The silence stretched out, each second ticking by like an eternity. Shelia's back ached from the prolonged bow, but she couldn't straighten up until Debra acknowledged her.Her resentment simmered, threatening to boil over."I'm not someone unreasonable," Debra finally spoke. "I just hope that you will pay more attention to your speech. Don't jump to conclusions and embarrass the Nichols family."She cast a meaningful glance at Melody, whose face was full of shame.By tomorrow morning, the three socialites present would undoubtedly spread tonight's events far and wide. The story of Shelia bowing to Debra would be all over town. When that happened, no one would be confused about who held more power in Seamar City.Frustrated, Melody huffed at Juan, "Take her home.""Yes, Grandma," Juan replied, walking over to Shelia and taking her hand.She started to tear up, and Juan's face softened with concern. But to Debra, the scene was nothing short of laughable.As the others began to d
Erica practically shoved Debra into the bathroom, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Wash your face. We need to get started."Debra protested, "Wait, what is all this for?"Erica's eyes sparkled. "I think Marion's going to propose."Debra blinked. "Where did you hear that?"Erica asked back, "Isn't he? We all thought so. Why else would he go to all this trouble and have Randy get a whole glam team for you?"Debra shook her head. "Marion already promised Caleb that both the proposal and engagement ceremony would be handled by Caleb. There is no way he'd let Marion interfere with it."Erica deflated like a balloon. "No proposal? Ugh, I got all worked up for nothing.""You already? We're running out of time," Randy urged from the living room.As soon as Debra came out, the stylists descended upon her, wielding makeup brushes and styling tools with practiced precision.When one of the designers brought out a custom-made dress, Erica said, "That's tailored to your measurements. I
Erica muttered in confusion, "Is Marion planning for you to work?"She couldn't quite wrap her head around what Marion was up to.Since early that morning, they had all been in a flurry of activity, helping Debra get ready. She had anticipated some grand proposal event, but instead, Marion had Randy drive them to the McKinney Group headquarters.Several employees huddled together, their eyes fixed on the car."Hey, check it out. Is that a Ferrari?""Is some big-shot CEO visiting our company today? I didn't hear anything about it."...As Randy lowered the car window and removed his sunglasses, those female employees couldn't help but blush. His eyes scanned the crowd, causing a flutter of excitement among the onlookers.He was a regular guest to different companies, and his looks were good, making him quite popular among the female employees."Isn't that Mr. Osborne? What brings him here?""He's looking at me.""No way. He's obviously looking at me."They elbowed each other
Randy escorted Debra and Erica into the building, his presence commanding respect as they walked through the lobby."What's HR doing around here? If I hear any more rumors like that, I'll have everyone involved pack up and leave," he growled.The employees scattered like a flock of startled birds.Just as Debra was about to step further into the lobby, a voice from outside caught her attention."Good morning, Ms. Blair."The receptionist warmly greeted Shelia as she walked in. The moment her eyes fell on Debra, her expression tightened.Debra was dressed in an elegant suit that exuded a cool, aristocratic aura, a stark contrast to her usual casual style.The thought of last night's humiliation rattled Shelia all over again.She glanced at the dispersing employees and frowned. "What's going on? Who's causing trouble so early in the morning?"Erica, never one to mince words, scoffed, "Oh, aren't you bold, Ms. Blair?"No longer fearful of Erica, Shelia shot back, "Miss Mathis, w
Debra found herself momentarily lost in thought as Marion stepped to her side.She whispered, "What game are you playing this time?"Marion didn't respond verbally, his lips curling into an enigmatic smile. He took her hand, a display of affection in everyone's eyes.Shelia's eyes flashed with annoyance. Her voice cut through the air, laced with irritation. "Mr. Houston, I get that you and Ms. Frazier are getting engaged, but I think you're stepping over the line here."Marion didn't even bother looking at her. He instructed Ben, "Show it to her.""Yes, sir," Ben replied, stepping forward to hand Shelia a document.Her face drained of color as she read the content.Ben went on to declare, "A year ago, Mr. Houston invested eight billion dollars into the McKinney Group, securing a 25% share. This grants him decisive authority over major decisions."Murmurs erupted across the room."Eight billion dollars? Is it true?""The appointment letter is right here. How could it be fake?"
