In her previous life, after marrying Juan, Debra believed Melody's advice that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. So, despite being a lady who never touched household chores, she started cooking various dishes.But Juan never tried her cooking.It was because Juan loved Shelia more.When breakfast was ready, Juan noticed there was nothing for him. Frowning, he asked, "Where's mine?""Cook for yourself," Debra replied indifferently.Juan was annoyed. "Debra Frazier!"Debra ignored him and nibbled on her bread.Since she no longer cared for Juan, she saw no reason to exert herself to please him."I'm done," she said after finishing her meal.She took the dishes to the kitchen and prepared to leave with her bag.Juan asked, "Where are you going?""I have class this morning.""Take the day off.""Are you sick?" Debra finally lost her temper.Since this morning, Juan had been unusually hostile.He gave their housekeeper a day off, then demanded breakfast, and n
Debra reluctantly let Juan take the lead. "Fine, let's go shopping."Since it wasn't her money, she could browse as she pleased.She failed to notice the faint smile tugging at Juan's lips.At the mall, Debra surveyed the layout. She was planning to construct a large commercial street, so doing some research was necessary.Suddenly, she felt her hand being tugged and warily pulled away. Juan had returned from getting bubble tea."What are you doing?" She freaked out."Holding hands, for a photo," he replied, glancing towards a paparazzi-like figure with a camera not far away.Debra agreed, despite finding it troublesome.Juan pulled out his phone and opened the camera."What now?""Selfie."Debra stiffened in front of the lens. Juan frowned, sulking, "Can't you smile?"Debra wanted to smile, but seeing Juan in the camera, she couldn't manage more than a strained grin.Juan turned off the camera with annoyance, and Debra turned to buy more clothes.She wasn't paying the bi
'If you're so unwilling to come out with me, just stay home next time,' thought Debra.Juan ignored her and suddenly accelerated the car. "Transfer the money you spent today to me later."Debra frowned. "You dragged me out and expect me to foot the bill?""It's all for show," he replied."What's wrong with a husband spending a little on his wife?""You said it, contractual spouses."Debra was speechless.She had hoped to take advantage of Juan, but it seemed she had overestimated her position.A shrewd businessman like Juan would never accept losses."Tightwad!" Debra took a deep breath.She told herself not to get mad. She didn't want to owe him anything anyway, and money wasn't an issue for her.Back at their house, Debra's phone beeped incessantly with news notifications, each one accompanied by photos of her and Juan shopping together.They went like #Sweet Nichols Couple Shopping Together, #Romance in Real Life: Tycoon CEO Spoils His Wife, etc.Among these headlines,
The next day, the bulletin board was surrounded by people.As Debra stepped onto campus, she sensed people's strange glances.Not far away, a man's angry shout rang out. "Go away! What are you looking at?"Immediately, he tore something off the board.Debra wrinkled her brow, finding Jordan in the encirclement. With a grim expression, he crumpled the paper in his hand.A nervous energy crackled through the crowd. Students scattered as Debra approached, stealing glances at her and Jordan.Debra teased, "A few days apart, your temper has gotten worse.""This is not a joke. Look at this. Can you still smile?" Jordan tossed the crumpled paper to her.Puzzled, Debra unfolded it.It depicted a curvaceous woman in revealing lingerie, her face unmistakably labeled with scandalous words like call girl, stripper, and using sex to get ahead.Debra glanced briefly and then shook the paper in front of Jordan. "Just because of this?""Or what else? Debra, you really have thick skin, still
The boys in the class all admired Shelia. When they saw her crying, they all spoke up for her.Their actions made the professor feel like a cruel person.Connie's face darkened, making Shelia feel uneasy.Her move didn't soften the professor, as usual. On the contrary, it triggered Connie's anger. "You focus more on making friends than studying. Shelia, you're really something."Shelia quickly shook her head. "Mrs. Ball, I..."As the bell rang, Connie grabbed her books and left.Seeing how upset the professor was, Carrie tugged at Shelia's arm and said, "Don't mind her. She's just jealous of you! Looks like she's going through menopause!""But did you hear? This morning, someone posted a girl's scandalous photos on the bulletin board, calling her a prostitute and nightclub girl, even claiming she sleeps her way up. Guess who that girl is?" Wendy said mysteriously.Curious, Carrie asked, "Who?""It's the one trying to steal Shelia's boyfriend!""It's her! I knew she wasn't a g
Shelia nervously nudged Carrie. "Come on, stop talking."Carrie shrugged it off.Debra didn't even notice Shelia at first. She saw an empty spot and took it.As she passed by them, Debra noticed Shelia deliberately keeping her head down.Carrie stood up, blocking Debra's path."Do we know each other?" Debra asked in a pleasant tone, but there wasn't a smile on her face."I naturally know you, call girl. Everyone else here does." Carrie raised her voice, making sure everyone around could hear.The scandal on the bulletin board had caused quite a stir, and most of the students had learned about it.Unperturbed, Debra waited for Carrie to finish speaking."Someone like you, who climbs the ladder using her looks and connections, should leave Arcane Academy. This isn't your place! Don't bring shame to our school!""Yeah, if this gets to the Education Bureau, you will be done for. Even those you bribed will be held accountable!" Wendy echoed.Shelia's heart was pounding in her che
