"How is that possible? This place is crawling with your people," Debra said, taking a couple of steps forward.She caught a glimpse of a black car about 100 meters away. It was Marion, and she felt reassured.According to the tradition, Drake put a masquerade mask on Debra and wore a half mask on his face.Debra braced herself as they entered the gala. She had been to one such event before, so she wasn't as shocked this time.Drake said, "Hold onto my arm tightly, or I can't guarantee your safety."His words put Debra on high alert.Inside the venue, everything seemed normal at first, but she noticed that all the guests were men. There were no women, and the men were eyeing her lustfully.This made her uncomfortable, and she tightened her grip on Drake's arm.Across town at the Eaton Mansion, Juan watched as Garland struggled to do a handstand against the wall. Garland's face was flushed red as he groaned, "Are we done yet?""Not yet.""How much longer?""Three more hours.
Melody had been staying with them for days, refusing to leave. She claimed to be looking for Juan, but her actions suggested otherwise. She was constantly cooking and making tea for Bert, reminiscing about old times.Anyone with eyes could see her true intentions.However, Bert was still devoted to his late wife and would never be swayed by Melody.Juan replied, "Focus on your studies. Don't ask unnecessary questions."Just then, Liza's screams echoed through the house. "Dad! I want to break off the engagement with Drake."Garland covered his ears. "Don't mind her. That's my sister. She's always been spoiled. Just avoid her."Juan paid no attention until Liza shouted, "Dad, you must help me teach Debra a lesson. Not satisfied with having Marion, she is now seducing Drake. This is outrageous."Juan's eyes narrowed at the mention of Debra.Garland muttered, "Debra..."The name rang a bell. It seemed to be the woman who bought his news agency in Seamar City.Juan stood up and wa
Liza was annoyed by Melody's intimate way of addressing her father. "What has it got to do with you?"Melody wanted to retort, but Bert interjected, "Alright, I'll take care of it.""I'm only thinking of what's best for Liza," Melody muttered. "To be honest, Juan gave up his company for Debra. I came all the way here to make sure she pays for what she's done. We've been friends for so many years, Bert, and this is your territory. You must help me."Liza frowned. It was true that she wanted to teach Debra a lesson, but she didn't want Melody to meddle.She clung to Bert's arm and said, "My dad will stand up for me. Just stay out of it."She insisted on going to the banquet right away and catching Debra red-handed.Bert indulged her and ordered Carter to prepare the car.Across town outside the Legacy Hotel, Marion stared at the entrance and frowned.Through his Bluetooth earpiece, a subordinate's voice came through. "Sir, they have signal interference equipment in the hotel, and
"Drake, slow down."Drake didn't respond but slowed his steps slightly.In the center of the second floor was a large platform, usually reserved for performances. Today, however, Drake had a three-seater sofa placed there."Sit," he said.Suspicion clouded Debra's expression. "You're not planning to pull some kind of prank on me, are you?"Drake smirked, "Your life's already in my hands. Why would I bother?"Debra took her seat, while Drake snapped his fingers, the sharp sound echoing in the room.She cocked her head, eyeing him warily. "What's this? A magic show?"Suddenly, all the lights went out. Marion slipped into the venue unnoticed, his presence as silent as a shadow.The crowd didn't panic. Instead, a strange, festive atmosphere settled over the place.Drake's voice came from somewhere behind Debra. "I once told you I'd show you a glimpse of the future. Tonight, consider it a preview of the Lowe Playground. Since we're partners now, I figured it's only fair to show yo
Just as Drake was about to shout One, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the banquet hall.Drake wrinkled his brow. Kale rushed up, exclaiming, "Boss, the Eatons are here.""What?" Drake was taken aback.Seeing people already entering the banquet hall, he quickly grabbed Debra and pushed her into Kale's arms. "Take her away.""Yes, boss." Kale dragged Debra toward a nearby corridor."My shoe!" Debra's shoe had accidentally fallen.Drake spotted it and kicked it under the sofa. But the people on the first floor couldn't escape in time.Bert entered with Liza, only to be greeted by a lurid scene.Liza, who had never witnessed such a spectacle, screamed and covered her eyes.Bert commanded angrily, "Clear the place!"Carter immediately went into action with the bodyguards.The guests present were all Drake's clients who never expected Bert to suddenly appear. Their enthusiasm vanished, and they hurriedly left, while the women arranged by Drake scattered in panic.Seeing th
