Chapter 177 + 25 BONUS
“You brat, shut your mouth!” Ralph snapped, glaring at Stanley. Stanley wisely remained silent, knowing better than to provoke his father further. Debra had hoped Stanley might have matured during his imprisonment, but he seemed the same immature and resentful person as always.
Ralph turned to Debra. “I’ve decided to hand over the other companies to you. It’s a good opportunity to gain experience.”
Rosalie, returning from the kitchen with dishes, overheard. Her expression shifted, displeasure fleeting across her face. “Honey, what are you talking about? How can the family’s companies be handed over to an out—” Before she finished, she realized her mistake. Compared to Debra, they were the outsiders. Originally, those companies were founded by Debra’s father.
Debra raised an eyebrow. “Rosalie, after all this time, I didn’t expect you to be the same as before.”
“I…” Rosalie faltered, acknowledging her error. Debra expected a scene, but Rosalie instead set the dishes down, managing a smile. “I’m sorry for what happened before, but let’s have a cheerful family banquet today.” Debra frowned at this sudden change in attitude. Later, family members arrived, one after another, including some members of the Copeland family.
Chapter 177 + 26 BONUS
“Erick, come here,” Rosalie called.
A middle-aged man in his forties, appearing rather disreputable, approached. Debra recognized him as Rosalie’s younger brother, three or four years her junior. Erick Copeland was the nominal chairman of the Copeland Group, infamous in the industry. Few cooperated with him; without the Frazier family’s support, they might have gone bankrupt long ago.
“Come and meet Debra,” Rosalie said warmly, ushering him forward. Erick was mesmerized by Debra’s beauty. His eyes lit up as he extended his hand. “Miss, I’m Erick, Chairman of the Copeland Group.”
Debra merely glanced at his outstretched hand, refusing to shake it. She said coldly, “Rosalie, what are you trying to accomplish? Today is the Frazier family’s banquet; why have you brought your family?”
Her blunt words annoyed Rosalie, but before she could respond, Erick interjected, “My sister married into your family, so naturally, I have ties with you too. Don’t regard me as an outsider. Sooner or later, we’ll be—”
“Oh dear, it’s all my fault,” Rosalie cut in, holding Debra’s arm. “Erick wanted to visit today. Since we’re all family, I brought them. Let’s forget this and eat.”
Debra remained suspicious of Rosalie’s motives. Just then, a maid approached with a tray of wine glasses. Debra tried to move aside, but Rosalie held her arm. Inevitably, the wine spilled, staining Debra’s dress.