Erica quietly opened Randy's bedroom door at the crack of dawn. She tiptoed toward her own room. Just as she thought she was in the clear, a voice rang out behind her."Erica, why aren't you wearing shoes?"Startled, Erica spun around to see Debra standing there.Erica hastily hid the high heels she was holding behind her back. "I didn't want to wake anyone up."Debra raised an eyebrow. "Got drunk again last night?""Me? No way," Erica exclaimed. "It was Randy. He drank too much. I helped him back to his room, but he wouldn't let go of me. I ended up falling asleep there."She waved it off and added, "I was just worried you'd overthink things. Didn't want to cause any misunderstandings.""So it is." Debra blinked knowingly.Erica grew flustered. "I'm serious.""Take it easy. I get it," Debra replied, her tone teasing.Erica realized Debra had misunderstood it. Worse yet, Debra's eyes were fixed on the men's shirt she was wearing.Erica panicked and explained, "I mean it. He
"You should've told me last night.""I didn't get the chance."Randy and Erica were on the verge of a full-blown argument when Debra interjected, "Exactly, no time. Randy came back and passed out. How could he even bring up the wedding?"Erica realized she had let something slip. She bolted in a panic."Erica!" Randy rushed after her.They fought in the last second and made up in the next. Yet they were still hiding their relationship.Before Debra could reflect further, Marion hugged her from behind. "The sun isn't even up yet, and you're here catching cheaters?"Debra rolled her eyes. "Give me a break. I was trying to sleep, but the racket next door was too much."Until now, she hadn't realized Randy could be so exhausting. In this aspect, he and Marion were evenly matched."Looks like we'll need to live farther away from them," he chuckled, ruffling Debra's hair. "Our wedding is half a month away. Are you ready to become my bride?""I'm always ready," Debra replied, smilin
The teacup on the coffee table slipped, and Andrew tumbled to the ground.Barton entered the room and rushed over. "Sir, are you okay? You can't try to walk like that."Barton reached out to help him, but Andrew raised a hand to stop him.Sweat had already beaded on Andrew's forehead. He gasped and propped himself up with the help of the coffee table."I know I'm disabled. No need to remind me.""Sir, that's not what I meant."Andrew looked down at his legs. He wasn't completely unable to walk, but he couldn't walk like an ordinary person.As the head of the Potter family, he couldn't appear before others in this state. The wheelchair was the last line of his dignity."Debra and Marion are getting married. The gift list I made should be modified. Also, bring back the rehab equipment," he said.Barton frowned. "Sir, your legs aren't suitable for rehab anymore."Andrew had been confined to a wheelchair for more than ten years. He could no longer walk like a normal person. Even
Debra nodded in understanding.Rehabilitation was a good thing. Even if there was a slim chance of walking again, no one wanted to spend their life in a wheelchair.She said, "With Andrew's willpower, he won't be fazed by daily rehab. What defeated him before was his pride."Andrew was a prodigy. He was too proud to endure mockery from ordinary people.Debra glanced at the closed door to Andrew's room. Thuds and crashes echoed from inside.She couldn't help but wonder why Andrew wouldn't take Theda's medication.She headed upstairs and came down again shortly after. Erica asked, "Are you going out?""Yeah," Debra replied, grabbing the car keys.She drove to the old house of the Nichols family. At the sight of her, the security guards went on high alert."Relax. I'm here for business," Debra muttered as she got out of the car.With every step she took forward, the guards took one step back.She glanced down at herself. "Do I look like some kind of monster?"The guards exch
Melody walked up to Theda, gently patting her hand. "Theda has always been a well-mannered, sensible girl. I won't let you corrupt her."Her favoritism toward Theda was written all over her face. But both Theda and Debra knew it was all for show.The truth was that Melody and Theda were distant relatives who barely had any connection over the years. It was impossible for such affection to come at first sight. Everything boiled down to interest.Theda subtly pulled her hand away and smiled politely. "It's fine, Melody. It's just a chat with Mrs. Houston.""It's not that simple," Melody said. "You're the heiress to the Buchan family and a guest here. Debra is a schemer, bent on taking over our family's assets. I won't let her brainwash you."Then she turned to Debra. "You'd better leave before I throw you out.""You misunderstood," Debra said, sitting down on the sofa. "I'm here to see Ms. Buchan, not you. Why would you stop us young people from making friends?"She poured herself
Melody couldn't let Debra talk Theda out of it.If the Nichols Group ended up in Debra's hands, they were doomed.Meanwhile, Debra and Theda arrived at a quiet café. Theda waved her hand and rented out the whole place."I don't like to discuss business with strangers around," she said. "I hope you don't mind."Before coming to meet Theda, Debra had learned that Theda was a rare genius.She had rejoined the Buchan family at 17 and started an extraordinary journey since then.Despite being raised by strangers and living in the countryside, she showed a talent for business that was beyond ordinary. She was famous in Wrastow City, and her shrewdness matched Juan's.Theda sat across from Debra, calmly sipping her coffee."You came to stop me from taking over the Nichols Group, didn't you?""Not really. I want to know if the medicine you gave Andrew works."Theda looked up in surprise. "You came to see me for Andrew? Aren't you worried that Melody might hand over their company to m
