"Randy, get the hammer from the trunk," Erica said. "Let's beat the crap out of them.""Are you serious?" Randy swallowed hard.He didn't think they needed to go that far. Fighting with hammers could kill these people. Giving them a small punishment would be enough."Erica...""Cut the crap, and do as I say. Or I'll beat you up too."Randy shook his head and complied.The thugs quickly rushed up. Erica swiftly raised her leg, her high heel slashing across one face and leaving a deep gash.The thugs kept charging, thinking they could crush her with their number.Through their moves, Erica sensed their desperation to kill Randy and her.It prompted her to launch even fiercer attacks. Every move she made was aimed at a vital spot.Randy watched in awe, tossing the hammer to her. Once armed, Erica was almost unstoppable.Caleb had trained her at a young age and taught her how to use agility and speed to her advantage. With these skills, she could beat people with greater strengt
Erica took out a small mirror from her pocket and began touching up her makeup.She added, "You wouldn't believe how clingy those people were. Bad for them, their opponent was me.""What exactly happened?" Debra remained confused.Erica patted Randy's shoulder and said, "Show her what we found."Randy placed a crest in front of Debra and said, "Looks familiar?"Debra frowned as she saw the Lowe family's logo on it.Randy explained, "We were ambushed on our way back. The attackers all carried this crest. They're from the Lowe family. The anti-counterfeiting mark proves it's not fake."Debra turned to Marion. "What about you?"Those people wouldn't have just gone after Randy and Erica.Marion pulled out two crests from his pocket, and Randy clicked his tongue. "Ha! Looks like the new president of the Lowe Group can't wait to kill them. It's funny, though, he only sent a bunch of incompetent fools.""I think he's declaring war on us," Erica chimed in. "But his men are weak."De
A loud crash came from Drake's room.Debra paused for a moment before opening the door.Inside, Drake was still lying on the bed, but his complexion had improved a lot.In black pajamas, he threw a dart at the TV. The screen shattered beyond repair."Looks like someone's in a bad mood," Debra said.Drake glanced at her and remained unhappy."Was faking my critical illness Marion's idea?""Yes.""Have you caught the person behind it?""Not yet.""My company was taken. It was all Marion's fault.""He did it to protect you. The assassination reveals their intention to seize the Lowe Group because they think they can't control you anymore. They wouldn't stop until you were dead. You got lucky and survived, but next time, you might not be so fortunate.""I don't need him to protect me."Debra knew better than to push him. She stepped closer and softened her tone. "I talked with Marion. What he did wasn't exactly appropriate."Drake scoffed, "You and Marion are two peas in a po
By rights, if they were to change leadership, they'd have to follow a process.At least, they should introduce the new president. Yet the new president was directly appointed without any of the proper procedures. No one had even bothered to take the shares from Drake.It was all so strange.Marion believed the Lowe Group had hidden assets and those behind the scenes held the largest share of hidden interests. To Debra, many things still didn't add up.As the head of the Lowe Group for years, Drake should have known about this.Drake spoke blandly, "When I was adopted by the Lowe family, I was busy cramming financial knowledge. I'm not like Marion. He's a rich boy from the slums, just there for the experience. I don't know these things. So, I had to work harder than others. In the beginning, there wasn't just me as the heir. I was just transferred from overseas to make up the numbers. The Bernard family wanted to get involved with the Lowe family, so they sent some people over. Mar
After hearing Drake's recount of his experiences in Orkgate, Debra frowned and said, "Great wisdom behind a dumb appearance, right?""Come on. Were you even listening to me? And do I look dumb to you?" Drake huffed."That was a compliment.""Ugh.""Alright. Leave this newcomer to us. You just focus on recovering. Once you're better, we'll need you to take back the Lowe Group."Debra stood up, ready to leave."Debra.""Anything else?""If you must suspect someone, then suspect Juan.""Juan?"Debra was surprised at first and then remembered a deal Drake had once made with Juan.Juan had stepped in, claiming to collaborate with the Lowe Group, but that was a one-time thing."Didn't you work with him?""Not me. It was a deal between the Lowe Group and him. On the night he saved you, he came to me with a proposal.""What did he promise you?""He promised to secure my position in Seamar City. The Nichols Group would be the most suitable partner for me. But that was just part o
"I'm scared." A soft, childlike voice echoed in Debra's mind.The sound jolted her out of her thoughts, and she yanked her hand back from the swing.It felt so familiar. She turned around and scanned the courtyard.She had wandered there while lost in her thoughts. This was her first time in the garden of the Potter Mansion. Yet the flowers and scenery around her felt so familiar.Barton walked into the garden. "Mr. Andrew Potter wants to meet you, Mrs. Houston.""Barton," Debra said, "this garden is beautifully designed. Has it stayed the same all these years?""Yes. Mr. Andrew Potter likes it as it is, so he's kept it unchanged," Barton replied, stepping aside. "After you."Debra couldn't help but steal a few more glances at the flowers and greenery.She had a strong feeling that she had been there before, but her memory told her she'd never set foot in the Potter Mansion.When she entered Andrew's bedroom, the sharp scent of medicine brought her back to reality.Andrew sat
Andrew said, "You've been up high for too long. In business, connections are everything. It's like when you buy goods, you need to find suppliers. If you're running a casino, you need muscles. No matter where you are, you can't fight with the locals. Their assets may be small, but they can cause endless trouble for your enemies. This is the first thing I want to teach you. You should learn to navigate emotions and make the most of every connection. A small fish could be the key to your success in the future."As she flipped through the files, he tapped one page and said, of the pages and said, "The Warwick family. Their assets are only in the millions, but they've survived in Seamar City for 50 years. They control half the resources in this city. They started from scratch, and when it comes to suppliers for the food and beverage industry, big or small, they know who offers the cheapest. They know all the entry and exit points. They've used their connections wisely, and that's why th
Standing outside was Jordan.He asked bluntly, "What are you doing here?""I came to visit Andrew," Debra replied with a frown, sensing hostility. "Anything wrong with that?"Jordan pressed his lips together. "How is he?""Not so good. He's been coughing," Debra replied, shaking her head. "I'll leave now."Barton spoke up. "Mrs. Houston, you left something behind.""Oh right, the report Ben gave me," Debra responded, walking back to the desk to grab the papers.Once she left, Jordan went into the room and closed the door behind him.Debra paused, wondering why Andrew asked her to hide his fake illness from Jordan."Hey."Suddenly, a voice startled Debra. She turned around and saw Liza standing behind her.Liza looked puzzled. "What are you staring at so intently?"Debra composed herself and asked, "What's up?""Nothing, just bored. I haven't seen you around lately," Liza pouted. "Didn't you guys get into some kind of trouble? I called my dad. Don't worry. Within three days
"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,"