Debra raised her eyebrows innocently. "Ms. Blair, I've hardly said a word since I've been standing here. How did I end up being your target?"Shelia scoffed, "Are you seriously going to pretend that Mr. Houston isn't doing this to defend you? Everyone knows he wouldn't even bother with women. So much for being a man of principle. He's just another guy using his power to push around women."To the untrained eye, Shelia played the victim flawlessly. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her bottom lip trembling ever so slightly.She had always been adept at playing the damsel, garnering sympathy from those around her.But Debra saw right through her act. "Mr. Houston's decision to let you go has nothing to do with me. It's because you're not fit for the position."Shelia's eyes narrowed, her voice rising in defense. "I've only been on the job for a week. What makes you think I'm not qualified?"Debra's smile was faint but mocking. "So, you're aware of it. But from what I hear, you
The lobby buzzed with murmurs."What? Ms. Blair didn't graduate?""No way! Didn't all the online reports say she graduated with top scores?""I heard she got into Arcane Academy because Mr. Nichols backed her with money and connections. She studied for four years, and now it turns out she didn't even finish?"A dropout referred to someone who did not complete their degree due to various reasons, such as failing to submit a satisfactory thesis or not completing their internship requirements.The employees at the McKinney Group were all from prestigious universities. A dropout would not even meet the basic qualifications for joining.Now it was clear who had gotten into Arcane Academy through connections.Shelia's face paled visibly. Meanwhile, the secretaries returned, their arms laden with boxes containing Shelia's personal belongings—a high-end laptop, an expensive coffee machine, delicate tea sets, and pricey bottles of wine. Except for the laptop, not a single item seemed rel
Debra rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her excitement.Shelia had been thoroughly humiliated in front of everyone, and by now, she was probably cursing them with every breath she took.Erica exchanged a glance with Randy. Erica asked, "So, what do we do now?""These lovebirds are clearly in their own world. I say we leave them to it," replied Randy.They had stood there silently through the whole fiasco, not even getting a word in edgewise.Ben approached them. "Mr. Houston asked you both to head upstairs."Randy raised an eyebrow. "When did he say that? I thought he only had eyes for Debra.Marion used to be a straight-laced businessman. Now, he was like a peacock showing off.They had prepared things the entire morning, only to create a stage for him to tear apart Shelia.Ben tried to soothe him. "Well, Mr. Houston has something important to discuss with you.""Okay, I'll do him the favor." Randy nodded.Upstairs, Debra looked around the cleaned office and sighed."
"Robert Fitchett," Robert confessed, swallowing his pride.Debra nodded. "Okay. Robert, were you working for Shawn, just like Marion and the others?""Wouldn't it be better if you asked him directly?""Why did you want to kill Marion?""You made it difficult for Theda.""Is that the reason?" Debra raised an eyebrow. "Well, you care about her so much."Robert looked away and said, "She is the best woman I've ever met.""I'm not interested in your love story. I need you to explain why you risked your life to try and kill Marion.""You don't know?" Robert sneered. "Marion has been thrashing the Buchan Group. He wanted to clear obstacles for you, and you're telling me you didn't know?"Debra frowned. "When did this happen?""Since the day you handed the share transfer papers to Theda," Robert explained. "The Buchan family has been getting crushed. Are you telling me you didn't know Marion was after the shares? If Theda didn't hand them over, he would've hit her family hard. Her s
Debra booted open the door to the hotel room and stepped in with several bodyguards.Robert had been handcuffed and was tied to a chair. The blood was oozing from his injury which was inflicted on him by Erica.A guard went over and applied a basic bandage to him. Debra walked over and pressed her finger onto his wound.Sweat instantly broke out on Robert's face, and his lips lost all color."I'm not a complicated person. The only thing I'm good at is protecting my own," Debra said coldly. "Marion is in the operating room right now, fighting for his life. I'm going to make you feel the same pain he's going through."She signaled for the cart to be pushed over. The breakfast Robert had sent to them earlier was now laid out.Debra picked up a cup of coffee, walked over to him, and pinched his nose. She poured the entire cup into his mouth in one go.Robert's shirt was soaked, his whole appearance a mess. Yet he remained expressionless, as if he was incapable of feeling anything.
