"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
As soon as Debra got into the car, Joe pleaded, "Madam, please go easy on Mr. Nichols. He won't divorce you."Debra closed her eyes. "When did the old lady arrive?""This afternoon," Joe replied.It was just as she had guessed.Melody must have caused a scene. Once things calmed down, they called her back.Melody was always domineering and wouldn't tolerate any disobedience.By now, Shelia should have been sent away.The car stopped outside the Nichols family's house, and the gate was open. Debra walked in, seeing Sophie standing by respectfully. Melody was sitting on the sofa.Juan was kneeling on the floor, while Shelia was nowhere to be seen.Melody asked, "Is everything packed?""Yes, Mrs. Nichols Sr." Sophie pushed out a suitcase. "These are all Miss Miles's belongings."Melody turned to Joe and asked, "How much of this was bought with Juan's money?"Joe nervously stepped forward. "Miss Miles's living expenses have always been covered by Mr. Nichols, so..."Melody sne
The Nichols family had always upheld strict discipline, and Juan was raised by Melody. He didn't even dare to dodge now. Melody's strikes were fierce, and Juan's body was soon covered in bruises.Debra watched impassively as Juan gritted his teeth and silently endured it.Melody didn't stop until the cane broke. "Will you apologize now?"Juan remained silent.Debra knew his stubborn nature. If he was still holding out after being beaten this badly, it meant he had no intention of apologizing.She intervened, saying, "Grandma, please take it easy. I don't blame Juan. Let's call a doctor to check on him."Debra put on a gracious act, which cooled Melody's temper somewhat.Melody knew Juan's personality too well.Getting him to apologize was mission impossible.Melody had just put on a show to make Debra feel better.She patted Debra's hand and said, "Don't worry. I'll keep him in check, and I promise you, that woman will never set foot in our house again. You're the only host
"And don't try to threaten me with my time at Arcane Academy. Worst case, we get a divorce and both lose," Debra said, not worried Juan would tell Melody.On the contrary, he would keep this secret, at least until he'd extracted enough benefits from the Frazier family.Juan took a deep breath. "What do you want?""A deal. I'll speak well of you in front of Grandma, but you have to play along with my act.""Play along with your act?" Juan looked at her skeptically. "Is it that simple?""In front of others, you must act like the perfect husband. Accommodate me, back me up in front of my family, and stand up for me when needed. This is a small effort for you, and you won't lose anything," Debra said, cutting to the chase.She still needed Juan's help to deal with Ralph. However, since the recent scene caused by Melody, Juan had been giving her the cold shoulder.After a moment of thought, Juan agreed, "Alright, you have the deal.""Good." Debra set down her tablet, dusted off her
"He is very crafty. At first, I thought it was our competitors, but these past few days, many investors have withdrawn their investments. No matter how many social events I attend, I can't keep them. Finally, I caught someone and confronted him. He revealed that Juan had warned everyone against investing in my company," Erica spluttered.Debra was shocked by the news.She was aware of Juan's capabilities, but she hadn't expected him to go this far for Shelia.Although Erica was from the Mathis family, she was also Caleb's granddaughter.Going against the Mathis family was equivalent to offending Caleb. Juan couldn't be so foolish as to target Erica."Don't worry. I'll handle this," Debra said before hanging up the phone. She hadn't intended to do anything drastic to Juan and Shelia. But now, seeing how Juan had no plans to spare Erica, she felt she had been too lenient.If Juan showed no mercy, she wouldn't either.Moments later, she stood up and walked out of the restaurant.
