Debra got out of the car, not having told Erica about the event and not expecting Juan to be so eager to have Shelia move in.Joe heard the sound, looking over in surprise. "Madam?"He wondered if Juan had done this just to upset Debra."Don't mind me. You can go on with your work," Debra said casually.But Joe was visibly nervous.The situation now felt like a battlefield."Debra, you're not upset, are you? We're going to be neighbors. I'll be counting on you for help," Shelia said with feigned politeness.Debra turned back and snorted, "Neighbors? What kind of neighbors?"Shelia said confidently, "I will be living here too, so..."Debra sneered and pointed to the building where Shelia would move in, then to the one where she and Erica were living."Did Juan not tell you about the price difference between these two buildings?"Shelia was surprised. "What?"Erica put her hand on Debra's shoulder and teasingly said, "Looks like Juan doesn't value you much. Your building is t
"Something's up?" Debra asked, taking her seat."Yeah.""Is it about me?""Well," Jordan faltered, "this morning, my brother mentioned some trouble with the Nichols family. It's insider info, and you probably don't know yet.""So, you came all the way to school just to gossip about this?"Jordan blushed a little, turning his head away. "Don't get me wrong. I just wanted to get some info from you.""I probably know less than you do," Debra said, dropping the teasing. "What exactly happened?""It's internal news. Some shady financial records leaked from the Nichols family, causing several funding chains to break. All cooperation with overseas institutions has been halted. Soon, they will face inquiries. That's a lot of money they're going to lose," Jordan revealed.The mention of overseas institutions made Debra think of Marion.He was the only person capable of doing such a thing."Do you know who did it?" Jordan tried to read Debra's expression.Raising an eyebrow, Debra rep
"See, you guys are my best friends. I messed up last time, so I invited you here to eat, hoping you can forgive me. It was a slip of the tongue. I'm sorry," Shelia said, oblivious to Debra's presence.Debra sat in the corner, quietly listening to Shelia's apology."My boyfriend bought me a house just across from the campus. It's boring to live alone. Why don't you move in with me? You guys are my best friends after all," Shelia said earnestly, holding their hands.Debra almost laughed out loud.'So, Juan was the boyfriend Shelia was talking about.'She understood now. If Shelia really wanted to apologize, she could have done it ages ago. In reality, she was just trying to show off the house Juan had bought for her. That was why she said these things at the most expensive restaurant in Arcane Academy."What are you staring at? Order something," Jordan said.Debra snapped out of her thoughts. "Get me a cup of tea. I suddenly crave it.""Huh?" Jordan was bewildered.Just then,
Carrie couldn't help but scoff, "Who wants to talk with you?""Carrie, I messed up, and I understand your anger. But I sincerely want to apologize to you. Will you forgive me?" Shelia said pitifully, tears streaming down her face.Wendy tugged at Carrie, who reluctantly sat back down."You both know the school revoked my scholarship. Life's been tough, and I can't always rely on my boyfriend. This meal will be paid for with my own money." Shelia bit her lip, looking deeply hurt.Wendy and Carrie had heard about Shelia losing her scholarship, so they softened a little."I'll do anything to get your forgiveness. Carrie, I know you've been through a lot lately. I'm willing to find the Inspection Team and confess. Just please don't ignore me."Carrie turned her head away, swayed by Shelia's words.After all, they had been best friends for three years. If not for Shelia falsely accusing her in front of the Inspection Team, their friendship wouldn't have soured like this."If you con
Erica couldn't help but say, "Marion has a good taste. This dress looks amazing on you."Debra smiled lightly at the compliment.Marion chimed in, "This banquet is not that important. Do you have any plans?"Debra gestured with a hushing motion. "It's a secret."The threshold for the Potter family's banquet was high. Those who attended were all wealthy entrepreneurs in Seamar City.Shelia wore a white dress, looking nervous in the car.She had accompanied Juan to some social events before, but they were trivial compared to this one. The Potter family's status was on par with Juan's.Shelia glanced sideways at Juan, and besides feeling nervous, she also felt joy and excitement. She couldn't believe she was accompanying Juan to such an occasion."Juan, do you really not want Debra to accompany you?" Shelia lowered her voice, showing some hesitation.The mention of Debra made Juan restless.In fact, he had called her, but she hadn't even answered."You don't want to come?" he a
Wendy suspiciously said, "Why didn't you mention the party when you left the dorm today? Usually, if your boyfriend takes you to a banquet, you'd be eager to let us know.""It happened suddenly, and you didn't tell me either," Shelia said with a forced smile. "How come you guys are here?""What, only your boyfriend can attend such occasions, but my parents can't?" Carrie sneered.Their family backgrounds far exceeded Shelia's.Shelia bit her lip. "That's not what I meant."Carrie pressed, "Well then, you've been wanting to introduce your boyfriend to us, right? Since we're all here, why not let us meet him?"Wendy echoed, "Yeah, isn't your boyfriend in business too? He looks like a bigshot. I can ask my parents to invest in his company."Shelia looked troubled. "My boyfriend never lets me get involved in his business.""Come on, your boyfriend sponsors your education, right? And he wants to send you abroad for studies. Every time he goes to a banquet, he takes you along. How co
