Chapter 9

In the original timeline, Marion's identity was revealed three years after Caleb's death. Debra wondered if her rebirth had unintentionally altered things. Shella's face turned pale at Caleb's words.

“Marion is rumored to be an orphan. How could he be Caleb’s grandson?” She wondered if Caleb had heard everything she had just said. Offending Caleb meant no future in the financial world. Shelia looked at Juan, seeking his help.

“Mr. Houston, Shelia just spoke without thinking. Considering her young age, please don’t judge her too harshly.”

Caleb merely snorted, “Heard there was a genius by Mr. Nichols’s side. Well, I’m not impressed.” Shelia’s face turned ashen. She seemed to have lost all favor with Caleb. Debra witnessed it all. At this point, even if Juan spoke up, it wouldn’t help. Caleb was already merciful enough not to kick her out. Juan fell silent.

When Caleb’s gaze fell on Debra, it softened. “You’re from the Frazier family, right?” Debra came to her senses and nodded. “I’m Debra.”

“Barry wasn’t much to look at when he was young, but his granddaughter turned out to be beautiful. Forty years ago, Barry and I swore brotherhood. Now, you’ve grown up.”

“Brotherhood?” Debra remembered her grandfather’s carefree attitude. He was never involved in family matters and passed away early. She never heard of him knowing Caleb.

While she was at a loss, Caleb approached and asked, “Are you married?” Debra nodded, “Yes.” “To which lad?” Debra glanced at Juan. Caleb’s face fell when he saw Juan. “Norman’s grandson? Huh!”

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Juan smiled, saying, “My grandpa said a lot about you too. Guess you guys were pretty close.”

“Who was close to him?” Shelia was left standing there awkwardly. After Caleb left, Shelia tugged at Juan’s sleeve. “Mr. Nichols, I want to leave.” Juan glanced at the sky outside. “I’ll give you a ride.” Shelia asked, “What about Debra?” Juan glanced at Debra conversing happily with Caleb and said indifferently, “She can find her way home.” Shelia’s eyes held a hint of jealousy towards Debra. ‘Why does Debra get Caleb’s favor? It’s not fair.’

Debra saw Juan and Shelia leaving the venue. Joe approached, whispering, “Mr. Nichols is taking Miss Miles back to the dorm.” “I see.” Joe expected Debra to react emotionally, but her calm demeanor surprised him.

“Is Mr. Nichols taking someone else home?” Marion said. Debra didn’t feel embarrassed. “Isn’t it obvious?” Not only did she see it, but everyone else did too. Twice now, Juan had disregarded her. He escorted another woman home and left her behind at the banquet. Tomorrow, who knew what rumors would spread in high-society circles?

“Aren’t you angry?” “Not at all.” In her last life, she’d had enough of caring about Juan. She wouldn’t repeat the same mistake. Marion looked at Debra’s profile and, despite her indifferent demeanor, saw a hint of loneliness in her eyes.

“May I have the honor of escorting you home?” It was late, and Debra had enough of this place. Joe stood by. “Mr. Houston, I will escort Mrs. Nichols home.” Marion ignored Joe, waiting for Debra’s response. Debra stood up. “Thank you.” Marion stood by Debra’s side like a gentleman, and Joe was dumbfounded.

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He didn’t know how to explain this to Juan later. Debra followed Marion into the car, and Randy served as the driver. Only Marion could get this guy to play that role.

“Dude, I’ve been waiting for you outside for hours, and you’re inside flirting?” Debra could tell Randy’s speechlessness from the rearview mirror.

“Let’s drop Miss Miles home first,” Marion said. “Hey, aren’t we supposed to…” Before Randy could finish, Marion kicked the back of the driver’s seat. Seeing Marion’s warning glare in the mirror, Randy fell silent.

“You got something to do later?” Debra asked. “Not that important.” “You don’t have to drive me. I can go back on my own.”

