Erica's voice was loud. Randy scratched his head, opened the door, and grumbled, "Who's shouting at the door early in the morning? Don't you let people sleep?"Seeing Erica outside, he thought he was mistaken. He closed the door and reopened it before confirming what he saw. He stammered, "What brings you here?"Erica pinched Randy's ear and said, "Is this how you teach Marion how to pursue a girl? You know what? If you screw things up, I'll teach you a hard lesson.""Randy, what is going on, exactly?" Debra chimed in.She leaned against the wall and looked at him with her arms crossed.Following a glance at Erica and Debra, he swallowed nervously.These two ladies made such a big fuss early in the morning, which made Randy feel helpless.He quickly led Debra and Erica into his apartment. The decor was new, indicating that he had moved in only recently."Have a seat!" Randy gestured politely for them to sit on the sofa.The dignified CEO of the Osborne Corporation was now acti
In the evening, Erica's new real estate project was launched at the Emerald Hotel with a banquet. Erica, partly a member of the Houston family, attracted a lot of attention with this launch. Debra received an invitation and arrived in a striking aqua-blue dress, instantly becoming the center of attention."Debra!"Erica rushed over in her high heels and gave Debra a warm hug. Randy, who was holding the dress for Erica, quickly kept up."Slow down! You're still wearing heels!"Ignoring him, Erica exclaimed, "This launch is going to make me billions. Can't I celebrate?""Do as you please," Randy said, daring not to go against Erica.Debra looked around, but Marion was nowhere to be seen.Perhaps he had given up after receiving that message. That worked out just fine.Debra caught sight of a familiar figure outside the door. It was Shelia in a white dress, followed by Martin Parker, GM of the Nichols Group. He said ingratiatingly, "Mr. Nichols couldn't make it today. Let me show y
Shelia acted like a victim, tearfully accusing Debra.At school, her tears might have elicited sympathy, but here, everyone was seasoned.Her tricks were futile, and they only saw her as a clown.Only Shelia believed they'd believe her story."You're shameless!" Erica sneered.It was her first encounter with such audacity.Shelia shed tears, sobbing, "Miss Mathis, I know you dislike me, but I'm not like what you think. I made a mistake and offended you that day. I'm truly sorry. Please forgive me."Her tone was humble.Martin, the lackey, stepped forward and chimed in, "That's right. Miss Miles is highly favored by Mr. Nichols, impeccable in character. You can't believe hearsay. For Mr. Nichols's sake, please forgive Miss Miles."He glanced pointedly at Debra, unaware of her identity."Who are you? And who is Mr. Nichols to me? Why should I care about him?" Erica glared at Martin, who paled instantly. "I don't give a damn about Mr. Nichols or anyone else. I just want this wom
"I can represent Juan, and the others are not needed." Debra finally broke her silence. "If anything happens after Miss Mathis drives her away, I will take full responsibility. You don't have to worry about it, Mr. Parker."Martin snorted, "Who are you to represent Mr. Nichols?"Debra raised an eyebrow, and Erica laughed out loud. "Who is she? That's a stupid question. Are you really working at the Nichols Group? Don't you know Mrs. Nichols?"Martin was dumbfounded, unable to utter a word."Didn't Miss Miles tell you about it? Erica continued sarcastically. "This is Mrs. Nichols, and she's also the daughter of the Frazier family. By doing this, are you trying to offend her for Shelia's sake?"Erica was as straightforward as ever.Martin's expression changed several times.Debra added, "I rarely attend events with Juan, so it's understandable that you don't know me. But I do remember you, and what happened today is memorable."She stressed her tone when saying the last few words
That had to be the funniest joke Randy had heard all year.Late at night, the doors to the banquet hall burst open, despite the security guards' efforts. Several black-clad bodyguards stormed in, led by Juan in a sharp suit. His penetrating gaze made everyone hold their breath. They hadn't expected him to cause a scene there.Juan scanned the room, finally fixing his gaze on Debra and Erica."Clear the room!" he commanded, narrowing his eyes.The guests quickly left the hall."What do you think you're doing?" Erica tried to intervene, but Randy held her back.It had become the men's battleground.Randy stepped forward and questioned, "Juan, this event is held by the Mathis family. Don't you know the rules?"Ignoring him, Juan stared at Erica. "Did you kick Shelia out?""Yes, it was me. What? Seeking revenge for your lover?" Erica scoffed.Juan's anger flared. "Shelia had a car accident. She's in the hospital!"Erica froze at his words, and Randy furrowed his brow."If anyth
