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
Drake laughed, "Did you think that by stealing Tracy's invitation, you could just waltz in here like you were invited?""Stealing? No," Debra responded. "It's for the President of McKinney Group, so here I am."Judgmental whispers then filled the air. The guests didn't bother to hide their disdain."She's got some nerve to pose as Mr. McKinney.""She must have gotten in here on Tracy's coattails. What a phony coquet!"Drake listened and smirked, "Did you hear that? It's not that I doubt you, but no one here is convinced.""Sounds like you don't believe me either," Debra countered.Suddenly, a group of bodyguards from the McKinney Group stormed into the room, forming two neat lines.Ben strode in and made his way straight to Debra's side. "Everyone, allow me to introduce Ms. Frazier, President of McKinney Group. She's been keeping a low profile out of respect for the Nichols family's rules, but now that she's severed ties with them, she's ready to reveal her identity. Ms. Frazie
Grover was irritated by Debra's persistence.She had always been the type to push when she had the upper hand. Now he was between a rock and a hard place.He had assumed that the couple had gone their separate ways. Who would have thought Marion still had feelings for Debra, who spent her nights at clubs, flirting with strangers?"Alright, this is getting boring," Debra said. "Since Miss Trennery is so fond of Marion, you can have him to yourself. I'll be waiting for you to convince him to divorce me."Lara was surprised by how effortlessly she had silenced the father and daughter.Debra turned to leave, not sparing a glance at Marion, who was still kneeling in the fountain.The crowd was shocked by her dominance. She could fool around, but she wouldn't allow Marion to do the same.Lexie rushed forward to help Marion, but he refused to stand up.A security guard approached and said, "Mr. Houston? A lady who just left told me you could get up now."Only then did Marion slowly r
"Miss Trennery, please keep your distance from me. Don't do anything that might make my wife misunderstand," Marion said."Why? Why are you listening to her? It's wrong to always give in to her like this," Lexie countered, pointing at Debra. "This woman keeps saying you shouldn't be in touch with me, but everyone here knows better. She's been fooling around these past few days. She's not faithful to your marriage, and you should have divorced her."She stood on the high ground of morality, eager to expose Debra's hypocrisy.Debra only found it laughable. "That's right. We should get a divorce, but Marion doesn't agree. Try convincing him."Lexie quickly came over to help Marion out of the fountain. However, he didn't appreciate it and wouldn't even let her touch his clothes.Lexie was stunned that someone like Marion chose to be humiliated like that."Mr. Houston, I've always liked you," she confessed earnestly. "If you accept me, I'll do anything for you."Few men would turn do
Lexie hurried over, looking anxious. "I thought you two were arguing, so I wanted to give Mr. Houston a chance to clear up any misunderstanding. I'm sorry. He didn't actually want to dance with me."The other guests looked outside, eager to witness a classic showdown between the two women.Debra, however, only gave a faint smile. "It's just a dance. What does it even mean?"Her indifference took Lexie by surprise and hurt Marion's feelings."But," Debra continued, "it's indeed improper for him to dance with another woman while we're still married."Marion tensed up. "What do you want me to do?"Debra raised an eyebrow. "What, you want to make up for it?""Yes." His response was firm."Then jump into that fountain," she said. "And don't get out unless I say so."It was winter in Orkgate, and the weather was brutally cold.Anyone who jumped into that fountain at this hour would end up catching a cold and falling ill.Lexie panicked. "That's too much, Mrs. Houston. You can't ju
"I'm going to find out," Lara said, ready to walk over.Debra stopped her just in time. "No need. Just stay put.""But..." Lara hesitated.Any wife couldn't just sit by and watch her husband flirt with another woman.Marion continued to pay zero attention to Debra. They acted like strangers.The guests around them seemed to be enjoying the drama, but Debra looked unfazed.She continued to smile and greet everyone as if nothing was happening."That's Mrs. Houston, right? She's gorgeous." Lexie blinked. "Why don't you go greet her?"She looked like a sweet, innocent girl, the kind that men loved to protect."Yes, she is beautiful," Marion replied curtly, clearly unwilling to talk about it.Lexie grabbed his arm. "Did you two fight? I have an idea to help you make up. Want to give it a try?"Before Marion could respond, Lexie pulled him toward the dance floor.The guests whispered among themselves, surprised to see Marion so close to Lexie. Everyone knew he usually kept his di
