"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
Drake's expression darkened as he looked at Debra's playful smile.He had never imagined that the person behind the McKinney Group would be Debra. All the things she had said about being a fallen heiress and poor worker were all fake.He had been played the whole time."Boss," Kale called out, noticing that the guests were gathering around Debra.He lowered his voice and whispered, "There must be something wrong with those documents.""Do you think I haven't noticed?" Drake said, having observed the guests' strange expressions.Debra raised an eyebrow and said, "Mr. Lowe, I owe you thanks for keeping me by your side these past few days. I've learned a lot, especially about how to hold someone's weaknesses against them."Drake squinted at her, but she was unperturbed as she addressed the guests, "I notice that Mr. Eaton hasn't arrived yet. I suppose he won't be coming tonight, will he?"The guests remained silent, and she continued, "As it happens, the McKinney Group is co-hosti
Debra shook her head and added, "If you ask me, you should return to Orkgate as soon as possible. That's where your foundation is. Your tactics won't work here."With that, she turned to Ben and said, "Go get the car. Let our people escort the bosses to the Potter Mansion. Mr. Andrew Potter has arranged a banquet to welcome everyone.""Yes, ma'am." Ben sprang into action.Soon, only Drake and Kale were left in the vast banquet hall.Drake ripped off his tie. "Go find Fermin. If he doesn't show up by midnight, there will be a price to pay."To pacify him, Kale quickly responded, "I'll get it done right away."After Kale left, Drake kicked over a nearby chair. Edgar finally emerged from the corner with a sneer. "Never seen you so desperate before."Drake was annoyed further, not expecting Edgar to show up again after the last dismissal."We've both been played by Debra," Edgar said. "If you had lent me the money back then, I could have regained control. But it's not too late now.
"Yes, boss."The subordinates quickly carried out Drake's order, but before they could get out of the hall, Juan walked in.Looking around the empty place, he remarked, "Looks like I'm late."Drake narrowed his eyes. "You knew Debra was the head of the McKinney Group. Why didn't you tell me?""What?" Juan raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know.""Don't give me that. She was your wife. How could you not know?" Drake snorted.Juan remained composed. "We were only married on paper. I didn't know anything about her affairs."His sincere expression convinced Drake, who took a deep breath and barked at his men. "What are you waiting for? Go smash the party.""Yes, boss.""Hold it." Juan stopped them.Drake frowned. "What do you want to say?""The Potter family is reputable here. If you attack them, you'll never be able to stand your ground in this city again," Juan warned."Are you saying even you can't handle the Potter family?""It's not that I can't handle them, but it's a hassle,
The Potter family was an ancient and respected clan in Seamar City, second to none in terms of reputation and influence. Never in his life had Randy seen anyone disrupting any event hosted by the Potters.Debra said, "Just in case. Drake is unpredictable and violent. There's nothing he won't do.""Alright. I'll get ready. If he dares to show up, I'll make him lose so much face that he'll have to hide in Orkgate for the rest of his life," Randy replied.Just then, Erica emerged from the banquet hall. "Randy, what are you dawdling for? There's still a lot to do inside."Debra's face lit up with a smile. "Erica."Erica froze for a moment before spotting Debra standing by a car. Erica's eyes welled up, and she rushed over to hug Debra tightly. "Oh, sweetheart, I thought I'd never see you again."Randy tugged at her clothes, reminding her, "People are watching. Mind your image."To the public, Erica was always known as an iron businesswoman. But in private, she and Randy were quite t
All eyes turned to the new arrival, and the room fell silent as they recognized Juan.Everyone knew that Debra was once Juan's wife, and their recent divorce made his presence even more unsettling.Juan and Marion were both powerful figures not to be trifled with.Randy was stunned. "What the hell? How did he get in? What were the guards doing?"He moved to intercept Juan, but before he could, Juan's men rushed in.Debra frowned. "Today's event is hosted by the Potter family, not the Nichols family. Are you trying to challenge all of us here by doing this?"Although Juan had been the dominant force in Seamar City for years, the combined strength of the five families was not something he could easily overcome.Juan glanced around at the guests and replied coolly, "You stole Drake's guests. Can't I come and do the same?""Juan, don't get cocky," Randy shouted, pushing past a bodyguard and coming out of the crowd.Erica followed suit, standing beside him."You had your days," Ra
"But I heard you say you wanted to exchange true hearts," Marion said."I did," Debra replied. "My desire to save Liza is genuine. But that doesn't mean I have to die for it.""So why go through all this trouble? Trying to manipulate her feelings?""Not manipulation but a little strategy. Someone has to take the first step in any relationship."Marion sighed, flicking her nose. "Always scheming, aren't you?"Debra grinned, her earlier sharpness replaced by a playful gleam. This move had been unexpected, but it had worked beautifully.Not only had they caught Edgar, but Liza now owed her a huge favor. Even if there was some calculation involved, her desire to save Liza was genuine.Suddenly, Debra remembered Frederic, who had been with them. When she turned to ask about his injuries, she found him gone. Edgar was missing too.She frowned, wondering if Frederic had taken Edgar away on Fermin's orders."Hey, are you two done talking?" Liza complained. "It's freaking cold here."
The coldness in Debra's eyes deepened.Cathryn laughed mockingly, "Debra, this is all you've got? All you ever do is talk big with nothing to back it up.""If I do that," Debra said, "you'd let Liza go, right?""Of course. If you die, I'll let her walk free," Cathryn said, glancing at Liza. "We're friends. I don't want to hurt her. I just want you dead."Liza's heart sank. She didn't believe for a second that Debra would do that for her.Debra turned to Frederic and extended her hand. "Give me the knife."Frederic didn't move, and she frowned. "I said, give it to me."When Frederic still didn't respond, she added, "I'm doing this to save your lady. If something happens to Liza, how will you explain it to Fermin?"But Frederic still refused to comply. Debra leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "Trust me. Just give me the knife."Frederic's gaze flicked to the gun in Debra's right hand. Something clicked in his mind, and he slowly handed her the knife.Debra turned back to C
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