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
Debra's eyes narrowed. "You framed Michael, didn't you? Someone put you up to this."The woman's face paled. "What are you talking about? He hit me."Debra leaned back in her chair. "I've done my homework on you. You're not even one of Michael's fans. Why were you at the studio that day?"The woman hesitated for a moment, but then, as if reciting a well-rehearsed script, she snapped back, "I am a fan. I went there to get his autograph, and he attacked me. Just because he's famous doesn't mean he can treat people like dirt. Michael is nothing without our support."Debra drummed her fingers on the table. "Interesting. Few people knew Michael was leaving the studio early that day. How did you find out?""I heard about it in a fan group.""Are you in the group?""Of course.""Tell me the group ID. I'll check it."The woman froze, and Debra raised an eyebrow. "You see, the fans who have access to Michael's personal schedule are all verified superfans. If you're one of them, it won'
Juan's words annoyed Debra.Michael swiftly stepped in front of her and shot back, "It seems your taste has taken a bit of a nosedive lately."His gaze flicked to Shelia, his tone sharpening. "I wonder what tricks Miss Miles used this time. You seem to have an uncanny connection with the rich and powerful."Shelia's smile remained firmly in place. "Juan and I are soul mates, and we are engaged. Since you've been locked up at the police station, I presume you don't know about Ms. Frazier and Mr. Houston's engagement. But still, the way you two are pulling on each other is indecent."Michael's disdain for Shelia was written all over his face, but before he could form a retort, Ben got out of the car and jogged up to them.He said, "Mr. Austin, it's good to see you free at last. Mr. Houston is waiting in the car. We should get going."Shelia saw through the lie instantly, her voice dripping with mockery. "Oh, Ben, are you covering for Mr. Austin now? Mr. Houston just let his fiancée
Kale explained, "The only place open for delivery at this hour was a small joint, and the soup has gone cold in the chilly weather. Cold fish soup always turns fishy."Drake's face twisted in disgust. "Toss it. File a complaint.""Yes, boss." Kale picked up the fish soup and dumped it back into the bag.Drake stared at the documents on his desk, muttering, "A pampered lady knows how to make soup. What a surprise!"Then he suddenly remembered that Debra not only knew how to make soup but was also good at playing the piano, dancing, and manipulating people. It had been almost a year since they first met. He had kidnapped Debra multiple times but had never gained any advantage. Instead, he had lost a lot."She's my nemesis," he declared seriously.If Debra wasn't his nemesis, she couldn't have played him like a fool. Ever since she appeared in his life, he had been nothing but unlucky.His estate in Seamar City was burned down. One of his fiancées was dead, and the other publicly b
"What nursing?" Marion asked.Debra blinked at him. "You don't know?""Not really.""It means stimulating milk production for women after they've had a baby."Marion pondered. "Is it for men too?""Only for women.""Got it. If you ever want kids in the future...""You'll make soup for me?""I won't let you drink it.""Why not?""I've heard it's painful for mothers to breastfeed. I don't want you to go through that."Debra couldn't hold back her giggles. "So, if I don't breastfeed, what would our baby drink?""Formula," Marion replied matter-of-factly.Debra smirked, "Dummy, if the milk isn't expressed, it'll still hurt."Marion fell into thought. "Then let's not have kids. Just you and me, together for life. That sounds perfect. If you ever feel lonely, we can move to that house in the mountains and keep cats and dogs. Either way, I'll always be by your side. You'll never have to feel pain or loneliness."Debra's heart softened. "Okay."After they finished eating, Debra
Debra hung up the phone, determined to make Theda pay for hurting Marion."What are you doing sneaking around in the kitchen?"Drake's voice suddenly came from behind her. Startled, Debra turned around and sulked, "Do you always sneak up on people like that?""I just came to the kitchen to find something to eat. I didn't know you'd be here making calls," he replied, walking past her to grab some instant noodles from the fridge.Debra was puzzled. "Don't you have a chef?""At this hour? The chef is long gone," Drake snorted, tearing open the packet.Then he noticed a white clay pot simmering on the stove, giving off a delicious aroma."What's that?""What else? Soup for Marion.""There are servants in this house. You don't have to do it by yourself.""Marion doesn't like soup made by others."She lifted the lid to reveal a creamy soup. Drake wrinkled his nose."Isn't fish soup for nursing mothers? Is Marion on maternity leave or something?""Who told you that? It's savory a
