It seemed inevitable that Debra would be left alone with Kale.Before long, Kale entered the room, his demeanor as unyielding as ever."Mr. Lowe has asked me to take you home.""I know."With a sigh, Debra threw off the blanket and struggled to get out of bed. Kale, however, made no move to assist her, merely standing by like a heartless automaton.Debra inhaled sharply as pain shot through her. A nurse passing by rushed over to help. "Are you her family? How can you just stand there and watch your wife in pain without offering a hand?"Kale frowned, annoyance flickering in his eyes.Debra explained, "He's not my husband, but just a friend.""Even so, he shouldn't just stand by. He should be helping," the nurse insisted, placing Debra's arm in Kale's.When he tried to pull away, the nurse firmly said, "This patient is injured. You need to support her properly while she walks. If her wound tears open, she'll need another round of treatment.""Thank you. He'll take good care of
"I can't just stand by and watch a threat like you lurking around Mr. Lowe," Kale muttered.Just as he prepared to strike, Debra suddenly halted her retreat.Taking a steadying breath, she called out, "Drake, if you've had your fun, come out."Kale frowned, and Drake emerged from the shadows of a nearby tree. "Kale, stop scaring her."Kale's frustration was palpable, but with Drake's order hanging in the air, he reluctantly acquiesced.Debra shot a challenging look at Drake. "Is it fun?""Kale doesn't trust you, so he wanted to test you. I assumed you wouldn't mind.""I mind, actually," Debra retorted, narrowing her eyes at Kale. "How do I know your loyal subordinate wouldn't just decide to eliminate me right here?"If it weren't for Drake's earlier assurance in the hospital that Kale wouldn't harm her without his orders, she might have feared for her life.But thankfully, this time was merely a test.Drake gestured toward the lake. "I'm going to develop this land. I'm curiou
Debra didn't believe that lie even for a second.She didn't forget how he had disposed of Peter on the ship.But on the surface, she nodded in agreement. "We share the same goal. I'm not greedy. Once this is all over, I simply want to restore the Frazier family's name and status. That alone will suffice. As for everything here, naturally, it's all yours. I won't covet any of it.""Not covet anything? Do you have any idea how much this project will bring monthly?" Drake asked, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes.It was likely the first time he had encountered someone faced with a mountain of wealth who claimed to be satisfied with mere scraps."Alright, since you're injured and not thinking straight, I'll pretend I didn't hear that nonsense. I brought you here not just to put Kale at ease, but also to make sure you understand that Orkgate is under my thumb. Partnering with me is the best decision you've ever made.""I understand.""Good. Get in the car.""Where are you t
Just as Debra was wondering how Drake was going to confront Yvonne, he simply booted the door open.The moans inside stopped immediately.'Doesn't Yvonne dislike Drake?' Debra thought, bewildered. 'How could she be so affectionate with another man in broad daylight?'Positioned at the threshold, Debra vaguely saw a large, rotund figure.Yvonne was a top beauty here in Orkgate, but her taste in men didn't match her appearance.Yvonne was startled by the noise, and the man above her scrambled to get off the bed. He fled without even pulling up his pants.Yvonne's face turned an ashen shade. She hastily threw on a revealing nightgown and barked at the maids outside the door, "Why didn't you inform me about Mr. Lowe's arrival? Is this how you do your job?"The maids trembled in fear."Drake, I was just..." Before Yvonne could finish, Drake's hand closed around her throat, a vice grip that stole her breath away."You're so bold.""I can explain."She tried to clarify the situat
Debra was stunned. "Geeze, what are you doing?"Drake had just shoved Yvonne down a flight of stairs in her own home. That would create a rift between the Sharp family and him.Down below, Yvonne lay crumpled on the floor. Her body was bruised, and a deep gash on her forehead was trickling blood.Just then, Conrad Sharp hurried inside with dense sweat on his forehead."Mr. Lowe, what happened here?""Yvonne was careless. She fell down the stairs."Conrad stiffened, eyeing the maids for confirmation, but they all bowed their heads.But instead of rushing over to help Yvonne, he urged the maids, "Take her to her room and call the doctor."The maids scrambled to action, lifting the unconscious Yvonne and carrying her away.From above the staircase, Drake looked down at Conrad."Keep her in check and prevent her from crossing the line again, or she won't be so lucky next time.""I understand. I'll see to it that she doesn't cause any more trouble for you.""Good."Drake turned
Once back in the Lowe Mansion, Debra was greeted with a display of supplements.Lara introduced, "Here are Caviar, Manuka Honey, Saffron, Truffles, and...""Hold on," Debra cut in, reclining on the bed. "Are all of these for me?""Mr. Lowe ordered them. You'll need nutrition to recover faster.""I can't possibly eat all of this. I'll just have a bowl of oatmeal. Take the rest away.""Mr. Lowe is concerned about your health."Lara started to move the dishes from the cart to the table. Debra helplessly looked at the lavish spread. It was hard to tell if Drake's gesture was out of genuine care or a calculated move to keep her in line.After a moment, she waved her hand. "Lara, you stay. Let the others go. I don't feel comfortable eating with so many people around."Lara nodded and gave a signal to the other maids. They quickly left the room, closing the door behind them.Lara helped Debra sit up, and she struck up a conversation."Well, do you know much about Yvonne's father?"
