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
The room buzzed with whispers."Isn't that Debra Frazier? What's she doing here?""I heard she disappeared during her engagement party and ran off with Andrew Potter.""Ugh, what bad luck running into her here!"The upper echelon of society was a viper's nest, ready to strike at the first whiff of scandal.Debra, with her tarnished reputation and fallen family, was a prime target. Her previous marriage to Juan and Marion's protection were the only reasons she was tolerated in their midst."Ms. Frazier, your reputation isn't looking too great," Drake scoffed, descending the staircase.His voice sent a shiver down her spine, but Debra kept her composure.The crowd parted as Drake approached, businessmen eagerly trying to catch his attention.Kale blocked them, allowing Drake to reach Debra unimpeded.Eyebrows raised and lips pursed in disapproval, the elite watched the scene unfold."Look at her, clinging to Mr. Lowe this time.""Relying all on her looks, she thinks every man
At her call, ten bodyguards walked into the room.Debra explained, "For safety's sake, these are our bodyguards for the day. Get familiar with them so there are no misunderstandings later."Liza was unimpressed. "Are ten of them enough? I usually bring 20."Erica snorted, "You want 20. Ask your daddy. Too many people will be arrestive.""What? Are you judging me?" Liza fumed."I am. I haven't even slapped you yet," Erica countered, rolling up her sleeves.Debra quickly stepped in. "Alright, it's about time. Let's go."She grabbed Erica's arm and headed toward the door. Liza followed them reluctantly.The whole morning was spent at a salon. Debra and Erica kept yawning, but Liza was full of energy."Is she really a spoiled lady?" Erica muttered, trailing behind Liza. "My barn needs a workhorse like her."Finally, they arrived at the store Liza had mentioned. Debra and Erica were grateful for a short break.Liza pulled Debra over. "Look at all these beautiful dresses. Can't wa
The next morning, Debra was shaken awake by Liza."Debra, get up," Liza urged, moving to pull off the blankets.Debra had stayed up all night going through the materials that Andrew gave her.She was still exhausted and buried her head under the covers."It's still early. What do you want?""Get up. Let's go pick a dress. I heard there's a great store."Debra couldn't focus, and she didn't want to hear any of it. All she wanted to do was sleep."Marion, get her out of here," she yelled.Marion knocked and came in. "Please leave."He had just finished preparing breakfast for Debra.Liza was upset. "I asked my dad to help you guys. And this is how you repay me? Fine, I'll go by myself tonight."With that, she headed toward the door.Debra sighed and got up. "Alright, I'll go with you. Is that okay?""That's more like it," Liza smiled. "I'll wait for you outside. Hurry up."She hummed a tune and skipped out of the room.Debra rubbed her temples. Marion said, "If you don't w
Barton held the medicine in front of Andrew and pleaded, "Sir, please take your medicine, alright? Take it, get some rest, and by tomorrow, you'll feel better. Mrs. Houston will still be here."Andrew relaxed a little. It was true.Debra was alive. She was beautiful, elegant, and clever, just as he had always imagined. She had gotten married and was living a happy life."Being my wife is dangerous," he murmured to himself. "The life she has now is the best path I could have given her."He swallowed the pills and leaned back against the bed. Sleep eluded him, but his memories didn't.Once again, he was transported back 16 years.Jordan and the six-year-old Debra were kidnapped. His parents rushed to save Jordan but were ambushed. Both lost their lives.Andrew did his best to rescue Debra, but his legs were injured during the process.He cradled the unconscious, injured Debra in his arms, crawling desperately away from the explosions. For the first time, he understood what despai
"Help me!"A little girl's desperate cries echoed in Andrew's mind, and he woke up from a dream.The room was pitch black and eerily silent. As if drained, he weakly leaned against the head of the bed. Fragments of a memory flickered in his mind like a haunting replay."Hold my hand.""Hug me."A sweet, childlike voice seemed to call out to him again, as if it had traveled through time to reach him. He opened his eyes and was pulled into a memory from many years ago.The summer air carried the fresh scent of grass. In the courtyard, koi fish chased one another in the pond. Sunlight bathed the entire yard, its warmth embracing everything in its reach.He was just an 11-year-old boy then. In front of him stood a little girl with a chubby face. Her little hands tugged at his sleeve.Andrew bent down, as if this moment had been predestined, and smiled at her. "What now?""Swing-swing," replied the girl, pointing at a swing set not far away."It's a swing.""Swing-swing.""Alrig
