"Watch your mouth. This is Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Joe chided, standing beside Melody.The officers recognized him and fell silent."Where are you keeping Juan? Release him now!" Melody demanded, disregarding her manners.Pedro appeared, smiling nervously. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., what brings you here so late?""Juan was taken by your people. Why do you think I'm here?""Well, this is tricky. He injured Mr. Houston, which should be handled through legal procedures. He is in our interrogation room. If you want to see him, I can arrange that.""Mr. Houston? Since when does he rule Seamar City? Juan would never do anything illegal. It must be a setup."It was known to all that Marion used to be an outlaw. Framing someone was easy for him.Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind her."A setup? Marion is injured by him. Juan tried to attack me. If Marion hadn't saved me, I'd be the one in the hospital," Debra accused.Melody turned to look at her. "It was you. I knew it. Juan did so much for
Once they were gone, Debra asked, "Is Juan in the interrogation room?""Yes, he's being questioned right now," Pedro replied. "It's not a good time for visitors."Debra fell silent. She had rushed from the hospital to find out why Juan had acted like that.He wasn't the type to lose control or try to kill someone so recklessly. Something was not right."Then I'll wait here until he's done," she said, sitting down in a nearby chair.Pedro faltered, "Well, the interrogation could take all night, and I heard Mr. Houston is injured. Shouldn't you take care of him? I'll let you know the results first thing tomorrow morning."Debra was indeed worried about Marion's injuries. If the police station weren't so close to the hospital, she wouldn't have taken the time to come here.Now that waiting seemed pointless, she stood up and said, "Alright, please keep me posted. I'll be next door at the hospital.""Of course, I'll send someone to handle that," Pedro replied.Once Debra was gone,
Late at night, Barton brought Juan to Andrew's study.The mansion was quiet, with no one on guard. Andrew was seated there at ease, and Juan asked, "Aren't you worried about being found out?Erica, Randy, Garland, and Liza were all staying there. And if Debra and Marion came back, his meeting with Andrew would be exposed.Andrew casually replied, "Marion is in the hospital getting treated. They won't be back anytime soon.""What about Garland and Liza?""Isn't Garland your sidekick? You think he'll rat you out?"Andrew always seemed to have everything under control, and it was hard to read his mind.Barton invited Juan to sit down and poured him some tea.Andrew said, "Debra must hate you to the core because of your actions. With all this media attention, you would have to step down. Are you really fine with that?""I've wanted to quit for a long time," Juan replied. "I don't believe you don't want to retire."The burden of the Potter family would crush anyone else within thr
Garland jumped in fright and almost tumbled down the stairs.His jaw dropped when he saw Juan standing there. "You got caught too?"Barton glanced at them before sensibly stepping away to give them space. His actions further confirmed Garland's guess.He dragged Juan to a quiet corner and bombarded him with questions. "How did you walk into their trap? What do they plan to do with you? What's your situation now? Are they going to lock you up with me? Should we pretend we don't know each other?"Though he'd only been in this house for a few days, he had realized that every single resident was shrewd and cunning.Outmaneuvering them was just mission impossible.Juan said calmly, "No one can know I'm here, especially not Debra. Got it?""Why not? Didn't you come back for her? Why do something good and keep it a secret?" Garland leaned in and whispered, "And about that wife-killing thing... Is it true or false? It's all over the news. I don't want to believe it, but knowing your tem
Juan was never one to run from a fight. Yet Barton looked all serious."If you don't believe me, you can go and ask the police. Juan has fled. Mr. Andrew Potter has sent people to track him down. As long as he doesn't leave Seamar City, everything is still in control.""Honey, is the car here yet?" Marion limped into view behind her.Barton fought back the urge to laugh and said, "Mr. Andrew Potter has instructed me to escort you both home.""Oh, much appreciated," Marion replied, tossing his cane to Barton.He grabbed Debra's arm and said, "Walking is hard for me. Be my crutch, honey."She glanced at his hand. "Behave yourself. Don't make me slap you."Knowing she was still mad at him, Marion turned back to Barton. "She's not in a great mood. Don't mention anything that'll upset her. Go bring the car around."Once Barton left, Marion leaned heavily on Debra, his voice soft and dramatic. "I'm really too weak to walk."Debra sighed and helped steady him. "Juan being picked up b
Debra sighed, "Just drive normally. I won't ask anymore.""Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Houston," Barton said.The car ride smoothed out after that."Thanks, honey," Marion said."Just shut up." Debra glared at him, and he quickly zipped his mouth.When they arrived at the Potter Mansion, Debra helped Marion out of the car.The hall was empty except for a maid cleaning."Barton, do you know where Erica and Randy are?" Debra asked."They went out for a meal last night and never came back. Maybe they stayed out," Barton replied."Stayed out?" Debra muttered.Just then, a voice echoed from upstairs. "You're finally back. Where were you all night? Why is no one here?"Garland looked down, surprised to find Marion injured.Remembering Juan's visit last night and his talk of disappearing for a while, Garland had a chilling thought. 'Eventually, Juan made a move against his rival in love.'It was understandable. No men could stand their loved ones being with someone els
