"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
At the Eaton Mansion, Juan gave Garland a final pop quiz, ensuring he had a thorough understanding of the Lowe Group.Satisfied, Juan set down the ruler. "That's good enough."Garland eyed the ruler, finally letting out a sigh of relief. "I told you, I'm a quick learner. Three days? Three hours would suffice.""You've got a thick skin," Juan muttered, not bothering to look up. "For the next few days, make sure Liza doesn't see Cathryn. Keep them apart until the engagement party."Garland sat down across from him. "Keep them from meeting?""Yes.""They're best friends, almost inseparable," Garland mused. "Even with this mess, Liza will forgive Cathryn if she apologizes sincerely. Liza doesn't like Drake that much after all. Men come and go.""That's why they can't meet.""You don't want them to reconcile?""Cathryn chose to be with Drake for her own gain, knowing it would hurt Liza. If they meet, Cathryn will sweet-talk Liza into forgiving her. You can't let Liza be friends wit
In the Legacy Hotel, Cathryn scrolled through the nasty comments online with growing irritation.Kale knocked on the door. "Miss Bernard, it's almost time.""Come in," Cathryn answered.Kale stepped inside and saw Cathryn dressed in an off-shoulder evening gown. She looked elegant and regal, embodying the image of a perfect socialite.Despite her refined upbringing, Cathryn had been shielded from the harshness of the outside world due to her fragile health. Facing such a violent onslaught from the internet, she could barely hold herself together."Where's Drake? I want to see him.""Mr. Lowe is still changing and not available right now."Cathryn shoved her phone toward him, the screen lit up with those venomous comments. "He'd better have an explanation for this. Aren't you even trying to do PR work?"Back when Debra was slandered online, Marion immediately had a PR team clean it up. But now, Drake was doing nothing for her.Kale glanced at the phone and said, "Don't worry, M
Kale couldn't fathom why Drake was so sure about that.Just then, a voice from outside the suite announced, "Boss, Mrs. Houston is here.""And Marion?" Drake asked."No sign of him," the guard replied.Drake nodded with satisfaction. "Good. I'll go greet her."The guard was surprised that Drake wanted to welcome Debra in person.Kale turned to the staff and ordered, "Clean up the room."The staff entered and saw more than a dozen suits laid out on the bed. It showed how seriously Drake was taking this engagement party.In the banquet hall, the guests were all business associates of the Bernard family, many of whom were dissatisfied with Marion's leadership.Debra entered and felt countless eyes on her. Their hostility and scrutiny were plain to see.Everyone knew that Marion had come back with his new wife this time.Although they weren't officially married, their relationship was public knowledge. Almost everyone there knew Cathryn's affection for Marion. Many had assumed C
Debra scoffed, "That's a bit rude. She's your fiancée?"Drake shrugged. "Business arrangement. No feelings involved.""Aren't you straightforward?" Debra snorted, her gaze flickering to the group of journalists. "But if you plan to use the Lowe family to outmaneuver Marion, I'd save myself the trouble if I were you.""Doubting my capability?" Drake leaned in. "You played me so many times. I've been kind enough not to hold it against you. But today, you'll bear witness to how I take everything Marion holds dear.""Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't come here to see you win anything.""Oh? Then why are you here?""To watch you make a fool of yourself."...In the center of the banquet hall, the host took the stage and enthusiastically began introducing the evening's main event: Drake's engagement with Cathryn.The reporters sprang into action, publishing the news on various platforms.As the host's voice echoed through the room, Drake handed his champagne glass to Debra. "Watch closely. E
"No. It must have been an oversight by my staff," Drake said, casting a glance at Liza.Then, with deliberate flair, he took Cathryn's hand in his and smiled. "Cathryn and Miss Eaton are such good friends. How could we possibly forget to invite Miss Eaton to our engagement party? Isn't that right, Cathryn?"Cathryn's face went as pale as a sheet as Drake pushed the problem to her.Debra, who had been sipping the champagne that Drake had handed her earlier, nearly choked. 'Wow, passing the blame like that?' "I..." Cathryn struggled to form a response.Drake cut in with feigned surprise, "What? Did you really forget to send Miss Eaton an invitation?"Cathryn paled further. She couldn't invite Liza, who had just broken off her engagement to Drake. Yet here was Drake, throwing the blame squarely on her shoulders.Cathryn found herself in a tight spot.Just then, Garland spoke up. "That aside, you get engaged again right after you break off your engagement with Liza. With your act
