Chapter 176

Juan couldn't understand why Debra never looked at him anymore. Her eyes, once filled with adoration, now seemed to look right through him. The thought drove him crazy, consuming his mind and leaving him restless.

Working overtime in her office, Debra suddenly sneezed. "What's wrong?" Marion asked with concern. Only the two of them were in the office; Randy and Erica had left for the evening. Debra interned at Tyson Enterprises during the day and could only check on the McKinney Group's projects at night.

"Maybe I caught a cold," she replied, taking a sip of hot tea. Lately, she'd had too much on her plate and no time to relax.

"If you're not feeling well, don't go to the family banquet tomorrow," Marion advised. Ever since Stanley's outburst, Debra had used her car accident injuries as an excuse to avoid the monthly banquets for the past three months. But this time, she had to go.

She shook her head. "I should go. I'm okay. It may be just a chill. Don't worry about it."

Marion raised an eyebrow. "You know I'm worried."

His words made her blush. He continued, "I thought you didn't know. Erica said you never drank a drop of the ginger tea I sent."

"I don't like ginger tea," Debra muttered.

Chapter 176 +25 BONUS

"The weather's been cooling down lately. Ginger tea is good for warming up," Marion said, pulling a packet of ginger tea from the drawer.

"I'll make it," Debra offered, but when she felt the scalding hot water, she quickly withdrew her hand.

Marion smiled at her reaction. "Let me handle it. And when the banquet is over tomorrow, I'll come by to pick you up."

"Okay," Debra agreed without much thought.

Marion seemed surprised by her swift acceptance. "Aren't you worried I might take you somewhere unexpected?"

"Not at all. I know my way around," Debra replied, avoiding his gaze.

She recalled turning down Marion's advances before, yet he always acted as if he hadn't heard. Over time, his behavior shifted from overt pursuit to a more casual friendliness, often less frequent than her interactions with Randy. Gradually, she'd forgotten about it. Yet, Marion's offer to pick her up felt significant, suggesting more to his gesture. Without further explanation, he left it at that, and she chose not to press him.

The next day, Debra arrived early for the family dinner. Ralph welcomed her with a warm smile. "Debra, you're back! How is your injury?"

Debra glanced at Stanley, who sat on the couch. Then she gave Ralph a reassuring smile. "Much better. Don't worry."

Stanley, released from confinement just days ago, looked at Debra, trying to hide the resentment in his eyes, but his efforts were clumsy and transparent.

Ralph guided her into the dining room, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Come on in! Rosalie has been eagerly waiting for you. She's prepared a feast just for you. Let's not keep her waiting."

She looked around and asked, "Where is everyone? Aren't they coming?"

"They'll be here soon," Ralph assured her. "Debra, you've done wonders with Frazier Entertainment. That guy named Michael proves to be a real gem. Our other projects have also seen a boost thanks to him."

He beamed with pride, while Stanley sneered, "It's all luck. Michael's the real star. What does that have to do with her?"