Chapter 420

Debra pondered the underlying meaning behind Marion’s words. The story swirling around was indeed legendary, but something didn’t add up. With the Houston family’s vast empire, tracking down Marion should have been a simple task. Yet, for sixteen years, no one had found him. And in all that time, not a whisper of the Houstons surfaced in the tale.

“Do you know how my family rose to power?” she asked.

“The military?” he replied.

The Houston family had always leveraged their military might to build their business. Over time, they’d become legitimate, but their roots remained firmly planted in the armed forces. Even now, their old loyalists held sway in major military units.

“Debra, the reason I couldn’t always be by your side was because I had to follow orders from the Houston higher-ups. But now that I’m in charge, that won’t happen again,” he said, squeezing her hand. “I’ll protect you from all harm.”

Debra didn’t press further. She understood Marion was trying to keep her safe and prevent her from becoming a target.

Suddenly, a flash of car lights caught their attention. Two figures spilled out of the vehicle, rushing towards the ship. It was Erica and Randy, bundled up against the cold.

“It’s freezing out here,” Randy grumbled, stomping up the stairs. “Only an unromantic man like Marion would come out to a ship in this weather.”

Seeing them approach, Debra quickly stuffed half the heart-shaped cake in front of her into her mouth. She choked, and Marion swiftly handed her a glass of water.

After she drank, she asked, “How did you find us?”

Erica shrugged. “We heard you were at the port. There are so many in Seamar City, but luckily, we guessed right.”

Randy grinned. “All thanks to me. I remembered Marion bought a ship a few months back and docked it here. With that kind of money, why not buy a plane? But now I see why.”

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He winked at Marion. “So, did it work?”

Marion glanced at Debra, his gaze shy and evasive. He smiled faintly.

“What does that smile mean?” Randy huffed, flopping down into a seat. “You should have told me about your plans earlier. We need to go through the whole process again at the Royal Grand Hotel. The money’s already been spent, so we might as well make the most of it.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Debra stood up, blocking the cake from view.

Marion’s smile deepened, and he also got up. “Let’s go.”

Erica and Randy exchanged a glance, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

Erica muttered suspiciously, “You two…”

“I’m hungry. Erica, let’s go.” Debra blushed, hurrying to drag Erica along.

Randy grinned, asking Marion, “How did it go? Success?”

Marion patted his shoulder and walked away. “The last one to leave, turn off the lights.”

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