Despite his words, Randy quickened his pace. Soon, they dashed out of the apartment and raced to the nightclub.The nightclub owner was waiting outside. As soon as Randy and Marion got out of the car, he hurried over and spoke obsequiously. "Gentlemen, I've kept an eye on them. They're still here."Randy halted his steps, asking, "So, they and the male models have been in the private room the whole time?"The nightclub owner gave an awkward smile.Everybody knew what that meant."Damn it!" Randy cursed as he strode forward. "Which room?""This one!" The nightclub owner was about to open the door for him, but Randy booted it open.Inside, several men were drinking with Debra and Erica, who seemed to be enjoying themselves."What, Randy and Marion?" Erica blurted out.Debra swiveled her head to find them looming in the doorway.Their faces were etched with disapproval."Are these guys part of the package?" one model asked suggestively.Debra sobered up and didn't know how to
Erica was already fast asleep, unaware of what Randy was saying.The car's warm air made Debra drowsy in the back seat, deepening the flush on her cheeks.Marion reached back, grabbed a blanket, and gently draped it over her."Get some sleep. We'll be there soon," he said.Debra nodded. She was exhausted and soon dozed off, leaning against the car window....Juan closed his laptop, and the room was silently oppressive. He rubbed his temples and picked up his phone, but there were still no messages from Debra.A moment later, Joe called back. Juan answered. "Where's Debra?""Mrs. Nichols seems to be at a nightclub.""A nightclub?"Juan frowned, thinking to himself. 'Debra rarely goes to such places. The last time she did it was to meet Jordan. With the recent online uproar, how could she risk going to such a place again?'"I think so. It was hard to hear clearly, but it was very noisy over there. Mrs. Nichols seemed drunk and unwilling to come back," Joe confirmed.The ne
Shelia was still waiting in the living room when Juan returned with a gloomy face. She probed, "Didn't Debra come back with you?"Juan snorted, "If she doesn't want to come back, she never has to."Shelia rejoiced at this statement. 'Debra is so foolish. She had the chance to win Juan's heart but chose to waste it.'That was good news for Shelia. As long as Debra wasn't around, she would have opportunities to get close to Juan and win his favor.She looked at Juan's face, feeling confident about her prospects with him.She could sense that Juan had feelings for her. He had always treated her differently from others.The next morning, Debra woke up groggy. She opened her eyes to see the white ceiling and unfamiliar surroundings.She rubbed her temples, remembering that last night she and Erica had gone to a nightclub and requested male models to join them for drinks. Later, Randy and Marion found them, and she seemed to fall asleep in the car. She couldn't remember anything after
With those words, all three people looked at Debra.She snapped out of her thoughts, touched her flushed cheeks, and said, "Maybe.""A cold shouldn't be taken lightly. I'll have Marion take you to the hospital later."Erica was eager to create opportunities for Debra and Marion to spend time together.Debra shook her head. "It's nothing serious. I'll be fine."Erica led her to sit down. Marion's meal was simple, while the others had more substantial, nutritious food.To relieve a hangover, they needed something rich and spicy. The soup with pepper was quite appetizing.Marion had just a couple of bites before he got up to clear his dishes. Seeing him grab his coat, Randy asked, "Where are you off to this early?""Out for a bit," Marion said, closing the door behind him.Randy mumbled, "Out to the supermarket?"Erica was frustrated. "What a blockhead!"Debra quietly ate her breakfast. About half an hour after Marion left, he returned with a large shopping bag.Randy stared a
Debra said, "You did pick some great fruit. You've done a better job than my housekeeper."Marion smiled. He wouldn't reveal that he had taste-tested each fruit, which was why it took him so long.A faint buzzing sound could be heard coming from the bedroom.Erica said, "Someone's phone is vibrating."Everyone exchanged glances, and Randy said, "I never keep my phone on vibrate."Marion stayed silent, and Erica pulled out her phone. "Mine's here."Debra suddenly remembered that she had set her phone to vibrate after hanging up on Joe yesterday.She quickly pushed back her chair and ran to the bedroom.There, her phone was vibrating on the bedside table. It was Joe calling.Debra answered, "Hello?"Relieved, Joe said, "Madam, you've finally answered."What's up?""Mr. Nichols was looking for you all night. He found out you left with Marion and got so mad that he hung up on me. He didn't go to the office today. Could you please call him and tell him about it? There are import
"Madam! You're finally back!"Debra rarely saw Sophie so emotional. Clearly, she had suffered a lot in the past few days."Sophie, is Juan home?""Yes, Mr. Nichols is home." Sophie hesitated and added, "But that vixen is here too."Mentioning Shelia made Sophie grit her teeth in hatred.Debra was surprised that Shelia could still stay there after Melody stepped in.Juan must really like Shelia, since he even went against his grandmother's wishes for her.Debra tried to use the fingerprint scanner at the front door, but it didn't work."Mr. Nichols changed the lock codes last night," Sophie explained.She entered the new code, allowing Debra to enter the house.Juan was with Shelia in the living room. Shelia was reading under Juan's patient guidance. They were acting like a couple in love.Sophie cleared her throat and announced in a stressed tone, "Sir, Mrs. Nichols is back."Juan glanced at Debra indifferently, as if she were a stranger."Who allowed you to enter my house
