Andrew said, "In the past, maybe not, but now it's hard to say."Erica furrowed her brow. "Is it because of Juan?"Juan's previous actions at the party suggested that he had allied himself with Drake.Randy grumbled, "Juan is a huge problem. Can't we take him down together?""It's not that simple," Andrew replied. "The Nichols family has been thriving since Juan took over. Even our ancestors had to avoid their sharp edge, and Juan's abilities are better than his predecessors."Erica frowned. "But why would he ally with Drake? Everyone knows about Drake's shady business, while the Nichols family's businesses are all legitimate. Is Juan trying to ruin his family?"Andrew explained, "Well, legitimacy might be the key here. Juan needs Drake's help with his gray business. He can't rely on Marion for that."He glanced at Debra and continued, "Moreover, Juan has his reasons for doing this. The alliance between the McKinney Group and the five families has threatened Juan's position as t
Debra took the contract and scanned it. Indeed, it stated that in three months, Juan would transfer all his shares in the Nichols Group to her."I thought you were joking, Mr. Nichols. But it seems you're serious," she said.Juan remained expressionless. "I'm a man of my word, but...""But?""I don't think you'll still be alive by then."Debra's smile froze on her face, and Juan continued, "I heard Drake inject you with a new type of drug. You've been pampered all your life, never knowing real hardship. If you can't make it through the next three months, the company won't be yours."Debra looked down at the contract and noticed a clause stating that if either party died within three months, the contract would be null and void.She sneered and quickly signed the contract."Don't worry. Even for the sake of your company, I will pull through.""We'll see about that."Juan's smile faded as he watched her go. He believed she would make it.As he exited the notary office, Joe appr
Two days had passed since the first bout of drug withdrawal hit Shelia.The room echoed with her heart-wrenching screams, and the chains binding her limbs clanked against the bed."Please, save me. I was wrong."Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Eventually, she screamed in despair, "Juan, why are you doing this to me? What did you inject me with?"Juan stood on the other side of the room, looking down at the timer in his hand.The first bout of pain lasted about three hours. During that time, Shelia went from excitement to madness. It was painful but not fatal.Shelia collapsed on the bed, her eyes sunken and surrounded by dark circles. After being locked up and tortured for days, she looked like a withered husk.Confirming the end of the first stage, Juan rose from the sofa. He had already prepared a nutritional supplement, which he blended into a juice and poured down Shelia's throat.Shelia choked, feeling like her insides were being ripped out.These days, Juan had been feeding
"He injected me with a diluted version?" Debra was surprised.She hadn't expected Drake to still have a conscience. But then, another question struck her. "How do you know all this?"Andrew explained, "Marion did a lot for the Bernard family, who had their hands in both legal and illegal businesses. At that lawless place, Marion suffered a lot and even got hooked on drugs. Doctors thought he was a lost cause, but he pulled through with sheer willpower and kicked the habit in a year.""How could it be? I thought Mr. Bernard was kind to him," Debra said, confused."Kindness? For people like us, there's no such thing," Andrew said. "Shawn saw potential in Marion and kept him close. Marion had to take extreme measures to gain his trust. You know, among the four families, the Houston family is the most capable. Marion ending up overseas wasn't an accident; it was part of Caleb's long-term plan. You were probably too young to know, but Marion was the most outstanding and mature among us.
When Debra reached the laboratory, she saw Marion working on the latest antagonist."I have good news. Want to hear it?" she said.Marion paused and turned to see Debra standing at the door. Ever since her last visit to the lab, he had been adamant about not letting her enter without proper protection.He walked over to her, removed the protective gear, and tapped her head."It's dangerous here. If you miss me, just call me over.""Andrew just told me some good news. Finally, someone can stop spending 24 hours a day in the lab."Marion quickly caught on to her meaning. He picked her up and spun her around excitedly."You'll get through this, right?""Yes. Put me down first."She tapped Marion's shoulder, signaling him to put her down. As he did, he dropped a kiss on her forehead and took her hand, leading her out of the mansion."Where are we going?" Debra asked, confused.Andrew watched calmly from the second-floor window as Marion and Debra ran out together, but Randy jump
Erica groaned, "Too bad."Debra glanced at the rearview mirror, puzzled."That's strange.""What is it?""Didn't we already pass this road?""We did.""Then why are we on it again?""We were being tailed earlier.""That Rolls-Royce Phantom?""Yes.""Looks like Randy's car."Debra teased, squinting at him, "You're not planning to kidnap me, are you?"Marion took one hand off the steering wheel and pinched her nose."More than that. I want to tie you to my side and never let you leave."Debra blushed at the unexpected sweet words. "You never used to say things like this. Who knew you had it in you?""Darling, I only say these things to you," Marion protested, feigning hurt.Debra laughed at his expression.After a two-hour drive, they finally reached a secluded mountain area. Debra saw an electronic iron gate at the mountain's halfway point, which opened automatically as their car approached.Marion drove confidently up the mountain, and the fresh air seemed to wash awa
Marion's gaze was so tender that no one could associate him with the ruthless man he was known as.Debra blushed, whispering, "Haven't I already told you the answer?"Marion went down on one knee and snapped his fingers. A little Golden Retriever wagged its tail, trotting over to Marion's side. Debra was surprised to find it in a red bow tie.The Golden Retriever sat obediently beside Marion, its watery eyes fixed on Debra. Wagging its tail and sticking out its tongue, it looked at Debra expectantly.Marion took the flowers and the ring from its back. This diamond ring was specially crafted to shine together with Debra."A ring?""A proposal ring."Marion had watched many proposal videos and found that they all had three elements: flowers, a diamond ring, and the man kneeling on one knee.Marion said seriously, "Whether it's a proposal, engagement, or wedding, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, so we can't skip any of the rituals. I won't let you feel shortchanged."Debra burst
Debra's heart melted. "You're so cute. Did someone teach you that?"Debra cooed at the puppy, glancing meaningfully at Marion.Marion replied seriously, "Not me. I've been having my people take care of him.""Really?" Debra looked at the dog curiously.The three-month-old golden retriever stared at her and whined. Debra couldn't resist kissing it. Their meeting seemed to be fate."Puppy, what's your name?" she asked, gazing into the puppy's eyes.The puppy seemed to understand, stretching out its paw to touch Debra's belly.Marion chimed in, "He doesn't have a name yet. Do you want to give him one?"Debra looked at the puppy and then at her belly.In her past life, the doctor had told her she was carrying a boy. She had named him Ori, often stroking her belly and muttering his name, so that he'd know his name when he was born.Ori meant dawn. She thought she was finally seeing the light, but instead, she was plunged into hell. She didn't even get to see her baby before they b
"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