The Illuminati was so eager to take back the Jovial Hotel. Its significance to them was plain to see.Just then, a round of gasps interrupted her thoughts.Debra looked up and saw a woman in an elegant outfit descending from the second floor. Her beauty was undeniable, drawing the attention of many people."That's Mr. Trennery's goddaughter," Lara snorted.Grover was doing the same thing Conrad had done before, using his so-called goddaughter to lure in wealthy businessmen. It was disgusting.Yvonne had ended up jumping to her death. It was unknown how long this woman could hold up."Lexie, come here," Grover called out warmly.Lexie Trennery beamed. Her elegance was ethereal, and her pure innocence far exceeded Shelia's back in the day.The wealthy businessmen stared at her as if she were a perfect commodity on display.Lara frowned. "That bastard is planning to make a fortune off her tonight. Or maybe he wants to use her to gain power and influence."But then, the crowd's a
Lara also had a dark memory of the Jovial Hotel.That was where she had overthrown Conrad, but she managed to keep her composure on the surface.The hotel was still bustling with people coming and going. Debra held Lara's hand as they walked into the hotel.The pale moonlight cast a cool glow on Debra's face. People around them couldn't help but stare. Everyone knew about the troubles in Debra and Marion's marriage.Debra noticed the looks but kept a faint smile on her face. She knew too well these people were judging her, wondering how she would react to seeing Marion later.Grover stood at the hotel entrance, welcoming the guests. When he saw Debra and Lara, a smug look crossed his face.The last time they met, he wasn't important enough to stand with them. But now, he was the host of this grand banquet."Mrs. Houston, Ms. Sharp, long time no see. How have you been?" he greeted.Most of the other guests were to watch the fun. In the past, Debra would have been the center of a
Debra instinctively tried to open the bag, but Drake stopped her. "Open it when you get to Orkgate."Debra paused at his serious expression. "Alright."She took the bag and went upstairs.The trip didn't need much packing. The last time she had gone there, she had been with Marion.She quickly shook her head, trying to push him out of her mind, but the longing wouldn't go away. Back then, Marion had taken care of everything. All she had to do was trust him.By evening, she landed in Orkgate.A car was already waiting for her at the airport.Inside, Lara sat elegantly in a purple dress, looking even more refined than before."I've already arranged your accommodations. The Sharp family may not be as powerful as the Lowe family, but at least we can offer a decent place to stay.""I already spoke to Drake. I'll be staying at the Lowe Mansion tonight.""That's fine. But no one's been living there for a while. It hasn't been cleaned. I can send someone over now to take care of it b
Even though Jordan had put it mildly, Drake's pride was still injured.His name alone used to instill fear. The other big shots in Orkgate had to yield to him.But with Fermin's interference, the power dynamics had shifted. Although Drake had regained control of the Lowe family, they were facing reforms.Orkgate was now more chaotic than ever. On the surface, everything looked calm, but behind the scenes, there was a storm brewing. Everyone was eying the throne."I'll go back now," Drake said suddenly.Debra frowned. "Kale, stop him."Kale immediately stepped in to block him.Drake's expression darkened. "Your boss is me, not her.""Boss, you can't go out now," Kale said.The people from the Illuminati were probably waiting outside the villa for Drake to come out and step into their trap."Lara is still there," Debra chimed in. "The Sharp family has some influence in Orkgate now, and the Trennery family wouldn't dare to act recklessly. They couldn't be so stupid as to attack
In just three days, D&M had booked out all its spots for the next month.Even though it covered more than ten thousand square meters, it was still packed to the brim.A knock sounded at the door.Debra was in a good mood. "Come in."The door opened, and it was Jordan with a hesitant look.She realized that he'd seen the news. "Are you upset that I didn't tell you in advance?""You must have your reasons. I won't ask, and you don't have to say anything. But don't you think the club's name is a bit too obvious?" he replied. "Anyone could guess that it's related to you and Marion. If the Illuminati finds out, wouldn't everything you've done be for nothing?"Debra brushed it off. "It could be Drake and Marion."Right now, the news about her only focused on her romance with Jordan. Their cohabitation had been exposed, but neither of them had clarified anything.Jordan had thought she didn't care about the rumors. But now, it was clear that he had misjudged. Debra was dropping smoke