Lahat ng Kabanata ng Goodbye, Mr. Ex: I've Remarried Mr. Right: Kabanata 1311 - Kabanata 1320

The next day, at the McKinney Group headquarters, Ben handed a file to Debra."Since Juan took over, the Nichols Group has been recovering. Here are a few brands and shops he's recently acquired," he reported.Debra opened it, scanning the contents. Most of the pages detailed partnerships with big-name brands, but a few unfamiliar names caught her attention."They have partnered with several major brands and acquired a few smaller ones," Ben explained. "The brands we originally intended to sign with are now choosing the Nichols Group because of Juan's takeover. Given their recent moves, it's clear they're expanding their business scale and trying to take our market share. If this continues, our market share could drop from 70% to 40% or even less."When Debra didn't respond, he continued, "Madam, we need to come up with a plan to safeguard our profits.""These brands look familiar.""That's normal since they're some of the most well-known brands on the market.""I'm not talking

"You're not part of the Houston family. Stay out of our business," one of the shareholders snapped."Exactly," another chimed in. "Your ancestors were just deputies. You have no right to speak here."Randy's face darkened. "Say that again?"Marion raised a hand. "So, you want me to step down?""We want an election," Corey said. "The Houston family has had its time at the helm. As shareholders, we're obliged to choose the most suitable candidate. It doesn't have to be you, Marion.""Let's vote, then." Marion shrugged.Randy was shocked. "Are you serious? These people are just trying to force you out. You can't...""If it's an election, let's have it," Marion said, tapping the table.A group of shareholders then filed into the room. They were all old associates of the Houston family, loyalists who had stood by Caleb for years. They lined up behind Marion as a show of support.Corey scoffed, "There are ten of us, and we control 55% of the shares. What's the point of calling in th

Then there was a prodigy hacker, who, at just 13, had crashed machines and made groundbreaking contributions to science. His hacking skills had spawned countless legends 30 years ago.The last one was an ultra-intelligent physicist, who had been received by presidents of various nations. By the age of 30, he had begun developing nuclear weapons, earning countless domestic and international accolades. Each of these individuals commanded an aura of immense power.From the second floor, Erica and Garland spotted Debra appearing at the entrance. They hurried down, but even Erica, who was usually fearless, slowed her steps, careful not to make any noise that might disturb the formidable figures below.She reached Debra's side and whispered, "How did you get back so quickly? Marion and the others aren't back yet."Garland raised his hand. "I told her to hurry back."Erica was speechless.These people were no ordinary opponents. Debra might not be able to handle them on her own. They

Garland's curiosity was piqued. "So, does that mean only Andrew knows about the treasure?"Freddy shook his head. "This generation is an exception. The kidnapping incident that took Andrew's parents' lives also buried the secret. As for whether Andrew knows... You'd have to ask him. But I doubt it. The incident was too sudden. His father likely didn't have time to pass on the secret.""Mrs. Houston," Josh interjected, "is the Potter family's heirloom gemstone in your possession?"Debra thought of the gemstone Jordan had given her. "It is. If you want it back..."Josh waved his hand with a gentle smile. "No. Since it's been given to you, it's yours. Just take good care of it. Don't lose it."Debra nodded solemnly. "I'll keep it safe, Mr. Palmer."Freddy spoke again. "Our visit is no longer a secret. We've spread the word that we reclaimed the seal. Next time you use it, it must be for something really important. Don't show it to anyone.""I understand," Debra replied.The last t

Marion came back, and Randy pretended to whistle, acting like he hadn't said a word.Debra turned to see Marion holding the ledger."Was someone badmouthing me?" he asked.Randy shook his head. "No way. Everyone was praising you as a role model for modern men.""Really?""Absolutely."Erica smacked his arm. "Stop the joke and let's see the ledger."Debra spread it and said, "Based on our calculations, the Houston family's foreign goods business made 300 thousand silver dollars annually but spent 600 thousand. My family's cosmetics business earned 100 thousand and spent 200 thousand. The Osborne family's agricultural ventures brought in 200 thousand but lost 400 thousand. As for the Potter family... Their annual income was 1.2 million, but the expenditure was zero."Randy mused, "So, our families were bleeding money to subsidize the Potters?""Exactly." Debra nodded. "Those two elders claimed the 1.2 million funded their intelligence network. But that amount's way too high."S