Jordan glanced at Carrie without hiding his disdain.Sensing an unfavorable situation, Shelia stood up and shielded Carrie. "Mr. Jordan Potter, it's all a misunderstanding. Carrie didn't mean any harm!""Who are you to speak here?" Jordan said bluntly.Shelia blushed in embarrassment.Jordan's favoritism towards Debra didn't escape anyone's notice, and Carrie couldn't hide her jealousy."What tricks did you use to bewitch him? Mr. Jordan Potter, do you know she's a homewrecker? She stole someone else's boyfriend, and she's a call girl," Carrie shouted, which irritated Jordan even more.His stare intimidating, Jordan said, "I never hit women, but if you say one more word, I'll show you no mercy."As Carrie backed down, Debra spoke calmly. "Before defending others, you should understand the situation. Don't be used as a pawn and end up a joke."Carrie frowned, not understanding what Debra meant.But Shelia did, and she turned pale.As Debra led him to leave, Jordan glared back
Shelia hurriedly explained, "Maybe she's just playing mysterious. Who knows what she's thinking? Anyway, let's stop thinking about this and just eat."Carrie finally suppressed her doubts.But Wendy smelled a rat. Not as naïve as Carrie, she didn't fully believe Shelia's words.From Shelia's reaction just now, Wendy sensed something was amiss."Let's carry out our plan tonight," she said."Yes! We'll follow her. I'll capture substantial evidence to show Jordan the true colors of that woman," Carrie agreed.But Shelia turned even paler.She had thought that after what just happened, Wendy and Carrie wouldn't want to continue their plan.But Wendy still proposed stalking Debra."Shelia, you'll come with us, right?" Wendy probed.Shelia forced a smile and said, "Of course, I've promised you. I'll definitely go with you."Her unnatural smile only aroused Wendy's suspicion even more.Shelia was lying, but Wendy wasn't sure what exactly Shelia had lied about.As the sky darkened
It was afternoon already.Debra and Marion parked their car outside the valley.Looking at the sprawling terrain ahead, Debra couldn't shake the memory of trekking through it with Kale just days ago.Revisiting this place made her shiver."Your injury's still fresh," Marion said. "I can go alone."Debra shook her head. "We agreed on going together. Besides, I'm not here to fight. It will be fine."Marion ruffled her hair. "Alright, we're in this together."Enoch brought Erica here to lure them in. That much was clear.Now that they were here, they'd get her out.With night closing in, they quickly followed the route they'd mapped out and headed in.The map from Juan came in handy. In less than 30 minutes, they reached a clearing smack in the middle of four towering mountains.Mist hung light in the air, and the jagged peaks all around gave off a heavy, oppressive vibe.Through the fog, figures in black cloaks and white masks stepped out.Debra slid behind Marion, their han
Jordan signaled the guards at the door to stop Randy.But they didn't stand a chance. In three seconds flat, Randy laid them out.Jordan watched him vanish down the hall, dumbfounded. 'When did he get this good?'At the entrance, more guards tried to block Randy. He didn't slow down as he threw punches at them.Even with their number, they couldn't catch him.30 seconds later, Randy was in his car, peeling out toward the valley. Scenes from his childhood flashed across his mind."Leg up. Fist tight. Punch!" Caleb shouted.Erica eyed the wooden dummies in front of them and aimed for perfection.Randy's attention was all on her. He was not interested in these self-defense skills at all."Randy, focus!" Caleb whacked his arm with a cane. "Get real or go home."Randy couldn't care less. The truth was, he had already learned it all.At eight years old, his freakish athletic genes got him shipped off to a two-month boot camp. There, his raw talent made him untouchable in the junio
Lara came downstairs, smirking at Michael. "This time, even if you want to let them off, it won't happen."Michael was unfazed. "Don't say stuff that'll get twisted. I never plan to do that.""Oh, please. I know you better than that," Lara snorted. "Drop the act."Growing up, Michael had been given the best of everything.They were both in line to take over, but Michael got the bishop's favor from day one.Even if he didn't fight for it, he'd eclipse her. The bishop's partiality never failed to rattle her.She was a woman. True. But she was not any inferior to Michael.The partiality was unbelievable. This world's full of women outshining men.She was the one to help the bishop build something huge. The altar was only for her to ascend.She stepped up to Michael. "Wanna bet on what happens when Debra and Marion hit the valley? I can't wait to see Debra getting pierced by bullets. It would be so much fun."She observed Michael's expression, but there wasn't a crack."You done
