Chapter 1742

Debra froze, staring at the man.

The driver walked over and handed her a black card. "Miss, this is a little something from my boss. Really sorry about this."

He shoved it into her hand and got back in the car, giving her no chance to refuse.

"What, money makes him king? Like I don't have cash too," Jordan griped, noticing Debra's distraction. "Did that crash knock you out? Why aren't you talking? Need a hospital?"

Debra glanced at the card in her hand.

"I feel like I've seen him somewhere."

"What? I think your brain's fried. When we get back, I'll have William check you out."

Jordan muttered about bad luck as he opened the car door and nudged her in. If he didn't have stuff to do today, he'd have taught that punk a lesson.

For the rest of the journey, Debra stared at the card, dead quiet.

Jordan noticed her usual silence and took it as an aftershock of the crash.

"You sure you don't need a doctor?"

"I'm good."

Jordan poked his head out the window.

"I'll wait here. We'll pick up your folks and head to the Houston Mansion together."

"Got it."

Debra walked to the door and looked up at the house.

Her mind drifted. This was her home, but it felt like a lifetime since she'd been back.

"Miss, you're home. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier were just saying you'd be back from school soon," a maid said, all smiles as she approached. The source of thɪs content is find⸺novel.net

Debra's eyes stung, and her nose tingled. Before she knew it, her tears fell.

"Miss, what's wrong? Why aren't you coming in?" asked the maid.

Debra shook her head and pushed the door open.

The familiar home lay before her. Gael was in a white shirt, radiating a scholarly vibe. Lori Frazier moved with grace, age only brushing her eyes with faint lines.

Normally, Debra would've run into their arms like a spoiled child. But today, she was filled with bitterness.

"Dwayne is throwing a welcome-back dinner tonight," Gael said, faking a stern look. "Dylan and the rest are probably there already. You're the only one dragging your feet."

Lori adjusted his tie and sleeves. "Your outfit's ready upstairs. Hurry and change. Your dad's all about appearances. Don't embarrass him."

"Who says that? My girl could show up in pajamas and still do Dwayne a favor. He should thank me," Gael said.

"Quit yapping." Lori swatted his face lightly. "Lift your arm and let me check."

"At your command, my queen," he smiled.

Debra got goosebumps and bolted upstairs.