Drake wasn't engaged to Yvonne. That was a curveball Debra hadn't seen coming.She couldn't recall any connections between Drake and the Eaton family, but once again, things were diverging from her past life."Debra?" Andrew's voice snapped her back to reality.She blinked. "Sorry.""Since Marion is here, you can share what you found out at the Lowe family's," he said.Debra nodded, grabbing a pen and paper from the table. "After Drake took me, I played the abandoned fiancée card and gained his trust. I got a list of names and discovered that the third floor of their casino was a front for a prostitution ring. Drugs might be involved too."She scribbled down the names and sketched out the casino's third floor. Andrew scanned the list, his expression grave. These were Orkgate's elite, families who'd been in bed with the Lowes for years. Many of these businesses were not above board, and this list looked quite convincing."Drake must trust you so much that he gave you such an impo
"Thank you," Debra murmured, gathering her robe to conceal the marks from the night before. "Can you arrange for a few people to accompany me to the Nichols Mansion later?""How many would you like?" asked the maid.Debra thought for a moment. "As many as possible."Soon enough, the maid had arranged for a driver and an entourage to escort Debra. At noon, they set off.In her room, Shelia was thinking about how to get that sum. She had boasted in front of Debra and had to present the money.Suddenly, the door was kicked open, and in swarmed a group of people.Startled by the sound, Shelia rushed downstairs. Melody also emerged from her room with the help of Sophie.Debra made her entrance in a black jacket and a pair of black boots. The punk style was something new. For a moment, Melody nearly didn't recognize her.Debra greeted her with a smile. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., it's been a while.""I wondered who it was," Melody snorted. "So, it's you. What are you doing here with so many
Melody's face turned ashen. She had spent days searching for Violet. To her surprise, Violet ended up in Debra's hands."Violet!" Melody spat. "How much did Debra pay you to frame me like this? We're family. You know I would protect you if she threatened you. The Nichols family isn't some weak, insignificant household. Not just anyone can cause trouble here."She hoped invoking the family name would remind Violet where her true loyalties lay. Surely, no one would side with a fallen heiress like Debra over the powerful Nichols.But Violet's will had been broken by her husband and Andrew. She variously shook her head. "No one paid or threatened me, Melody. You know exactly what you did. I have the chat logs and bank transfers as proof. Please, Ms. Frazier, take me in. I'll accept whatever punishment."She was desperate for some form of protection. Even prison was better than her husband's torture.Debra fixed Melody with a cold, unblinking stare. "Well, it looks like you've run out
Once, Debra had been the heiress to the Frazier family and Juan's wife. She was someone Shelia had once begrudgingly respected.But now, Debra had fallen from grace. The Nichols family had cast her aside, the Frazier Group had crumbled into bankruptcy, and Shelia had triumphantly taken her place as Juan's fiancée.Yet, despite her fall, Debra dared to lay a hand on her."Hit you?" Debra spat, grabbing Shelia's hair. "Well, that's just the start. You've schemed against me time and time again, and I let it go because you weren't worth the effort. You wanted Juan, and I gave him up. But you couldn't leave it at that, could you? You kept coming for me. So now, we settle this."Terror crept up Shelia's spine as Debra's icy gaze bore into her. This wasn't the timid, compliant woman she remembered. Debra was now dangerous and ruthless.Debra turned to the bodyguards. "Melody Nichols has confessed to hiring a hitman. Take her to the police.""Yes, ma'am." The bodyguards moved swiftly, gr
Jade's eyes were bloodshot, her once gentle face now a mask of barely contained fury.She had been hidden away by Edgar, forced to live in the shadows, while Shelia paraded around the city center, having stolen everything that was rightfully hers—her father, her name, and her very identity.Shelia panicked and cowered. She hadn't expected Jade to be alive, let alone standing right in front of her."It wasn't me. I didn't want to take everything from you," Shelia stammered. "You just weren't lucky enough. Even if you were still alive, your dad wouldn't have accepted you. The Blair family would never acknowledge a prostitute like you."Jade clenched her fists. "Yes, I'm a prostitute. But that doesn't give you the right to steal everything from me."She turned to Debra and pleaded, "I have a grudge with Shelia. Could you let me deal with her?"Debra nodded. "Everyone has to face their debts. I'll leave her to you."Shelia's heart sank. She shouted at Debra, "You have no right to de
"Yes, ma'am... I mean, Ms. Frazier," Sophie replied.Debra left with the bodyguards.Melody was shaken. Shelia tried to scream but was silenced by one of the guards.Just when they arrived at the gate, another group of people rushed over. Juan stepped out of the car, his expression indifferent as he stood face-to-face with Debra.Melody and Shelia saw hope. Shelia bit the guard's hand, and as he winced, she shouted, "Juan, save me.""Juan, get rid of this crazy woman," Melody shouted, struggling.Debra frowned, recalling the events of the other night. After sending her to the ship, he headed back alone. She hadn't expected him to make it back alive."Melody hired a hitman to kill me. I have proof. Shelia attempted murder and Jade's identity. You know this as well. What now? Going to fight me?""Name your price," Juan said calmly. "Whatever I can give, I'll give."Debra laughed coldly. "I want the Nichols Group. Will you give it up in exchange for Melody not going to jail?""Y
