As Debra's hands stilled on the keys, Drake commanded calmly, "Continue."Debra hesitated but resumed playing, though her attention was divided. Behind her, Harland continued to beat Ava, who pleaded for mercy between sobs."Have mercy, please," she cried out."Who told you to do this?" Harland repeated.Ava finally gave in. "I'll talk. It was because I needed money. But I did it all for Mr. Lowe. Please, have mercy."Drake raised his hand, signaling Harland to stop. "Hold on. You did this for me?"Ava nodded frantically. "Yes! I did it because she is a traitor."She pointed at Debra, who paused in shock.Drake's interest was piqued. "I'm listening."Ava continued, "I saw her with a man. They were plotting to run away.""Is that so?" Drake turned to Debra. "Did you do that?""No," Debra denied immediately as she continued playing. "I don't know why she slanders me like this. Without evidence, she's talking nonsense.""Of course, I have evidence. I saw it with my own eyes. Y
Debra's heart skipped a beat. She narrowed her eyes. "Oppose Mr. Lowe? Is this a joke? In this city, who would dare stand against him?"Ava's face tightened. That night, she had only overheard fragments of the conversation, but she was sure they were plotting to deal with Drake.She looked up at Drake and said urgently, "She is biding her time, waiting for her lover to rescue her. I was just trying to protect you and show you the kind of woman she truly is."Debra arched an eyebrow. "And you have proof of this? Or is it just more of your words?"Ava shot back, desperation creeping into her voice. "No, I saw it with my own eyes. Mr. Lowe, you can't keep her around you. Who knows if she's been sent by your enemies to bring you down?"Debra smirked, sarcasm lacing her tone. "That's funny. How could a weak woman like you pose any threats to Mr. Lowe? That makes him sound vulnerable, don't you think?"Ava paled, and Debra turned her gaze to Drake. "What do you think, Mr. Lowe?"Drake
Debra lifted her head, and Drake continued, "When she said this, it didn't seem like it was baseless."Debra plotting against him was one thing, but opposing him here in Orkgate was a huge joke.Even if Ava wasn't the brightest, she couldn't have made up such a lie.Debra met his gaze with a calm defiance. "Yes, I did."For a moment, the air between them seemed to freeze. Then, with a slow smile, she continued, "I told him if he wanted to take me from you, he'd need an army. And guess what? He panicked and ran off. Ava must have misunderstood. I just didn't expect her to make up something so ridiculous."Drake's lips curled slightly. "That sounds reasonable.""Of course, it does. This is my first time in Orkgate. How could I have ties to a mongrel? And trust me, that man won't come near your casino again. Competing with you over a woman? He's probably shaking in his boots somewhere."Drake gave a noncommittal grunt, seemingly satisfied. "Fair enough."She almost laughed at his
"Yes, boss." Kale nodded and quickly exited the lounge.Outside, the casino bustled with gamblers.Harland, having just returned from handling Ava, caught sight of Yvonne entering the casino.She moved with purpose, her eyes scanning the second floor where Debra played.The music was melodious, and anyone who heard it couldn't help but feel uplifted.Harland tensed up, but it was too late to notify Drake."Miss Sharp, why are you here at this hour?" he greeted nervously.Yvonne sneered, "If I didn't come, how would I know someone had taken my place here?"She strode upstairs, the noise attracting everyone's attention. Then, without warning, she slapped Debra across the face. The crack echoed through the casino, freezing everyone in place.All the guests there knew Yvonne was a daughter of the Sharp family and Drake's fiancée. Anyone who crossed her would face serious consequences.Yvonne's long, sharp nails made their mark with that heavy slap.Debra stared at the woman in s
The air crackled with unease, as if a single wrong move could ignite an explosion.All eyes were on Drake, waiting to see his reaction.Everyone knew how volatile Yvonne could be, and this situation felt like a lit fuse, poised to blow if not handled with care.Drake's face clouded over. Yvonne noticed it immediately.Over the years, she had seen many sides of him, but never this one.Instinctively, she took a step back.Drake growled, "Kale, didn't you hear me?""I did, boss." Kale stiffened, turning back to Yvonne. "Miss Sharp, please leave."Surrounded by bodyguards, Yvonne understood the unspoken message. Drake was determined to protect Debra."Fine! Don't regret this," Yvonne spat before storming downstairs.The crowd on the first floor quickly averted their gazes, too afraid to even glance in her direction. Yvonne was an untouchable lady. Except for Drake, no one dared humiliate her like this.A ripple of whispers spread through the onlookers, all wondering about Debra
Debra rose from her seat.With what had happened just now, no one dared stop her.She looked around on her way to the restroom. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her and dragged her to the corner.The person covered her mouth before she could scream. She gasped, eyes wide with shock, but then she recognized the man.It was the same person she had seen at the engagement party. His face was obscured by a silver mask, his sharp suit blending into the dim lighting."Don't make a sound," he whispered.Debra tensed, but before she could react, a group of guards passed by the corridor. The man's swift intervention had saved her from being spotted."Who are you?""This isn't a place for you. Go back."His voice was distorted, probably due to a voice changer. She glanced down at the hand gripping her arm and shook it off."We don't know each other, do we?""No.""Then why are you helping me? What does my situation have to do with you?"The man remained silent, preparing to leave. But as he
