Chapter 141

"Let's see what Chuck thinks of the video first," Debra said.

Stacey nodded. Looking up at Russel, she asked, "Can I get a copy of this?"

"Absolutely!" Russel's eyes lit up. He whipped out his phone. "We'll need to exchange numbers."

Stacey smirked. No big deal. I'll block him if he's dodgy, she thought. But before she could reply, Debra cut in, "I'll give you my number instead." She eyed Russel suspiciously. Stacey had just escaped a bad situation and didn't need another.

Russel's smile faltered. Debra added his contact, received the video, and Russel's gaze darted between them. He sighed. "Wooing you seems…challenging, Ms. Carter."

Stacey burst out laughing.

"Don't sweet-talk my daughter!" Debra warned, her eyes narrowed. The Carters aren't easily fooled.

Russel raised his hands in surrender. "I promise—" He trailed off, mesmerized by Stacey's smile. She's beautiful when she smiles, he thought.

Debra coughed loudly, snapping him back to reality. He'd lost his train of thought. Sheepishly, he lowered his hands. "I have no ulterior motives."

Debra snorted. She might have believed him once, but not now. My daughter deserves the best, she thought. "Erase the video. If I approve, I'll send it back. Then you can show it to your father."

"Of course, Madam!" Russel quickly deleted the video, watched by the bodyguards who verified his phone was clear before returning it.

Meanwhile, in Marloria, Theodore, Taylor, Ian, and Celeste were enjoying a barbecue.

"Theodore, what's your situation with Rebecca?" Ian asked.

"Are you remarrying her?" Taylor added.

Samuel interjected, "The Carters have welcomed Rebecca back. Stacey—Rebecca—and her child are heirs. Everyone's vying for her attention."

"My dad wants me to pursue her," Taylor said.

"What does that mean?" Theodore glared.

Taylor laughed. "Checking if you're still interested. If not, I might step in. Don't blame me for seizing an opportunity. If it's over, let your best friend have her, not some stranger."

Theodore exploded, leaping up and punching Taylor. Taylor retaliated instantly. Celeste shrieked, scrambling away. Ian jumped up, shouting, "Enough!" But Theodore, enraged, grabbed a beer bottle and smashed it against Taylor's head. Ian finally pulled them apart. Taylor, bleeding, slumped against Ian. Ian called an ambulance. Taylor collapsed. The ambulance arrived swiftly. Their friendship was over. Ian stayed at the hospital until Taylor was stable.

After the restaurant, Theodore went to the company to find Gifford, the vice-president, had requested leave for a "romantic interest." Theodore frowned. Gifford scheming to take over the company, and now this? A romantic interest? He approved the leave.

Gifford smirked. "My crush? It's Rebecca, your ex-wife."

Theodore's jaw dropped. Gifford chuckled, holding up his leave request. "Dad promised me half the Edwards Group shares if I win Rebecca's affection."

Theodore lunged, but Gifford sidestepped. "Calm down, Theodore. If you hadn't failed, this wouldn't be happening. It's too competitive now. Don't blame me. I'm looking out for our family."

Enraged, Theodore threw a glass at Gifford, who ducked. The glass shattered. Gifford whistled and walked away.