Rosalie could only hold Stanley and sob.Marion looked on indifferently.With so many people still there, Ralph turned to Marion and said, "Mr. Huston, I understand your intentions, but this is a family matter. Could you..."Marion stood up. He hadn't intended to trouble Debra's family, only to ensure Ralph found out the truth."Well then, I'll leave it to you to handle," Marion said casually. "But if you can't do it, I wouldn't mind taking matters into my own hands."Ralph's face turned pale as he understood what Marion meant."I understand. I will make things right for Debra," Ralph promised.Marion gestured, and his bodyguards dispersed."Let's go!" "Yes, sir!"They quickly left the villa.Stanley stood up defiantly, pointing at the now-vanished figures. "Who were those people? Why would we believe anything they say, Dad?""Shut up!" Ralph slapped him again, leaving him incredulous.Rosalie quickly stepped in. "Ralph, why are you hitting him after everyone has left?"
"Debra, this is all Stanley's fault. I'll take him to the police station and let the police handle it," Ralph said.Stanley was exasperated. "Dad! How could you send me to the police station?" "You reap what you sow. This is already lenient for you."If Marion handled this privately, Stanley would have been dead."Uncle Ralph, you don't have to do that," Debra said calmly. "He's unreliable because Aunt Rosalie spoils him too much." Ralph nodded. "Exactly! He's lawless now.""Yesterday, Stanley came to talk to me about the distribution of Frazier family property. I merely said a few words, and he wanted to kill me. That's a serious lack of upbringing." "What property distribution?" Ralph was bewildered.Stanley's face flushed red. "Shut up!" "You shut up!" Ralph snapped out of it and kicked him. "You brat, I'm not dead yet, and you're eyeing the family fortune?""I didn't!" Stanley's bravado weakened.He would not admit to it whatsoever.Debra said nonchalantly, "It'
Erica came in after Ralph left. She had just been listening at the door. Though family feuds were deep, she hadn't heard of family members trying to kill each other before."Marion has always been decisive," Erica pondered, "but this time, he seems hesitant. Back then, he wouldn't have bothered with evidence. He'd have thrown them in a black box, and by the next day, his cousin would be half-dead. Handing him over to the police like this seems too easy for him.""A black box?" Debra looked puzzled."I think it's some term in their line of work." Erica shook her head. "Randy didn't elaborate."Debra fell silent.Someone like Marion, always walking on the edge, must have his own methods.Otherwise, how could he inspire fear?"He probably didn't want to put you in a difficult position." Erica said, "After all, Erbo has been treating you well."Then she added with some frustration, "Marion knew you were in trouble, yet he didn't come right away. Doesn't he understand girls' feeling
Randy nudged Erica, signaling her to stop talking.But Debra spoke up, "Yeah, I don't like staying here."In her past life, she had died on the operating table, giving her a deep fear of hospitals."Okay."Marion got up to leave the ward.In no time, the discharge procedures were completed. Randy went downstairs to get the car.After changing her clothes and leaving the ward, she glanced at the room next door, where Juan was. Eventually, she left with Erica.Outside, Debra saw Joe's car, with Shelia's face reflected in the rear window.In the evening, Juan woke up to see a blurry figure bustling around him."Debra?" His voice was low.Shelia paused and turned around with a smile."Juan, you're finally awake." Shelia set down the water and said, "I came right after class to see you. How are you feeling? I'll go call the doctor."Juan was disappointed as he found it was Shelia.With a hoarse voice, he asked, "Where's Debra?"Shelia's smile froze momentarily, but she soon re
"Give me the car keys!" Juan demanded.Joe froze, then reluctantly handed over the keys.Juan grabbed them and left the hospital. His face was pale as he hurried away. Joe followed closely behind, watching as Juan got into his car and sped off."Sir!" Joe called out from behind.But Juan didn't stop the car. Soon, it disappeared.Debra rested in bed at her apartment. Randy bustled in the kitchen with Erica assisting. Marion just sat on the sofa, quietly reading a newspaper.It was a heartwarming scene that Debra cherished.After her parents' untimely deaths, she had been living with Ralph's family. Everyone was guarded, and she hadn't felt this kind of familial warmth in a long time.How she wished it could last forever!Juan arrived outside the apartment building and called her.But no one was answering.He gripped the phone so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He got out of the car and headed towards the security office."Sir, who are you looking for?" asked the gua
"Marion, you..."Before Juan could finish, Marion interrupted, "Debra seems to have woken up. You're advised to take care of Shelia. That's it."With that, he hung up.Juan's face darkened, his hand gripping the phone turning white."Mr. Nichols," the security guard said, "why don't you come another day?"Juan shot a cold glance at him, and he shut his mouth.Debra woke up in bed. Rubbing her eyes, she groggily asked, "Was there a phone call just now?"Marion picked up the newspaper again, calmly saying, "No, you were dreaming."Debra was puzzled.She distinctly heard the phone ring while she was asleep.'Is it all a dream?'Rubbing her temples, Debra reached for her phone on the bedside table, noticing a missed call from Juan.Frowning, Debra wondered, 'Juan is awake?'Just then, Erica came out of the kitchen and called out, "Debra, wake up and have breakfast!""Alright." Debra set her phone aside.The next day, she received a drafted divorce agreement from her lawyer.
"Do you think I won't divorce because of our cooperation with the Frazier family?" Juan approached step by step.Debra looked up at him and countered, "Isn't that the reason?""Of course not!" His eyes were bloodshot as he pressed his hands on Debra's shoulders. "Listen, I will never agree to a divorce. You're not leaving the Nichols family.""Let go!" Debra pushed him away. "Don't tell me you won't divorce because you love me.""I..."She cut him off. "I don't think I have such charm to make you favor me. You embarrassed me in front of others for Shelia repeatedly, causing trouble for my friends. I've had enough of this marriage. Whether you like it or not, I'm divorcing you.""Where do you get the nerve to say that?" Juan snapped. "Haven't you been hanging out with Marion? Aren't you two close? Did you care about my feelings?""Me and Marion?" Debra laughed as if she had heard a joke. "So, that's what you think of me.""Aren't you divorcing me because you're involved with Mar
"You...""From now on, I don't want to hear you mention divorce again. As long as I forbid it, you will always be my wife.""On what grounds?""Just because I'm Juan, and I rule Seamar City. If I disagree, you won't get a divorce.""You!"Juan threw the divorce agreement into the trash and stormed upstairs.Debra angrily watched his retreating figure.She couldn't figure out why he was against divorce so vehemently.In her past life, she had cried and begged Juan not to divorce her. He hadn't even looked at her. But now, when she initiated the divorce and tore into him, he was reluctant.She glanced at the divorce agreement in the trash.Juan was right about one thing. In Seamar City, his word was law.If Juan didn't agree to the divorce, she couldn't get it.It seemed she needed to up the stakes.The next day, Debra went to register her business, taking over several of the Frazier family's loss-making companies.Arriving at the company's entrance, she saw the lazy recept
"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,"