"You lied to me!" Jordan spat."Only fools would believe that," Fermin sneered. "Why would I protect her?"His attack was fierce. Jordan was no match for him.Andrew clenched the armrest of his wheelchair, not expecting this turn of events. The four gemstones had all been used, but they were now glowing.Debra dodged quickly but noticed Andrew was isolated.Before she could move, Jeffrey aimed his gun at Andrew."I've put up with you for long enough. Hand over the gems, or I'll make sure you die again.""You think I'd bring you here without being fully prepared?"He pressed a hidden button on the armrest, and in the next second, dozens of guns pointed at everyone in the room.The cave had no lights except for the glittering treasures. The dark corners could have been hiding an army, and Jeffrey could hear weapons being readied.The entire area was filled with the menacing black muzzles of guns."You've set up an ambush? How is that possible?" Jeffrey was incredulous.Anyone
Fermin's smirk faded, replaced by a cold expression."You think I won't kill you?" he hissed, twisting the knife.Debra grimaced in pain, sweat beading on her forehead, but she didn't give in.Jordan pushed through the pain from his injuries and charged forward.Fermin let go of the knife and kicked him in the chest. Jordan felt a tremendous force hit him, as though a truck had run over him. The feeling was far from pleasant, but seeing Debra, who was barely holding on and losing consciousness, he pushed through the pain.If things went on like this, all of them would be dead.Debra's blood dripped onto the gemstones in her hand, triggering a reaction. The stones began to shimmer with a red light."It's working," Jeffrey exclaimed, ignoring the guns pointed at him.He cut his hand and let the blood drip onto his gemstone. It began to glow red, too. The four gemstones seemed to be drawn to each other, pulsing with energy."Juan, see that?" he shouted. "Your mother can be brough
Debra groggily opened her eyes, realizing it was a summer afternoon.She jumped up from the rocking chair, her gaze fixed on the swing set not far away.It felt like a dream."Ms. Frazier," Barton called out. "Mr. Andrew Potter sent me to ask why you haven't changed yet. It's your 18th birthday today. It's a big deal."Debra panicked. "Oh no, I've slept in. Andrew's gonna lecture me again."As she rushed away, Barton called after her, "Ms. Frazier, be careful. Don't trip.""I know." Debra lifted the hem of her dress and sneaked through the back gate.The maids were surprised to see her there.Debra shushed them with a gesture and put her hands together. "Ladies, do me a favor. Don't make a sound."The maids giggled and kept quiet. They all looked away, as if they hadn't seen her.Just as Debra was about to sneak upstairs, someone suddenly grabbed her ear."Gotcha!""Knock it off, Jordan.""Andrew won't be able to protect you this time. Now you're coming upstairs with me."
"Randy?" Debra repeated. "Sounds familiar.""He visited a few times when we were kids," Erica replied."Oh, really?" Debra tried on a red dress in front of the mirror. "What do you think of this one?"Erica smacked her lips. "Well, it's nice, but you already have a bunch of red dresses.""I love red," Debra replied. "It's bold and beautiful, just like the red flowers in Andrew's garden.""How about this one?" Erica picked up a white gown.Debra blurted, "I hate white.""But you have a few white dresses too. White looks so good on you. It makes your skin look like porcelain." Erica was puzzled.Debra pouted. "Nah, white is for dead people.""Oh, come on. It's a happy day. Can't you say something nice?"Erica tossed the red dress back to Debra. "Wear your red dress.""I knew this one was the best." Debra held the dress up to herself, and the stylist giggled.Debra looked confused. "What's wrong? Doesn't this one look good?""Not really," the stylist replied. "It's just as Mr
Jordan came downstairs. "Mr. and Mrs. Frazier, I need to report something. Debra slacked off this afternoon. She just woke up."Debra shot him a glare. "Whose side are you on?""Not yours," he grinned.Jordan's mother intervened, "Alright, don't bicker like kids. You're grown-ups now.""She's just dumb. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier are so smart, but she didn't inherit any of it.""What did you say? You're the dumb one.""You're dumb.""I'm not. You are dumb."...The four seniors listened to their back-and-forth and laughed.Dylan Potter said, "Once Debra's coming-of-age ceremony is done today, let her stay at our house for a few days. Now that they both have been admitted to Arcane Academy, it's time they get some good training."Gael nodded. "Good idea. I'm sure they'll learn a lot under your guidance.""I don't want to," Debra and Jordan objected in unison.They would rather do military training than end up under Dylan's strict control.Gael sighed, "You'll learn something use
"Debra! You came to tattle on me, didn't you?" Jordan shouted, storming into the room.Barton appeared in the doorway soon after, panting, "I'm sorry, sir. I couldn't stop him.""Don't listen to her," Jordan said. "She fell asleep in the backyard."He pointed at Debra. "Admit it. You were slacking off."Debra felt wronged, looking at Andrew with puppy eyes. "I was just too tired, so...""So, you fell asleep." Jordan smugly crossed his arms. "I went through all that trouble to organize your birthday. I picked the cake and managed the kitchen, and you? You slacked off in the backyard. Do you even know how many people are coming today? There are no excuses. Andrew won't back you up on this.""Andrew..." Debra pouted, tugging at Andrew's sleeve.Andrew smiled and winked at Barton, who took the hint and grabbed Jordan by the ear."Sorry, Mr. Jordan Potter, please come with me," he said.Jordan was taken aback. "What are you doing? You've got the wrong person. Debra is the one at fa
Debra perked up. "You can't take back a gift. Wait and see. I'll find you."She rushed back to her room.Jordan was supervising the cleaning. "Hey, we just mopped the floor. Are you doing this on purpose?"Debra ignored him. Finding the gift was her top priority.Erica, who had been looking for Debra, came to the third floor. Debra was on the floor, using her phone's flashlight to look under the bed."What are you looking for?" Erica asked. "We have less than two hours before the guests arrive. Come on, let's get you ready.""An hour is enough," Debra replied. "I'm looking for the gift Andrew prepared for me.""What gift? You've got enough already.""Andrew said a girl's coming-of-age gift has to be special and luxurious.""But everything he gives you is luxurious.""Andrew said as long as I'm happy, he'll give me anything.""Damn rich people."Debra had searched every nook and cranny, but there was no sign of the gift.Erica helped but gave up quickly.Half an hour later
Erica pulled Debra out of the room. "Alright, my lady, it's time to get all dolled up. After today, you'll officially be an adult. Enjoy your last bit of childhood while you can."Debra had been looking forward to this day, but when it finally came, she felt a little melancholic.After this, she would become an adult, which meant no more being spoiled or throwing tantrums.Several big shots arrived for the party. Since the Frazier family's place wasn't as big as the Potter family's, they had decided to host the dinner at the Potter Mansion.The Potter Mansion had never been open to the public before, let alone hosting guests. It showed how much importance both families attached to Debra.A sleek car pulled up in front of the mansion. Jeffrey stepped out first and opened the car door for Claudia.In an aqua dress, the international film star grabbed everyone's attention as soon as she made her entrance.Jeffrey offered her his arm. Claudia smiled sweetly and linked her arm with h
"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,"