Debra walked away without looking back. Shelia tugged on Juan's sleeve and said, "Those were just her angry words. Don't be upset."Juan quietly pulled his hand away.Shelia looked at her empty hand, stunned.Juan said flatly, "There are things for me to do at the company. You stay at home and study. Tell Sophie if you need anything.""Juan..." Shelia tried to stop Juan, but he had already left.Sophie, who was cleaning the floor, snorted at Shelia's actions. 'The couple has just had a spat, yet Shelia fancies herself the hostess of this house.'Shelia's pride was injured by Sophie's expression.Debra returned to the apartment opposite the school, where she and Erica had gone that morning. Erica was excited. "You proposed a divorce to Juan? Did he agree?"Debra recalled it and said, "He didn't say anything.""Silence is acquiescence. I'll have my lawyer draft the divorce papers right away. We'll take a chunk of his fortune and kick that scumbag to the curb," Erica said enthu
Seamar City's sanitation workers quickly mobilized, and the sewage area Debra had bought started its cleanup and renovation. In a few months, it would be completely transformed. To save time, Debra had already begun other projects.Following the municipal statement, many entrepreneurs started investing in her project, ensuring ample funds and even a surplus.In the evening, Debra hosted a dinner at home. Randy placed a folder on the table and whistled, "In half a month, you've secured billions in funding. This is incredible!"Marion chimed in, "With extra money, we can start other businesses before this project finishes."Debra nodded. "I know. That's why I diverted some funds for a small investment.""Small investment?" Marion raised an eyebrow. "You spent hundreds of millions. That's not small."Debra didn't expect Marion to find out so quickly.But she hadn't intended to hide it from him. Recently, with her busy dealing with Juan, Marion had been handling many matters, making
Drake's logic was persuasive, almost hypnotic.Cathryn found herself wavering. "But Liza... ""She's your friend, right? She'll understand. Besides, this is just a business arrangement, not a real marriage. It's just to create some tension for Marion."Cathryn was convinced. "Alright, I'll prepare the gala. But you must explain everything to Liza afterward.""Okay," Drake replied.But his smile faded as soon as Cathryn left.Kale asked, "Boss, are you really going to explain this to Miss Eaton?""Explain my ass," Drake snorted. "Once I get engaged to her, I'll gain control of the Bernard family's resources. Then I'll have enough power to take on Marion. Who cares about her petty little scandals?"Kale mused, "So, you were fooling her?"Drake explained, "She's the only one left in her family. If it weren't for those resources, do you think I'd even consider an engagement with her? She's clueless. Once she hosts the gala and announces the news to the media, do you think she can
Drake sneezed in his study.Kale came in and reported, "Miss Bernard is here."Drake waved his hand. "Let her in."Kale opened the door to reveal Cathryn standing hesitantly outside. She had come upon learning that Marion had taken Debra away.Drake glanced at her and read her mind. "She was rescued. Helping you cost me a lot."Cathryn stammered, "Don't make it sound so noble. You did it for yourself.""What now? We're in this together. Marion has learned you collaborated with me to kidnap Debra." Drake rested his cheek on his hand. "But it's not a bad thing. At least, Marion can't ignore you anymore."Cathryn bit her lip, stepping forward. "I know you have other plans. We can't let her stay with Marion. You gotta help me for my father's sake."But the mention of the past only served to annoy Drake.Cathryn quickly added, "If it weren't for my father, you wouldn't have made it to Orkgate or become the Lowe family's adopted son. You owe me."Drake snorted, "You're right. I owe
She had known for a while that Melody was coming after her. That wasn't a well-kept secret. But seeing it plastered online and climbing the trending charts? That was a whole new level of absurdity."Let me see." Marion emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair.He leaned over, glanced at the phone, and nodded approvingly. "That's catchy.""I'm going to find out which genius published this." Debra's fingers flew over her phone, tracing the story back to its source. When the name of New Age popped up on her screen, she froze."New Age?" she murmured, remembering that it was Garland's news agency."Something wrong?" Marion asked.Debra blinked. "I spent 50 million dollars to buy that newspaper. So..." Her own company had just broken a report on her. That was the next level....In the study room, Garland was livid, yelling into his phone, "What were you thinking? Are you people brain-dead? Who let you publish that story? And then you dumped ad money into it too? Did you want t