As the two were in a standoff, Joe rushed in from outside and urgently whispered something to Juan.Juan's expression changed. He said, "Let's go.""Yes, sir." Joe followed behind him, casting a glance at Debra with a mix of helplessness and concern.Debra frowned. "Marion, don't get involved in this."She knew something must have happened to Shelia. Otherwise, Juan wouldn't be rushing off like this.If Shelia died, Juan would really turn against her.She didn't want to drag Marion into this mess.Marion had nothing to do with it.Marion reassured her, "He wouldn't dare do anything to you.""That's right. Who does he think he is? Making such a scene here over a mistress. Does he think he can dominate Seamar City?" Erica said indignantly.Debra lamented, "We had a good launch today, and now it's ruined. I'm sorry about this.""It's not your fault. It's all because of Juan," Erica said. "I think you should just divorce him. You don't need such a man."Debra shook her head.T
"We?" Juan chuckled mockingly. "Do you mean Marion and you?"Debra frowned.Juan approached her, his steps carrying an oppressive aura. "Last time at the hotel, were you with Marion and Randy? Was Erica just covering for you? What exactly is your relationship with Marion? How far has it progressed?"He seized her wrist, his eyes boring into her. Debra instinctively shook his hand off. "Enough! I have no idea what you're talking about!"Juan looked at his hand that had been shaken off, saying, "Pray that Shelia's face can be restored.Otherwise, don't blame me for taking action against them."A scream suddenly erupted from inside Shelia's ward.Almost instinctively, Juan pushed the door open and saw Shelia smashing a glass. By the time Debra entered, Shelia had already grabbed Juan's arm, leaning into his embrace. "Am I disfigured? My face is ruined.""Alright, calm down. The doctor said you need to stabilize your emotions, or the freshly stitched wounds might reopen," Juan gentl
Juan felt a burning anger inside. "If she wants to leave, then let her go!"Shelia stopped sobbing and looked up pitifully at him. "Can I really stay at your house to recuperate?"Juan rubbed her head and replied, "I'll have Joe get your things from your dormitory. It's inconvenient to stay at school while recovering. Just stay at my house."Shelia sniffled and leaned against Juan's chest, softly saying, "Thank you, Mr. Nichols."Joe frowned, observing the scene with concern.As a bystander, Joe could see through Shelia's pretense, but Juan seemed oblivious.Debra arranged for a moving company to remove her belongings from the Nichols family's house.In the evening, Juan brought Shelia home to noticeably sparse furnishings and a somewhat desolate atmosphere.He felt a pang of discomfort.Shelia asked, "Mr. Nichols, where will I be staying?""We have guest rooms upstairs."Shelia nodded and then hesitated. "My leg hurts. I can't go up myself.""I'll help you," Juan said gent
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
Marion fell silent.Debra glanced at him through the rearview mirror and said, "I won't ask. But I want to hear it from you, not from someone else."With that, she closed her eyes and ended the conversation.Marion lowered his gaze. His eyelashes trembled.He had always wanted to tell her, but he was afraid that once she knew, she wouldn't be able to accept him....Late at night, Fermin finished treating his shoulder wound and knocked on the door to Liza's room.Her voice was gruff. "I'm sleeping.""Well then, another time maybe," he said, pretending to leave.Liza yanked the door open, scowling. "What do you want?""Debra and Marion are gone.""I know.""You know?""Of course. Someone like Marion would not let you just capture him that easily.""Are you saying my skills aren't as good as his?""Yep.""You're such a good sister."Her gaze landed on his injured shoulder. "You shoulder...""A clean shot through. Nothing serious," he said, ruffling her hair. "Finally, y
"Take it easy," Fermin said, looking up. "My master gave me an order. He wants to know how your illness is."Marion's eyes narrowed, but just as he tried to fire another shot, Fermin reacted again.He grabbed the gun, and the bullet flew off toward the corner."I took one hit for Liza's sake. Never another," he said.Debra felt his anger and called out, "Marion, stop."Fermin wasn't just anyone. He was not only a member of the Illuminati but also the heir of the Eaton family. They couldn't just kill him like that."I prefer talking to wiser people like Mrs. Houston," Fermin smirked. "She knows what should be done and what shouldn't..."Before he could finish, Debra pulled out a gun from her jacket and aimed it at him.She intentionally missed, and the bullet grazed his ear.She said, "What Marion does is exactly what I want to do. I won't kill you today only for the sake of Bert and Liza. I'm letting you go, not the other way around."Fermin smirked, "I've met a lot of women,
Debra froze. "The raw stone belongs to your family?""I don't need to lie to you," Fermin said casually. "If it weren't for Liza, I'd have gone after you already. Catch you and force Drake to hand over the stone. Easy. But if I do that, Liza would be upset and nagging me."He paused and added, "If you don't want me to go after Drake, there's a way. You could trick the raw stone out of him, and then I'll deal with you. I promise I won't kill you. That would be better for everyone, wouldn't it?"Debra frowned. "We're not stupid enough to hand over something without knowing what it's for.""So, no deal?" Fermin replied nonchalantly.The bullet was removed from his shoulder, and he didn't bat an eyelid. "I'm letting you go today as a favor to Liza. Next time, you won't be so lucky."He raised a hand, and his bodyguards stepped aside to make way.Debra glanced at Marion, who lit a cigarette and shook it. "It's been a while since someone talked so big in front of me."He flicked the