Standing outside was Jordan.He asked bluntly, "What are you doing here?""I came to visit Andrew," Debra replied with a frown, sensing hostility. "Anything wrong with that?"Jordan pressed his lips together. "How is he?""Not so good. He's been coughing," Debra replied, shaking her head. "I'll leave now."Barton spoke up. "Mrs. Houston, you left something behind.""Oh right, the report Ben gave me," Debra responded, walking back to the desk to grab the papers.Once she left, Jordan went into the room and closed the door behind him.Debra paused, wondering why Andrew asked her to hide his fake illness from Jordan."Hey."Suddenly, a voice startled Debra. She turned around and saw Liza standing behind her.Liza looked puzzled. "What are you staring at so intently?"Debra composed herself and asked, "What's up?""Nothing, just bored. I haven't seen you around lately," Liza pouted. "Didn't you guys get into some kind of trouble? I called my dad. Don't worry. Within three days
Andrew said, "You've been up high for too long. In business, connections are everything. It's like when you buy goods, you need to find suppliers. If you're running a casino, you need muscles. No matter where you are, you can't fight with the locals. Their assets may be small, but they can cause endless trouble for your enemies. This is the first thing I want to teach you. You should learn to navigate emotions and make the most of every connection. A small fish could be the key to your success in the future."As she flipped through the files, he tapped one page and said, of the pages and said, "The Warwick family. Their assets are only in the millions, but they've survived in Seamar City for 50 years. They control half the resources in this city. They started from scratch, and when it comes to suppliers for the food and beverage industry, big or small, they know who offers the cheapest. They know all the entry and exit points. They've used their connections wisely, and that's why th
"I'm scared." A soft, childlike voice echoed in Debra's mind.The sound jolted her out of her thoughts, and she yanked her hand back from the swing.It felt so familiar. She turned around and scanned the courtyard.She had wandered there while lost in her thoughts. This was her first time in the garden of the Potter Mansion. Yet the flowers and scenery around her felt so familiar.Barton walked into the garden. "Mr. Andrew Potter wants to meet you, Mrs. Houston.""Barton," Debra said, "this garden is beautifully designed. Has it stayed the same all these years?""Yes. Mr. Andrew Potter likes it as it is, so he's kept it unchanged," Barton replied, stepping aside. "After you."Debra couldn't help but steal a few more glances at the flowers and greenery.She had a strong feeling that she had been there before, but her memory told her she'd never set foot in the Potter Mansion.When she entered Andrew's bedroom, the sharp scent of medicine brought her back to reality.Andrew sat
After hearing Drake's recount of his experiences in Orkgate, Debra frowned and said, "Great wisdom behind a dumb appearance, right?""Come on. Were you even listening to me? And do I look dumb to you?" Drake huffed."That was a compliment.""Ugh.""Alright. Leave this newcomer to us. You just focus on recovering. Once you're better, we'll need you to take back the Lowe Group."Debra stood up, ready to leave."Debra.""Anything else?""If you must suspect someone, then suspect Juan.""Juan?"Debra was surprised at first and then remembered a deal Drake had once made with Juan.Juan had stepped in, claiming to collaborate with the Lowe Group, but that was a one-time thing."Didn't you work with him?""Not me. It was a deal between the Lowe Group and him. On the night he saved you, he came to me with a proposal.""What did he promise you?""He promised to secure my position in Seamar City. The Nichols Group would be the most suitable partner for me. But that was just part o
By rights, if they were to change leadership, they'd have to follow a process.At least, they should introduce the new president. Yet the new president was directly appointed without any of the proper procedures. No one had even bothered to take the shares from Drake.It was all so strange.Marion believed the Lowe Group had hidden assets and those behind the scenes held the largest share of hidden interests. To Debra, many things still didn't add up.As the head of the Lowe Group for years, Drake should have known about this.Drake spoke blandly, "When I was adopted by the Lowe family, I was busy cramming financial knowledge. I'm not like Marion. He's a rich boy from the slums, just there for the experience. I don't know these things. So, I had to work harder than others. In the beginning, there wasn't just me as the heir. I was just transferred from overseas to make up the numbers. The Bernard family wanted to get involved with the Lowe family, so they sent some people over. Mar