"Go tell them that I've agreed to this meal. I also hope they can show me their sincerity," Drake added."Understood." Kale quickly relayed the message to the Trennery family.Meanwhile, Debra was busy preparing for the party.This fashion gala was prestigious internationally. She was eager to meet the organizer of such a big event."What do you think of my dress?" Liza twirled in front of her.Preoccupied with plans for the party, Debra commented without looking up, "It looks great."Liza snapped her fingers. "Hey, don't brush me off."Debra looked up at her black gown and said, "It looks good, seriously."Liza pouted and turned to look at herself in the mirror. She had always wanted to attend such a party."Mrs. Houston, the staff you requested is ready." Kale walked in with a group of bodyguards.Each was dressed in a black suit and sunglasses. Their posture was imposing.Debra surveyed them. "Good. They look quite reliable.""You're bringing people?" Liza was puzzled.
"Miss Eaton, our events are held in high-end venues, with a strong focus on privacy. That's why all the ladies must wear blindfolds when getting into the car," the driver explained.Liza didn't buy it. "Are you kidding me? What if it ruins my makeup? What's going through the organizer's head? I don't care. I'm not wearing one of those. It's not like we could remember the route."The driver forced a smile. "We understand, Miss Eaton. Since you're invited, you must be a well-known lady in the circle. If you don't wish to wear a blindfold, we'll just block out the windows in the car.""That's more like it," Liza hummed, dragging Debra into the car.It was then that Debra noticed something odd. The car's windows were specially tinted, not just from the outside but also from the inside. They couldn't see outside, and nobody could see in.The organizer was very thoughtful.Debra had planned to see if Drake's men were following them, but this arrangement made it impossible.She wasn't
"They say this banquet happens every three years. Only real socialites who pass a rigorous screening can attend. You know, this international brand is super famous in our circles. It's luxury at its finest. Ladies invited to this event must be between 18 and 25 years old. If you're over 25, you can't enter. And there are strict rules about height, weight, and figure," Liza introduced.She was always eager to attend these kinds of banquets.But Debra's attention was on the crowd. She noticed everyone else was wearing black dresses, making her stand out in her white dress."Are you listening? I'm giving you a crash course here.""Yeah. Keep going."Debra glanced around the venue, trying to spot Drake's men. Sure enough, she saw several men in black patrolling outside. The Lowe family crest on their uniforms reassured her.But soon, a wave of worry crept in because this hotel was owned by the Sharp family. Conrad was a profit-driven opportunist who would switch sides if it benefitte
The hotel manager was just a lackey of the Sharp family.Normally, Drake would never tolerate such actions."Debra is there. If we make a scene, she might blame me for ruining her plan," Drake replied, glancing at his watch.It was eight o'clock. At the latest, the party would end by 11.He ordered, "Keep your people on watch. If anything happens inside, have them rush in immediately. If anyone suspicious enters, send them in. If no one's out by 11, smash the hotel.""Yes, boss."...At the hotel, the socialites walked the red carpet, attracting reporters to snap pictures.Such parties always made it to newspapers and magazines and might even show up on international news.Debra, in her mermaid gown, was the center of attention. Liza realized that everyone else was wearing black gowns, while only Debra stood out.Liza whispered, "You're the lucky dog, the star among us.""Star? I don't think so," Debra replied."Anyway, lucky you. You're the woman of the hour," Liza muttere
The atmosphere felt like a cult ritual. It was creepy and unnerving. "Where are the organizers? Get them out here.""Yeah. You invited us to the banquet, and now there's nothing? What's going on?""Do you even know who we are? If you mess with us, even Sunshine won't save you. We won't let this slide."The voices of the socialites kept rising until a sudden beam of light illuminated a spot on the second floor. There weren't any seats, just a large door.A woman in a black gown stepped through. When everyone saw her, they froze.Among them, Liza was the most shocked because the woman was none other than Cathryn.In just a few days, Cathryn had changed so much. Her complexion looked healthier, and her eyes were colder. She looked down at everyone with contempt."I thought it was someone important. Isn't this Ms. Bernard?""After all that scandal, how dare she show her face here?""Don't tell me you're the designer. If I had known you designed these ugly clothes, I would've rat
"She has lost her mind," murmured the socialites.Ever since Cathryn betrayed her and tried to kill Debra, Liza had thought she was insane.But Liza hadn't foreseen the craziness of such intensity. Cathryn intended to kill everyone present.Liza shouted, "I was blind enough to make friends with someone like you.""Shut up!" Cathryn growled. "You never saw me as a friend. In your mind, I was just your lapdog. Just because you're the daughter of the Eaton family, my father forced me to tolerate you in everything. I had to tag along when you wanted to go shopping. You told me to jump, and I asked how high. You don't deserve to talk to me like that."Liza was rendered speechless.Cathryn ignored her and turned to look at her mortal enemy, Debra."Debra, my ultimate prey. I've drained my fortune to trap you here. This is where it ends between us. You stole the man I love, so I'll make sure he loses you forever," she said, her eyes burning with hatred.She had been waiting for this d
If Debra hadn't retreated early, the consequences would have been unthinkable."How did you know Cathryn was targeting you?" asked Liza."My white dress said it all," Debra whispered, leading her to hide further. "This place isn't safe. Sooner or later, they'll find us. You need to do exactly what I say.""Do what?" Liza was scared.Debra quickly laid out her plan. "First, take off your high heels to save energy. Second, the second floor is safer. Head up there and hide. Those so-called hunters won't dare come too close. Third, if you're spotted by other socialites, join forces with them and say you want to help catch me.""How can I do that?" Liza was worried."If you're the only one who doesn't want to catch me, they'll treat you like a traitor. They'll sell you out to the hunters, and you'll be done for." Debra organized her thoughts. "Cathryn is desperate, not planning to leave alive. Her promise is a lie. She won't spare anyone. This is a deadly game. What we need to do isn'
The socialites panicked and frantically chased after Debra. Her white dress was too conspicuous, attracting those hunters too.Liza seized the moment and took the elevator to the second floor. In the seating area, those masked figures were still watching the game unfold.Liza steadied her breathing and hid in the corner. Everyone's attention was focused downstairs, so no one noticed her."Help!" screamed one of the socialites as she was dragged away by the hunters.Liza's heart was in her throat until Debra ran out of sight.The socialites had no idea that once Debra was caught, the game would end early, and everyone would die.Soon, Liza noticed that Cathryn was gone. Before she could look more closely, another scream echoed from the hall. "Help! I don't want to die."Liza clenched the hem of her dress, her breathing becoming shaky.In the meantime, two socialites cornered Debra."We don't want this, but there are no other choices," they said, lunging at her.These socialite
"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,"