"Miss Eaton, you are joking," Drake said. "Look around. She is not here."He leaned in slightly, his voice cool and deliberate. "If you don't believe me, feel free to search the place.""You must have hidden her somewhere," Liza snorted, turning to Bert. "Dad, you saw everything. This man here is unfaithful and despicable. I will never marry someone like him."Bert let out a measured breath, turning to Drake. "Liza is my dearest daughter. When I agreed to this marriage, it was because you seemed like a promising young man with sincerity. But now, it's clear that you're unfit to be her husband. Consider this engagement annulled."Drake tried to argue, "I...""There's no need to explain," Bert interrupted. "While this marriage won't proceed, business is another matter. To compensate for any loss of face this decision may bring to the Lowe family, I'll ensure our partnership remains intact."Drake's tense features relaxed into calmness. He had long grown weary of Liza's spoiled, ent
Debra's breath hitched in her throat.If Drake came in now, Frederic would be doomed.Outside, Kale said, "Boss, I have a room card. Why don't we just go in?"Drake ignored him and demanded again, "Debra, I'm being very polite right now. Don't make me break down the door."Debra glanced at Frederic, who already had his gun drawn. She quickly reached out and pressed down on his hand, shouting toward the door, "Just a moment."Drake picked up on the tremor in her voice. "What's going on? Is someone with you?"Debra's heart skipped a beat. "No, I'm taking a bath.""At such a point? You think I'm that gullible?" Drake scoffed, his patience wearing thin. "Hurry up, or I'm coming in.""Boss, don't waste time with her. She's been holed up in there for ages. Something's definitely up," Kale said, swiftly using the room card to open the door.The room was empty, but the bathroom door was tightly shut.Debra's panicked voice echoed from the bathroom. "Who let you in?"Drake frowned, a
Debra casually sat down on the nearby sofa and poured herself a glass of wine."My clothes are wet. I can't wear them. Get me something new.""How did your clothes get wet?""I didn't take them off before getting in the bath."Drake was just about to ask more questions when he turned around and saw Debra acting as if she owned the place.Taking a deep breath, he asked almost existentially, "Are you even a woman?""Of course, I am. 100% certified," Debra answered matter-of-factly, glancing at him. "You have the nerve to watch me bathe. What do I have to feel embarrassed about?"Drake was stifled by her retort. A tight knot of irritation coiled in his chest, and he shouted toward the door, "Kale, bring Mrs. Houston a change of clothes."Debra chimed in, "Something lightweight, please."Drake laughed, though there was no humor in it. "You've got the nerve to make demands? Do you have any idea how expensive that dress is?"She flashed a sly smile. "Oh, come on. A man of your stat
"Shut up! I don't need your opinion," Liza huffed, turning to leave.Debra called after her, "Leave the invitation. I'll need it in two days."Liza was pissed off, knowing Debra was taunting her. Her fists clenched at her sides, but there were more pressing matters at hand.So, she bit her tongue and flung the invitation back onto the table.Debra scoffed, seeing through her intention. "Save yourself the trouble. She won't see you."Liza froze mid-step and turned back to face her. "How so?""If she wanted to see you, she wouldn't be ignoring your calls and messages," Debra replied nonchalantly. "In families like ours, it's better not to invest too much emotion. You treat her as your best friend, but she leaves you for interest.""You're lying!" Liza snapped, her voice trembling. "You're just trying to drive a wedge between us. Cathryn would never treat me like that.""Let's make a bet then," Debra said, her smile widening. "If you manage to contact her before the party, I'll ad