"Because of Miss Sharp. Mr. Sharp only acknowledges her as his daughter. There are rumors that Miss Sharp is the daughter of his late wife, and because he loved his wife so much, he treats Miss Sharp very well," replied one of the maids."That's not true," the other maid interrupted. "That's what they say to the public. The truth is, Miss Sharp wasn't Mrs. Sharp's daughter. Her mother is a mistress."Debra mused, "Pardon me for interrupting, but how do you know that?""I overheard Mr. Lowe arguing with Miss Sharp once. He called her a lowborn mistress' child. If it weren't for him, Miss Sharp would still be an illegitimate daughter. It's no secret in the upper circles. Everyone knows about Mr. Sharp's affairs. Outwardly, he's a philanthropist, but behind the scenes, he's a hypocrite."Suddenly, Lara's voice cut through the air. "What nonsense are you all telling Ms. Frazier?"The maids immediately lowered their heads in fear.It was clear that Lara held a higher position among th
Lara stiffened at those words.Debra added, "You're about my age. The only reason Drake keeps you around isn't for your meticulous nature, but for some other value you can provide. Ever since I mentioned Conrad, your expression has been a telltale sign. Drake can't possibly entrust you with such a high position if you can't control her emotions.""I..." Lara bit her lip, unable to form a counterargument.Debra leaned in. "Yvonne might be Miss Sharp now, but she's just an illegitimate child. For years, she's used sex to benefit both the Sharps and Drake. But Drake is worried that Yvonne would slip out of his control, so he keeps you close, right?"Lara's face turned pale, confirming Debra's suspicion. Debra asked, "May I know why you chose to stay here?"Lara bit her lips. "My mother was once a toy for the wealthy, groomed and raised by the Lowe family. Conrad approached her, keeping her as his mistress. But when she became pregnant, he vanished. After I was born, my mother learned
"For what?" Debra asked."You knew I was worried about Mr. Lowe, so you brought me," Kale said. "Without your suggestion, I wouldn't have the chance to come."He'd disliked her at first, but after all this time, he'd come around."You're welcome," Debra said. "Now let's focus on finding Michael and figuring out Drake's location. I brought you, but I can't promise we'll get him out today. You get that, right?""Yeah," Kale said, his voice heavy. "I've got a favor to ask.""What is it?""I know this trip is risky. Mr. Lowe is the only family I've got left. We've been through hell together. If he hadn't found me back then, I would have been dead. If I don't make it, promise me you'll save him. The world never meant much to him before. No one did. But you're different."At first, Drake grabbed Debra to get at Marion, but later, she was all he saw.Clueless about feelings, Drake never figured it out. But Kale knew she was special to Drake.In all his years with Drake, Kale had neve
Everyone looked away like it was routine.Debra grinned. "Don't stress about me.""I know," Marion said."I'll be back soon.""I'll wait."He brushed her hair back, and she smiled.Then she and Kale headed into the dense woods. Erica watched, worry creasing her face."Relax," Randy reassured her. "Even if Michael's a traitor, he won't mess with Debra.""How do you know? You can't see inside someone's head. What if he's a total snake?" Erica retorted, knowing how much Debra trusted Michael.Their friendship lasted two years. They had been through thick and thin together. Yet he had stabbed her in the back without hesitation.Randy caught Marion slipping into the trees. "Where are you going?""Marion." Erica paled."Don't bother stopping him," Jordan said. "You couldn't if you tried."He'd known Marion wouldn't let Debra go alone. Three kilometers was too far. Flare or not, they might not reach her in time. Precautions were necessary.The forest was a maze. A few steps in,
Debra hugged Marion tight, drawing strength from him.That afternoon, the convoy rolled toward the valley. The area was thick with trees, with no clear paths in sight. The dense forest was silent except for chirps from birds.Jordan stopped the cars. Everyone piled out, realizing the road ended there."What's Michael thinking, picking a spot like this?" Erica muttered, scanning around.Raw places like this were accident magnets. The map barely showed the terrain. A cliff ahead would force a detour. The thick woods blocked signals, and it'd be easy to get lost. A compass might not even work."You guys wait here," Debra said, grabbing a hiking pack. "We've got enough supplies."She'd expected this possibility but hadn't thought they'd be stuck three kilometers away from the appointed spot."Be careful," Erica warned. "It's only three kilometers straight, but with no map, it could take hours."She stepped closer. "How about I going with you? I've done more hiking and might speed t
Michael wasn't just anyone to Debra. He'd been a teammate and a brother-in-arms.She needed to know his deal with the Illuminati and if their old days fighting side by side were all fake. Everything started with her, and she should be the one to end it."I'm with Debra," Jordan said.Randy waffled. "Well, we've known him forever. He wouldn't hurt her, right? I'm in too.""Are you nuts?" Erica snapped. "What if it goes south?""I'll get her back," Marion said.Erica took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll bring extra guys and wait outside. If anything happens, we're rushing in.""Okay," Debra agreed."Count me in," Kale said, stepping down the stairs.Debra knew he was worried about Drake. "I could use a backup. Kale, you're with me."Kale blinked, surprised she'd let him tag along. Then he got it. "Thanks."Debra rallied everyone. "Gear up. We're heading out.""Come with me," Marion said.The group exchanged looks, unsure what he wanted. Debra didn't ask, just followed behind him.
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju