Juan couldn''t understand why Debra never looked at him anymore.


    Her eyes, which used to be filled with adoration, now seemed to look right through him.


    The thought drove him crazy, consuming his mind and leaving him


    restless.


    Working overtime in her office, Debra suddenly sneezed.


    "What''s wrong?" Marion asked with concern.


    Only the two of them were in the office. Randy and Erica had left to have fun. During the day, Debra had to intern at Tyson Enterprises. She could only check on the McKinney Group''s projects at night.


    "Maybe I caught a cold," she replied, taking a sip of hot tea.


    Lately, she had gotten too much on her te and had no time to rx.


    "If you''re not feeling well, don''t go to the family banquet tomorrow," advised Marion.


    Ever since the big fuss caused by Stanley earlier, Debra had been using the excuse of her injuries from the car ident for the past three months to decline to attend the monthly banquets. But this time, she had to go.


    She shook her head. "I should go. I''m okay. It may be just a chill. Don''t worry about it."


    Marion raised an eyebrow. "You know I''m worried?"


    His words caused her to blush. He continued, "I thought you didn''t know. Erica said you never drank a drop of the ginger teal sent."


    "I don''t like ginger tea," Debra muttered.


    "The weather''s been cooling downtely. Ginger tea is good for warming up," Marion said, pulling a packet of ginger tea from the drawer.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    "I''ll make it," Debra offered, but when she felt the scalding hot water, she quickly withdrew her hand.


    Marion smiled at her reaction. "Let me handle it. And when the banquet is over tomorrow, I''lle by to pick you up."


    "Okay," Debra agreed without much thought.


    Marion seemed surprised at her swift eptance. "Aren''t you worried I might take you somewhere unexpected?"


    "Not at all. I know my way around," Debra replied, avoiding his gaze.


    She recalled how she had turned down Marion''s advances before, yet he always acted as if he hadn''t heard. Over time, his behavior shifted from overt pursuit to a more casual friendliness, often less frequent than her interactions with Randy. Gradually, she forgot about it. Yet Marion''s offer to pick her up felt significant, suggesting there was more to his gesture. Without further exnation, he left it at that, and she chose not to press him.


    The next day, Debra arrived early for the family dinner. Ralph weed her with a warm smile. "Debra, you''re back! How is your injury?"


    Debra nced over at Stanley, who sat on the couch. Then she gave Ralph a reassuring smile. "Much better. Don''t worry."


    Stanley had been released from his previous confinement just days ago. He looked at Debra, trying to hide the resentment in his eyes, but his efforts were clumsy and transparent.


    Ralph guided her into the dining room, his voice filled with enthusiasm." Come on in! Rosalie has been eagerly waiting for you. She''s prepared a


    feast just for you. Let''s not keep her waiting."


    She looked around and asked, "Where is everyone? Aren''t theying?"


    "They''ll be here soon," Ralph assured her. "Debra, you''ve done wonders with Frazier Entertainment. That guy named Michael proves to be a real gem. Our other projects have also seen a boost thanks to him."


    He beamed with pride, while Stanley sneered, "It''s all luck. Michael''s the real star. What does that have to do with her?"