The guard at the gate quickly stepped out of the booth. "Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Houston. Unfortunately, Mr. Osborne isn't home.""We're not here for him," Marion said flat-out. "I want last night's security footage."The guard hesitated. "I'm sorry, but without Mr. Osborne saying so, I can't just hand it over.""Randy is lying in the hospital right now," Debra cut in. "Erica went missing from your place last night. If you don't cough up the tapes and something happens to her, can you take the heat?"The guard was shocked. "Mr. Randy Osborne in the hospital? And Miss Mathis is gone? I'll grab the footage. Hang on."He dashed to the security room. But when he pulled up the feed, the screen was pitch black."What's wrong? Is it busted?" Debra asked.The guard smacked the console a couple of times, and the picture flickered on. There was Enoch, stuffing a sack into his trunk and driving off.That explained why the cameras outside had only caught Enoch.Debra felt a chill run thro
A loud crash blasted through the phone, followed by screeching static.Debra's gut sank. "Randy's in trouble. Let's hurry."Jordan quickly rounded up a crew to track down Randy, while Debra and Marion bolted out of the house.That phone call screamed car wreck. Marion had Randy's location pinned fast, and an ambulance was already on its way."Don't panic. The ambulance is almost there," Debra reminded him, watching him push the speedometer.It was fine if it was just a regular crash. But if the Illuminati had set it up, the consequences were unimaginable. Enoch must have lost his mind to target his son.Debra and Marion had both lost their parents to car accidents. Marion would be devastated if he lost another person close to him."Quick! Get him out!"Thick smoke poured from the crash site. Debra's bad vibes grew.They jumped out and saw Jordan's people loading Randy onto a stretcher."How bad is it?" Debra ran up, desperate for details."Not too serious," Jordan replied. "
The maid froze. "Didn't Miss Mathis leave last night? I don't know where she is. But she's not here."A bad feeling hit Randy like a ton of bricks. He bolted out of the room and ran to the guest room next door. When he flung the door open, Erica wasn't there. The bed was pristine, with no sign of anyone sleeping in it.Erica was lazy as hell. There was no way she'd make the bed herself.Randy lost his head until what Theda had said suddenly echoed in his mind.If Enoch were the mastermind behind the Illuminati, he might have done something to Erica."Where's my dad?" Randy asked, his blood running cold.The maid had never seen him like this. He barked, "I'm asking you where my dad is."She stammered, "I called him last night like you asked. He came back for a bit and took off again."Now he confirmed that Enoch had taken Erica."Give me the phone.""Yes, sir."The maid handed it over.Randy dialed Enoch's number but could not get through.Sweat beaded on his forehead. The
Erica laughed, getting the implication.Randy coughed dryly. "Mom, what are you even saying? I'm not that kind of person."With that, he hustled Erica out of the room.As the door closed, she frowned. "What now? Your dad is suspicious.""Well, we'll deal with it when he gets back. Now take a rest.""Alright."He led her to a clean guest room."Yvette seemed fine just now. Didn't look like she's got any mental issues.""It comes and goes. She can be normal and confused at times.""Has she seen a doctor?""Yeah. They say it's from some big shock. If she takes it easy, she's pretty much fine. Her nerves are just shot. My dad kept her locked up here all these years. Probably doesn't want folks to know he's got a crazy wife."In his mind, Enoch always put profit and reputation first.If people found out he had a nutcase for a wife, he might ditch her. Even if he didn't, he'd freeze them out.One question was always hovering in Randy's mind. If Yvette wasn't tied to the Potter f
"Erica, let's head upstairs."Randy held Erica's hand as they walked up the stairs.The second floor was dead quiet, and the hallway lights were dim. At the far end was Yvette's bedroom.The door was wide open. Inside, Yvette sat at her vanity, brushing her hair.Nearing 50, she still looked good, though she'd let time take its toll. Her face was lined with wrinkles."Randy? You're back," she exclaimed, catching his reflection in the mirror.She turned around and saw him standing there, holding Erica's hand."Mom." Randy squeezed Erica's hand. "I brought Erica to see you."Yvette's eyes shifted to Erica, and she searched in her memories.After a while, she caught it. "Erica, I remember you. Randy always talked about you when he was a kid. I thought you two were just rivals or something."Yvette walked over to Erica and grabbed her hand. "Randy's a bit of a wild one, but he's great with girls. This is the first time he's brought a girl home. If you two are serious about each o
Everyone nodded at Marion's call. They split tasks fast.Randy drove Erica toward the Osborne Mansion, speeding through the dark.When they parked, he didn't budge from the driver's seat."Don't stress. I'm here with you," Erica said, squeezing his hand.She knew what ate at him. If Enoch was really the Illuminati's head, it would spark a war. His relationship with Enoch would be unmendable."I never saw this coming," Randy said, his face shadowed with a rare gloom.He had always known Enoch didn't care about him, Yvette, or their family.In fact, he had never known much about Enoch. Without Theda's hunch today, he'd never have linked Enoch to the Illuminati."If Enoch is tied to them, what will you do?" Erica asked, watching him closely.She knew that blood was thicker than water."I don't know." Randy shook his head.Being the heir to the Osborne family never mattered to him, but he could not deny his bloodline.If it came to picking sides, he didn't know if he'd back Mar