“Seamar City may seem peaceful, but it’s dangerous, especially since you’re Juan’s wife.” Debra raised an eyebrow. “Juan is different from you. He’s a legitimate businessman.”

“In this kind of place full of sharks, even Juan may not be clean,” Marion said flatly. Debra didn’t argue. In her last life, she had been married to Juan for many years, but he never let her in on family matters. Though Juan seemed like an honest businessman on the surface, he wielded absolute power in this city, so how could he be clean? He just hid it better. Marion didn’t bother hiding anything. After all, he had no weaknesses, as was rumored.

“Ms. Frazier, here we are.” Randy parked the car at the Nichols family’s gate. The lights inside were off, indicating that Juan hadn’t returned yet. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Houston and Mr. Osborne.” Debra got out of the car. Marion watched her enter before rolling up the window. “Let’s go.”

“You remember we had a deal with Aaron at twelve?” Randy glanced at the time. “We’re late!” “Let him wait,” Marion said, “If that guy can’t produce it, I’ll chop off his hand.”

As Debra pushed open the door, she felt something was off. Sophie usually left a light on in the living room, knowing she was afraid of the dark, but now it was off.

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“Juan? Are you back?” No response came from inside the house. Debra turned to leave when suddenly a hand covered her mouth from behind.

“Damn you, bitch! It’s all your fault! All my money’s gone!” Debra tried to break free, but the man was strong. In her struggle, she managed to pull out a lighter from her bag and burn the man’s wrist. The man grunted and stepped back. Debra took the chance to rush out. ‘Juan! Juan!’ Debra muttered his name inwardly as she ran. She grabbed her phone to call Juan.

“Hello?” “Juan! Where are you? Come back! There’s someone at home.” Before Debra could finish, her phone was knocked to the ground. In front of her, a van’s headlights blinded her. On the other end of the line, Juan frowned. “Debra?”

“Wanna save your wife? Bring ten billion dollars!” Juan’s eyes narrowed as the phone disconnected.

“Mr. Nichols, what’s wrong?” Shelia noticed Juan’s unusual expression. Juan gritted his teeth. “Go home!” The driver was taken aback. “Sir, we’re almost at the dormitory building.” “I told you to drive home!” “Yes, sir!” Shelia had never seen Juan so nervous.

“Debra’s in trouble.” “Debra? What happened to her?” Juan didn’t have time for Shelia. He just felt that the voice was familiar but couldn’t recall where he’d heard it.

In the deep night, Randy parked the car outside an abandoned factory. Marion got out of the car, seeing that Aaron and his men hadn’t arrived yet. Randy cursed, “Damn it, this guy is later than us. Inviting a beating.”

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Marion lit a cigarette. Not far away, a van came speeding in. Aaron tumbled out of the car.

“Mr. Houston, Mr. Osborne, I was caught up in something,” Aaron ambled obsequiously. “The money?” Randy asked.

“Let me explain. It’s all because of a bitch who messed up my plans. I kidnapped her and took some time on the road. Mr. Houston…” Randy impatiently interrupted, “Cut the crap. I’m only asking about the thing we wanted.”

“It was bought by that bitch! But it’s okay. Her husband’s rich. I’ve already had someone call her husband. If he wants to save his wife, he’ll have to pay a ransom. That money’s worth a lot more than that land!”

“Make it quick. Time is money,” Marion said. “Don’t worry! I talked to Juan, if he doesn’t come up with ten billion dollars within an hour…”

Marion’s pupils contracted. He grabbed Aaron’s collar and demanded, “Who did you say?” “Juan Nichols…” Aaron trembled in fear. “Who did you kidnap?” Marion asked sternly. “I’ll kill his wife.”

“Debra Frazier. She’s Juan’s wife! It’s all because she snatched that piece of land that could’ve fetched billions, so I…” Before Aaron could finish, Marion kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling. “Where is she?” Marion asked.