"Something to return to you," Debra said ndly as she unpinned the orchid brooch from her blouse.


    She''d once wondered who gave it to her until she realized only Juan fit.


    The brooch ttered to the floor. Juan''s eyes flickered imperceptibly before he said tly, "Never seen it. You''re mistaken."


    "Maybe I am." Debra''s voice stayed calm.


    Juan took Vickie''s hand and left without ncing back. Debra didn''t spare the brooch a look either.


    She turned back to the room. "Thank you for your support. Let me be clear. I''m the only heiress of the Frazier family, and the McKinney Group has one leader. Stay, and I''ll honor your trust. Leave, and we go our separate ways."


    The shareholders pledged their loyalty one after another.


    "I''m staying. Juan paraded some lookalikes and imed she owned the world. I don''t give it a shit."


    "We follow Mrs. Houston as a business leader, but some heiress title."


    "We''ll never bite the hand that feeds us. Where was thisdy when the Frazier Group nearly copsed? Now she wants a piece of the pie? Ridiculous."


    Murmurs of agreement swelled, and the partners hesitated.


    Suddenly, voices boomed from the doorway. "We stand with Mrs. Houston."


    A group of mid-tier but respected businessmen strode in, led by Lionel Clements. Emmett saw his friend and hurried over. "Lionel? What brings you here?"


    Lionel replied calmly, "I''m here to support Mrs. Houston. You


    mentioned to me that she helped


    you before, saying she is a 9t


    person but unfortunately a woman. I don''t agree with you. Who says women can''t dominate the business world?"


    Std announced, "I believe


    l.ne


    I''ll work with the Group as long as she


    stays in power."


    "Me too." Chad Heath thumped his chest. "My ports are hers. The Nichols Group and the Lowe Group can choke."


    The tide turned. Partners exchanged guilty nces. Debra had always been generous to them, even during crises.


    "I''ll stay and support Mrs. Houston."


    "Me too."


    "The Nichols Group is not exactly good connection to make. Even


    we got


    like


    there, they might not give us


    the best shop location as proed.


    We should choose Mrs. Houston."


    Outside the conference room, Marion paused, his men halting behind him.


    A subordinate whispered, "Sir, should we intervene?"