In just a few days, Fermin had managed to uncover all of Drake's associates. His tactics were indeed as formidable as the rumors suggested."The Eaton family may not be much, but we hold considerable influence here," Garland declared. "You failed Liza and wronged the Eaton family. You know what? While we may not control other territories, anyone who dares to do business with the Lowe family will face our wrath."Everyone in the crowd was shocked. They had believed that Drake would rise there as a new star, capable of challenging the Houston family. But now, it seemed that this star had been snuffed out before it could even shine.Debra struggled to stifle a laugh. She downed her champagne and placed the empty glass on a nearby table.Raising her voice, she said, "Mr. Eaton has made his point clear. Why is everyone still lingering here? Want to fight alongside Drake?"Drake glared at her. "You're enjoying this a bit too much, aren't you?"But his threat fell on deaf ears. She said
Garland, who had never been in a romantic relationship, cleared his throat.'Not in public. But when is it going to be my turn for a sweet romance like this?' he sighed.Drake grabbed Cathryn's arm and yanked her back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"Cathryn bit her lip, irritated by the public display of affection. She shrugged off Drake's grip and stepped forward once again. But before she could get close, Marion shot her a cold glance."Marion.""Don't come near me."Marion's gaze held no hatred, but it was distant and cold."Miss Bernard," Garland stepped in, "assaulting someone with a weapon is a criminal offense. For the sake of your friendship with Liza, I can plead with Mr. Houston on your behalf. But whether or not he forgives you depends on Ms. Frazier."He turned to Debra, expecting her decision. All eyes fell on her.Liza tensed up, unsure of how Debra would deal with Cathryn.Debra didn't mince words. "Attempted assault with a weapon? No, I won't forgi
"Bullshit!" Randy spat.In his mind, Juan was nothing but a backstabber.Debra had let Juan off the hook before, but he didn't appreciate it. Now he was working with their enemies against them.Jordan spoke up. "Miss Eaton is only staying with us for a few days. She'll be fine. Everyone, go home. If you don't, we may as well have a little competition and see who has more say in Seamar City.""I'd like to see about that," Debra's voice came from outside the hall.Then she came in with a group of people. Jordan recognized their uniforms and frowned."You have Andrew's seal?""We're not done yet."Debra raised her hand, and a new group of bodyguards armed with batons stormed into the hall. Wearing the Houston family emblem on their chests, they quickly spread out."If you're not convinced, we can fight it out," she declared. "Juan, the Nichols family has gone through three transitions. You must be pretty drained, right? Jordan, how are you handling the resources of the Lowe famil
On the second floor, Jordan received the news. "Fermin?""Yes, it's definitely him," replied the guard, handing over the watch.Jordan examined the watch. It was one of a kind, custom-made exclusively for the Eaton family.In their world, watches symbolized status, and this one undoubtedly belonged to Fermin.To this day, no one had ever dared challenge the authority of the Eaton family head."I'll go take a look," Jordan said, signaling for a group of bodyguards to follow him downstairs.Fermin was already standing in the center of the lobby.When Jordan arrived with his men, Fermin didn't flinch. Just standing there, he exuded an oppressive aura that made it hard for others to breathe."Mr. Eaton," Jordan greeted him. "What brings you here at this hour?""I don't waste time with pleasantries," Fermin replied curtly, extending his hand. "Where's my sister?"Unfazed, Jordan stepped forward and placed the watch in Fermin's hand. "Miss Eaton found the place entertaining, so I i
Iwan frowned instinctively when he spotted the man."Fermin?" he muttered to himself.Debra, on the other hand, was impressed by the change in Garland's demeanor. The clothes did make the man.She stepped forward and extended a hand. "Mr. Eaton."Fermin glanced at her without taking her hand. His voice was cold, carrying an air of natural authority."Where's my sister?" he asked.Debra was surprised at how convincing Garland's performance was.She replied, "She's been captured by the Lowe Group's new president. I knew you'd come tonight, so I'll take you to her."Not far away, Iwan listened to their exchange, his frown deepening. According to their intelligence, Fermin was already dead. Yet there he was in Seamar City.Iwan suspected that Garland was passing himself as Fermin again.After Debra left with Fermin, Iwan hesitated at the bottom of the stairs before going up.In the car, Debra patted Fermin on the shoulder. "Not bad. You're pulling this off."She took out an ear
"No, I can't do this," Garland refused, running away from Debra.He hid behind a sofa and stammered, "I didn't even have this kind of confidence when I was home, not to mention here.""Do you want to save Liza or not?" Debra furrowed her brows. "You won't need to talk. I'll give you an earpiece.""I've used it before. It's too easy to get caught," Garland blurted, then covered his mouth. "I need a little mental preparation.""We're running out of time." Debra threw the suit jacket at him. "Change into this. In ten minutes, jump out of the window from the second floor.""Jump out of the window?" Garland gasped.Debra walked up to him. "You know we have spies in the house, right? We need to make Ivan believe you're Fermin."Garland glanced at the suit jacket and thought about Liza. His resolve hardened. "Alright. I'll wear it."As Debra came out of the room, Erica asked, "How did it go?"Debra nodded. With Marion gone, they had to rely on themselves.Jordan was now in control o