"Three months is it," Debra agreed, leading Jade and the others to leave.In three months, she would take over Juan's company.Juan silently watched her leave. Suddenly, the sharp crack of a slap echoed in the air.Standing before him, Melody snapped, "How could someone so foolish be part of this family? You've brought disgrace upon us all. Go after her and dissolve your promise. Do you hear me?"She pushed him, desperate to protect the family's legacy that had been built over decades. But no matter how hard she pushed, Juan didn't budge.Finally, he grabbed her hand and said coldly, "Have you had enough?"Melody froze, shocked by his tone.He added, "I've spent my life following your rules. I owe this family nothing, but I owe Debra everything. Grandma, I'll pay you back for raising me and make sure you're comfortable for the rest of your life."Without waiting for a response, he turned to Sophie, who had been lingering by the door. "Pack her things and take her back to the ol
The icy look in Juan's eyes daunted her. Shelia tried to leap off the bed, but Juan was quicker.He seized her hair, yanking her back so forcefully that clumps of it tore free.She screamed in agony, but Juan didn't stop there. He calmly reached beneath the bed and pulled out a coil of nylon rope."No, what are you doing? You can't..." Shelia's protest was cut off as he slapped a piece of duct tape over her mouth.She thrashed, but it was no use. With each twist of the rope, Juan's control over her tightened.He drew the curtains, shrouding the room in an oppressive darkness. Her muffled cries were the only sounds in the room.Shelia trembled in terror, tied down and unable to move.Juan stood over her, his voice void of emotion. "From now on, you'll stay right here as Mrs. Nichols. I'll feed you and bring you water, but you won't see the light of day or anyone else."Shelia's eyes widened in terror, her screams muffled beneath the tape."Don't worry," Juan added, unfeeling. "
Debra interrupted Erica and Randy's bickering. "Alright, guys. I'm just thinking. If the opponent has been planning this for a while, these artists in their pocket will be serving some enterprise after they gain fame, right? But we know all the entertainment companies in Seamar City. Are there any upstarts?" Randy shook his head. "Nope, at least I haven't found any. But that's the weird part. Suddenly, there are all these new arcades and casinos, and even the entertainment industry is flooded with new faces. Whoever is behind this can't stay invisible."Debra thought for a moment. "I'll find a chance to check it out.""Think twice," Randy cautioned. "That place is a mixed bag. It's fine if Drake is behind this. If not..."That would mean another force was at play.As evening fell, Debra changed into casual clothes and blended into the crowd, making her way to a newly opened arcade.The arcade was on the second floor of a mall, surrounded by old residential areas. Despite the loc
Randy gave Oscar a thumbs-up. "Well said. Next year, I'm nominating you for the Top Ten Youth Role Models award. You've got my vote.""Yeah, right. Like it's your job to hand out awards," Erica snorted, smacking Randy on the back of his head.Randy winced, rubbing his head. "Erica, could you not hit me every time I say something?"Chace stepped forward and addressed Debra. "Ms. Frazier, we're returning to Booton to take care of the Odom Group. We're here to say goodbye."Debra nodded. "Okay. Seamar City has been chaotic lately. You might be better off staying away for now."Oscar hesitated. "Michael wanted me to pass on a message. The entertainment industry has seen an influx of fresh talent recently. They're all incredibly skilled—too polished to have come out of nowhere. Someone's been grooming them for years. No one knows who's backing them, but each one is rising fast. If they make it to the top, the capital behind them will reap unimaginable profits. Michael thought you'd und
Randy and Erica exchanged a glance, speechless."Figures," Randy muttered. "He never lifts a finger when I ask him to pass a file, but when Debra asks him to manage the company, he agrees without a second thought."Erica chimed in, "Well, they're a loving couple."She turned to Marion and reminded him, "Speaking of which, Caleb is still planning the wedding. He insists on having the wedding first before getting the certificate. He wants a grand affair, with the betrothal gifts and dowry all going to the bride as a show of our family's approval."Marion replied, "I just want to get the certificate. If he drags his feet, I might just take over the wedding planning myself."Erica shook her head. "You can't do that. He is looking forward to this. If you take it away from him, he might just throw a tantrum in the streets."Marion rubbed his temples, regretting ever agreeing to let his grandfather plan the wedding.Debra reassured him, "Don't worry. We have plenty of time. You think I
