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    Randy''s gaze darted around the room as he deliberately avoided eye contact with her. Erica sensed something was amiss.


    "Did something happen when you and Marion went abroad?"


    "No, absolutely not. Don''t overthink it, and please, don''t mention it in front of Debra,"


    Randy nced around furtively, ensuring no one was within earshot. "Let''s not talk here. Come with me."


    He grabbed Erica and led her out of the house.


    ""Exin yourself, Randy. Exin right now," Erica demanded.


    Unbeknownst to them, Debra had overheard their exchange from the car. She rolled down the window, and Ben broke out in a cold sweat.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    After a moment of tense silence, he asked, "Madam, should we get out?"


    Debra didn''t respond. Her mind raced as she processed Randy and Erica''s peculiar behavior. It was evident that something had transpired between Cathryn and Marion. "Let''s get out."


    "Okay," Ben responded, swiftly exiting the vehicle and opening the door for her.


    Debra emerged from the car, a vision of elegance in her red gown. Her long. ck hair cascaded down her back, and silver tassel earrings framed her face, entuating her porcin beauty. She instantly drew the attention of the crowd gathered outside the house. "Isn''t that Ms. Frazier? What''s she doing here?"


    "Did you guys read the news? She survived a disaster and divorced Mr. Nichols at the funeral."


    "She''s attending this event and dressed so mboyantly. She''s really got


    some nerve."


    The richdies whispered among themselves.


    A security guard stationed at the entrance held out his hand, halting Debra and Ben''s progress. "Please show me your invitation."


    Ben presented an invitation with Tracy''s name on it. The guard scrutinized the invitation, his brow furrowing as he looked up at Debra, seemingly doubtful of her identity.


    "Mr. McKinney is caught up in something, and Ms. Frazier is here on his behalf," Ben exined.


    The guard hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let them pass. However, this only served to fuel the gossip surrounding Debra''s arrival, with many specting about her rtionship with Marion.


    Inside the grand hall, all eyes were drawn to Debra as she made her entrance. Erica and Randy''s heated discussion also came to an abrupt halt.


    "D-Debra..." Erica stammered, her shock evident.


    Debra offered her a warm smile. "Erica, it''s been a while."


    "Indeed." Erica realized something and rushed to Debra''s side, grasping her arm anxiously. "Debra, why are you here? You didn''t even give a heads-up."


    Debra turned her attention to Randy, her eyebrow raised inquisitively. "You didn''t seem to notify me either, did you, Randy?"


    Randy stumbled over his words. "I-I forgot."


    Debra remainedposed. "I came uninvited. Are you upset about it?"


    "How so?" Randy replied, his voicecking conviction. "It''s great that you''re here."


    His voice trailed off as he added, "It''s just not the right time."


    Erica shot Randy a disapproving look. "What nonsense are you talking about?


    Just then, the lights in the hall dimmed, and the chatter of the crowd hushed to a whisper. On stage, Marion emerged from a shadowed corner, his arm linked with that of Cathryn.