Chapter 301

Debra found herself unable to avoid Marion’s intense gaze. His eyes, serious and sincere, held hers.

“I don’t like being in debt, and I don’t have any romantic debts. My heart belongs to you alone, now and forever.”

“I don’t believe in love,” Debra said, her voice flat. “Maybe in the past, I could have fallen for you. But now, I don’t want to easily fall for anyone.”

The lessons from her past life were too painful. She admitted that Marion’s words had momentarily moved her, but it wasn’t enough to risk the rest of her life. Life was precious, and having been given a second chance, she wasn’t about to drown in love again.

“Alright, then I’ll stay by your side until you accept me.”

“You…”

Just then, the driver entered the car, interrupting the intimate atmosphere.

“Mr. Houston, Ms. Frazier, don’t worry. It won’t take long,” a police officer said politely, taking the passenger seat.

Debra suddenly remembered the Houston family’s strong military background. Military influence was significant in Seamar City, but after Caleb retired, many of his old associates had faded from the scene. She felt a pang of foolishness for worrying about Marion. His connections with the police weren’t as surprising as she’d initially thought.

Just then, a series of notifications dinged on everyone’s phones. Debra pulled out her phone and saw breaking news splashed across the screen. The reporters outside the hotel had already uploaded photos and news online. Even late at night, it had created quite a buzz.

[CEO kidnapped his wife in the dead of night, attempted rape, but was caught by police.] The headline was plastered at the top of the trending topics.

Debra glanced at Marion, who remained composed. It seemed he had orchestrated this media frenzy. Then she noted the police car was taking a winding route. A trip that should have taken about ten minutes had stretched to over twenty. Flashing lights were everywhere, cameras clicking incessantly.

The sound of the police siren attracted curious onlookers. It felt like public shaming, a spectacle designed to humiliate and degrade.

“This is sick,” Debra couldn’t help but comment, awed by Marion’s trick.

Marion shrugged. “It’s alright.”

The Nichols family was in chaos. When Melody saw the news, she nearly fainted. Hester rushed to her aid. “Mrs. Nichols Sr., you must take care of yourself.”

After learning Sheila was missing, Hester returned to the Nichols family home. After a series of blows, Melody was struggling mentally. “What has Juan done? Is he disregarding the family reputation just for the sake of a woman? How could he do this?”

“Mrs. Nichols Sr., the most important thing now is to get Juan back,” Hester said, her voice anxious and urgent.

Melody came back to her senses. “You’re right. Sophie, get the driver here. I’m going to the police station.”

“Yes, madam,” Sophie responded, going off to carry out the order.

Hester offered, “Let me go with you.”

“Alright,” Melody patted her hand, “follow my instructions. If we get through this safely, you’ll be Mrs. Nichols.”