Debra led Garland into her room, and he panicked."I don't think I should go in since Marion isn't around," he said weakly.Debra sat down on the sofa. "Only Marion and I know your secret. This room is soundproof and safe for private talks.""O-Kay," Garland sighed in relief.Debra cut straight to the point. "Actually, I'm curious. Did Fermin come to Seamar City as well?""What? That's impossible." Garland was shocked.But then, he remembered the time he had been caught snooping around Debra's meals. Cornered, he had lied and claimed that Fermin liked her.Fermin's death was a closely guarded secret within the Eaton family. No one outside could know the truth. Even if Debra and Marion were his friends, he couldn't reveal it.Debra pressed, "Why not? How are you so sure?""He's always busy with work, and his trips have been handled by me," Garland explained. "Why do you ask?"Debra tossed an earpiece onto the table. "Remember this?""It's a Bluetooth earpiece. What about it?"
For the most part, Debra was unbothered by the playful banter among the group.But the situation in Seamar City was far from simple. She was beginning to struggle with distinguishing friend from foe.Garland faltered, "To be honest, someone sent me here. I can't tell you who it was, but I promise I have no intention of betraying anyone here. As for Fermin showing up... I genuinely have no idea."Debra fell silent, unsure of what to do, but she couldn't bring herself to just believe him like that. Andrew had taught her to question everything, even if it pained her to doubt those closest to her."Alright," she said finally. "Words are just words. Let's check the surveillance footage. Then we'll know if you really passed out in the courtyard last night."Before he could react, he called the surveillance room. When the call didn't go through, she dialed Barton instead."Mrs. Houston, what's up?""I want to check the surveillance footage of the garden.""I'm sorry, Mrs. Houston. The
Garland returned to his room and quickly locked the door, ensuring no one was around. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Hello? Verna? Get my dad on the phone. What's going on? You heard me. Fermin is alive. Get my dad on the line now."Verna stared at the receiver, baffled."Who's calling?" Bert asked, slowly coming down the stairs.Verna snapped back and replied, "Sir, it's Mr. Garland Eaton. He's saying something about Mr. Fermin Eaton coming back to life."Bert frowned and came over to pick up the phone.Garland's voice came again. "Verna? Are you listening?"Bert took a deep breath. "What nonsense are you spouting now?""Dad," Garland exclaimed. "You won't believe this, but your beloved Fermin is still alive."Bert's expression darkened. "Nonsense. You know he died in that car accident. How could he still be alive?""But he is," Garland insisted. "The new president of the Lowe Group caught Liza yesterday. Debra asked me to impersonate Fermin to help with negot
The next day, at the McKinney Group headquarters, Ben handed a file to Debra."Since Juan took over, the Nichols Group has been recovering. Here are a few brands and shops he's recently acquired," he reported.Debra opened it, scanning the contents. Most of the pages detailed partnerships with big-name brands, but a few unfamiliar names caught her attention."They have partnered with several major brands and acquired a few smaller ones," Ben explained. "The brands we originally intended to sign with are now choosing the Nichols Group because of Juan's takeover. Given their recent moves, it's clear they're expanding their business scale and trying to take our market share. If this continues, our market share could drop from 70% to 40% or even less."When Debra didn't respond, he continued, "Madam, we need to come up with a plan to safeguard our profits.""These brands look familiar.""That's normal since they're some of the most well-known brands on the market.""I'm not talking
Debra wished she was wrong.She looked down at the file in her hands. Pure Color hadn't even launched yet. It didn't make sense he was interested in it unless he was also reborn.She closed the file and made a call.A calm, professional voice answered, "Hello, Nichols Group."Debra stayed silent for a moment, and the receptionist spoke again."Hello?""Does Mr. Nichols have any appointments today?""His schedule is fully booked for the next few days. You can leave your name and number, and we'll contact you within eight hours.""Never mind."Debra hung up the phone, remembering something told to her by Theda. If Theda and she could be reborn, there could be more cases.If Juan had also been reborn, the future would hold even more uncertainties.The office landline suddenly rang, breaking her train of thought.Debra picked it up, and Garland's urgent voice came through. "Debra, get back here. Something's happened.""What's going on?" Debra tensed up.Garland replied, "A lo
"You're not part of the Houston family. Stay out of our business," one of the shareholders snapped."Exactly," another chimed in. "Your ancestors were just deputies. You have no right to speak here."Randy's face darkened. "Say that again?"Marion raised a hand. "So, you want me to step down?""We want an election," Corey said. "The Houston family has had its time at the helm. As shareholders, we're obliged to choose the most suitable candidate. It doesn't have to be you, Marion.""Let's vote, then." Marion shrugged.Randy was shocked. "Are you serious? These people are just trying to force you out. You can't...""If it's an election, let's have it," Marion said, tapping the table.A group of shareholders then filed into the room. They were all old associates of the Houston family, loyalists who had stood by Caleb for years. They lined up behind Marion as a show of support.Corey scoffed, "There are ten of us, and we control 55% of the shares. What's the point of calling in th
Marion wiped the muzzle of his gun and instructed his men, "Clean this up.""Yes, sir." The guards stepped forward and swiftly disposed of Corey's body.His supporters were scared out of their wits.Marion sat back in his chair and glanced at them. "You have two options. Sell your shares or end up like Corey."The shareholders exchanged nervous glances and shook like leaves."We're willing to give up our shares.""Yes, please take them."Though the air conditioner was set to a cool 68°F, the shareholders were drenched in cold sweat.Marion glanced at the lawyer, who stepped forward and handed out the share transfer agreements. The shareholders had no choice but to sign them.Marion holstered his gun and said, "That's all for today. The meeting is dismissed."The guards quickly escorted those shareholders out of the room.Randy glanced at the bloodstains on the floor. "Wow, that was brutal."Marion shot him a look, and he quickly added, "But it's much better than before."M
Then there was a prodigy hacker, who, at just 13, had crashed machines and made groundbreaking contributions to science. His hacking skills had spawned countless legends 30 years ago.The last one was an ultra-intelligent physicist, who had been received by presidents of various nations. By the age of 30, he had begun developing nuclear weapons, earning countless domestic and international accolades. Each of these individuals commanded an aura of immense power.From the second floor, Erica and Garland spotted Debra appearing at the entrance. They hurried down, but even Erica, who was usually fearless, slowed her steps, careful not to make any noise that might disturb the formidable figures below.She reached Debra's side and whispered, "How did you get back so quickly? Marion and the others aren't back yet."Garland raised his hand. "I told her to hurry back."Erica was speechless.These people were no ordinary opponents. Debra might not be able to handle them on her own. They
"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