Debra had returned in a hurry, unaware of the rumors.Michael glanced at Ben and said, "Debra just got back. Let her settle in and get familiar with recent business. We'll handle everything else later."Ben nodded. "Madam, there are too many eyes around here. Let's head upstairs first."Debra noticed the nervous glances from the employees. Without saying anything, she followed Michael and Ben up to the office.The moment Debra stepped inside, her eyes landed on the massive pile of paperwork stacked on her desk.She gasped, "Geeze! I'm sorry for putting you into this, Michael."Michael brushed it off, "No big deal, just a few simple contracts. All I had to do was sign."While he busied himself organizing the files, Debra turned to Ben. "Why are people avoiding me? What's going on?"Ben hesitated. "It's about you and Mr. Andrew Potter."Debra was baffled. "What about us?"Michael handed her a newspaper. Printed on the front page was a picture of her and Andrew entering the Pott
Debra said mysteriously, "This isn't about my title. This person seems interesting. Set up a meeting. I think I've found us a goldmine."She eased into the chair. Michael saw no point in it, but he knew better than to refuse her requests.He handed the newspaper to Ben. "Make it happen."Ben nodded but paused at the door.Debra looked up, asking, "Didn't I tell you to contact them? Why are you still here?"Ben held up the newspaper, pointing at a gaudy square in the bottom left corner. A cartoon Batman glared out, surrounded by decorative borders. The line went like this: "Bringing justice to the world! Add me on WhatsApp via the QR code below and submit your articles. P.S.: I'm the owner of New Age."Debra blinked, momentarily speechless. In this day and age, this was either genius or madness.She pulled out her phone and scanned the code. Up popped a profile, Batman staring back at her. She shook her head, half-expecting to hear a dramatic "I am Batman."She sent a friend req
Ben asked, "Should I have him brought to you?""No need," Debra replied, her stride unbroken. "I'll handle this myself."She pushed open the office door. The chair was facing away, but the nameplate on the desk read: CEO, Garland Eaton.The name rang a bell, but she couldn't quite place it.The chair spun around, revealing a man dressed in a casual sweatshirt and pants, black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He was handsome, with bushy eyebrows and eyes that sparkled with mischief.Debra thought he was a little over the top."Looking for me?" Garland asked, leaning his chin on his hand as Debra's entourage filed into the office.Debra had learned something during her time in Orkgate. Sometimes, a show of force was necessary.But Garland seemed unruffled, pulling out his phone to record it.His voice was lazy yet magnetic. "Ladies and gentlemen, behold. Gangsters are harassing innocent citizens. Is there no justice left in this city?"Debra stepped forward, snatched the pho
Garland scratched his head. "I'm broke, you know. I'll need a million a month just to scrape by.""Not a problem.""I need funds.""I'll invest.""I don't have a place to stay.""We provide housing and meals.""Deal.""Pleasure doing business with you."Debra shook his hand firmly, and Ben watched with astonishment.Garland was soaking them, but Debra agreed without even negotiating. That was not the right way to do business.Debra said, "Draft up the contract. I want it signed immediately.""But..." Ben hesitated, hoping she would reconsider the matter.Debra shot him a look, and he quickly replied, "Right, I'll get on it."As she came out of the office, the employees hurried back to their seats. It was like a melodrama happening in real life.Outside, Ben finally dared to voice his concern. "Madam, why are you throwing so much money at this guy?"Garland was not a household name around here. His agency might have gained some attention, but it was worth millions at most
"Mr. Eaton," the secretary protested. "Your father expects your presence at the banquet. Don't forget why you're here."A young security guard, munching on chips near the door, interrupted, "Come on, man, let's not make this hard for everyone. Just leave quietly."The secretary ignored him, and he had to turn to Garland. "Boss, he's not listening to me."Garland said, "If he doesn't leave, you leave. Your choice."The security guard sprang into action, using all his strength to drag the secretary away. "Sorry, buddy! I don't want to lose my job."The secretary glanced back at the office and anxiously shouted, "Mr. Eaton, please hear me out."Garland put on noise-canceling headphones. "No. Release the dog!"A large bulldog outside barked loudly, and the secretary, along with his men, was pushed out of the building.The secretary was trapped in a dilemma. He wanted to force his way back inside, but that would annoy Garland, the future head of the Eaton family. But if he didn't do
Debra asked, "Is the Eaton family that powerful?""They're leagues above Edgar. Even Drake pales in comparison to them," Andrew replied, shooting a look at Marion. "Ask Marion how much trouble he had taken over the Bernard family. The Bernards are nothing compared to the Eatons."Debra fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in.Andrew added, "And this gentleman here packed Liza and Cathryn and shipped them out of the country. That takes a special kind of nerve."Debra blinked. "Packed them?"Andrew confirmed, "Yes, in a cargo container."Debra glanced at Marion, who explained, "They forced my hands."Andrew reasoned, "Liza is pampered in her family. Her father learned about this and immediately sent people here to expand their business and compete with us."If the Eatons came in, it could upend everything. They were the real deal, unlike Edgar, who lacked the capability, and Drake, who had to act in secret due to Marion's presence.The Eatons had both wealth and leg