"Those things aside, you need to explain something to me. What's going on with your post?" Juan placed his phone in front of Garland.He had only just seen it while walking from the study to the hallway. Garland had managed to edit and post it in that short period. The post read: [Shocking: Ex-husband's Grandmother Travels Thousands of Miles to Kill Me.]Garland was lost for words. He had forgotten to set it private.Juan demanded, "Are you going to delete it, or should I?""I'll do it." Garland grabbed his phone and logged into his alternative account.He clicked open the post, only to find that it had garnered over 99 likes.He hesitated. "How about we don't delete it?"With so many likes, the news must have spread like wildfire among his gossip-hungry peers.He added, "No one knows who I'm talking about anyway."But as soon as his voice died away, several comments popped up under the post.Love2Fly: [Bro, are you referring to Melody Nichols as the grandmother?]JusticeS
Suppressing the swirl of emotions brewing inside, he asked, "You mean, Juan's ex-wife?""Yes, it's her. She has brought nothing but misfortune to my family, and I won't allow her to keep deceiving Juan and ruining everything," she said, her voice rising with agitation.Seeing her get so worked up, Garland advised her, "Take it easy, Mrs. Nichols Sr. This matter is tricky, and we need to think carefully.""I know," Melody sighed. "Marion has been a thorn in your side. He even sent Liza back by force. The grudges run deep between you and him. If you were to get rid of Debra, it would be justice for all the grief they've caused us."Garland nearly rolled his eyes. 'Justice? Easy for you to say.'He didn't know where she got the idea of a feud between Marion and them.He believed some brainless reporters had spun the story. Now he was more convinced that the media needed an overhaul.With that thought, he replied, "That will take time and careful planning. But if it's Juan you want
Juan replied, "Just don't go too far."Garland straightened up. "Alright, let me handle this old..."Juan glanced at him, and he corrected himself. "I mean, Mrs. Nichols Sr."Turning to the mirror, he started to adjust his clothes.He put on a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, ensuring he looked perfect before smoothing his hair.Dropping his usual playful smile, he said, "Verna, to the study.""Yes, sir." Verna led Garland out.In the study, Garland sat behind the desk, trying out several poses before settling on a more relaxed one. Verna announced, "Sir, Mrs. Nichols Sr. is here.""Alright," Garland acknowledged. "Show her in."Verna opened the door, and Melody entered in a white dress. She carried herself with the grace of a noblewoman from a bygone era.Garland looked her over, impressed that she had maintained her appearance so well at her age.'Bert has good taste, though she doesn't look like my mother at all,' he thought. 'But why did rumors have it that my mother was her
The maid hesitated. "Mr. Fermin Eaton is often busy with company matters, so he's rarely home.""Is he home today?""Uh...""What? Don't tell me no one is at home."The maid stammered, "Mr. Fermin Eaton is home, but he's busy with work. He might not be able to see you right now."Melody insisted, "Is this how you treat your guests? Go tell Mr. Fermin Eaton that if he doesn't come to see me, I'll pack my things and leave immediately."Her tone left no room for negotiation. The maid could only nod and leave to deliver the message.In the bedroom, Garland was upside-down, reciting lines from economic textbooks.The maid opened the door and froze at the sight. "Mr. Fermin Eaton, you're doing this again."Garland's pained voice broke through. "Verna, perfect timing. A little help here."But not far off, Juan cut him off. "Ten more minutes. Hold it.""I can't. I'm about to collapse.""If you collapse, get back up and keep going.""This is brutal."Verna interjected, "Mr. Nichol
The cleaners were devastated, and Lara turned even paler.Drake sat on the sofa and said, "Why are you back here? What are you up to?""Boss, I'm sorry I messed up, but I swear, I didn't say anything," Lara pleaded."Is that so?" Drake scoffed. "I'd be a fool to believe you.""I'm telling the truth," Lara said. "They brought me back to get rid of me. You can't fall for their trap."Drake pondered her words. "Whose idea was it to send you back? Debra's or Marion's?""It was Mrs. Houston's idea," Lara replied.Drake nodded. "Well then, you can stay."The quick change in his attitude took Lara aback."Boss, isn't this a bit hasty?" Kale interjected."Do you think so?""Yes.""Then go to my office and print out a new contract for her. Sign it, stamp it, and then it won't be hasty anymore.""Boss...""Do it.""Yes, boss."Lara watched Kale leave, still in disbelief."Go upstairs. You don't need to clean.""Then what should I do?""Whatever you want. Can you order takeout?
Debra pulled Marion's hand away. "Alright, no more talk like that."Outside, the night deepened. Lara stood at the gates of the Lowe Mansion, hesitating to enter.The security guards spotted her. "Lara?"Lara froze in place. Her first instinct was to run away, but a glance toward the shadows revealed Marion's men watching her intently.Caught between flight and surrender, she noticed a black car slowly emerging from the gates. Her gaze drifted to the figure in the back seat, and she stopped cold.'Juan? What is he doing here?'Before she could make sense of it, Kale, who was escorting Juan out, noticed her presence.He demanded, "What are you doing back here?"Lara was startled and instinctively took a step back. Her face went pale as she stammered, "Mr. Mclean, it's Marion and Debra. They sent me back.""Sent you back?" Kale was skeptical. "Come inside.""Okay." Lara paused and explained urgently, "I didn't tell them anything. They brought me back and left."Kale didn't eve