Chapter 364
If Debra, the person in charge, ever decided to step into the glittering world of show business, one could only imagine the storm she’d stir. The mere thought of it was exhausting.
Debra stood up and patted Ben’s shoulder. “I have every confidence in you, Ben. You can handle this. Consider your bonus doubled.”
Ben, however, couldn’t summon even a hint of joy at the news.
In the afternoon, Debra found herself seated across from Erica in a café downstairs. Erica nearly choked on her coffee when Debra shared her news.
“You’re entering showbiz?” Erica sputtered, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin. “You can’t be serious.”
Debra raised an eyebrow. “Why the surprise?”
Erica leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Even though the Frazier Group went bankrupt, you still have the McKinney Group. There’s no need for you to step into that circus and invite all that gossip.”
Celebrities were dazzling to commoners, but in their elite circle, celebrities were commodities and pawns to be moved around. Respectable families wouldn’t wish that life upon their children. Celebrities were considered the lowest rung on the social ladder.
Debra shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m not doing this on a whim. With the Frazier Group’s bankruptcy, the McKinney Group might take a hit. But the buzz around me is high right now. It’s an opportunity for some positive hype.”
Erica clicked her tongue as understanding dawned. “You’re right. If the McKinney Group wants to go international, having you and Michael around would save a fortune in endorsement fees.”
Excitement gleamed in her eyes, and she added, “Does Marion know about this?”
Debra’s expression remained unreadable as she sipped her tea. “He doesn’t.”
Erica realized Debra had likely messed up again. “Because he’s not here during the mess? Are you upset?” Debra sighed. “I can’t always rely on others. He can’t be with me all the time. Why should I be upset?”
She had learned this lesson the hard way in her previous life. Even in this new life, after meeting Marion, she knew he couldn’t always be by her side.
“Marion must have been caught up in something,” Erica said. “I’ve never seen him care so much about a girl. It’s just that his job is special.”
Marion wasn’t like other businessmen. His past was shrouded in mystery, his life a constant dance on a knife’s edge.
Erica tried to justify Marion further, but Debra interrupted, “Maybe we’re not meant for each other. Erica, you don’t need to matchmake us anymore.”
Just then, a deep voice came from behind her. “Says who?”
Debra started, turning around to find Marion standing behind her. He looked like he’d been through a whirlwind. His features were drawn with exhaustion, and his eyes weary from lack of sleep.
Erica jumped up, her voice rising. “Finally, you showed up. You have no idea what has happened during the last few days. Is this how you pursue a girl? Running off when it’s crucial?”