Barton shook his head."Why would Jordan betray us? It doesn't make sense," Debra pressed. "Isn't this part of your plan? With Liza captured, we're in a tight spot. Just tell me the truth.""I really don't know," Barton replied with an innocent look.Debra panicked. She couldn't tell the truth from lies anymore or if this was part of some scheme. She wasn't sure if Jordan really betrayed them or if Andrew was really sick.These questions swirled in her mind and drove her crazy."Where's Marion?" she finally asked.If Andrew was gravely ill, Marion wouldn't leave his side.Barton replied, "Mr. Houston has been tied up with matters at home. He hasn't returned since he left in the morning.""He's gone all day?" Debra's eyes narrowed.That didn't add up. With Marion's efficiency, there was no way he'd take so long to handle family issues.While Debra was struggling to make sense of it all, Garland burst in, looking frantic."What do you mean Jordan is a traitor? And Liza's been
"Hey, don't touch me!" Liza shouted, struggling as the bodyguards grabbed her arms.Jordan came down the stairs and asked with a frown, "Where are Debra and Erica?""Sir, they escaped," one of the guards reported.Jordan slapped him and spat, "Useless!"The guard bowed his head and stepped back.Liza glared at Jordan. "Traitor! You're even worse than Drake. You sneaky backstabber!"Her string of insults didn't faze him one bit.She continued, "Let me remind you, I am Liza Eaton. If you dare lay a finger on me, my dad won't let you off the hook."The guards all had a headache coming on. She had repeated it so many times, but they couldn't deny the power of her family.One of the guards ventured, "Sir, what should we do? Let her go?"Jordan glanced at Liza. "Take her away and lock her up.""What?" Liza shouted, "You have the nerve to lock me up? Just so you know, if I get even a scratch, my dad will chop you into pieces.""Gag her.""Yes, sir."The guards gagged Liza and dr
"No need to chase further," Jordan said."Why not?" demanded a figure coming out of the corner.He was cloaked in a black robe, his face hidden behind a white mask. His voice was deep, altered by a voice changer."Messing with the Eaton family is not a wise decision," Jordan replied blandly."So what if I mess with them? They're nothing," said the masked man, raising his hand.At the signal, a bunch of bodyguards rushed downstairs.The guests at the party had no idea what was happening, and the cameras were soon shut off."What's going on?" the reporters protested as they were driven out of the hotel.The remaining ones in the hall were shocked. Given their experiences, they knew something big was about to happen. The only thing they could do was stay quiet."Back off. You don't want to hurt Miss Eaton," Erica shouted.But Debra heard hurried footsteps coming from inside the hall. Alerted, she said, "Something is not right. We need to run.""Relax. I dare them to lay a finge
Debra's voice turned icy. "Did you have something to do with Andrew's worsening condition?""I don't have time to waste talking to you," Jordan replied, turning to the guards. "Escort Mrs. Houston out.""Yes, sir." The guards moved toward Debra.She sensed their malice and stepped back.Erica's shouting came. "Run."She grabbed Debra's hand, and the two of them bolted down the stairs.Unsure of the situation, Liza trusted her instincts and followed them."After them!" The guards gave chase.Liza suddenly had an idea. She stopped in her tracks and stood boldly in front of the guards. The unexpected move forced them to screech to a halt.She declared, "I am the daughter of the Eaton family. If you dare lay a hand on me, my dad will make sure you regret it."Debra and Erica, who had reached the exit, heard her words and felt helpless. At such a time, no one would care about her status anymore.The guards ignored the threat, ready to act, when Jordan suddenly called out from the
Erica rushed forward and said, "Barton, you're here just in time. I need to ask you something."Barton cut her off. "Mr. Andrew Potter's condition has suddenly worsened. It's very serious right now. Please come back with me immediately.""What?" Debra exclaimed. "He was fine yesterday."An image of the previous day suddenly popped into her mind. Jordan had gone into Andrew's room right after she left."Do you know about this?" Debra asked. "Jordan is the new president of the Lowe Group?"Barton, as Andrew's trusted aide, was supposed to know if this was part of Andrew's plan."What?" Barton was puzzled. "Mr. Jordan Potter?"Debra decided to go upstairs to confront Jordan. Erica quickly reached out to stop her."Where are you going? Didn't you just say we can't go up there earlier?""I have to go and ask him. What is he doing? Betraying the family?""Betrayal it is," Liza chimed in. "I'm going with you."She grabbed Debra's arm and rushed up the stairs.The guards immediatel