The silence stretched out, each second ticking by like an eternity. Shelia's back ached from the prolonged bow, but she couldn't straighten up until Debra acknowledged her.Her resentment simmered, threatening to boil over."I'm not someone unreasonable," Debra finally spoke. "I just hope that you will pay more attention to your speech. Don't jump to conclusions and embarrass the Nichols family."She cast a meaningful glance at Melody, whose face was full of shame.By tomorrow morning, the three socialites present would undoubtedly spread tonight's events far and wide. The story of Shelia bowing to Debra would be all over town. When that happened, no one would be confused about who held more power in Seamar City.Frustrated, Melody huffed at Juan, "Take her home.""Yes, Grandma," Juan replied, walking over to Shelia and taking her hand.She started to tear up, and Juan's face softened with concern. But to Debra, the scene was nothing short of laughable.As the others began to d
Erica practically shoved Debra into the bathroom, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Wash your face. We need to get started."Debra protested, "Wait, what is all this for?"Erica's eyes sparkled. "I think Marion's going to propose."Debra blinked. "Where did you hear that?"Erica asked back, "Isn't he? We all thought so. Why else would he go to all this trouble and have Randy get a whole glam team for you?"Debra shook her head. "Marion already promised Caleb that both the proposal and engagement ceremony would be handled by Caleb. There is no way he'd let Marion interfere with it."Erica deflated like a balloon. "No proposal? Ugh, I got all worked up for nothing.""You already? We're running out of time," Randy urged from the living room.As soon as Debra came out, the stylists descended upon her, wielding makeup brushes and styling tools with practiced precision.When one of the designers brought out a custom-made dress, Erica said, "That's tailored to your measurements. I
Erica muttered in confusion, "Is Marion planning for you to work?"She couldn't quite wrap her head around what Marion was up to.Since early that morning, they had all been in a flurry of activity, helping Debra get ready. She had anticipated some grand proposal event, but instead, Marion had Randy drive them to the McKinney Group headquarters.Several employees huddled together, their eyes fixed on the car."Hey, check it out. Is that a Ferrari?""Is some big-shot CEO visiting our company today? I didn't hear anything about it."...As Randy lowered the car window and removed his sunglasses, those female employees couldn't help but blush. His eyes scanned the crowd, causing a flutter of excitement among the onlookers.He was a regular guest to different companies, and his looks were good, making him quite popular among the female employees."Isn't that Mr. Osborne? What brings him here?""He's looking at me.""No way. He's obviously looking at me."They elbowed each other
Randy escorted Debra and Erica into the building, his presence commanding respect as they walked through the lobby."What's HR doing around here? If I hear any more rumors like that, I'll have everyone involved pack up and leave," he growled.The employees scattered like a flock of startled birds.Just as Debra was about to step further into the lobby, a voice from outside caught her attention."Good morning, Ms. Blair."The receptionist warmly greeted Shelia as she walked in. The moment her eyes fell on Debra, her expression tightened.Debra was dressed in an elegant suit that exuded a cool, aristocratic aura, a stark contrast to her usual casual style.The thought of last night's humiliation rattled Shelia all over again.She glanced at the dispersing employees and frowned. "What's going on? Who's causing trouble so early in the morning?"Erica, never one to mince words, scoffed, "Oh, aren't you bold, Ms. Blair?"No longer fearful of Erica, Shelia shot back, "Miss Mathis, w
Debra found herself momentarily lost in thought as Marion stepped to her side.She whispered, "What game are you playing this time?"Marion didn't respond verbally, his lips curling into an enigmatic smile. He took her hand, a display of affection in everyone's eyes.Shelia's eyes flashed with annoyance. Her voice cut through the air, laced with irritation. "Mr. Houston, I get that you and Ms. Frazier are getting engaged, but I think you're stepping over the line here."Marion didn't even bother looking at her. He instructed Ben, "Show it to her.""Yes, sir," Ben replied, stepping forward to hand Shelia a document.Her face drained of color as she read the content.Ben went on to declare, "A year ago, Mr. Houston invested eight billion dollars into the McKinney Group, securing a 25% share. This grants him decisive authority over major decisions."Murmurs erupted across the room."Eight billion dollars? Is it true?""The appointment letter is right here. How could it be fake?"