The Eatons and the Lowes were both here in Seamar City, eager to expand their empires.To celebrate, they threw a banquet so grand it made the locals dizzy with anticipation. Every merchant worth their salt was scrambling for an invite.The whispers on the street were that the alliance was set to become the next big thing, a juggernaut to rival the McKinney Group."Madam, are you attending?" Ben's voice crackled over the phone.They had received an invitation, but it was addressed to Tracy.If Tracy didn't attend the banquet, it would be a slap in the host's face. A clash with them could spell disaster for the McKinney Group."I'll be there.""But the invitation isn't for you. If you show up, won't that cause a stir?""The invitation is for the head of the McKinney Group. And that's me.""You're going to reveal your identity?"That would cause a stir online, especially since the internet was now filled with negative comments about her private life. People called her a gold-di
"Haven't they arrived yet?" Drake grunted.Kale shifted uncomfortably. "I've sent someone to notify Mr. Eaton, but it seems he has his own agenda.""What the hell?" Drake's face darkened. "Are they playing games with me?"Kale quickly reassured him, "They don't dare, sir, given the fact that Miss Eaton is going to marry you."Drake scoffed, "Because of marriage, huh?"He could sense their arrogance. They acted like marrying their daughter to him was some big favor."Tell them this," Drake snarled. "If Fermin doesn't show up tonight, the engagement is off."Kale paled. "Sir, don't be impulsive."The Eaton family was old and influential, with complex networks of power. Although Drake had surpassed the previous head of the Lowe family, he was still young, and no one knew how deep the Eatons' influence ran. Offending these people could seriously impact their future business.Drake tugged at his tie, irritated about Fermin's lack of respect."What about McKinney Group?""I heard
Debra's eyes narrowed. "I get why you want to kill me, but Drake was your ally. Isn't this a bit too cruel?"Cathryn spluttered, "Drake used me like a pawn. I just want him to pay for it. Compared to the humiliation he put me through, 20 billion dollars is nothing. It can't even restore my dignity.""Dignity is something you give yourself," Debra retorted. "Drake gave you choices. You were blinded by greed.""Shut up!" Cathryn snarled. "Don't act all high and mighty with me. You think you're so pure? If you were, why did you throw yourself at Marion? At your engagement party, Erica protected you. Randy stood by you. Andrew had your back. You have Michael and Oscar supporting the McKinney Group for you. Even Juan can't forget you. With all these people loving you, why did you have to steal Marion?"Debra hadn't realized Cathryn harbored so much resentment. She let out a cold laugh. "Everything I have, I earned with my blood, sweat, and tears. Do you think Marion would love you if yo
Frederic caught Liza, who was paralyzed with fear, and pushed her toward the car.Meanwhile, Debra kicked Edgar in the chest and pinned him under her heel. "Tell me, what's in Seamar City?"She had gone to great lengths to corner Edgar, intending to have Randy keep an eye on him in Seamar City until she could return to confront him.But Edgar had fled overseas, taking Liza and Cathryn hostage in his desperation.With his thigh pierced, Edgar could barely fight back. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he spat, "What's in Seamar City? Are you seriously pretending you don't know? It's wealth beyond imagination. The kind of fortune every merchant dreams of.""What treasure?" Debra leaned in, her expression intense. "Be specific."Edgar's hand suddenly darted to his waist. In a flash, he drew a concealed dagger and slashed toward her. In reflex, Debra caught it.Frederic immediately raised his gun, only to find it hard to aim at Edgar. He was trying to use Debra as a shield."Help
"True." Drake stood up. "Get the car ready. We're going.""Yes, boss." Kale shook his head.Drake never cared about his reputation. He just needed an excuse to go.Once in the car, Kale started the engine and asked, "Boss, where are we headed?""How would I know? Didn't Cathryn tell you where she was?""No, she didn't."Silence settled in the car.Inside the abandoned factory, Edgar glanced at Liza. "Fermin hasn't shown up yet. Looks like he doesn't care about you that much."Liza retorted, "No way. He loves me the most. He'll come to save me.""Seems like we can't rely on you. I should contact Marion instead." Edgar pulled out his phone, planning to instruct Marion to leave the money in a safe spot.Suddenly, a pair of headlights penetrated the darkness, shining directly at him."See? I told you my brother would come to rescue me." Liza pointed at the black car in the distance.Quickly, a figure emerged from the car. It was Frederic, who was dressed in a sharp suit that bo
"Me?" Debra muttered.Edgar held no personal grudge against Liza. The only person he hated there was Debra.She was the only reason for his downfall."Yes, you," Edgar replied. "You're full of tricks, and I don't trust you. If you don't take her place, I won't let her go."Debra laughed, "Then don't let her go. The Eatons are not after me anyway. And a little heads-up. If I get a scratch, Marion will make you pay a heavy price."Before Edgar could respond, she continued, "Well, I can go over and take her place."Edgar's eyes narrowed, and she added, "Relax! I might be able to fend off a couple of amateurs, but against you? I wouldn't stand a chance."Edgar scoffed, "At least you're self-aware."Only then did he cut Liza loose. The marks on her skin were deep. For someone who had lived a life of luxury and privilege, the humiliation was unbearable.She glared at Edgar, eager to slap him, but the cold steel of his gun kept her rooted in place.Meanwhile, Marion sped down the de
Kale hesitated.Drake furrowed his brow. "What is it?"Kale sighed, "Miss Bernard was kidnapped by Edgar.""Oh, and what does that have to do with me? Edgar needs money, right? He wants a ransom?""Yes.""Well, he should be asking Marion for money. Marion was the one who promised to take care of Cathryn."Drake brushed it off and loosened his tie. "Go pack your things. We don't need to get involved in Cathryn's affairs. Someone else will take care of it.""But...""What is it now?""Debra has also been kidnapped.""By Edgar? Ha!""I heard it over the phone. Besides Debra, Liza has also been taken. It sounds like Edgar is demanding a ransom of one trillion dollars.""One trillion? Has he lost his mind?""Desperate people do desperate things."Inside the abandoned factory, Debra leaned against the van and took out her phone."Are you sure you don't want me to call Marion? Both of them have already made calls. What's holding you back?" she said."Shut up!" Edgar snapped.
