Chapter 289
“I know,” Debra murmured, her mind only half-focused on the conversation. From her position in the hallway, she could see Marion in his room, his fingers tracing over the childhood photos scattered across his desk.
“Marion!” she called out, rushing into the room and putting the photos back in order. One caught her eye—her and Juan’s wedding photo. Marion’s eyes went cold, his voice devoid of emotion. “Even the wedding photo is framed and placed on the desk? You love him that much?”
“It’s not like that,” she stammered, struggling to find the right words. The photo was from the early days of their marriage, a time when they didn’t have a proper wedding or many photos together. This single image was the only memento she had of that time. Back then, she had loved Juan, and she had cherished this photo, carefully framing it. But now, it felt like a cruel joke.
“It’s getting late. I’ll leave now,” Marion said, his face an unreadable mask. He rarely showed his anger, but Debra could sense the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.
Outside the door, Ralph noticed Marion’s cold expression and knew something was amiss. He rushed in and asked, “Did you fight with Marion?”
“It’s nothing serious,” Debra reassured him, wearily rubbing her temples. “It’s late; you should go rest.”
“What about Mr. Houston?”
“He should be fine.”
The photo was an old one, a relic of a past she no longer cared for. She didn’t think Marion was really upset about it. Maybe he just needed some time to calm down.
The next morning, she was greeted by a storm of a different kind. News of the Nichols family acting against the Frazier family had spread like wildfire online. Downstairs, Rosalie was in a frenzy. “I told you to get Debra to apologize to Mr. Nichols. Now look, he is determined to deal with our family. I think even the McKinney Group won’t be able to save us.”
Debra descended the stairs, her eyes heavy with fatigue. Rosalie’s gaze shifted to her, her anger intensifying.
“Debra, you seem pretty relaxed. Do you know what kind of mess we’re in now?”
Debra remained indifferent. “It was inevitable that Juan would come after us. Why make such a fuss?”
“If it weren’t for you, Juan wouldn’t be targeting our family. Don’t think just because you have Marion backing you, you’re untouchable. Marion only sees you as a novelty; he never planned to marry you,” Rosalie said, picking up the newspaper. “Look at this. His fiancée has come back. Where does that leave you?”
Debra paused from sipping her tea, her gaze falling on the photo gracing the front page. A beautiful woman was embracing Marion. The headline read, “Marion’s First Love Returns to Marry Him.”
Rosalie continued her tirade. “Do you think Marion is serious about you? Cathryn Bernard is an overseas socialite. She is beautiful, comes from a good family, and most importantly, she isn’t married. Did you see the news? She is Marion’s first love.”
Debra’s expression remained unchanged. “Aunt Rosalie, did you misunderstand something? My relationship with Marion isn’t as close as you think. The return of his first love has nothing to do with me.”