In the conference room, several shareholders were chatting amongst themselves."We only respected Marion because of Mr. Bernard. But now that Mr. Bernard is gone, Marion is still acting like he owns the place. Today, at the shareholders' meeting, we'll vote unanimously to remove him.""Exactly. How can a kid from the slums become the head of us? When the Bernard Group was changed to the Houston Group, I was already unhappy. It's time to settle this score."...Outside the conference room, Debra listened to their disdainful words about Marion, and her heart ached.She had heard many rumors about Marion. Some called him cold-blooded, and others called him evil. Before his heir status was exposed, everyone deemed him a grim reaper from hell. No good expressions were associated with him.But after his lineage was revealed, no one dared question his origins again. Now Debra found it hard to believe those people, living off their ancestors' achievements, had the nerve to look down on M
The door to the conference room swung open, and in walked Cathryn, surrounded by a throng of bodyguards.She was dressed in a flowing white gown, her long hair cascading down to her waist. She was exuding the grace and elegance of a noblewoman.Debra hadn't seen Cathryn in quite some time. The last time they met was at her and Marion's engagement party.Flanked by her entourage, Cathryn sat down across from Marion.Anton Ellam stepped forward and declared, "Cathryn is our chosen leader."The other directors echoed his words. "Cathryn is Shawn's daughter, and she majored in finance and economics, with outstanding academic achievements. She is far more suitable for this position than you, Marion.""At the end of the day, you're just an outsider. You caused Shawn's death and took his position."The room buzzed with murmurs, each voice dripping with contempt for Marion. In the past, no one would have dared to speak to him this way.But now, things were different. They were now back
"Cathryn, is this true?" Anton asked.Cathryn replied calmly, "The will is genuine, but there is a condition attached to it."She turned to look at Marion and continued, "The condition set by my father is that Marion must marry me. Only then will he be the legitimate heir to the Bernard Group and inherit all of my father's assets."Everyone then turned to look at Debra. Just moments ago, Marion had publicly acknowledged Debra as his wife, which meant he had violated Shawn's request.As her fingers trembled, Marion tightened his grip on her hand."Marion, when my father passed away, he entrusted me to you, asking you to take care of me for the rest of my life. You promised him. When he was alive, he always intended for you to marry me and become a part of the Bernard family. Everyone here knows that," Cathryn added.The directors immediately echoed her words."That's right. When Shawn was alive, he treated Marion like a son-in-law.""But you betrayed that trust. You took over th
With her words, the air in the room seemed to freeze.Cathryn stared intently at Marion, knowing full well the influence the Bernard family held overseas and how crucial it was to Marion's position.She couldn't believe that he would give up everything just for Debra's sake.Debra smirked at her naivety. Cathryn had clearly been sheltered too much by Shawn, unaware of the harsh realities of the world outside.In this situation, she had no leverage against Marion at all.Debra asked calmly, "Where's the evidence?"Cathryn was confused. "What evidence?""Naturally, the evidence of Mr. Bernard's request for Marion," Debra replied. "You keep saying that your father required Marion to marry you. Got any witnesses or documents to prove it? Otherwise, people might think you're just using this as an excuse to force Marion to marry you."Cathryn paused. "My father made this request on his deathbed. I was there, and so was Marion.""Just the two of you?" Debra said, looking troubled. "T
If Cathryn took over the company, it was anyone's guess what kind of chaos would ensue."Um, I have something to say," one of the minor shareholders spoke up. "I don't care who is in charge, as long as I can make money and get my annual dividends. So, I'm staying neutral."Another minor shareholder chimed in, "I'm neutral too.""Me too. Sorry, Anton."Several shareholders who had previously agreed to side with Anton began to back down.Just then, Marion broke his silence. "By the way, your old buddy Ted has just been removed from the company. If any of you want to end up like him, feel free to step forward."Anton was shocked. "What? Ted is one of our major shareholders. What gives you the right to fire him?"Marion replied coolly, "Because I own 60% of the shares, which gives me absolute authority in this company. If any of you want to leave, just say the word. I have plenty of money to buy back your shares and plenty of ways to make you sell them. A lot of people out there wou
Anton drove back home, his car tearing through the streets.In the backseat, Cathryn felt his rage and said, "Anton, please slow down.""Shut up!" Anton yelled, his eyes flashing with anger in the rearview mirror.He had thought that Marion would care about their old feelings, but Cathryn had proven utterly useless, defeated in just a few rounds. Compared to Debra, Cathryn was nothing more than a pretty face.Cathryn's expression darkened at Anton's rebuke. Just as they arrived at Anton's place, they saw the front door wide open, with security guards moving in and out.Anton slammed on the brakes and rushed out of the car, shouting, "Who authorized you to move my things? Who sent you?""Mr. Ellam, this is your termination letter," a secretary said, handing him a document. "We are following company protocol. This villa is provided by the company for its directors. Since you have been dismissed, we must reclaim the villa and allocate it to the next director.""What did you say?" A
Drake's eyes narrowed as he considered the possibility.He recalled how Marion had injected a syringe of drug into him to save Debra, leaving him with no choice but to consume drugs every few days to stave off withdrawal symptoms.That drug came from the Lowe Group. Drake wondered if it was prepared for Debra."No wonder she looked so healthy the last time I saw her, not begging for mercy or caring about anything. Turns out Marion had bought our drugs to help her manage her addiction," Drake sneered.He had thought Debra had remarkable self-control, but it seemed she was no different after all.Drake ordered, "Spread the word. Our newly developed drug is to be taken off the market and sales halted temporarily.""Halt sales? But if we do that, our previous customers will suffer too. Things could get very messy," Kale cautioned."It's fine. When they can't get their fix, they'll come back to us. And so will Debra," Drake said, his gaze fixed on the computer screen displaying a pho
At the old house of the Nichols family, Melody stood before the guards at the entrance, her voice stern."How long does Juan intend to keep me locked up here?""According to Mr. Nichols, you may go out at any time, but you must be accompanied by us."Melody was furious. She was the matriarch of the family, yet she couldn't even leave her home freely."All of you, step aside," she commanded.Just then, Joe walked through the grand entrance. The guards quickly made way for him."Joe, you're finally here," Melody said eagerly. "Where is Juan?"He hadn't responded to my messages since yesterday. They might have their differences, but Juan was still her grandson. She couldn't believe he was ignoring her for some woman.Joe replied, "Mrs. Nichols Sr., I was just going to talk to you about this. Mr. Nichols hasn't been to the office since yesterday. I checked his flight records and found that he left for overseas last night.""What?" Melody exclaimed. "Why would he go overseas out of
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