something of myself.""Who says working in this industry means you're a failure? The industry doesn't have ranks or status. If you feel bad about it, just tell yourself you're here to soothe souls. As long as your heart is pure, your body is too.""Thanks." Josh finished his wine in one go."Alright. You can go to bed.""Are you sure you don't wanna..."Josh hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.Though he had no problem saying honeyed words to clients, he was careful with his words around Debra."No, I'm married.""Then why are you...""Didn't your boss tell you when you started in this line of work? Don't try to pry into clients' privacy.""Sorry.""I have a card here. It's enough for your studies and starting a business. After tonight, you probably won't fit in here anymore. But I think you have the potential to be the boss in this line of work
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