"Sorry," Frederic said curtly before leading Debra to the second room on the left.As soon as the door closed, Debra was stunned by the decor of the room. The lighting was dim, casting a faint red glow. Red curtains hung over a double waterbed, and one of the walls was covered with various instruments of torture.Debra felt a chill, and just then, Frederic's hoarse voice came from behind her, "Scared?"Debra quickly turned around, only to see Frederic approaching her step by step. From the next room, Ava's screams could be heard, and Debra finally realized that the rooms on the third floor were designed to cater to the depraved desires of wealthy people."Don't come near me," Debra warned.She stumbled and fell onto the waterbed, but Frederic didn't make any move on her. Instead, he walked past her, reached for the lamp by the bed, and turned it off. Debra noticed a faint red light blinking in the darkness. It was undoubtedly a camera.Frederic removed a tiny camera hidden on the
The patroller stiffened, clueless about who Debra was.Harland rushed forward, his smile stretched thin. "Ms. Frazier, what are you doing here?"Debra replied with feigned anger, "The guests here are crazy. I was just heading to the bathroom when someone grabbed me and dragged me here, trying to put their hands on me."The lie slipped effortlessly from her lips, and Harland's face flushed with shock. "Who is so bold? Are you alright, Ms. Frazier? This isn't a place for you to be. Let me take you downstairs.""No need," she said with a pout. "Where's Drake? I want him to explain himself."Harland hesitated. "Uh, Mr. Lowe is currently unavailable.""Unavailable?" Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Is he entertaining someone on this floor?"Harland waved his hand. "No, you misunderstand. Mr. Lowe is devoted to you. Didn't he just snap at Miss Sharp for your sake? How could there be anyone else?""Really?""Absolutely.""I don't believe you. I'm going to check it out."Without w
Debra couldn't suppress her excitement. "If everything you're saying is true, then it's not just you and me who have been reborn?""I'm not sure," Theda replied. "I tried to figure out the cause, but it felt like a gift from God to make up for my regrets. I just don't know why it was me. Later, someone approached me for cooperation."Debra asked, "The one behind all of this?"Theda nodded. "He's the hand of God, controlling everyone's fate. He told me that I was chosen and brought back to life by him. And indeed, he helped me a lot. From gaining power in the Buchan family to establishing Buchan Entertainment, it was all because of him."Debra frowned. "So, the rapid rise of the Buchan family over the years was his initiative.""Not entirely," Theda replied. "He did teach me a lot. After being reborn, I realized the importance of learning, so I studied like crazy, absorbing knowledge I never bothered with in my previous life. It helped me secure a foothold in Wrastow City."She pa
Marion came out of the house and glanced at Drake, who was about to leave."I'll say this once," he started.Drake paused from opening the car door."I was wrong," Marion continued.Drake turned to look at him.Debra thought this might be a heartwarming moment of reconciliation, but Drake only said, "Screw your apology."He climbed into his car, slammed the door, and sped off.Debra was stunned, looking at Marion. "So, does this mean you made up?""Don't know. Don't care," Marion replied, taking her hand in his. "Let's go back."Debra followed him back into the hall, where Theda was cleaning up Robert's face.She grumbled, "Does it hurt? Weren't you so tough just now?"Robert remained silent, keeping his head down.While tending to him, Theda turned to Debra, who had just walked in. "I need to have a private word with you."Erica protested, "What can't be said in front of us?""This is important," Theda replied. "I can only tell her.""Alright, let's talk upstairs," Debr
Marion remained expressionless. "I have nothing to explain.""Fine." Drake turned back to Robert. "Did you hear that? From now on, we're done with each other. You follow your own path, and I'll follow mine. I'm heading back to Orkgate. Neither of you should contact me again."He picked up his tie from the ground and left the house without looking back.Debra wanted to explain, but Marion held her back with a shake of his head.He didn't want to explain. It was all in the past, and he didn't want Robert or Drake to be involved in what was ahead."Honey, some things need to be clarified," Debra said softly, patting the back of his hand. "Some relationships can't just end because you want them to."Marion lowered his gaze and released her wrist. She knew Marion wasn't the type to mince words. Once something was done, it was done. He never explained, and now she would help him explain.Drake had already gotten into his car. Just as he pressed the gas to leave, Debra suddenly rushed
