Josh finally got a good night's sleep.Opening his eyes, he saw Debra was already up."Are you hungry? I can go grab some breakfast for you.""No need. I'm not used to regular stuff."Marion had always made breakfast for her since they got together. At first, these were just simple little things. But now, they had become an inseparable part of her life.Debra shook her head. "Your job is done here. Think about it and come back when you're ready."Before he could respond, she turned and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.Just then, the doorbell rang.Josh threw on his jacket and opened the door.A waiter was pushing a food cart. "Sir, here's your order.""My order?" Josh pointed to himself.The waiter did not explain. He simply rolled the cart inside and left.Debra finished freshening up and stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes landed on the cart."I said I wasn't eating. Did you order this?" she said.Josh removed the lid. Inside lay a freshly baked soufflé, topped w
It was late into the night when Debra got off the plane.Jordan's car was already parked by the airport. It felt empty with few passengers at that hour.She spotted him at a glance and threw a package at him. He tossed his cigarette aside and caught the package.Debra said, "Kid, you've learned to smoke now?"Jordan protested, "We are the same age. Don't talk like a senior.""Force of habit," Debra smiled. "I thought you were still that red-haired guy who'd always stick up for me back in school. But just two years later, you've grown up.""Debra.""Sorry. It's kind of ingrained."Having lived through a life, she couldn't help but speak to him like an elder."Aren't you going to explain it?""There's nothing to explain. I just came back alone.""Is that all you're going to say?"Together, they walked out of the airport, and he opened the car door for her.Jordan followed her to get into the car, and she finally said, "The news is all true."Jordan froze. "A nightclub model
Debra's phone rang.She glanced at the screen and answered the call before Michael's angry voice came through."You'd better have a good explanation for this."Debra pulled the phone away from her aching ear."Calm down." "Calm down? I told you to go have fun at that club, not blow a million dollars. And now, you're all over the news, crowned the 'Queen of the Overseas Nightlife Scene' overnight. And you checked into a hotel with a male model. Have you lost your mind?"Michael rarely lost his temper. This time, he was genuinely furious.Debra rubbed her temples. "I was just blowing off steam. Nothing happened with that model.""You threw money around like crazy and booked a hotel room with him. The rumors are everywhere. The whole overseas circle thinks you and Marion are getting a divorce. I bet Seamar City is buzzing with gossip, too. Going back now is like walking away with your pants down.""It's not that bad. I'm exhausted. We'll talk when you're back."Before Michael
Juan pulled a badge out of his pocket. It had the shape of the sun on it."The Illuminati badge. I found it," he said.Debra took it. "You found it in Jeffery's belongings?""Yeah."Debra turned the badge over in her hand. It looked very similar to the symbol she'd seen in the church and the old castle. Only it didn't have the phoenix."Is there anything else?" she asked."All of his belongings were destroyed. When I found it, there was only rubble left. The Illuminati works quickly, and their influence is vast. I don't know how many businesses here are involved," he replied. "Once someone becomes a member, they're at the Illuminati's beck and call. They may never be asked to do anything, but when the time comes, they have to risk everything to get the job done, or they'll be killed by their people.""That's a high stake. Why would so many people still want to join the Illuminati?""Human desires are endless. Some want fame, some want wealth, and others just want money. To get
Back then, Debra had been too weak, relying on tricks to survive in the cracks of Seamar City.Now her gaze was determined. She had strong backing and could be herself.For his part, Jordan had made the most important decision of his life because of her.The two cars pulled up at the Potter Mansion. The three of them headed upstairs to see Drake.But as soon as Jordan opened the door, a vase was thrown straight at Debra.Debra froze, and so did Drake on the bed.Jordan kicked the vase away just in time, preventing it from hitting Debra."What's your problem?" Jordan frowned.Drake's face darkened. "Spending a million in a nightclub and booking a hotel room with a gigolo. Debra, you're something else." "Why is everyone asking me the same thing?" Debra rubbed her brows.Jordan didn't interrupt Drake. Instead, he walked in and poured himself a glass of wine."I'm waiting for her explanation too," he said.Juan followed him inside and sat on a nearby sofa.Debra felt the weig
The three men around Debra froze.They all knew Michael was one of her most trusted people.Since the founding of the McKinney Group, he had been there. He was, without a doubt, the person she relied on the most."At that time, I was in my room trying to piece together the Illuminati's and Fermin's motives. Even if Marion was hiding things from me, it didn't mean our misunderstanding had to keep getting worse," she explained. "We could just talk things out. That wouldn't work for whoever was pulling the strings. They needed someone to step in, pull me away from Marion, and create conflict between us."She paused and added, "Everyone was reaching out to me, trying to figure out what was going on. But Michael? He only called once. The moment I answered, I was hoping he wouldn't ask me to meet him. But he did.""That's it? That's the reason?""Yeah. I started to suspect him, but I couldn't be sure the house wasn't bugged. So, I had to play along and get out of there first. Even in M
"I think the Illuminati is so deeply embedded because their members are everywhere. They first make friends, then trick them into joining, expanding the Illuminati's reach." Debra continued, "But most wealthy business people and well-known figures are just doing work for the core members. They don't get close to the heart of the organization. At most, they're just exchanging favors. Those businessmen want power and money, and the Illuminati needs their connections. If necessary, they'll be used as spears and guns.""So, you suspect this guy, Josh?" Jordan asked.Drake chimed in, "Who's Josh? The pretty boy you were with that night?"Debra shook her head. "Not him."Jordan pressed, "Not him? Then why'd you bring him with you?""The members of the Illuminati aren't fools. I just showed them what they wanted to see," Debra explained. "I went to their nightclub, picked their male model, and took him to the hotel. It's like telling them I was investigating them. Besides, I couldn't tak
From Juan's expression, Debra could tell he couldn't let go either.They needed to avenge their families. At the same time, they couldn't let the Illuminati harm those around them.To do that, they needed to know both themselves and their enemies. That was the key to victory and what Andrew had taught her."If you're scared, I'll handle it," she said. "I never planned to tell you about this. Now I hope you'll respect my choice."Juan pressed his lips together, not saying anything else.Whether it was the past or now, he always loved Debra in his own way. He thought he could protect her, but in the end, he never understood her.Making choices for others, no matter how noble it sounded, would often cause more trouble."Alright, do it your way," he said. "But remember, if something happens to you, the people around you won't be happy.""Don't worry. To survive, I'd let go of my pride rather than be headstrong with those people.""Alright. If you ever need anything, send Ben to fi
"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