Debra raised her eyebrows innocently. "Ms. Blair, I've hardly said a word since I've been standing here. How did I end up being your target?"Shelia scoffed, "Are you seriously going to pretend that Mr. Houston isn't doing this to defend you? Everyone knows he wouldn't even bother with women. So much for being a man of principle. He's just another guy using his power to push around women."To the untrained eye, Shelia played the victim flawlessly. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her bottom lip trembling ever so slightly.She had always been adept at playing the damsel, garnering sympathy from those around her.But Debra saw right through her act. "Mr. Houston's decision to let you go has nothing to do with me. It's because you're not fit for the position."Shelia's eyes narrowed, her voice rising in defense. "I've only been on the job for a week. What makes you think I'm not qualified?"Debra's smile was faint but mocking. "So, you're aware of it. But from what I hear, you
The lobby buzzed with murmurs."What? Ms. Blair didn't graduate?""No way! Didn't all the online reports say she graduated with top scores?""I heard she got into Arcane Academy because Mr. Nichols backed her with money and connections. She studied for four years, and now it turns out she didn't even finish?"A dropout referred to someone who did not complete their degree due to various reasons, such as failing to submit a satisfactory thesis or not completing their internship requirements.The employees at the McKinney Group were all from prestigious universities. A dropout would not even meet the basic qualifications for joining.Now it was clear who had gotten into Arcane Academy through connections.Shelia's face paled visibly. Meanwhile, the secretaries returned, their arms laden with boxes containing Shelia's personal belongings—a high-end laptop, an expensive coffee machine, delicate tea sets, and pricey bottles of wine. Except for the laptop, not a single item seemed rel
Debra rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her excitement.Shelia had been thoroughly humiliated in front of everyone, and by now, she was probably cursing them with every breath she took.Erica exchanged a glance with Randy. Erica asked, "So, what do we do now?""These lovebirds are clearly in their own world. I say we leave them to it," replied Randy.They had stood there silently through the whole fiasco, not even getting a word in edgewise.Ben approached them. "Mr. Houston asked you both to head upstairs."Randy raised an eyebrow. "When did he say that? I thought he only had eyes for Debra.Marion used to be a straight-laced businessman. Now, he was like a peacock showing off.They had prepared things the entire morning, only to create a stage for him to tear apart Shelia.Ben tried to soothe him. "Well, Mr. Houston has something important to discuss with you.""Okay, I'll do him the favor." Randy nodded.Upstairs, Debra looked around the cleaned office and sighed."
Suddenly, Debra remembered something Drake had told her the other day."What would a rich lady like you understand? You value pride over survival. But for small-timers like them? Pride means nothing. Staying alive is all that matters."She frowned. "Theda was abandoned in the countryside when she was little and lived a tough life for over ten years, right?""Exactly.""Then how could she not understand how hard it is for small-timers to survive?"Just then, Theda and Melody took the stage. The purple satin gown on Theda seemed a bit too bold for the occasion.She started, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending the cooperation banquet between the Buchan Group and the Nichols Group. It also marks my new journey as the new president of the Nichols Group. I will lead the company toward an even brighter future."Her speech shocked everyone in the hall.After all, Juan hadn't made an appearance in days. Even if he were stepping down, he should have faced and addressed the
As Erica, Randy, Marion, and Debra entered the banquet hall, they immediately drew everyone's attention. Many people approached them to say hello.Liza tugged at Garland's arm, looking displeased. "These people are shallow. Doesn't anyone recognize us?"As the daughter of the Eaton family, she was usually surrounded by flattering people. But in Seamar City, she was reduced to second fiddle."Calm down. At our place, Debra was treated the same way. It's just home-court advantage," Garland soothed her.Liza pouted. "True. But I should get the respect I deserve. Just open a branch here and make it better than the McKinney Group."Garland smiled wryly. 'That's a fool' talk. The McKinney Group is backed by the Four Great Families. Any one of them is no small matter. It will take our entire family to compete with them.'"I'll try," he said, glancing at "Just work harder," Liza muttered, glancing at Theda, who was walking toward Debra.Theda wore a polite smile, but there was undenia
Even though Liza didn't fully grasp the tangled web of rivalries among elite families in Seamar City, she knew that Theda had been targeting Debra relentlessly.The impromptu trip overseas was all thanks to Theda.Debra stepped forward and took the invitation. "Since they have struck a deal, we might as well see what this is about."By evening, the Royal Hotel was buzzing with activity.Everyone was aware of the Buchan Group's rise in Seamar City. On top of that, the rumors about Theda taking over the Nichols Group were everywhere.Even though the Buchan Group had suffered a setback with Lester's recent scandal, the problems would be nothing if they secured a partnership with the Nichols Group.Erica stepped out of the car, her eyes taking in the extravagant scene outside the hotel.She clicked her tongue. "Wow. Theda knows how to put on a show. I've never seen a banquet this fancy here before."Seamar City didn't have many hotels of this caliber, and few people had the clout t
