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 his laptop. "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 the company."
He glanced 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 glare, "business partner."
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