Debra was too smart to fool.Marion sighed, "Can I lie?""No, you can't," Debra replied firmly.Marion pulled out his phone and showed her the call log. On the top of the list was a call from an unknown number from last night.But to Debra, that number was all too familiar. "Juan self-directed that show?"...Barton stepped into Andrew's room, clearly troubled. "Sir, you have to step in and do something.""He told her himself," Andrew replied blandly. "I didn't force him.""But Mr. Houston is going to destroy everything in the house."Andrew rubbed his temples, regretting bringing these people to his house."Take me to him.""Yes, sir."Barton wheeled Andrew to the hallway, and they saw Marion sitting in the living room.Darts were thrown at a glass vase worth five figures. A second later, the vase shattered into pieces.As Marion went on to pick up a knife from the table, Barton rushed up to stop him. "Mr. Houston, you can't throw that.""Who said I was going to throw i
At the Nichols family's old house, Melody turned over a table. "Debra, how dare she do this? Control the media now. Don't let this blow up.""It's too late," Joe faltered. "The news is all over the place. An agency called New Age is behind it. I tried to negotiate with them, but they refused to take down the story.""New Age? Who are they to cross us?" Melody fumed.She had never heard of this news agency.Joe looked worried. "The news is spreading fast. It's unfavorable for Mr. Nichols. We need to find him and get his side of the story. If he was framed, we could hold a press conference to clear things up."Melody agreed, "Then what are you waiting for? Go.""Yes, Madam," Joe said, rushing out.Melody sat down, her mind racing. She couldn't let the family empire crumble."Sophie, call the Buchans. If something happens to Juan, we must stand strong.""But they..." Sophie hesitated."Just do as I say," Melody insisted.Meanwhile, Debra arrived at the ruined Nichols Mansion,
"Dad." Liza rushed to the bed, grabbing Bert's hand.In her mind, Bert was a stern old grump. He was always tough and sharp.But now, the illness had taken a toll on him. He had shrunk, and his hair had gone gray overnight.Fermin stood behind her, watching with pain.In fact, Bert had been ill for a while now. He had been grooming Fermin for years.But once he'd caught wind of Fermin's plans, Bert would rather kill him and trash their legacy than let him join the Illuminati.Fermin knew this day was coming. Liza didn't. Bert never wanted her to.She froze, feeling like his hand had twitched. She stopped crying and spun to Fermin."Did you see it? Dad moved..." she exclaimed.Fermin clapped a hand over her mouth, a move that confused her.He shook his head, warning her off. She nodded fast, signaling she'd keep quiet.Fermin checked the door and eased his hand off. "Dad's fine. Let's head home, alright?"Liza glanced at Bert with reluctance but wiped her tears. "Okay.""Co
Drake's mouth hung open, but no words came out."I swapped the drug for saline," Juan said. "You're on your own tonight. You've only had one dose, so there might still be a chance. If you don't wanna die here, suck it up. Don't let Kale die for nothing."Juan dropped that and left the room.Drake slumped on the bed. Old memories came flooding back, from their first meeting to their camaraderie. They had been through thick and thin together.If it hadn't been for him, Kale wouldn't have been dead....In the hospital, Liza kept watch outside the ICU where Bert lay.Two black-suited guards blocked the door. Even after surgery, they wouldn't let her in."When can I see him?" she asked, clenching her fists.The guards stood like statues, ignoring her."That's my dad," she shouted, pounding their chests. "I need to be with him. Move. Get out of my way.""Stop it." Fermin strode up, grabbing her swinging fist. "You're an Eaton. Act like it."He turned and slapped a guard hard. "Y
Juan arrived at a villa on Seamar City's outskirts. It was where Drake was locked up.It was pitch black in the room, with only a bed. The windows were nailed shut.The moment Drake handed over the stone, he'd guessed his fate. The Illuminati had rules for traitors: the blessing ritual.But that "blessing" was just injecting their latest drug into turncoats. They would be used as free guinea pigs. Death was the best outcome. Surviving meant real torture.It didn't hurt. Rather, it felt like heaven. That was why they called it a blessing."When did they shoot you up with that stuff?" Juan asked.Drake leaned back on the bed, nonchalant. "I gave them the stone. It doesn't matter to you. Just give me the drug."By night, he was a mess.The stuff could ease the pain for an hour. Then hell would kick in. Once the cravings hit, it felt like ants gnawing his bones.The pain wired into his nerves. At its worst, he'd bash the wall, tempted to bite his tongue off.He couldn't leave wit