Theda's brow furrowed, but Debra's smile widened. "So, the medicine's fine, right?""The medicine's fine, but Andrew won't take it.""I figured he wouldn't.""Then why did you come? Just to figure that out?""Yes. Now I know how to handle the matter."Debra continued her way out of the café, but Theda called out again, "Are you going to let me take over?"Debra paused and turned back. "If I'm not mistaken, you're trying to pull a double-cross. You plan to buy the 45% shares I hold, right? If I sold them to you, you'd become the largest shareholder. When the time arrives, Melody will transfer her shares to you. Together with the other shareholders, you'd oust me and take full control of the company. It would be too late for Melody to stop you."Debra continued, "You've got it all figured out, but here's the question. If I'm willing to sell the shares, do you dare buy them?"Theda raised a brow. "Why wouldn't I?"Debra replied, "Sure, the Buchan family has grown under your leade
Erica gaped at Debra."That was fast. Less than an hour.""Where's Andrew?""In the study."Erica didn't know what Debra was up to, but her expression suggested something serious.Debra marched straight to Andrew's bedroom. The maid cleaning the room froze when she saw Debra enter."Mr. Andrew Potter is in the study. You can find him... there."Debra didn't respond, just rummaging through drawers and cabinets.The maid was baffled. "Mrs. Houston, what are you looking for?""The medicine that was here earlier," Debra said, pointing to the coffee table.The maid recalled. "I think he threw it away.""What? Where?"The maid glanced at the trash can, and Debra reached into it without hesitation.Erica arrived just in time to witness the scene. She was puzzled. "What are you doing, Debra?"Debra found the medicine and rushed out without a word."Debra, wait," Erica called out, quickly following her.Barton was briefing Andrew on work when the door burst open."Who's there?"
"No biggie. I'm just that sharp," Randy grinned."Don't flatter yourself." Erica smacked his arm, turning to Debra. "If that's the play, we'll set up around the valley early.""We scoped it out last time. Here's the terrain map Marion roughed out. Memorize the basics, just in case," Debra said.Jordan spoke up. "I'll plant people inside to learn the lay. If things go down, we'll back each other up."He paused, frowning. "But we've only got one path. Without the full picture, it's still risky.""Got it here," a voice called from the door.Everyone turned to see Theda walking in with Robert. A map was in her hand."It's you guys." Debra was surprised.Theda had been busy with her business. She barely had time to breathe, not to mention show up there."This mess is huge. If the Illuminati takes Seamar City, my business is done," Theda said.She'd seen Jeffery's crazy side. The Illuminati couldn't be anything good.She unrolled the map and stuck it on the board. "This is the val
Liza eased up, knowing Debra was always faithful.She would help if she said so."Is the Illuminati really that bad?" Liza asked, having never seen Fermin cornered like that."Yeah," Debra said flat-out.Liza fought back her tears. "I'm not as smart as you guys, but if I can help...""You've done plenty," Debra said, patting her head.The once-bratty lady had grown into someone brave and kind. They'd all seen her change.But this was too risky. They couldn't bet on her life."Everything's set," Marion said, striding in with Jordan.Liza blinked at their suits. They looked solemn, as if ready for a last stand.Debra nodded. "Alright, let's go over everyone's setup and run through the plan."Randy wheeled in a blackboard that showed the outskirts map.The Four Great Families had owned Seamar City for ages. Their eyes and ears were on every corner.They'd linked up north, south, east, and west, with Juan's lines tied in.According to intel, the Illuminati hadn't sunk deep ro
"Just listen to me and go," Fermin said, pulling his hand free.The next thing she knew, he yanked her toward the emergency exit."Fermin!" she yelped.The restaurant staff, loyal to Fermin, hustled her into the stairwell. By the time the guards outside caught on, she was gone."Get her," the guards barked.If Liza slipped away, Michael would have their heads. But before they could chase, Fermin's crew boxed them in."You know what this means?" one guard spat, dropping all politeness.They knew he was just a puppet. If he broke free, Bert's life would be done."Kill them," Fermin ordered, turning back to the restaurant.A waiter dropped a tray, the crash drowning out muffled screams from the stairwell.Liza was already in a cab. She tried to turn back, but a staffer blocked her. "Miss, you can't go anywhere but Seamar City. The Potter Mansion is your safest bet. Think of what Mr. Eaton's doing for you."Her stay overseas made her a hostage. While she was here, Fermin was lea
The driver hesitated but complied. "Sure, Mr. Eaton. How long do you plan to stay? There's a meeting this afternoon.""An hour," Fermin replied.From their conversation, Liza caught on that their family was under the Illuminati's thumb. The driver would not grill Fermin about his schedule otherwise."Who're you to butt in? He'll hang out with me for as long as he wants," she snapped.The driver bit back his gripes. "My bad. Sorry."Liza clung to Fermin's arm, heart pounding. She had been pampered her whole life, and her family had always been untouchable. She never imagined they'd be under someone else's boot.The car stopped by the mall. Liza and Fermin got out.When the guards tried to follow, she whirled. "My brother and I are going shopping. What're you tagging along for?""Protecting you and Mr. Eaton," one said.She opened her mouth to argue, but Fermin cut in. "They can carry bags for you."She hesitated. With these guards tagging along, they couldn't talk about the si
"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