"Since they want to y games, we''ll y along," Debra smirked.


    The car soon pulled up at the Royal Grand Hotel, where reporters had already gathered outside. The moment Debra and Marion stepped out, cameras started shing.


    "Mrs. Houston, do you have any response to the viral rumors about the real and fake heiresses?"


    "Is Miss Vickie Donaldson truly the Frazier family''s daughter?"


    "Did you orchestrate the online smear campaign against her?"


    ...


    The questions were sharp, each reporter eager to pry answers from Debra.


    She remained silent, but Marion''s icy re swept over the crowd. Instantly, the mor died down.


    Randy stepped forward, shing his trademark charm. "The press conference begins shortly. Save your questions for the session. Mrs. Houston will address them all."


    His words carried authority in media circles, and the crowd obediently dispersed into the hotel.


    Across the street, in the Donaldson Corporation''s high-rise office, Juan stood by the window, his eyes fixed on themotion at the Royal Grand Hotel.


    Joe entered quietly. "Sir, things are all set. The reporters have arrived. Should we proceed with ribbon-cutting?"


    "Not yet."


    "But..."


    "Can''t you see Debra and Marion are here? This is their challenge to us." "Uh..."


    "Divert their reporters. Steal the spotlight."


    "They might be nning the same."


    "Then let''s see who is better."


    The door swung open as Vickie entered, draped in a gilded gown that mirrored Debra''s poise. Her smile dripped with calcted sweetness as she said, "The Nichols Group rules Seamar City. Losing face today would be unbing." Cóntent


    Joe bowed slightly. "Miss Donaldson."


    Her smile tightened. "I''ll soon be Mrs. Nichols."


    She looped her arm through Juan''s her


    Tee Syrupy "Honey, don''t falter."


    His reply was cial. "I never falter with enemies."


    At the press conference, reporters had just settled when their phones buzzed in unis


    through the room.


    "Breaking news across the street? What about this event?"


    "They are hosting a ribbon-cutting and going to drop major revtions."


    "Their scoop''s hotter. rifications are boring. Let''s go."


    Within minutes, the hall emptied.


    Erica fumed. "I can''t believe Juan uses such underhanded tactics."


    She stormed backstage and asked Debra, "What now? They''re all gone."


    "Patience." Debra was unfazed.