"Debra, can you stop this?" Juan said coldly, standing protectively in front of Shelia.Debra didn't want to waste time arguing with him. She warned him straight up, "If you don't want Grandma to see these photos, you better do as I say."Juan narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?""I want you to leave the Mathis family alone and compensate them."She knew getting an apology from Juan was impossible. Besides, apologies were cheap and wouldn't cost him anything. The compensation, on the other hand, was much better.Juan replied icily, "Fat chance!""Fine! I'll just let Grandma see these photos and learn you've deceived her. She'll know you came out with me today just to meet Shelia," Debra said. "I have nothing to lose here. But as for Shelia, Grandma has already cut off all her scholarships and allowances. I can't imagine what'll happen to her if these photos end up in Grandma's hands."Shelia turned pale with fright."Are you threatening me?""Hell yeah!" Debra had no intenti
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju
Debra's heart sank.Back when she'd teamed up with Michael, she had nothing, offering him Frazier Entertainment shares to seal the deal. Later, Frazier Entertainment merged into the McKinney Group, and she handed it off to him.To keep her identity hidden, she'd tossed him more shares. With Frazier Entertainment, he'd racked up 30%.She'd thought he deserved it. For two years, he'd run the show plenty. She'd never seen this coming."Madam, you there?" Ben's voice shook.This was huge and should stay quiet. Otherwise, the company would fall into chaos.Debra's blood ran cold. She hadn't expected Michael to go so far."I'll be there soon," she said, hanging up.She turned to Marion. "Michael scooped up loose shares. He's gunning for a vote as top shareholder."Over 40% wasn't half, but it made him the biggest player. Calling a vote was his right.Debra only had 40%. If 10% of the rest sided with Michael, he could oust her."Don't sweat it," Marion said. "We'll hit it together.
That shut everyone up.If Jordan was right, Drake was gambling with his neck."That's too risky. I've gotta drag him back." Debra spun to leave.Erica grabbed her. "Jordan's guys are on it. They'll ping us if they find him. You can't go out like this and become their target.""I'm not their focus anymore," Debra said. "They'll zero in on Drake."She looked at Marion. "Get your people searching. We need his trail fast, or he's dead."Once the Illuminati squeezed the stone's location out of Drake, they'd kill him.Orkgate was now controlled by Lara. Drake had no other value for them."On it," Marion said.They split up. Erica and Randy tapped their networks."Debra, don't freak," Jordan said. "Drake is not dumb. Injured like that, he couldn't have gone far. As long as he keeps that secret, they won't kill him."Debra nodded. "Hope he doesn't do anything stupid."She should've seen it coming. A proud guy like Drake couldn't handle being down for so long.His injuries were bru
Outside their room, Drake froze mid-knock.His head was down, and his expression was hidden. Eventually, his hand dropped, and he sighed.He turned around and shuffled downstairs, leaning on the wall. He was a broken mess now, unwilling to drag them down....Debra woke up the next morning, reaching for Marion.He wasn't there. She bolted upright, threw off the covers, and ran barefoot downstairs, shouting, "Marion?"In the hall, Marion and Jordan turned as she stumbled in, still in her pajamas.Marion rushed up, slipping off his slippers for her. "What's with the panic?""I didn't see you." She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought you'd...""Any luck?" Jordan asked Kale, who'd just walked in.Kale shook his head. "Not yet.""What's up?" Debra asked, clocking everyone's grim faces."Drake's gone," Marion said. "No note, nothing. We're looking.""Did the cameras catch anything? Could it be the Illuminati...""Not them. He walked out himself.""Why the hell would he just up a
Debra jolted awake from a nightmare, her forehead slick with sweat."Still torn up about Michael?" Marion's voice came from beside her.She settled into his arms, finally feeling a little relieved. These past two months, they'd faced everything alone. She hadn't curled up with him like this in forever."It's my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't trusted Michael so much, the Eaton family wouldn't have been a mess. Mr. Eaton Sr. wouldn't have been in the hospital.""It's your fault," Marion said, patting her back. "Even without your trust, the Illuminati would've found a way in. That was their goal.""I just can't wrap my head around why Michael's one of them," she said.She'd spent all night recalling the past, from meeting Michael to building the McKinney Group with him. He was key to its success, but everything had been a lie."Maybe he was never with us," Marion said. "The Illuminati's everywhere. Didn't you check his background when you teamed up?""I..." Debra faltered.S