To the bishop, Debra and her crew were small fry.A hundred years ago, the Four Great Families might've been untouchable. But now? Their roots were shaky.The Illuminati, on the other hand, had grown unstoppable.For the stone, he'd see them and let them feel the Illuminati's might. It was something callows like them couldn't touch."Tell them I pick the time and place," he said. "Get the stone ready. If it's fake, they'll get the harshest punishment from God.""Yes, Master," Michael replied, turning to leave.Lara stood up to protest, "I'm against this. We should take the chance to wipe them out and take their assets."In her mind, the four families were nothing. When they could snatch what they wanted, there was no need for deals or games."God spares all," the bishop muttered. "I'll give them a shot to live. If they bow, why kill them?"Lara fell silent, but Frederic stepped out of the shadows. He asked, "What about the stone Drake gave us?""Only one of the two stones is
Night settled in deep.Debra and the crew were still waiting for Michael's reply."Still nothing? They don't buy it, do they?" Erica paced, antsy."Give it time. They'll bite," Debra said, clutching her phone.She had promised Kale she would bring Drake back. No breaking that.A text finally pinged her phone. It was Michael.Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Like Debra said, the Illuminati couldn't rule out her having the real stone.If theirs was fake, Michael and his crew couldn't afford the fallout."Marion, it's on you now," Debra said.The Houston family had military muscle on tap. The Potter family owned elite guards and intel. Erica and Randy were solid backups.But this meeting? Debra had to go herself."Does it have to be now? Maybe wait till you're healed?" Erica said.Debra shook her head. "Drake is at risk every day he's with them. I can't take that chance. Just like they can't risk us holding the stone.""She's right," Randy jumped in. "Drag this out, and who
"What're you looking at?" Lara asked, stepping out and spotting Michael by the window."Debra says the stone Drake gave us is fake," he replied."What? No way." Drake shot up from his seat."Are you messing with us?" Lara's sharp gaze landed on him."No. Debra's talking nonsense," Drake insisted."We'll see," Michael said, unruffled.Debra was offering the stone on the condition of meeting with their leader. It fit her style."She thinks she can just waltz in and see our master?" Lara sneered."The stone's a big deal to him. I bet he'll agree," Michael replied, shutting his phone."Don't tell me you're sweet on Debra," she hissed. "You keep letting her off. Don't wanna kill her, huh?""Unlike you, I don't get off on killing," he countered. "If she's not in my way, why bother? You're out there slaughtering, just making enemies for the Illuminati. You're venting rather than serving.""You don't get it. I'm building fear for the Illuminati," she justified herself. "They need to
Oscar set down the receiver and threw his hands up. "I'm not resisting. Don't spook my staff," he said.Chace tried to step in, but Oscar's look stopped him.This incident was major. Almost half of Flesta's people had fallen victim.Everyone at the company, Chace included, got hauled in for questioning. As the head, Oscar was the main target.The line went dead, and Debra's heart sank."Those bastards," Randy cursed, "hitting us on both sides. No wonder the Illuminati has been quiet. They have been gunning for our partners.""They're smart," Debra said. "Can't take us head-on, so they go after our allies. They want everyone to see partnering with us as a dead end. If we let this slide, we're doomed eventually.""What should we do?" Erica stomped, fuming. "We just sit here and watch them pick off our friends one by one?""They're showing us what happens if we cross them. They want us to bow. The only way out is to flip the script and strike first.""Strike first? What does th
Seeing Debra's worried look, Marion said, "You should just focus on healing and leave the rest to us. We might not match the Illuminati, but they won't mess with us randomly here in Seamar City."The Four Great Families had ruled Seamar City for a century. Although the former heads had faded, the new generation was sharper and stronger. They could hold off the Illuminati's push.Debra's phone rang. It was Oscar calling."You free? I've got something to tell you," he said.Debra put it on the speaker. No one could guess the aim of his call.In Flesta, the Odom family's business was booming again. He should have been busy with work."What's up?" she asked."There's big trouble in Flesta," he replied. "We didn't want to bug you, but it's spiraling out of control. We're out of moves.""What happened?" She had a bad feeling.Oscar paused. "A new drug has popped up in Flesta. Tons of our staff got hooked, just like regular folks. The police are on it now. We checked our products and
Debra stared at the pendant.What had happened yesterday came flooding back.Kale was gone, and the fact hit her hard."It's my fault," she said in agony. "If he hadn't gone with me, he would have been alive.""Everyone makes their calls," Marion soothed her. "If there's blame, it's on the Illuminati. I was terrified, almost losing you.""I felt like you were nearby, so I wasn't afraid," she said, leaning into him. "They'll pay for hurting Drake and killing Kale. I'll make sure of it.""No matter what happens, we're in this together," he said.Exhaustion took over. She closed her eyes and drifted off.When she woke up, it was already noon the next day. Her injury kept her from moving much.Everyone gathered outside her bedroom. William came in to check on her."You're fine. Just change the dressings on time," he said, packing up his kit. "You guys can come in now."Debra adjusted her clothes and leaned against the headboard. "Sorry to trouble you.""We're in this together,"