When Debra and Marion came back, Michael quickly ended the call.


    "You didn''t check in with Hannah before leaving?" Debra asked.


    "This trip is for work," Michael replied, closing hisptop. "Hannah was just briefing me on tomorrow''s schedule."


    He noticed her disheveled appearance. "You guys came back so early. Guess the investigation didn''t go as smoothly?"


    "Let''s just say it was a bit intense. Marion can tell you about the details," Debra said, sitting down on the couch.


    Marion habitually warmed up some milk for her and grabbed some pre-sliced cake from the fridge.


    He didn''t stick around in the living room but went straight to the kitchen to boil eggs.


    Michael raised an eyebrow. "Feels like he doesn''t quite like me."


    Marion heard it, his grip tightening around an egg. Then there was a cracking sound.


    Michael added, "My visit seems untimely. Should I move out?"


    But he made no move to get up.


    Debra took a sip of milk. "No way. I can''t let you leave, especially since you''re the face of the McKinney Group. Besides, hotels have cameras everywhere. If something happens, it''ll cause a huge issue for thepany."


    "I had no idea I was that important


    to you, Michael said delet you insist, I''ll stay. I hopet


    get along with Mr. Houston."


    I can


    His voice wasced with amusement as he looked at Marion.


    Marion''s cold gaze locked on Michael, as if daring him to push his luck.


    Most people would''ve backed off at that look, but Michael innocently asked, "Mr. Houston, do I have something on my face?"


    Debra turned to look at Marion, but he had shifted his gaze and was cleaning up the kitchen counter.


    "I''ll have someone prepare a room for you. Just feel at home," she said. "By the way, where''s your suitcase?"


    "Sent away, Michael replied, picking up hisptop. "Hannah arranged some work for me, so I can''t stay here. Just messing with you earlier. I''ll head to the hotel arrange@by the organizer."


    He nced at Marion, who seemed restless in the kitchen. "Debra is


    family to me. I was at the main table at your wedding. Mr. Houston, take care of her, alright? Don''t let her suffer."


    Marion was annoyed by his self-righteous tone.


    Debra quickly reassured him, "Don''t worry. Marion would never let me suffer."


    "But he let you get hurt," Michael said, his eyes flicking down to the bruise on her thigh.


    He didn''t say more but made sure Marion noticed.


    "You''re my most important..." he paused deliberately, feeling Marion''s re, "business partner."