Debra was worried that Jordan might cause trouble. She quickly said, "Don't get upset. Actually...""I don't care. I'm going to teach Juan a lesson he won't forget," Jordan cut her off.The line went dead. Debra was dazed, a sense of foreboding washing over her.Erica looked up from her phone, noticing Debra's distress."What's wrong? Who was that?" she asked, sitting up on the bed. "Where are you going?""To Maple Hotel.""To attend the banquet?" Erica's eyes widened. "But you didn't want to go just now.""Jordan's going to confront Juan. I'm afraid he'll cause a scene," Debra explained, her brow furrowed with worry.She knew Jordan's temper and, with Andrew absent due to illness, there would be no one to rein him in."That hothead is reckless, still fighting at his age," Erica said, putting down her snacks.She grabbed her bag and led the way out.They sped towards the hotel, only to be halted at the entrance by security."Please show me your invitation."Erica scoffed,
"So, what's happening now?" Erica chimed in."Well..." Joe hesitated.Before he could finish, Debra pushed past him and stormed into the room. "Jordan! Jordan!""Madam, wait!" Joe protested, but Debra was already inside.Tracing the sounds of a scuffle, she found Juan towering over Jordan, his fist connecting with Jordan's jaw."Stop!" She rushed forward, placing herself between them.Juan was surprised by her arrival. "What? Are you going to protect him?""Move aside! I'm going to teach him a lesson," Jordan snarled, trying to push her aside.Debra rebuked him, "Shut up!""Juan, I'm so scared," whispered Shelia.Across the room, Shelia was huddled on the bed, wrapped in a blanket, her shoulders shaking with sobs. Juan's coat was draped over her. She glanced at Debra, her eyes filled with tears, before quickly looking away.Debra turned back to Jordan, lowering her voice. "What happened here?"Jordan took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. "I came to see what these
Shelia sobbed, tugging at Juan's sleeve. "Juan, it's all my fault for not locking the door. Don't blame Mr. Jordan Potter. If the police get involved, I'll be too embarrassed to face anyone."Disgusted by her dramatic act, Jordan wanted to go up and hit her. Debra grabbed his wrist and shook her head.Feeling sorry for Shelia, Juan glanced at them. "Do you want to make this public?""According to Jordon, he barged in without doing anything to her. Calling the police is just to clarify things. Their stories contradict each other, and clearly, someone is lying," Debra said, turning to Shelia with a hint of sarcasm. "Are you afraid the police will find out the truth?"Shelia's sobbing abruptly stopped. She countered, "Debra, what do you mean? Are you saying I'm lying?"Debra shrugged. "We'll find out after a thorough investigation."Jordan nodded firmly. "I have no objections."Shelia was scared. "Juan, I'm afraid this will damage the reputation of your family.""Are you afraid Jo
Debra saw Shelia's guilty look and smiled, "Miss Miles, anything to add?"Shelia started, her composure momentarily rattled, but she quickly regained her poise. "No, not really."Debra turned her attention to the police officers. "Please proceed with your investigation. You're free to access all the hotel's surveillance footage if needed."Her gaze subtly shifted to Shelia, who was nestled in Juan's embrace. The avoidance in Shelia's eyes only served to confirm Debra's suspicions; something was amiss.Soon, the police retrieved all the surveillance footage. On the screen, Joe escorted Shelia into the room, supposedly to change her clothes, and then left, closing the door behind him.Pausing the playback, Debra asked, "Joe, you escorted Miss Miles in to change and then left, right?"Joe nodded. "Mr. Nichols said the dress didn't suit Miss Miles, so he asked her to change."Juan shifted uncomfortably, his hesitation palpable.Debra frowned, wondering if her dress was so objection
"No, I didn't." Shelia looked desperately at Juan and said, "I was just so scared at that time. I never expected it would be Jordan who came in.""So, you expected it to be Juan, right?" Debra asked, her words causing Shelia to blush.Juan pressed his lips into a thin line, his expression tense. "It's all just a misunderstanding.""A misunderstanding?" Erica pushed away the bodyguards and walked in. "Jordan is a member of the Potter family. He's been grievously wronged because of your mistress. Are you saying it's just a misunderstanding and that's the end of it?"Juan was about to respond when he saw Andrew behind her.His frown deepened, and Debra's eyes widened in surprise.She hadn't expected Erica to bring Andrew, who was supposed to be ill.Andrew appeared composed despite his weakened state. Debra couldn't help but admire his resilience.He was an enigma, and she found it best to keep her distance, unable to figure him out even after their previous encounters.Juan frow
"You..." Juan began, but Erica cut him off with a cold interruption."Keep some dignity, Juan."Juan took a deep breath, knowing Debra wouldn't speak up for Shelia. However, he couldn't bear the thought of Andrew taking Shelia away.Andrew observed Juan's indecision and pressed, "Mr. Nichols, have you made a decision?"Shelia's panic rose, her eyes wide with fear. "Juan, help me!"She knew that falling into Andrew's hands would not bode well for her. Everyone in Seamar City was aware of Andrew's devotion to Jordan.To make things right for his brother, Andrew would stop at nothing.Andrew twirled the ring on his finger and said calmly, "Since Mr. Nichols won't speak, take her away.""Wait!" Juan exclaimed, his voice filled with resignation. "You can take her to the police station since she wrongly accused Jordan.""Juan!" Shelia gasped in disbelief.She never expected Juan to back down like that.He came up to her and spoke reluctantly. "It's not a serious offense. I'll have
Debra was surprised. "Your birthday? You never mentioned it before."Andrew interjected with a smile, "He has never cared for birthdays, nor has he ever invited friends over. It's late and inconvenient for you two to go home. Why not stay overnight at our place? You can leave after the birthday party tomorrow."His gaze held a peculiar intensity that made Debra's heart skip a beat.The masquerade would be held tomorrow, and the badges had been delivered to all influential business owners.She wondered if Andrew suspected her involvement with the McKinney Group. The masquerade was scheduled for the following day, and invitations had been sent to all influential business owners. She quickly dismissed the thought, reassuring herself that she had been meticulous in concealing her identity. There was no way Andrew could know.Erica chimed in, "I think that's a good idea, Debra. If we're at the Potter's, Juan won't dare call you back in the middle of the night or try to take you away
Andrew interrupted, "Jordan, don't disturb the guests. Go back."Jordan opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it. He knew better than to argue with Andrew.Erica led Debra into a guest room. The Potter family had prepared two rooms for them, but the friends had grown so close that they preferred to share a bed.As Debra looked around the room, she was struck by a sense of familiarity, as if she had been there before.Erica asked, "How do you plan to celebrate Jordan's birthday tomorrow?""We'll have the birthday party as usual, but I want to convince Jordan to accompany me to the masquerade," replied Debra.Lately, Juan had been suspicious of her connections with the McKinney Group. This birthday party could provide a good cover for her.Debra woke up early the next morning. Descending from the third floor, she saw men in suits bustling about on the first floor, their arms laden with stacks of folders.She had heard that managing the Potter family's affairs was toug
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