Liza's voice roused Debra from her lazy slumber. She wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and sauntered out to find the courtyard in chaos.Leaning against the doorframe, she asked, "What brings you here so early, Miss Eaton?"She was dressed in a red lace nightgown that accentuated her fair skin and striking features. Her every movement was graceful and alluring.Unimpressed, Liza glared at her. "Early? It's practically noon."Debra plugged her ears. "What do you want?""Ma'am, I'll get rid of her. You can go back and continue your nap," offered the guard.Debra waved him off. "No need. Let her in."She tightened the blanket around her and walked into the living room.The weather there was unpredictable. It was sometimes scorching and sometimes freezing.She sat on the sofa and poured herself a cup of tea. The absence of hospitality annoyed Liza."Where are the servants?""There aren't any.""What the hell? Is this how you treat your guests? You invite me in, and you won
Bert's expression turned grave. A servant approached him. "Sir, I heard that Miss Bernard is getting engaged to Drake. Invitations have been sent out, but Miss Eaton doesn't know yet.""Keep it that way," Bert ordered. "Liza is impulsive and might do reckless things if she finds out. She's spoiled, but she values her friendship with Cathryn. It would break her heart to know Cathryn is with Drake now.""Understood. I'll make sure the news is contained," said the servant.Juan silently watched the scene. Garland peeked through the door crack."What's got you so captivated?""Nothing."Juan sank back into the couch, his expression unreadable."You know, Liza has got a way with people," Garland said, his tone smug. "When she gets involved, your grandmother has to pack her things and go back.""That's not what I'm worried about.""Then what are you worried about?""Did you get the invitation?""Invitation? What invitation?""To the engagement party of Cathryn and Drake.""What?
Garland looked at the files, his initial spark of interest instantly extinguished.Just then, Liza's voice echoed from outside the door. "Why are you still here? My dad doesn't like you. Why are you still hanging around?"Juan frowned, and Garland perked up his ears. "Sounds like a fight. Should I go break it up?"But Juan knew better. Garland was more likely to stir the pot than calm things down."Miss Eaton, please take it easy."Juan cracked open the door to see Liza tossing Melody's luggage out, scattering expensive jewelry and dresses across the floor.The maids tried to calm her down, but Liza was beyond control.Melody's face darkened as the scene unfolded. The noise drew Bert out of his room.He scolded, "Liza, mind your manners.""Dad! Why are you letting her stay in our house? I don't like her. I don't want her here." Liza threw a tantrum.Seeing her belongings strewn across the floor, Melody said bitterly, "I guess I've overstayed my welcome. I'll pack my things an
Debra chuckled, "Sometimes, you're really cheap."Marion said seriously, "But I'm always honest with you, dear.""Really?""Absolutely.""Then how do you explain the eight billion dollars you cost me at our first meeting?"Marion took a sip of his tea and grimaced. "This tea's gone cold. Let me get you a fresh cup.""Get back here." Debra grabbed Marion and yanked him down into his seat."I'll do whatever you say to make up.""Put that aside for now. Now tell me your plans for handling the banquet.""Guess we can't miss the show.""Cathryn's crush on you is public knowledge here. Are you planning to hand her fresh gossip on a silver platter?""I'm not attending it. You can go. I'll stay outside the hotel to keep guard. Won't glance at any other woman.""Wise choice."...Across town at the Eaton Mansion, Garland sat hunched over his computer.He typed and retyped search terms, only to come up empty each time."What happened to my trending topics? They're all gone?" he m
Marion set down his newspaper and walked over to examine the invitation in Debra's hand."Drake is in such a hurry. He must be desperate to secure resources.""He's eager to deal with you?""Not necessarily. It could also be trouble brewing in Orkgate.""Something happened there?"Debra tried to recall any signs of trouble from her last stay in Orkgate, but there hadn't been anything that would warrant such urgency.In truth, Drake could just stay there and rule.There was no need for him to venture overseas and stir up trouble, which ultimately led to his broken engagement with the Eaton family and his near-total loss of face.Anyone else in his position would have slunk away in shame, but Drake was too proud for that."I'm not sure," Marion admitted. "Orkgate is his territory. I promised not to interfere there."He then noticed her disappointment for not getting any juicy news. He smiled and ruffled her hair. "But I have my informants. If anything happens, they'll let me
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