On the boat, Debra's breath came in shallow, ragged gasps. Her skin felt as if it were burning from the inside out, her pulse racing at an unnatural speed that left her dizzy.She staggered out of bed, barely able to focus as she groped her way to the bathroom. Cold water splashed onto her face, but even the shock of its chill couldn't extinguish the fire that raged within her.The icy wind blowing in from the sea only intensified the torment, doing nothing to soothe her feverish body.Her vision began to blur, and everything around her felt as if it were spinning. Her legs trembled violently, unable to hold her up any longer."If you don't return by midnight, this agony will become your daily companion," Drake's voice echoed in her head, cold and merciless. "Don't blame me for being cruel. This is the most merciful fate I offer to traitors."She slumped to the floor, her entire being engulfed in excruciating pain. It felt as though thousands of tiny needles were piercing her skin
"I'm fine, really," Debra replied weakly. "How is Marion? Is he safe?""Everything went as planned," Andrew reassured her. "He's already on his way back. You don't need to worry about him.""And Juan? Why didn't he come back to Seamar City?"Andrew's expression hardened. "That's his choice. Not our concern."The butler reappeared. "The car is ready, sir."Andrew nodded. "Let's get you home. We can discuss everything later.""Okay," Debra agreed.She leaned her head against the cool glass of the car window, her eyelids heavy with fatigue.Meanwhile, in Orkgate, Kale had cleaned up the mess in the casino.He entered the study room with grim news. "Boss, Marion's people have destroyed nearly everything. We've taken heavy losses, and Debra's whereabouts are unknown. Juan says she's already been taken away.""I see." Drake's face remained impassive."Should I lead people to get her back?""No need. She will come back on her own."He had never seen anyone survive the new drug th
The shards of a once-elegant teapot scattered across the marble floor, mere inches from Melody's feet.Sophie rushed to her side. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., are you all right?"Melody eyed Shelia unhappily. "I can't understand that you don't want to prepare breakfast, but you shouldn't just create a mess. What are you trying to do, Shelia?"Shelia quickly rose from the couch, her eyes brimming with tears. "This isn't my fault, Melody. Ever since Juan and I got engaged, he's been distant. I can't even reach him. You know, I'm worried about the Nichols family's future. I promised you to have a child soon."Melody took a deep breath. If not for Shelia's status as a Blair and the promises she'd made, Melody would never have welcomed her into the house."If you can't keep your man, that's your own failing," Melody said sternly. "Juan is in Orkgate, working for the good of this family. If you truly cared, you'd be focusing on stabilizing our stocks. Get your father on board. I want results, not
The maid shuffled her feet, wringing her hands."It's Miss Blair.""You mean Shelia?""Yes."The news hung in the air like a bad smell. Everyone in Seamar City knew about the sordid love triangle between Shelia, Debra, and Juan. Shelia's visit couldn't be anything good."Should I send her away for you?" asked the maid."No need." Debra set down her spoon. "Let her wait in the hall. I'll be there soon.""Yes, Ms. Frazier."Once the maid left, Debra resumed her breakfast, taking her time to savor each spoonful. If Shelia was here to stir the pot, she wasn't going to rise to the bait.In any case, Shelia wouldn't dare kick up a fuss at the Potter Mansion.Shelia sauntered into the grand hall, trailed by a couple of beefy bodyguards. Her eyes widened as she drank in the opulence. The Nichols family had wealth, sure, but this was a whole different ball game.Located in the city center, it couldn't be bought with just money. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth, unhappy that Debra
"Oh, really?" Debra paused, leaning on the second-floor railing. "And what business could Melody possibly have with me?"Shelia snorted, "Stop playing dumb. You're having Melody's box, right? You're not Mrs. Nichols anymore, so hand it over."Debra almost laughed. She'd nearly forgotten about that box.Back then, to pay the Vargas family, Melody exchanged a box of her personal effects for one billion in cash.Clearly, the old lady hadn't filled Shelia in on the details. That was typical Melody, always keeping her pawns in the dark."Do you know what's in that box?" Debra asked.Shelia scoffed, "Of course. It's filled with Melody's most valuable possessions. You're to hand them all over."Shelia assumed Debra had taken the box while holding the title of Mrs. Nichols. Now that she and Juan were divorced, Debra had no more reason to keep it.Debra curled her lips. "Miss Blair, if you're here to collect the box, you should know the facts. But if you insist, you can have it."Sheli
Shelia's bravado rang hollow, and Debra was not convinced at all."Alright then, come back when you've got your hands on that fund," she said, turning to the guards. "See the guests off."One of the guards stepped forward. "Miss Blair, if you would please." Shelia's fury ignited like dry tinder, and with a sharp crack, her palm collided with his face. "Who do you think you are, telling me to leave?"Debra's face hardened like stone. She hadn't wanted this to escalate. Her body was still fragile, but Shelia had crossed a line.Before Debra could act, a voice cut through the tension like a blade."Barton, teach her some manners.""Yes, sir."Without hesitation, Barton stepped out from behind Andrew, his movements swift and precise.In two brutal slaps, Shelia's head whipped to the side. When her bodyguards tried to intervene, Barton dismantled them with ease.His fighting skills could rival Kale's. After the quick takedown, Barton returned to his post behind Andrew and wheele
"Who did this to you? Was it Drake?" Andrew asked, his fingers digging into her wrist as if he could crush the truth out of her. Debra winced, trying to pull back, but his hold was unyielding. "It's not that serious.""Not serious?" His voice rose, cutting through her excuses. "You think these marks are nothing?"Debra's gaze dropped. Of course, she knew the gravity of the situation. But what was done was done. All she could do was find a way to survive it. "Drake only injected me once. The dose was weak.""Has it taken effect?"Once someone was injected with drugs, just one dose could make them addicted. Even a weak dose was deadly."Yes, but it was bearable.""What were you thinking? Why didn't you tell me?"Debra rarely saw him this angry. She quickly pulled her hand back and explained, "I was too exhausted last night, and I didn't want you to worry. Most importantly, I didn't want Marion to know."She knew that if Marion found out, he'd find Drake to avenge her. But O
Debra looked at Andrew."Is Marion coming back tonight?""That's what you're focusing on right now? Do you understand the battle you're facing? If you can't conquer this addiction, it will destroy you.""I'll make it through.""Do you have any idea how many lives the Lowe family has ruined with their drugs? It's a miracle if someone breaks free. What makes you think you'll be any different?""If I wasn't determined to fight this, I would have stayed with Drake instead of coming back." She paused, looking down at her arms. "I knew from the moment he injected me that I was in trouble."She had known ever since the night Drake kidnapped her. He had drugged her, and he was betting that she wouldn't dare leave his side because of it."Drake always underestimates women. He thinks he can control me with drugs and make me obedient and dependent on him. I'll beat this and prove him wrong."Andrew studied her for a moment and then nodded. "I will provide you with the best medical support
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