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
"Mr. Lowe, calm down and think about it. Why would I drug you? And where would I even get something like that?" Debra reasoned. "Today, you dragged me to buy a piano and new clothes right after I woke up. I barely had time to think before I ended up in that lounge, unconscious. Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous to suspect me?"His earlier rage had clouded his judgment, but now, Debra's logic gave him a pause."Mr. Lowe," she added, "I understand you're upset, but you should calm down and think about everything you've eaten or drunk today."She knew exactly what she was doing, planting seeds of doubt in his mind. Drake's face darkened as he remembered the tea from the lounge."Kale," Drake called sharply. "Give that woman a good beating.""Yes, boss." Kale disappeared instantly, leaving Debra and Drake alone.Debra got to her feet. "Well then, I'll take my leave.""Wait," Drake's voice stopped her cold. "Who gave you permission to come to the third floor?"Debra's pulse quic
Debra lied through her teeth, her heart pounding in her chest.If Drake didn't believe her, she might never get the chance to reach the core of their operations.Drake eyed her carefully, weighing her words. "Alright. I'll pay you well. But make no mistake. If you dare betray me, I'll break your arms and legs and throw you in the cellar to rot."Debra didn't flinch. "As long as you pay me, I'll keep quiet and never betray you.""Good," Drake muttered. "You can go now."Relief washed over her as she turned to leave, her mind mapping out the room. Just as she reached the door, Drake called after her, "You don't need to play the piano anymore. I'll have someone take you back.""No more piano?" Debra glanced back."I'll arrange a new job for you," he said, sitting down to drink.Debra didn't wait for further explanation and left swiftly. Outside, Kale was back, having dealt with Ava.He hesitated at the door before asking, "Boss, do you really trust her?"Drake chuckled darkly, "
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
Michael held an umbrella, shielding Debra from the wind and snow.Once they got in the car, Debra leaned against the window, not saying a word.Inside the house, Marion sat on the couch, silent.Randy and Erica had been trying to reach him nonstop, but he ignored every call.As evening approached, Erica booted open the door and stormed into the house."You jerk!" She swung a punch at his face. "Why weren't you answering our calls? What's going on? Randy and I came all the way from Seamar City. Don't tell us you don't know.""Erica, calm down," Randy tried to soothe her."Calm down?" Erica glared at him. "You knew about his condition, didn't you?""I thought he was fine," Randy muttered weakly.Erica turned back to Marion. "Although I'm not part of the Houston family, I am still your cousin. Why didn't you tell everyone? You could keep it from me, but why hide it from Debra? Weren't you aware of the consequences? Now that it's exposed, not only will the company have problems, b
Debra hesitated for a moment before answering the call.There was a moment of silence before Michael started, "Are you okay?""I'm fine," she replied, her voice hoarse.She had been lying in bed doing nothing all day."I'm outside," he said.Debra froze for a second before slowly getting out of bed and walking over to the window.She lifted a corner of the curtain and saw Michael standing outside.He was wearing a white shirt, neat and clean. Probably to avoid being recognized, he had put on a mask."If you don't want to stay here, I'll take you away," he added."Okay," Debra agreed without hesitation.She hung up the phone, but her eyes dimmed.Outside, Marion saw a glimmer of hope when he heard the door opening."Debra, please listen to me...""Mr. Houston, please don't block the way."Marion's smile froze on his face. Debra had never been so different to him like that."What did you call me?""Mr. Houston. I told you before. I trust you, but if you ever deceive me, I
"Do you want a brother or a sister?" Marian Eaton asked.Fermin placed his hand on her belly and thought for a moment. "A sister."Marian laughed, "Smart boy, knowing it's a girl before she's even born."Bert walked over, concerned about her health.Marian asked, "What should we name your sister?""Liza." Fermin crouched down, pressing his ear to Marian's belly.He closed his eyes and whispered, "She's my long-awaited little sister."His thoughts drifted back to the present.Fermin remembered the warmth of that dream, but he also knew how cruel reality was.He hadn't been lost in that dream because there were more important things to take care of.He smiled at the sleeping Liza, carefully removed the face mask, and tossed it into the trash.Before leaving, he left the lamp on. Liza couldn't sleep well in complete darkness.Outside the room, his smile faded, replaced by his usual coldness.The maid stood nervously by the door."Keep an eye on Liza. Don't let her run off."
Fermin ruffled her hair and spoke softly. "You've grown up."Liza tilted her head and looked at him. "Stop fighting with Dad. Can't we just be together as a family, like we used to?""Of course." Fermin nodded. "Once I've handled these things, we'll all be back together and live happily as a family."Liza lowered her eyes. "Debra is a friend I treasure, and you're my brother. You're both smarter than me. If you two could work together, there's nothing you can't handle. We're already so rich; there's no need to get involved with the..."Fermin reached out and covered her mouth. "I think I've told you before. You're not allowed to say that word."Liza blinked, silently agreeing not to speak any further.Fermin withdrew his hand. "I have my path to follow, and you have yours. Everyone has a role in this world and a choice to make. I just want you to live happily. No matter how spoiled or bratty you get, no one will dare say anything. Even if you make the worst mistake, I'll make it