As Debra and Marion were chatting up ahead, Garland squeezed his way out of the crowd.It was his first time experiencing such fan enthusiasm, and he couldn't handle it. "No, I'm not your idol, just a passerby."But no matter how hard he tried to explain, the fans weren't letting him go.Garland was cute and sunny. Anyone would assume he was a celebrity.Erica and Randy were having an even worse time. Erica's mature, confident vibe attracted a lot of male fans, while Randy's handsome face and playboy look did their part in attracting attention.It took the entourage a full 20 minutes to leave the airport."My God, I've never seen anything like this. These female fans are crazy," Garland muttered, wiping the lipstick off his face."The male fans are no better. They called me Wifey.""They called you what?" Randy got worked up. "Which bastard did that?""Get lost. Stop hovering around me," Erica grumbled, pushing him away.With so many people crowding the airport, Randy had bee
Robert glanced at everyone in the room and turned to leave.For three straight days, Lester was frozen out, while operations continued as usual.Far away on a beach, Debra took off her sunglasses and stood up from her lounge chair.Garland, who had been playing on the sand, looked up and asked, "Are you heading back already?""Yeah, it's time to go." Debra casually tossed her sunglasses aside.In the distance, Marion pulled up in a car. He walked over to Debra, draped a jacket over her shoulders, and said, "I've booked the tickets. Mrs. Houston, your vacation's over.""Are you going back to Seamar City? Wonderful!" Garland jumped up for joy.He'd been stuck here, dealing with all the expenses while the artists and staff lived it up.Finally, he could go back and continue to slack off at the Potter Mansion.Debra scanned the staff, who were still goofing around. "Guys, it's time to head back. There's a ton of work waiting for us. Let's get back on track and stay focused."The
Robert watched Lester leave. "Ma'am, should I stop him?""Let him go," Theda said, leaning back in her swivel chair and closing her eyes. "The penalty fees alone are more than he can afford. He'll have no choice but to come crawling back."She hadn't expected Lester to mess up at such a critical time. Back then, he had promised her that he would rise to the top of the industry. But now, just as things were getting started, he caved under pressure."What's the plan now?" Robert asked."There are plenty of other artists," Theda replied, stretching her arms. "Split Lester's resources among them. If he doesn't want wealth, there are plenty of others who do."She stood up and added, "I'm feeling a bit tired. Go tell them to get ready for an all-out fight. If they pull this off, I'll make sure they're well rewarded.""Understood." Robert left the office and headed to the lounge.Inside, a group of exhausted artists slumped over the tables. When Robert walked in, one of them asked eage
Randy was amazed. "It hasn't even been a few days. Debra's plan works fast.""It's a mind game. They were nobodies, and in less than a month, they rose to stardom. Naturally, their egos are inflated. With all that pressure, it's no surprise they'd lose control of their emotions," Debra explained, hooking her arm around Marion's and leaning her head on his shoulder. "Marion taught me all this. Pretty impressive, right?"Both Erica and Randy were speechless.Garland came downstairs and greeted them. "What's the occasion today? You've prepared so much food."Erica replied, "We're celebrating our first victory. Buchan Group is going down.""Really?" Garland raised an eyebrow.Debra smiled, "It's just the start. There's more fun ahead."Far away at the Buchan Group Headquarters, Robert reported, "Today, the 17th advertiser has pulled out. Even the previous endorsers are terminating their contracts with Lester. We can afford the penalties, but it means all the money we made before is
Marion leaned down to kiss Debra. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, taking them aback.They turned to see Randy standing in the doorway.Realizing what he'd walked in on, Randy awkwardly cleared his throat and glanced upward. "Weird, huh? Where'd everyone go in the middle of the day? Guess I'll check downstairs."Before leaving, he added, "Oh, by the way, top trending news. Buchan Entertainment's A-lister Lester Ashford just assaulted a fan."Debra immediately grabbed her phone. Sure enough, the top trending topic was #LesterHitsFan, and the story had gone viral across the internet.She tapped into the headline and saw a video shot by a fan.In the video, fans greeted Lester at the airport as he got off the plane. A group of female fans held banners and chanted, "Lester, we love you."The airport wasn't overcrowded, and everything seemed orderly.But as soon as Lester heard the chant, he smashed his water bottle to the ground and yelled, "Idiots! Does no one want you at ho
Liza grinned cheekily, "My allowance has gone up every year, but don't lose heart. I'll tell Dad to raise your allowance too."She looked at Garland's sullen face and patted his shoulder. "Cheer up. I'm off shopping."She leisurely hummed a song and skipped away.Far away in Seamar City, Robert was reporting his duties to Theda."These past few days, most of the McKinney Group's clients have jumped ship and joined us. Now that their artists are on hiatus, we can grab their endorsement deals. Within a month, we'll swallow up all the resources they're holding onto," he said."Is Debra doing nothing about this?" Theda asked."She did," Robert replied. "Michael has been working around the clock. Debra's trying to use him to salvage the situation. But it's not working.""Michael may be their ace, and Debra's relying on him to secure only luxury brand endorsements. But if she doesn't care about the smaller deals, we'll take them," Theda said, tapping her chin. "Without clients or reso