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
Instead of explaining the matter, Randy dialed Marion's number and told Marion to return to the Potter Mansion as quickly as possible.This thing was major. No one in Seamar City was aware of it yet, but Marion's people had been closely monitoring the overseas situation. They would be notified at the first sign of trouble.It was already late at night when Marion and Debra rushed back, with Debra cradling the puppy in her arms.Erica was surprised. "Where did you two go in the middle of the night? And why did you bring back a golden retriever?"Ori tilted its head, surveying the room. Debra set it down on the floor. "We adopted it. You mentioned there was trouble overseas. What happened?"Andrew, seated at the desk, explained, "Recently, some small groups have caused disturbances. We found out quickly and managed to stop them, but there was still some unrest."Debra furrowed her brow. "Just small groups? That simple?"Randy interjected, "Of course, it's not that simple. Those pe
Andrew subtly averted his gaze. "You two go ahead. The medical facilities overseas are more advanced and will be helpful for Debra's rehabilitation. Don't worry about Seamar City. After the stunt Debra pulled, Drake won't be able to establish any businesses here for a while. Since he's creating rumors overseas, he won't stay in Seamar City for long. I'm sure he's already left.""Alright," Marion said, leading Debra out of the room.Debra saw his serious expression and asked, "Is the situation very tricky?""It's manageable.""If it were manageable, you wouldn't look like this."Marion stopped in his tracks, and she pressed, "If those overseas assets are taken away, what will happen?""I've been managing overseas businesses for years to open up a market there. My parents' deaths are connected to overseas interests," Marion replied."Do you mean the Lowe family was not behind your and my parents' deaths?" she asked."No, the Lowe family is involved, but it was the previous genera
Overseas at Drake's villa, Liza linked arms with Cathryn, leading her to a guest room on the second floor."I had this room prepared for you. Make yourself at home here," Liza said.Looking at the luxurious decorations inside, Cathryn hesitated. "But this is the Lowe family's house. It doesn't feel right for me to stay here.""What are you afraid of? You're my best friend. Not only can you stay here, but you could even stay at my place. My dad wouldn't say a thing. Besides, Drake insisted on having you stay here. I didn't order him to do it." Liza showed a disdainful look at the mention of Drake."He is the CEO of the Lowe Group and your fiancé. You should respect him," Cathryn advised."Respect him? With his background, he doesn't even fit to lick my boots," Liza scoffed. "I don't know what my dad was thinking, arranging for me to marry someone like Drake.""Liza...""Don't forget, Drake was just a lowlife from the slums. Your father only kept him around because of Marion. Clim
"I don't care. I'm not marrying a loser who can't even afford a villa," Liza scoffed, linking arms with Cathryn. "Come on, let's go shopping. My dad bought me a mall, and you can pick whatever you want."She left without taking another glance at Drake.Drake watched them leave, the smile on his face fading quickly. He made a decision in his mind. Once he used the Eaton family's power to take down Marion, he would make sure Liza paid dearly....The flight from Seamar City to overseas landed.Debra put on sunglasses and a cap, linking arms with Marion as they exited the airport.As a former public figure, she was worried about being recognized. Their trip overseas was a secret, and they didn't want to alert anyone to their presence.Outside the airport, people of all kinds bustled through the streets. The city was a mix of towering medieval architecture and modern commercial districts."This place truly is the city of romance," Debra remarked.Marion said, "But also a city of s
"Miss, would you like to buy some flowers?" A boy with a dirty face approached Debra, holding a bundle of slightly wilted flowers.Debra's heart softened, and she was about to take the flowers from the boy when Marion suddenly grabbed the boy's wrist.The boy cried out in pain, dropping the flowers and revealing a hidden switchblade.Debra gasped, shocked by the sight. Marion's voice was cold as he said, "Mugging in broad daylight? Aren't you afraid of death?"The boy paled with fright. He stumbled back and ran away without picking up the knife.Debra looked at the crude but sharp blade on the ground. "Why would they want to kill someone?""The slums here have chaotic law enforcement," Marion explained. "People do anything to survive. These kids target wealthy people, fishing for sympathy. They stab, rob, and run."Debra frowned. "Aren't they afraid of being reported to the police?""There are no cameras on this street," Marion said. "They smear dirt on their faces to avoid bei
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