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
Lara trembled, her pale face contorted with pain. "Just to keep me around as a potential pawn, he sacrificed so many people. Orkgate is a den of evil. Human lives mean nothing here. There's no justice. The rich keep getting richer, while the poor are forever trapped in misery. This city is rotten to the core."Debra was taken aback, finally realizing how lawless Orkgate was. If Drake reigned here, more lives would be gone.Tentatively, Debra asked, "Are you staying here for revenge?""Revenge?" Lara laughed bitterly. "This is Orkgate, and Drake is the king here. Do you think I can even dream of revenge? No. I am staying here because I've accepted my fate. Just want to survive."She wiped her tears and stepped back."I'm telling you this because I don't want you to make any pointless sacrifices. No matter what you plan to do, you won't win against them.""Lara...""I've said enough for today. I need to go now."She turned and walked out of the room. Debra silently walked to the
"You've been there and seen everything, haven't you?" Drake replied.Debra walked straight to his desk. Drake frowned, ready to close his laptop, but Debra blocked his action, moving to his side to catch a glimpse of whatever he had been watching.He quickly closed the video and frowned. "What are you up to?""Nothing," she replied, and as he relaxed his guard, she quickly grabbed the laptop.Drake stood up, his face darkening. "Debra!"Debra reopened the video. The room's decor mirrored one on the third floor, confirming that Drake had been monitoring. The screen displayed a man and a woman tangled on a bed. The woman looked painful, and the man was none other than Conrad.Feigning astonishment, Debra said, "I didn't expect you to enjoy these kinds of films.""Give it back!" Drake snatched the laptop from her and closed it forcefully. "What exactly are you here for?""I just wanna know if Miss Sharp had worked on the third floor before.""So what if she has?""Well, you foug
"Juan has arrived in Orkgate. I want to see who he's really here for," Drake replied.Kale reasoned, "He's here to discuss business with the Sharp family. It can't be for Ms. Frazier, right?"Drake waved his hand in disapproval. "Don't be so naïve. She's his ex-wife. Back on the island, Juan would've walked through fire for her."Kale replied, "But Juan lost his memory. He doesn't even remember Ms. Frazier. This seems pointless."Drake snorted, "Memory loss? You really believe that?""I...""As long as he isn't targeting me, I don't care if he's pretending or not.""Understood."As night draped itself over the city, Debra was helped up by Lara. Her gaze fell on Kale, who was holding a burgundy gown."A banquet?""It's Mr. Lowe's arrangement.""Is he doing this on purpose? I'm injured. How am I supposed to attend any banquet like this?" "You can choose to go or not.""I don't...""But Mr. Lowe wants to let you know that Mr. Nichols will be there too.""Juan? Why is he in
No one in this crowd recognized her as Juan's ex-wife, but that was to be expected.Orkgate and Seamar City were worlds apart, and the currency here was twice as valuable. It was reasonable that no one there had heard of Debra, especially since her family had gone bankrupt."As Debra scanned the bustling venue, Drake suddenly halted, extending his arm in front of her. She frowned at the gesture."What are you doing?""As my companion, shouldn't you behave like one?""So?"As she played coy, Drake withdrew his arm and snorted, "Whatever."With that, he turned on his heel, striding toward the hotel entrance. Debra hurried to catch up, taking his arm with a sweet smile. "I was just joking. As your companion, I'll stay by your side every step of the way."Drake was unimpressed. "I don't like jokes. If you do it again, I'll leave you here. The night here is cold. With your toughness, I believe you can hold up for several hours."Debra forced a stiff smile. She wouldn't admit that s
"Shaken? Marion is such a weak man. Can his grandfather lock him up if he really wants to save me? He is just pathetic. Don't worry. I won't change my mind. In this world, no one is reliable but yourself," Debra said."Well said," Drake replied, a hint of approval in his voice. He smiled, adding, "Once we bring Marion down, I'll hand him over to you. You can do whatever you want with him—whips, canes, anything you like. I guarantee we'll make him beg for his life."His words shook Debra's nerves, but she kept her calm facade intact. "Alright, I imagine that day won't be far off."As they stepped into the banquet hall, all eyes turned to them, glasses raised in greeting."Mr. Lowe doesn't usually attend events like this. What brings him here tonight?""Didn't you notice his companion? I've got the scoop that Miss Sharp has fallen from grace. This lady is his new favorite. Mr. Lowe brought her here to flaunt."Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd. Everyone had been convinced
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