"Pardon me, I just never thought I'd see the day when the illustrious Mr. Lowe would be dripping wet like a drowned rat.""You're not much better," Drake retorted nonchalantly. "Besides, this isn't my first rodeo. I won't crumble just because you're having a laugh at my expense."Debra raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Judging by your tone, it seems your brake line has been tampered with more times than you've changed your socks."Drake shrugged. "Well, I'm the head of the Lowe family. In Orkgate, there's a cutthroat around every corner waiting to see me six feet under and steal my throne.""Fair point." Debra nodded.Orkgate was a hotbed of chaos, teeming with schemers who'd stop at nothing to eliminate Drake. The severed brake line was just another page in their playbook.Back at the Lowe Mansion, Debra hurriedly showered and stepped out of the bathroom. Lara entered her room, carrying an assortment of clothes.While toweling her hair dry, Debra inquired, "Where's Drake?""Mr.
"Brutal? People like that are a dime a dozen here. They're loyal to the highest bidder," Drake snorted. "This isn't your sunshine-and-rainbows Seamar City. Kind hearts don't last long here."Debra fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on her. Orkgate was a world away from Seamar City, where injustice and crime were as common as the city's smog."Now that you know Yvonne's behind it, what's your plan?""Yvonne has her uses. I'm not going to punish her. Not yet. You should rest. This isn't your fight."Seeing the dismissal in his eyes, Debra turned to leave.Suddenly, Drake called out, "Oh, Kale has printed those documents. You've got one night to memorize them. I expect a recital tomorrow."Debra whirled around. "You're kidding, right? First, you tell me to rest, and now you want me to pull an all-nighter?""Will you do it or not?""Alright, I'll do it."These files were too important to miss out on. There were only two days left until her appointment with Marion.
"What happened?" Drake's brow furrowed as he stood up.Edgar's eyes widened. "Ms. Frazier? You mean Debra, Marion's runaway fiancée?"Drake paused. "You know her?""More than that," Edgar said, his expression darkening.Debra had vanished during her engagement party. Some said she ran off with another man, while others said she still pined for Juan.The entire Seamar City was buzzing with gossip about Debra’s sudden disappearance. But Edgar never imagined Debra would be with Drake.Drake turned to leave, disinterested in the gossip. Edgar quickly stopped him. "Mr. Lowe, about the loan...""We'll discuss it another day. Butler, see the guest off," Drake said, leaving Edgar gaping like a fish out of water.Edgar's face darkened as reality sank in. Debra fainted at the worst possible moment. He couldn't help but suspect she did it on purpose.But with Drake's dismissal, he had no choice but to leave in frustration.Upstairs, Debra lay on the bed, looking as pale as the sheets sh
"Oh? Go on," Drake said, his interest now fully piqued.Debra explained, "From what I've gathered, the Odom family is teetering on the brink of ruin. Their debts are astronomical, and the interest alone is eating them alive. 30 billion dollars is far from enough to turn the tide. Edgar will probably use it to pay off what he owes to the McKinney Group. In the end, you'll be left empty-handed, while the McKinney Group walks away with your money. Can you really afford a loss like that?""You seem well-informed about McKinney Group's inner work." He leaned in and gazed into her eyes, trying to read her thoughts. "Didn't you resign a long time ago? How do you still have such insight?"Debra didn't flinch under his scrutinizing stare. "I may have left, but that doesn't mean I'm out of the loop. My connections run deep."Drake raised an eyebrow. "So, what's your suggestion? What should I do?""Edgar's ambition far exceeds his competence," Debra said bluntly. "If I were in your shoes, I'
Drake let out a low hum, piecing together the fragments. "So, Shelia's your rival in love? You are jealous of her and hate her alliance.""Jealous?" Debra shot him an incredulous look. "How did you get that idea?""Then why else would you be so upset over Edgar's connection to her?" Drake pressed, still toying with the notion.Debra, exasperated by his assumption, sulked, "Anyway, Shelia was my ex-husband's mistress. She's always been out to get me, so naturally, anyone associated with her is an enemy in my book."Drake's lips curved into a slow smile. "Well then, consider Edgar out of luck. I won't be helping him.""Really?""Yeah.""You're this agreeable?""What, you don't trust me? I can walk right out of here and make that deal with him if you'd prefer.""Wait." Debra nearly jumped up, seeing his playful smirk. "Fine. Go ahead. But don't come crying to me when you lose money."She flopped back onto the bed. Drake finally dropped the act. "Get some rest. After all, you're
Before Marion left, his words had been crystal clear. If anything happened to Debra, William would answer for it.But seeing her now, battered and bruised, William knew he was doomed. If Marion found out, the repercussions would be catastrophic."Quick question," Debra said, breaking his train of thought. "What are Juan and Marion up to?""Juan? Juan Nichols?""Yes, him.""No, I haven't heard anything about him.""Then why did he invite me to meet him at the casino tomorrow?"William's confusion only deepened. Knowing she couldn't get any answer, she waved it off with a sigh. "This place is too dangerous. If you are recognized, Drake won't let you slip through the cracks. Thankfully, that manager who saw you is dead.""I'm just here to patch you up," William said, focusing on her wounds. "If we don't treat these properly, you're at risk for infection. You need to be extra careful these next few days. Marion told me finding evidence isn't as important as keeping you safe."Debr
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Juan prowled the second floor of the casino impatiently.He checked his watch for the umpteenth time. It was already 20 minutes past their appointed time, but there was still no sign of her.A knot of worry tightened in his stomach. Debra was always punctual. He wondered if she was held up by something.He squinted, his gaze sweeping across the bustling floor below, and finally, he spotted her. Debra, in a striking burgundy dress, moved through the crowd like a flame. But it wasn't just her elegance that caught his attention. Shadows seemed to peel off the walls, men in black suits trailing her every step. Juan's instincts, honed by years of experience, screamed that they were trouble.Debra looked up, her eyes meeting his. With a subtle tilt of her head, she acknowledged the men tailing her. Juan understood immediately, watching as she ascended the stairs."You actually came," Juan said, his voice low as she stopped in front of him.Debra loo
"Get on the boat." Juan pulled Debra towards the beach.She asked, "Did Juan send you here?""Get on the boat first." Juan shoved her aboard but didn't follow."You're not coming?""I'll come after I take care of things here," Juan replied, turning to the personnel. "Remember your orders. Make sure Ms. Frazier reaches Seamar City safely.""Yes, sir."Juan gave Debra one last look, his expression unreadable. Then he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving her with a thousand unanswered questions."Ms. Frazier, let's get into the cabin."Debra stared out at the empty road, deep in thought.Drake must have learned that Juan had taken her away. If Juan stayed, he would be hunted down.As the boat set off, Debra asked, "Are you working for Andrew?""Yes, Mr. Andrew Potter sent us to escort you back to Seamar City.""Did Marion come to Orkgate too?""He arrived today. He and Mr. Nichols worked together to get you out of Orkgate amidst the chaos.""How many people did Mar
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