"You hurt Debra twice. You think I'll just let that slide?" Marion bellowed, firing a shot.Fermin didn't dodge, and the bullet tore through his left shoulder. Blood splattered instantly."Marion." Debra was taken aback.The air in the room became even more tense."Fermin!" Liza rushed over.Panic spread across her face when she saw Fermin's bleeding shoulder.Fermin endured the pain and forced a smile."Don't blame me anymore, right?""I..." His men moved quickly, as if they had expected this all along. They immediately stepped forward to treat his wound."I still owe you a stab. We can settle that too," he said."No." Liza shielded him with her body. "If you need to stab someone, stab me. I'll pay it back for him."Debra hadn't come for revenge. She glanced at Fermin, who remained nonchalant as his wound was being treated.His mental fortitude was sick."This has nothing to do with you," Fermin said. "Go back.""No. I can't let them hurt you again.""Don't worry. Th
"I'll take that as a compliment," Fermin said, his fingers tapping the wine glass on the table. "Actually, I want to make a deal with you guys.""Oh? What kind of deal?" Debra asked.Fermin set his wine glass down. "I want you to hand over Drake."Debra was taken aback, and he continued, "I've heard that when you were in Orkgate, Drake made things difficult for you. If I'm right, you two must only have animosity between you. Handing him over shouldn't be a problem for you, right?""That was a long time ago," Debra replied, stressing her tone. "Speaking of which, we used to sit together, discussing how to deal with Jeffery. Your pajamas were left behind in the Potter Mansion. Ring a bell?"Fermin's smile faded, and his eyes glinted with coldness.The wound on her shoulder still ached, but Debra kept her composure, trying not to show any fear in front of Fermin.She couldn't figure out what he was thinking. But Andrew had once said, the game between archrivals was like this.Mome
"It came from Fermin." Marion handed her an invitation.The black-and-gold card was simple, with only the time and place written on it.Debra had seen Garland's handwriting before, but she never expected Fermin and Garland, both being in the same body, would have such wildly different styles."He wants to meet us at this estate tonight?" Debra was skeptical. "Do you think it could be a trap?""Don't worry. Even if it is, we've got people ready to handle it," Marion reassured her.Unlike Garland, Fermin had zero credibility with them. They needed to be fully prepared.Debra nodded. "Let's go then. I have a lot to discuss with him."...In the evening, a black Maybach pulled up outside the Bernard Mansion.It was sent by Fermin. The invitation and the pickup clearly showed he had been watching them since they arrived overseas.Debra and Marion got in the car, with a dozen stretched Lincolns tailing them.Then a hundred or so guards could deal with all kinds of difficult situat
The stern expression on Fermin's face scared Liza.He flicked her forehead and said, "The Illuminati has nothing to do with you. Forget whatever you heard and don't mention it ever again.""Are you involved with them or not?" She grabbed his sleeve and whined, "If you don't tell me, I won't be able to sleep. And if I can't sleep, I'll bug you until you spill.""Silly girl," Fermin sighed, leading her into the estate. "The Illuminati is just a stepping stone for me. With its support, we'll be free from worries. The decade-long problem will also..."His voice trailed off, and Liza didn't catch the last part."What are you talking about? Our family is loaded and respected," she said, puzzled. "What problem could we possibly have?"Fermin didn't want to continue with that topic. "Alright, you've asked enough questions today. The hot bath is ready. Go relax and get some sleep. While you're here with me, you can go anywhere you want, but you can't contact Debra and her people.""Fermi
"Wait a little longer. No peeking," Fermin said, covering her eyes as he led Liza forward.Liza frowned. "Are we there yet?""Yes." Fermin moved his hands away.Liza opened her eyes and took in the full view of the manor.She had once wanted to move out and picked out a manor. Sadly, it had been owned by someone else, and Bert wouldn't let her live outside.Now the beautiful landscaping and warm lights were right in front of her. It felt unreal."Did you buy this manor?""Do you like it? This is the one you loved most. I've always remembered.""But that owner refused to sell it."She had secretly asked several times before, but even her identity as an Eaton couldn't get her a deal.Fermin shrugged. "I have my ways. Anything you like, I'll get them for you."Liza faltered, "Did you..."Fermin smiled, "Of course not. I'm a reasonable person."Still, Liza felt uneasy.In the past, if Fermin had bought her a manor like this, she would have thought it was just him being kind t