That would save Debra a lot of trouble.


    Ben''s phone buzzed. He pulled it out, nced at the screen, and hastily stuffed it back into his pocket.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Ben worked for Marion, and she rarely saw him this flustered.


    "Is something wrong?"


    "No, not really," Ben nervously replied.


    Debra extended her hand. "Let me see. "Madam..."


    "Hand it over."


    She noticed it was his work phone, rarely used for personal calls. Something rted to Marion must have caused this reaction.


    With sweat all over his back, Ben ced his phone in her hand.


    The message was from Randy, brief and to the point. [Houston family handover party tonight. Keep it from Debra.]


    She quickly realized the gravity of the situation. Marion had been back in the country for a while, and Caleb had announced that he would hand over the leadership of the family to Marion. But the handover party hadn''t happened. yet until now. Now she understood why. Marion had blocked the news to keep her in the


    dark.


    "Madam, I..."


    "Ben, remember who you work for. Your sryes from me, not Randy or Marion."


    "I know." Ben nodded, his face flushed with anxiety.


    Debra warned him, "If something like this happens again, you won''t be working here anymore. It might be better for you to go back to Marion."


    "Madam," Ben looked up, his eyes wide, "it won''t happen again. I promise."


    "Okay." Debra extended her hand. "Give me the invitation."


    For such an important event, Caleb wouldn''t have forgotten to send her an invitation.


    Ben, resigned, pulled out a hidden envelope and handed it to her.


    Debra looked at the name on it, realizing it was addressed to Tracy, President of the McKinney Group.


    She ced the invitation on the desk and told Ben, "You can leave now.


    "Okay."


    As night fell, the Houston Mansion was filled with guests. Erica arrived in a shimmering gold evening gown. As a member of the Houston family''s extended branch, her presence was mandatory, Randy opened the car door for her. After she stepped out, Erica looked. around, her brow furrowing. "Where''s Debra? Why isn''t she here?"


    "Shh, not so loud." Randy quickly covered her mouth.


    Erica pped his hand away. "What''s going on, Randy?"


    "We didn''t notify her. Don''t stir things up. She can''t be here tonight," Randy replied.


    "Why not?" Erica kicked him. "How could you and Marion keep this from Debra? Don''t you know how important this event is?"


    Randy grimaced, clutching his foot. "Ouch! Take it easy. Let me exin."


    Erica pulled out her phone. "I don''t want to hear your exnation. I''ll call


    Marion."


    Randy quickly grabbed her arm, his voice low and urgent. "Cathryn is back."


    Erica paused in shock. "Cathryn? What is she doing in Seamar City?"


    "How would I know?" Randy shrugged.