Drake's arrival surprised Debra. "What brings you here?"Drake ignored her. With a dark expression, he strode straight to Robert, landing a punch on his face.Robert tried to fight back, but Drake was relentless. He overpowered Robert, pinning him down and raining punch after punch on his face. Robert couldn't defend himself. He was completely at Drake's mercy."Life is cheap? Is that what you think?" Drake growled, grabbing Robert by the collar and delivering another blow. "Say it again, I dare you!"Robert stumbled backward, nearly falling, but Drake yanked him and kicked him, sending him crashing into the wall."Don't forget," Drake said coldly, "your life was saved by me and Marion back then. And now you're treating life like it's some kind of bargaining chip? Everyone has a tragic past. So what? I built my empire in Orkgate. I can do whatever I want. And you? Just because someone saved your life, you're willing to throw it away for them? Do you have any idea how much you owe
"Let him go. Whoever contacted him will likely do so again," Debra said, turning to Robert. "You're still in touch, right? Next time they reach out, I want to know the time and place of your meeting. If it's online, I want a recording. Any objections?"Robert glanced up at Debra, realizing that she intended to use him as bait. She was smart enough to figure out their contact mode."Alright, I'll do it, but I have one condition.""You have no leverage here. Your lives are in my hands."Debra never went easy on her enemies. If she did, it was only because they were still useful.Robert struggled to his feet and knelt before her. "Mrs. Houston, please grant my wish. In return, I'll do anything for you."The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned.The scene reminded Debra of her capture by Drake. He had asked her if she wanted dignity or life. She had chosen dignity.But later, she realized that for people like Drake and Robert, dignity was a luxury. They only sought it when surviv
As soon as Marion stepped into the room, he saw Debra with a head injury. His brows furrowed, and the next second, he kicked Robert hard in the knee.The pain caused Robert to kneel on the floor.Marion grabbed a baton from one of his men and was about to strike when Randy rushed forward to stop him.Randy exclaimed, "You can't use that. He'll die."The baton hung high in the air, showing Marion's desire to kill. But at Randy's words, he put it down and handed it over to Debra."He's all yours. Do whatever you want to vent your anger," he said.Without hesitation, Debra took the baton and walked behind Robert. It swung down on his head, and blood streamed.Theda cried out, "We had a deal.""Yes, we did," Debra replied, dropping the baton to the ground. "We also agreed that it was fine as long as I didn't kill him. I've been merciful enough."Robert was still conscious, but the injury was heavy.Theda walked to his side. "To the victor go the spoils. We've lost. I just want to
The impact was brutal, sending Robert reeling backward.Marion said, "To be honest, I can't beat you in a fair fight. Too bad, you don't know how to use your brain."Robert was reeling from the pain, unable to utter a sound.Marion turned to his men. "Cuff him and take him back in the trunk."His men quickly restrained Robert....At the Potter Mansion, Erica looked at Debra's head injury.She huffed, "Robert went too far. We need to teach him a lesson."Randy reassured her, "Don't worry. Marion probably has beaten him to a pulp."Erica turned to look at Theda, who had been silent the entire time."It was your order, wasn't it?" she snapped. "Debra showed you mercy, but you kidnapped her. How low can you get?"Theda shrugged. "It was. What are you going to do about it?"Erica was enraged, ready to strike. Debra chimed in, "It wasn't her.""Come on. I know you're kind, but we don't have to be soft on her. People like her stab others in the back.""It really wasn't her.""
"Because here..." Marion continued, tapping his temple, "you're not as good as me."Robert's sharp instincts quickly picked up on something unusual. The area around the courtyard had been surrounded. Given the footsteps, he could roughly tell their number. There were at least a hundred people.He couldn't believe Marion had mobilized such a force just to rescue Debra."As I said," Robert continued, "as long as I'm here, no one gets through."His eyes glinted with cold determination."Sir, we've found Mrs. Houston and Ms. Buchan," someone reported.Robert snorted, "That's impossible. Stop bluffing.""They're in the basement of the Buchan Mansion," Marion smirked. "You like playing tricks, and I play along. Truth be told, I came here for you."Robert was still holding the detonator, but it was no longer a threat.Marion had figured out the game. At first, they hadn't found Debra and Theda in the basement because Robert had moved them. Later, when they were gone, Robert brought t
Debra felt dizzy. "Why are you telling me this?""Because you and I are alike," Theda replied. "Despite our differences, I envy your life. I know Robert can't beat Marion. If Robert fails tonight, I beg you to show mercy and spare his life.""He didn't show any mercy when he hit me. Why should I spare him?""We're all businesspeople. Name your price. If it's within my power, I'll do it. Just spare his life.""Fine, remember your promise. I'll spare his life, but I need to hit back.""Deal. Just don't kill him."In the courtyard, Robert opened a can of cat food and fed the stray kittens. They seemed familiar with him, purring and rubbing against his hand.Robert smiled, but his expression changed as he heard a noise outside. The kittens arched their backs, hissing at the disturbance.Robert patted their heads. "Go on. Don't get hurt."But the kittens refused to leave, licking their paws and sitting behind him.Robert didn't chase them away. He waited until Marion and his men a