Chapter 269

The room was shrouded in darkness, not a single shard of light piercing the gloom. As the agent swung open the door, a foul stench assaulted his senses, making him recoil. The space was a mess, littered with trash and clutter, barely fit for human habitation.

It was hard to believe anyone could endure such conditions for more than a minute, yet Michael had been holed up here for four interminable days.

“Michael. Pull yourself together,” the agent commanded, stepping into the room and hauling Michael up from the floor. Michael’s eyes were vacant, devoid of their usual spark.

“Michael, listen to me,” the agent urged. “The Frazier Group has changed hands. Do you understand? You need to clean up and head to the company right now. The big boss wants to see you. Do you hear me?”

Michael’s voice was a raspy croak, as if he hadn’t drunk water for days. “Where is Debra? Have you found her?”

The agent hesitated before delivering the harsh truth. “Ms. Frazier is dead, Michael. You need to let go. I know you’re grateful to her, but you have to move on.”

“Dead? Says who?”

“She’s been missing for four days, with no body found. Isn’t that enough to say she’s dead?” the agent replied in frustration. “What you need to do now is win over the new boss. Otherwise, all your hard work will go to waste.”

“My boss can only be Debra.” Michael turned his head away, unwilling to listen more.

The agent’s patience wore thin, and his voice rose in anger. “Why are you so stubborn? Ms. Frazier has sold the company to the McKinney Group; it’s been acquired, Michael. The president of the McKinney Group is interested in you and wants to make you a new star. Can’t you see the opportunity?”

After a moment of stunned silence, Michael turned to look at the agent. “Who wants to see me?”

“Who else could it be?” the agent replied. “Tracy, the president of the McKinney Group.”

At the mention of that name, Michael seemed to come alive. The agent was surprised, but that didn’t matter. He wasted no time in arranging for a makeup artist and stylist. Within an hour, Michael was standing outside the McKinney Group headquarters.

“Mr. McKinney wants to see you alone. Just go in,” the agent said. “I’ll be waiting outside.”

Before the agent could explain further, Michael fixed his eyes on the top floor of the building. “I’ll go by myself.”

Ben was there to lead the way. Michael had met him before and recognized him as Debra’s assistant, who had frequently appeared at Frazier Entertainment. Ben’s presence further confirmed a speculation in his mind.

As they reached the top floor, Michael glanced at the door to the president’s office, hesitation gnawing at him. He was afraid things wouldn’t be as he expected.

“Now then, are you afraid to come in?”

A familiar voice came from inside the office. Hope surged within Michael, and his once-dull eyes brightened. He pushed open the door, and there she was—Debra, unharmed and sitting comfortably in her chair.

For a moment, his joy rendered him mute. “Y–You’re alive!”

Debra stood up, her smile widening. “Of course, I’m alive. Your partner is right here in front of you, Michael. This isn’t a dream.”