At the Buchan Group Headquarters, Theda stood in front of a large shipping container, her hand resting on her chin. "What's inside?""We're not sure. The airline just delivered it this morning. They said it was shipped from Orkgate," the assistant replied."Orkgate?" Theda hesitated. "Open it."The assistant stepped forward and opened the container.As soon as the content was revealed, she freaked out, "Ma'am, it's Robert."Theda rushed over to check on him. Inside the container, Robert lay unconscious, his eyes tightly shut. His face was pale, drained of color."Robert!" Theda called out, patting his face.Then she noticed the blood starting to seep through the wound on his abdomen.She cried out, "Call a doctor."The assistant rushed out to fetch help. Meanwhile, Theda contacted the front desk."Find out who sent this.""It's Debra Houston."The news brought Theda a sense of foreboding. For the past few days, no one knew where Robert had been. She had searched everywhere
Drake didn't hear any noise downstairs."Haven't Debra and Marion come in?""They should have.""Then why hasn't anyone come to report me?""Boss, you said you weren't going to welcome them."Lately, Kale found it hard to figure out what Drake was thinking. One moment he was against something, and the next he was going along with it.The wedding was an example. At first, he said he wasn't going, but later, he did. Then it was this recent event. He didn't mean to hurt Marion, but he claimed that it was intentional.Now, he was doing it again, inviting them over but refusing to welcome them."Yeah. I don't care if they stay or leave," Drake said, standing up. "I'm hungry. Tell someone to make dinner."He came downstairs, but Debra was nowhere to be seen.He glanced at Lara, who was still cleaning. "Have they gone to their rooms?""Yes," Lara faltered, "but they went to the same room."Drake frowned. "I told you to prepare two rooms. Why are they sharing?""Mrs. Houston said
"I think it's fine," Debra said. "I don't believe he'd do anything to Marion."It was better to have Drake pay the bills than stay in the hospital.She turned to the bodyguard and said, "Okay. Tell your boss to send a car to pick us up.""The car's already waiting outside," replied the man. "He had prepared it, knowing you'd agree.""How thoughtful he is!""Yeah."Drake had suffered too many losses when dealing with Debra. He had drawn lessons from those failures.Debra helped Marion out of bed. The moment they stepped out of the room, Drake's subordinates hurried over to assist.They smiled flatteringly at Debra and said, "We're here to help."But Marion shot them a cold look before they could come near him. They smiled awkwardly and quickly pulled their hands back.Debra sighed and continued helping Marion out of the room."Why refuse free labor?""I don't like others touching me.""Alright, you don't like others touching you. How about I touch you?""Only you can touch
Erica felt helpless. "As long as you're happy."She just hoped Randy would not regret it later."Erica, I have a question," Debra said. "It's the trick you used on Robert. Did you learn that a long time ago?""Yeah," Erica replied. "It's not just me. Randy learned it too. When we were kids, Caleb liked to train us. You know how it is. People like us get kidnapped all the time, especially when we are younger. We were often targets for rivals or kidnappers who wanted ransom. Caleb always said boys and girls both needed to learn to protect themselves, so he made sure we learned it all.""Backstabbing like that is simple. The hardest part is showing weakness first," Randy chimed in. "It's what Caleb taught us. If you get captured, always show weakness to slacken their vigilance. Then you counterstrike with techniques like joint locks or over-the-shoulder slams. We learned all that, though I'm not as good as Erica. She was always into it and even learned boxing. Robert is stupid, messin
Erica nearly choked on the food when she heard that. "Bro, your left hand is injured. What's that got to do with your right hand?""That hand hurts too," Marion lied without batting an eyelid."Is it injured too? Let me see," Debra said, quickly checking his right hand.Stunned, Randy dropped his fork. "Come on. Can't you see he's faking it?""Faking it?" Debra examined Marion's hand and saw no injuries.Debra dropped his hand and said, "Then feed yourself.""I want you to feed me," Marion whined.Erica got goosebumps all over, unwilling to believe the man in front of her was really Marion.She put down her fork and knife. "Should we give you guys the room?"She winked at Randy, who immediately took the hint. "Right, we've got stuff to do. There's a mess in Seamar City we need to sort out. We should go."While feeding Marion, Debra sighed, "Stop messing with me.""We shouldn't interrupt your quality time," Erica explained.Right now, Marion only had eyes for Debra. She didn
Debra sighed in relief, "The doctor said you need to stay here for observation. During that time, I'll take care of you."She paused and corrected herself, "I mean, we will take care of you.""Huh?" Marion was baffled.Before Debra could explain, a knock came from the door. A group of caregivers shuffled in, looking like they wanted to be anywhere else.The air was thick with awkwardness before one of them finally broke the silence. "Sir, we're caregivers assigned to look after you during your recovery.""Oh, caregivers?" Debra arched a brow. "Funny, though. You all look kind of familiar. Haven't we met before?""No, ma'am. We've never met. We're just ordinary workers here," they insisted.Debra stood up and walked toward them, narrowing her eyes. "You mean to tell me I don't recognize the men who are always hovering around Drake?"The men panicked, their façade crumbling. "Ma'am, we're just following orders. If we mess this up, we'll be punished. Please, don't blow our cover."