"Sir, Mrs. Nichols is here," whispered Joe to Juan.Juan wrinkled his brow, having noticed Debra the moment she walked in. Marion was trailing behind, a sight that annoyed him.Debra and Erica walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Shelia and the others.Her face bore a playful smile.Jordan had waited inside for a long time. His eyes lit up the moment Debra approached. He abandoned his wine and strode swiftly towards her."What took you so long?" His tone held some impatience but more joy.Debra said, "Allow me introduce my friend, Erica."Jordan froze, while Erica teased, "Well well, the kid from the Potter family has grown up."She moved as if to pinch Jordan's ear, but he quickly blocked her hand. "I'm not a kid anymore."Debra hadn't expected they would know each other.Erica explained, "When we were little, the Potter and Houston families had business dealings. I was the oldest, and Randy was my sidekick. Jordan was t
Shelia just wanted to leave as soon as possible. Carrie grabbed her hand and said teasingly, "What's the rush? Isn't that your boyfriend? He's flirting with another woman right in front of you. As your friends, we'll stand up for you.""Carrie's right. Let's go over there and demand an explanation."Wendy and Carrie exchanged glances, eager to witness the drama between the wife and the mistress.Shelia shook her head desperately.Not far away, the air went oppressive with Juan's approaching. Debra, however, seemed oblivious. "Oh, isn't that Shelia? Why aren't you with Miss Miles? She doesn't look well."Juan's face darkened.He couldn't believe she wanted him to care about Shelia on such an occasion.Erica was full of hostility, and Jordan scoffed, "Just now, Mr. Nichols came in holding another woman's hand. I thought the Nichols family had a new hostess. Mrs. Nichols, why are you here all alone?"His casual words were full of sarcasm.Debra smiled, having no intention of givi
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,"
William left quickly.Marion got up to lock the door and returned to the bedside.Sitting back into the chair, he switched on a dim lamp, making sure Debra would see him first thing if she woke up."Brother..." Debra mumbled.Marion leaned in. "I'm here."Her murmurs stopped, but her hands shot up, grasping at the air. "It's so dark. Save me."He grabbed her flailing hands right away. "Don't be scared. I'm right here."But she didn't calm down. She clutched his hand, her nails scratching at his skin. "Brother, save me," she murmured, feeling like she was trapped in a pitch-black hold.Cold seawater seemed to swallow her whole. The biting chill seeped into every crack of her body. The stench of the ocean made her gag.The water was up to her chin. She stood on tiptoes, desperate for a breath in that tiny space."Save me." Her eyes flew open.Familiar surroundings came into view. Her pupils darted until they landed on Marion. Her racing heart finally slowed."Marion?" Her v
Not long after, Marion came out with Debra.William nudged Erica and Randy. "Told you it would be soon.""How's she out here fresh after surgery?" Erica gawked.Debra was supposed to recover in the hospital, but seeing her unconscious form on the stretcher, Erica figured he had his reasons."Let's go back," Jordan chimed in. "The Potter Mansion's got a top-notch medical team. If we need gear, I'll grab it.""Yeah, hospitals suck anyway," Randy said. "Let's head back. It's freezing out here."They'd planned to grab food and head in, but Erica had made them wait so Marion could have more time with Debra. Now they were all sniffling."I'm... Achoo." William sneezed again, then bolted for the car. "I'm out of there. It's freaking cold."He had treated so many patients, but this was the first time he had fallen ill.Debra, still out cold, was loaded into the back. Marion stayed close, tending to her.By the time they reached the Potter Mansion, it was the middle of the night.Wil
William rubbed his eyes in disbelief.They had taken the emergency lane to the hospital, but Marion and the others arrived right behind their heels after going through a battle."We floored it. That's not the point," Erica replied.Marion and Jordan were already striding into the hospital.Randy grabbed Erica's arm. "Come on. Let's go.""Huh? William is still here." She was puzzled.Inside, the operating room's red light glowed.Marion arrived first. The hospital director greeted him, saying, "Mrs. Houston is in surgery now. Our top doctors have assessed her. The wound's been handled perfectly, and she is out of danger."Marion's face softened a bit. Erica heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank God. She's fine now."They'd been terrified seeing Debra collapse in a pool of blood."You're wiped out. Why don't you rest a bit?" Erica said, turning to Marion."I'll wait here," he replied, his eyes glued to the red light.Until it turned green, he couldn't rest his mind at ease."Well
Michael raised an eyebrow. "My plan never included you. Does our master know you snuck here from Orkgate? And you've got the nerve to question me?"Lara glared at him, her body aching from the burns. Her face twisted with anger."Take Miss Sharp back for treatment. It will take two hours to get back, so she'll have to tough it out," Michael ordered, unfazed.Before leaving with his crew, he lamented sanctimoniously, "Such a shame, ruining a pretty face like that."Lara clenched her fists, incandescent with rage....In the ambulance, Debra coughed up another mouthful of blood. It splattered right onto William's white coat."Aw." William almost griped about the mess, holding back only at the sight of her bad condition.He had to save her, no matter what. It was a promise he'd made to Andrew.He didn't even want to think about what would happen to him if Debra didn't make it today."Maybe another shot of painkiller? We've gotta get that bullet out fast," a medic suggested."Yo