"Boss, Ms. Frazier..." Kale muttered.The mention of Debra annoyed Drake once again. "I left her at the casino. Do you plan to pick her up?"Kale bowed his head. "No, boss."Drake glanced at his watch. It was already midnight and the liveliest hour for the casino. People from all walks of life would be there to have fun."She is too stubborn, and perhaps a few more hours at that chaotic place would knock some sense into her. Bring her back when she realizes her mistakes.""Yes, boss."Debra had been staying in the lounge for over two hours. Harland approached the door and asked, "Has Mr. Lowe come back yet?"The guard shook his head, and Harland waved him off. Debra went out to check the situation, and Harland quickly put on a flattering smile."Ms. Frazier, if you feel bored, you can walk around. Just don't get lost. This place is both safe and dangerous.""Do you think Mr. Lowe has forgotten about me?""Of course not. You're Mr. Lowe's favorite. He wouldn't leave you here a
Late into the night, the square was empty.The mongrel, who had just wrapped his arm around Debra, quickly pulled away."Ms. Frazier, I didn't mean anything by that earlier. Please, don't go telling Marion.""I know you didn't. Honestly, if it weren't for you, I'd still be stuck in there."Just now, she had unexpectedly spotted William pacing outside the lounge. His appearance was good, but his accent was funny."Where's Marion? Has he come?""Oh, he's here. The moment he heard you were in trouble, he flew over and dragged me along. I had to push back several surgeries. Ms. Frazier, you should compensate me."But the news made Debra anxious. She grabbed William's arm, her voice urgent."Where is he? You need to make him leave. Drake already has people ready to capture him.""Marion loves you more than his life. Do you think he'll just leave? He guessed you'd try to get into the casino, so I've been posing as a businessman, gambling for days to keep an eye on things. Finally, y
Debra quickly pulled herself together and settled down on a bench nearby.In no time, several cars arrived. Drake stepped out, with Kale and several others trailing behind him.As they passed, none of them seemed to notice her. Debra called out in a teasing tone, "Mr. Lowe, where are you going in such a hurry?"Drake halted, momentarily taken aback. He turned, half-expecting his mind to be playing tricks on him, but there she was, casually seated on a bench.The cold wind ruffled her hair and gave her an almost ethereal quality.Kale frowned. "Boss, do you want me to grab her?""Stay here," Drake ordered."Yes, boss."Drake strode over to Debra and seized her arm with an iron grip."Ouch!" Debra winced, glaring up at him. "What are you doing?""I want to ask you the same thing," Drake snapped. "You've got some nerve to go with a random guy."Debra shrugged. "Do you really care who I leave with?"Drake's chest tightened with frustration. He stared into her defiant eyes, torn
"Get in." Drake shoved Debra into the bedroom.She stumbled and shot him an angry look. "Seriously, Mr. Lowe? Is this necessary?"He had been silent the entire drive back, but the moment they arrived at the villa, his true colors emerged.His face darkened, and his voice turned to ice as he said, "If you weren't still useful, you'd have been a dead body now.""I know," Debra replied, her tone calm and steady. "Otherwise, how would I dare act so boldly in front of you?"She leisurely made her way to the plush sofa and poured herself a glass of wine.Drake narrowed his eyes, but instead of losing his temper, he let out a low chuckle. "You enjoy yourself as if this is your home.""I was playing piano throughout the day, and my fingers are still numb. It's just a glass of wine. Don't be so stingy."While sipping her wine, she observed his expression and noted that he wasn't really angry."Since I did such a good job tonight, how about you answer me a question?""Shoot.""How muc
Debra nodded and led the way back to her room, Lara trailing closely behind. As they reached the door, Debra suddenly yanked Lara inside, catching her off guard."Ms. Frazier, what are you doing?" Lara stammered."I need to talk to you about this dress," Debra said, cutting straight to the chase.Lara's façade dropped, her expression turning serious. "Ms. Frazier, I have to warn you. This dress belongs to Miss Sharp. If she finds out you wore it, you won't like the consequences."Debra was skeptical. "It's just a dress. Surely, she wouldn't go that far over something so trivial, would she?""With Miss Sharp, you can never be sure," Lara replied, her tone grave. "Her belongings are off-limits to everyone, whether it's clothing or people."Debra's eyes sharpened as she began to realize that Lara wasn't just another naive maid. Surviving this long in Drake's cutthroat world required a certain savvy."Drake didn't kill me because you covered for me, right?" Debra probed.She had ta
Ava caught a glimpse of Harland's warning glare and clapped a hand over her mouth. "It's nothing, Miss Sharp. I was just joking with Harland."Her dramatic act didn't sit well with Harland, whose face darkened instantly.Yvonne fixed him with a glacial stare and snapped, "Who permitted anyone to touch my piano? Harland, are you trying to lose your job?""Miss Sharp, this has nothing to do with me. It was the new pianist who didn't know the rules. I've already reprimanded her," Harland stammered.Before he could finish, Ava interjected, "Yeah, Miss Sharp, don't blame Mr. Bruce. The new pianist was brought in by Mr. Lowe. Mr. Bruce was just following orders."Yvonne's expression darkened further. "Drake brought her over?" Harland could feel the weight of her gaze.Sensing an opportunity, Ava stepped closer to Yvonne and whispered conspiratorially, "Miss Sharp, that new pianist is nothing but a vixen. She insisted on playing your piano. That was a sheer provocation to you."Just
"Yes, Miss Sharp," the chauffeur replied, deftly steering the car toward the Lowe Mansion.Kale came out into the courtyard, his face taut as he spotted Yvonne stepping out of the car.He said, "Mr. Lowe is resting. This might not be the best time for a visit, Miss Sharp."Yvonne cast a pointed glance at the mansion, its windows flickering with light, and arched an eyebrow. "Is he really resting, or is he inside with another woman?"Kale frowned. "Miss Sharp, you're overstepping."With a smirk playing on her lips, Yvonne replied, "The Sharp and Lowe families share a long history. I was just joking."Turning to her chauffeur, she ordered, "Take the car back and tell my dad that I'll be staying here.""Yes, Miss Sharp," her driver responded, leaving Kale more apprehensive than before."Miss Sharp, I don't think this is appropriate," he said."What's inappropriate about it? I'm going to be living here eventually," she said nonchalantly.She was ready to get in, but Kale blocked
Yvonne emerged slowly from the bathroom, her long, pale legs moving with a deliberate grace.She was draped in nothing but a thin, black lace nightgown, the damp strands of her hair clinging to her skin. Every step she took seemed calculated to seduce, and the sly smile tugging at her lips only heightened her allure.The door swung open, and Drake stepped inside. Yvonne moved instantly, throwing her arms around his neck."Drake," she purred, her voice honeyed and soft, "have you missed me these days?"He pried her arms off his neck, his chilling indifference making the smile on her face freeze.Drake went to the sofa and asked, "What brings you here?""I missed you," Yvonne cooed, striding closer. "Is that so wrong? I heard you've hired a new pianist."Drake leaned back, casually reaching out to twirl a damp lock of Yvonne's hair between his fingers. "So what, are you jealous?"Yvonne's lips tightened in displeasure. "I've already had someone smash the piano. You know I don't l
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