Edgar scoffed, "Who doesn't want more power? My family is influential, but it can't match the Big Four.""Fine," Debra pressed. "Say your family chased the treasure for those reasons. But your partner is after more than that, right? Why else set up this elaborate scheme?"Erica and Randy gaped, while Garland and Liza looked lost.The room fell silent. Those words hung heavy in the air.Edgar stared Debra down. "What nonsense are you spouting?""Think about it," Debra said. "Your base isn't even near Seamar City. How'd you learn about its secret? The Lowes knew too. Coincidence? No. Both your families struck a deal with him years ago. The treasure Intel? A carrot to dangle while he pulled your strings."Randy whistled, "Damn, Edgar. You've been holding out on us."Erica crossed her arms. "Spill it. Who's the puppet master?"Edgar's jaw tightened. "I have never met him, and you're right. He fed my family intel years back.""So, you started plotting over a decade ago?" Debra frow
"What? You pulled all that heinous crap without even knowing the full story?" Randy nearly spilled his tea.Edgar shot back, "What heinous crap? Compared to you people, especially the one upstairs, I'm a saint."All eyes snapped to the second floor, where Drake leaned against the railing, glaring down.Randy cleared his throat. "Hey, redemption arcs exist. He's one of us now.""Who said I'm redeemed?" Drake strolled downstairs and flopped onto the couch. "I'm just crashing here while my wounds heal. Not joining your club.""Semantics." Randy waved a hand. "To outsiders, you're one of them. Your house has already burned down, and you have nowhere else to go."Kale, who also had been recovering at the Potter Mansion, rarely lumbered down with a glass of water. "Boss, want me to reclaim your company?"Randy choked on his tea. "Come on. It's not like snatching toys. That's an empire.""You talk too much." Drake rubbed his temples. "Marion, control your dog.""He's Erica's problem,
Edgar's face twisted like Randy had hit a nerve.Randy smirked, "Know your place, Edgar. We're being nice by chatting. Push us, and we'll demand repayment. You'd be jumping off a building by noon.""Why are you rapping so much?" Erica sulked.Randy mimed zipping his lips.Debra turned to Ivan, who'd been hovering near the kitchen. "Escort Mr. Odom to the guest room upstairs. The one at the end. He prefers privacy."As Ivan approached, the bruises on his neck from Debra's strike were still visible.Drake narrowed his eyes, figuring out her plan to isolate the two.Once they were gone, Debra tapped the table. "The ledger."Randy shrugged silently.Erica kicked his shin. "The ledger." "You told me to shut up.""Want another kick?""It's in your bag. You forgot."Erica blinked, then dug through her bag. "Got too intrigued by the story."She then placed the Osborne family's ledger on the table.Debra compared it to the Fraizer and Potter records. "Only the Houston family le
Before Garland could react, Drake had already shoved him into the room and pinned him against the door.Garland gulped nervously. 'What the hell? I'm not into guys.'"What's this about? This closeness is a bit much," Garland laughed awkwardly, trying to duck.But Drake flipped the lock with one hand and blocked his escape with the other.Garland's heart dropped. 'Gosh! Is Drake really gay?'"Back off! I'm straight.""What the hell are you babbling about?""You dragged me here alone. Isn't it obvious you want to..." Realization hit Drake. His face darkened, and he smacked Garland's head. "You think I'd hit on you? I'd need brain damage first.""Then why the sneaky moves? And why'd you hit me?" Garland hopped back, indignant."Cut the act. You're not Fermin." Drake got straight to the point.Garland stiffened but doubled down. "Of course, I am. We've fought before. You know my face.""I don't know what game you're playing, but Juan is in it with you," Drake hissed."Juan?
Drake's face darkened. "What nonsense are you spouting?""If you're not a spy, why stare at Mrs. Houston? I stare because I like her. You too?"Garland's words made Drake bark a laugh. "You like Debra?"Though shaky, Garland puffed his chest. "Yeah. I confessed to her right in front of Marion, and she let me look. You? Suspicious."Drake clenched his teeth. "Is Debra out of her mind?""See? You're the shady one." Garland jabbed a finger. "Admit it. You've got a crush.""Kale." Drake yanked open the locked door and shoved Garland out. "Get him out of my face.""Yes, boss.""Hey. Don't get mad just because I called you out. Drake, you're just..." "Gag him." When Kale returned, Drake paced angrily."This guy's identity is questionable. Should I...""He is not Fermin, but why is Debra keeping him around?""But Miss Eaton calls him brother. Maybe they're twins?""Twins?""Explains the mismatch. The other one is a genius, and this one a clueless idiot.""Clueless and blin
The dust on the lock was uneven. Clearly, someone had opened it recently.Marion pulled out an old key. "These locks are century-old designs. No key, no entry."He clicked it open, revealing rows of tablets. The hall was wider than that of the Fraziers.Debra hesitated. She'd never properly paid respects here since marrying Marion."Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma," Marion said softly, squeezing her hand. "I'm here with Debra."Debra tightened her grip. "We're here to visit you guys. Please watch over us. Help us find who's targeting the four families.""They will." Marion nodded. "Let's find the ledger."To her surprise, it sat under a pillar, barely hidden. "This isn't exactly hard to find.""Getting in is the challenge." Marion checked the ledger's age. "Let's head back. See if combining all four families' records reveals anything."If the ledgers combined meant a map, they'd be one step closer to the treasure.At Potter Mansion, Erica glanced at her watch and gaped. "Back
Everyone snapped to attention, flipping through the records. But the entries were pretty much the same—lists of expenses for rice, oil, flour, and other mundane supplies."Any maps or codes?" Randy scratched his head.Erica smacked the ledger. "Nothing. Just numbers and grocery lists."Debra traced a column of figures. "Right, numbers!"Erica was puzzled. "Numbers? How's that a treasure map?"Randy muttered, "Could it be that we've been thinking in the wrong direction? Maybe this isn't a treasure map after all?"Erica echoed, "Could it really be, like the elders said, just an account book that we've somehow turned into a myth?"As the group agonized, Drake finally snapped. "Debra, we need to talk.""Hm? About what?""Let's talk outside.""Can't say it here?""Outside." Drake stormed out. Debra sighed, turning to Marion. "Can I?"Erica and Randy glanced at him nervously.Marion nodded. "Go ahead."Erica and Randy gaped. 'No jealousy?' The second Debra left, Erica hiss
"What's the fuss?" Debra said.Drake hesitated. "I..." Outside, Erica and Randy shoved past Kale, ducking behind Marion.Kale initially tried to block them but retreated under Marion's icy glare.Inside, Drake noticed the door was slightly ajar. He scowled. "Hold on."Before Debra could react, he yanked the door open, exposing the three eavesdroppers.Debra raised an eyebrow. 'Really?'Erica cringed, looking at Randy. Randy pointed at Marion, and Marion blinked innocently.Debra smiled at them, slammed the door shut, and locked it.Randy gaped. "Did you hear that? She locked us out."Marion's jaw tightened."Let's go." Erica dragged Randy down the hall.Inside the room, Debra muttered, "We're alone now. Spit it out."Drake silently stared at her, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have things to say or not?"Drake awkwardly cleared his throat. "Do you know Fermin likes you?"Debra barely flinched. "Yeah. Why?""You know?" Drake looked like his brain short-circuite
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