The line went through, but the one answering the call was Kale.He warned, "Miss Bernard, I believe Mr. Lowe made himself clear. If you insist on bothering him, he'll show you no mercy."Cathryn hadn't expected this number to belong to Kale. It turned out Drake hadn't given her his number at all.But with Edgar staring at her from the side, she had to bite the bullet and try again. "Can you please let Drake take the call? I have something very important to tell him.""Mr. Lowe isn't interested," Kale refused flatly, ready to hang up.Cathryn cried out, "I've been kidnapped by Edgar. He'll kill me if I can't come up with a ransom of 20 billion dollars."But Kale was unimpressed. "Well, you're no longer engaged to Mr. Lowe. Whether it's 20 billion or 20 dollars, it has nothing to do with us."Cathryn's last hope was dashed. Edgar heard it and said, "So, you're useless now.""No. Don't kill me," Cathryn pleaded.Edgar snorted, "The Eaton family would pay 40 billion for Miss Eaton
"Not your concern," Edgar spat, pressing the gun barrel against Liza's forehead. "Call Marion and tell him to prepare the ransom. Otherwise, I'll kill her.""Go ahead," Debra said indifferently. "Cathryn and I are rivals, and I've never gotten along with Liza. Killing either of them won't affect me."Liza was pissed off. From the look on her face, Debra knew she was cursing her.Debra added, "Save your energy. Using their lives to threaten me won't work. You'd be better off making them call their families. Maybe Drake cares enough about his fiancée to pay up. As for Mr. Eaton Sr., he's old and ruthless. I'd suggest contacting her brother instead. Maybe then, you'll have a chance to walk away with the money."Liza listened with growing irritation. Undoubtedly, Debra was the devil's advocate."You make a good point," Edgar admitted, ripping the duct tape off Liza's mouth.She immediately shouted at Debra, "You shameless viper! You...""Shut up!" Edgar pressed the gun harder agains
Edgar sneered, "All three of you are in my grasp. Marion, the Eaton family, and Drake are at my mercy."Debra glanced at the stun baton in her hand, her voice calm but biting. "What makes you think that way?"She began walking toward Edgar, her every step steady and deliberate.Edgar used to be the head of the Odom family. His fighting skills were not bad.But Debra's confident demeanor made him hesitate and wonder if she could really take him on.Liza struggled, managing to bring her stiletto heel down hard on Edgar's foot. He grunted in pain and loosened his grip on her.She bolted, but Edgar quickly recovered, grabbing her by the hair and yanking her back.Debra coldly stared at him. "Let me guess. You used Cathryn to lure Liza here and then used Liza to trick me, didn't you?"Edgar snorted, "So what?"Debra laughed mockingly, "Edgar, you used to be the most powerful man in Booton, and now you've stooped to kidnapping women to survive? No dignity left?""Dignity?" Edgar sn
"How did you know?" one of the men exclaimed, reaching for the stun baton in his pocket.Debra casually touched the crest on their chests. "The logo is wrong. Be more careful with your forgeries."She turned around and raised her voice. "I'm already here, Mr. Odom. Why don't you come out with Miss Eaton? We'll have a little chat."Soon, a figure emerged from the abandoned factory. In just half a month, Edgar had become extremely haggard. His face was covered in stubble. His hair was disheveled, and his shirt was dirty.Debra clicked her tongue. "Mr. Odom, you don't look so good. Is the allowance from the McKinney Group not enough for you?"Edgar was infuriated. If it weren't for her schemes, he wouldn't be in this state.Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "How did you know it was me?""Liza, a spoiled and arrogant girl, would never apologize to me. I had people track your moves, but you got away. So, I guessed you'd come here. You need money, don't you?"Now that everything was expo