In the CEO's office of the McKinney Group, Randy looked like a puppy that had just been scolded for chewing up a favorite shoe."Look," he began, gesturing helplessly, "it's not my fault that the sales numbers dropped. I'm doing the work of three people here. I just can't keep up anymore. And it's not just that. Lately, we've had all these clients wanting to terminate their contracts early. I'm running all over the place, attending back-to-back meetings, and juggling both domestic and international issues. I mean, come on, you guys have to cut me some slack."Erica chimed in, "I can vouch for him. These past few days, he's been running himself ragged. It's not that he's incompetent. It's that the competition is too fierce right now. He's swamped.""Exactly." Randy straightened up. "Erica nailed it. That's exactly what I've been saying. Marion, where's my hardship bonus, huh?"Sitting comfortably on the couch opposite him, Marion didn't even blink. Instead, he calmly poured Debra a
The maids' eyes widened in disbelief. Debra's lips twitched as she watched the scene unfold.Each maid reluctantly handed over a bill to Andrew before rushing out of the room.Debra was puzzled by their dramatic reaction, but then Andrew opened a drawer in the table, revealing a thick stack of bills. The amount was equivalent to two months' salary for the maids."Are you short on cash?" Debra asked tentatively."Not at all," Andrew replied casually. "But winning money feels good."Debra rolled her eyes but didn't press the matter further. She sat down across from him."Why fake being sick?""Ever been fishing?""Fishing?""The Potter family is like the pillar of Seamar City, always steady and reliable. I was curious to see what would happen if I suddenly fell ill."Andrew placed the stack of bills he had won on the table and produced a new deck of cards, setting it down in front of Debra. "In one hour, I made 20 thousand dollars with just this deck of cards. How much do you t
Randy dropped off Debra and Erica at the Potter Mansion before heading to the company with Marion to assess the situation.As soon as Debra and Erica entered, they noticed a group of foreign medical experts bustling through the first-floor hall, deep in discussion.Meanwhile, stewards and maids hurried back and forth between the first and second floors, creating an atmosphere of tension and urgency.Debra's brows furrowed. In her past life, Andrew's illness hadn't progressed so quickly.Though many things had changed since her rebirth, an illness advancing its natural course didn't seem possible."I wonder how bad it is now," Erica muttered nervously.The sight of the bustling household had unsettled her. The last time the Potter family was in such chaos was when their former lead passed away.Debra glanced at her. "I'll go check upstairs.""I'm coming with you," Erica insisted.The second floor was just as chaotic. The maids, preoccupied with their tasks, barely noticed the t
But if they both snuck out, he could blame it all on Liza. Bert wouldn't be as hard on him then.With that thought, Garland hurried after Liza, making sure to emphasize, "Remember, I'm only going to Seamar City to protect you. This is all for your sake.""I know. You're the best brother ever," Liza chirped.In Seamar City, Randy and Erica were waiting at the airport.Randy, with dark circles under his eyes, was seeing double. Everyone looked like Debra and Marion to him."Erica, we could've just waited at home," Randy grumbled. "They're not kids; they won't get lost. I finally took a break. I don't want to do fatigued driving.""Oh, stop whining," Erica retorted. "I'll drive later."Randy's eyes widened at the thought of Erica's driving skills. He suddenly felt wide awake. "You know what? I can drive."Just then, Debra and Marion exited the airport. Debra spotted Erica and Randy bickering in the crowd."What do you mean by that? Do you think I'm a bad driver?" Erica demanded,
"The waters in Seamar City run too deep. I don't want her to know too much," Juan replied, kicking the sack toward Garland. "Load him up. I'll meet you upstairs.""Hey, you're seriously dumping this on me?" Garland growled, glancing at the motionless Edgar inside the sack.His face was pale from blood loss. Of all the people he could've kidnapped, it had to be the two most cherished women. Edgar brought this on himself....Drake and Kale finally arrived at the factory, only to find the place deserted.Drake scanned the place and asked, "You're sure this is the place?""Yes, boss," Kale replied firmly. "The team tracked the signal from the phone call. It came from here."Drake glanced at his watch. Two hours had already passed since they'd set out.Maybe it was all over.His jaw tightened as frustration flashed in his eyes. "Damn Edgar! Can't even hold out for long enough to make it worthwhile."The next morning, at the Eaton Mansion. "Debra left? How could she just leave?
Garland knew Juan had been going to save Debra. It was a relief to learn that Juan was safe."Get inside and clean up," Garland urged. "Dad doesn't know yet. Or he'd have broken loose.""Let it break loose," Liza fumed. "Edgar teamed up with Cathryn to kidnap me. He's a dead man.""Cathryn?" Garland was shocked by the revelation."Son of a bitch!" Garland rolled up his sleeves.Liza quickly grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?""Of course, I'm going to beat the hell out of those bastards. How dare they mess with you?""Garland!"Just then, a figure wearing a mask entered the room.Liza scowled, "You have the nerve to come back. You..."Garland intervened, "Liza, go upstairs. I need to handle this. Go."She pointed at Juan, fuming. "Brother, you should punish him. He didn't care about my safety, opened fire while I was still around, and then just disappeared. No bodyguards do their jobs like that. He...""Alright, I'll teach him a lesson," Garland assured her, pushing her