The bodyguards grabbed Robert, who had been stabbed in the lower abdomen.Erica intended to hit him again, but Debra quickly shouted, "Randy, call an ambulance.""On it." Randy dialed the emergency number right away.Debra glanced at Drake, who looked troubled. "Marion got injured at your place. I demand an explanation."Drake knew she misunderstood, but he was unwilling to bow his head. "I've always wanted to kill Marion. I did this. Come for an explanation anytime you want.""Boss..." Kale tried to intervene."Shut up!" Drake snapped. "You can take Marion away. We'll settle this score another day."He turned and left with Kale.Debra didn't have time to deal with Drake. She looked down at the unconscious Marion, feeling anxious. This was the first time she had seen him so badly injured.Outside, Kale couldn't help but ask, "Boss, this has nothing to do with you. Why did you take the blame?""She already thinks I'm involved," Drake replied. "It doesn't matter if I admit it o
Marion glanced at his trembling arm, wracked with pain. The blood trickling from his wound had turned black."Marion, tell your woman to behave herself," Robert said, his tone eerily calm. "If she keeps going against Theda, I'll kill her."The poison began to paralyze Marion's nerves."Or," Robert continued, "I could deal with you now, then take care of her and her friends. It'd save me a lot of trouble."Marion's eyes darkened. He tried to push himself off the ground, but the venom coursing through him forced a mouthful of blood to spill from his lips.Robert strode toward him, the blade in his hand glinting coldly."Hold it!" Drake called out. "You told me you wanted to talk to Marion. I gave you the chance. But killing him here? That's a mess I don't need.""That's your problem," Robert replied flatly. "I'm here to kill, not worry about your headaches."He glanced down at Marion, who was barely holding himself up. "Don't worry. Your friends and your woman will be joining you
Debra didn't understand why Andrew gave her such valuable gifts. They were too much as wedding gifts.The next morning, they were sprawled out on the bed in different positions. Garland and Randy were sound asleep on the nearby sofa.The first light of dawn shone on Debra's eyes. She woke up groggily and saw the bed covered in opened gifts. Erica and Liza were lying next to her.She remembered that they had spent the night opening gifts and eventually fell asleep from exhaustion."Marion?" She looked around but only saw Marion's jacket draped over her.An attendant knocked on the door, the noise waking up the others in the room.Randy jumped up from the sofa. "I'm done opening gifts. No more."Erica rubbed her eyes and got up from the bed. "What are you shouting for early in the morning?"Debra spoke toward the door. "Come in."The attendant entered, followed by a staff member pushing a food cart."Madam, we're bringing you breakfast per Mr. Houston's orders.""Breakfast? Wh
Debra remembered the ring she had taken from Melody's hidden stash. At the time, she had noticed the ring was valuable but hadn't thought much deeper about it. Now there might be a connection to it. Erica said, "That gemstone is valuable. It could be an heirloom of the Potter family. You should ask Jordan about it. Find out where it came from."Debra shook her head. "I want to, but all of Jordan's accounts have been deactivated. No one can get in touch with him now."'Except for Andrew.' The thought of him made her feel regretful. He hadn't stayed to celebrate the wedding."By the way, where is Andrew's gift?" Erica asked, looking at Randy and Garland.They had been receiving gifts that day.Garland pointed to a folder nearby. "These are gifts, right? I thought it was just a list of dowry items.""What? You looked through them?""No. But the stack of papers was thick. I could tell just by touching it."Garland grabbed the folder and handed it to Debra.Debra felt the con
Erica stepped forward and started opening the gifts. "There are so many gifts. My hands are going to be sore from opening all these."Marion interjected, "Open them somewhere else. Don't interrupt our wedding night.""No way. The biggest event on a wedding night is opening the gifts," Randy chimed in. "You can go to sleep once we're done."Marion wanted to kick them out, but Debra spoke eagerly. "It sounds fun. Let's do it, Marion."Marion couldn't reject her proposal. "Alright."The five of them sat on the bed, with Marion helping Debra collect the opened envelopes."This one is from the postal bank. This one is from the commercial bank, and that one is from the agricultural bank," Erica muttered, sorting them.Debra was surprised to see so many bank cards."Wow, someone sent cash," Liza laughed, holding up an envelope. "Which idiot did this? 500 dollars? That's a lack of respect.""That idiot is me." Garland snatched the money, stuffing it into his pocket. "Who knew these bi
"What the heck?" Debra felt the envelope and found a key hidden inside.She held the key in her hand and looked at the address again."A house?" she muttered incredulously.By the time Debra walked out of the hotel, Drake was nowhere to be seen. Only a car was parked by the entrance.Marion stepped out of the car, wearing nothing but a black shirt. He walked up and took her into his arms.He was reeking of alcohol, and she muttered, "Stop messing around. People are watching.""Let them watch," Marion chuckled. "They don't have a wife as good as mine.""Knock it off," Debra said, feeling the driver's gaze on them.Just as she pushed Marion away, he wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground."Hey! Are you drunk and acting crazy?""Who says I'm drunk? I just like you so much."He then carried Debra into the car. The driver cleared his throat and pretended not to see anything.Back at the wedding venue, Garland and Liza couldn't find the bride and groom any
Debra didn't expect Erica to be so eager to open the gifts."How about you open them for me?""No way. That's something you have to do yourself. You never know, you might open a gift and find the price of an entire building inside."Debra couldn't help but laugh. She knew all the guests were wealthy and wouldn't be stingy with their gifts. But finding the price of a building in a gift? That seemed a little crazy.Just then, an attendant knocked on the door."Come in.""Madam, Mr. Houston said he's waiting for you in the lobby.""Got it. I'll be right there."Debra had changed into a more comfortable black dress. As she walked toward the lobby, an arm suddenly draped around her neck and pulled her into a corner.In reflex, she bit down on the arm, and Drake cried out in pain.When Debra realized it was him, she quickly released her bite."What are you doing?""What are you doing?""Sorry. I've had a bit of a reflex from being kidnapped before. I'll be gentler next time."D