Lara hoped to see a hint of pain or regret in Debra's eyes, but there was none."You're heartless," Lara said.Everyone knew how Marion had treated Debra. Their grand wedding remained to be the talk of town till this day.If it weren't for the recent news, they would still be seen as a perfect couple.Lara continued, "Can you really deny all his love just because of a medical report?"Debra shrugged. "He doesn't even know what love is. How can I believe he loves me when biology says otherwise?"She seemed tired and unwilling to discuss it further. "Forget about him. We have nothing to do with each other anymore."The car arrived at the Lowe Mansion. Debra got out and walked into the house.Only then did Lara tell the driver to head back.Debra looked at the familiar layout. The last time she was here, she was anxious, afraid she couldn't escape this place. Now she was a guest here.As she stood in silence, a shadow suddenly flashed past. A hand shot out and pulled her into th
Debra had recently realized that Marion wasn't some mind reader. He had simply trained himself to read people's emotions.They had been apart for over a month now, and for the first time, Debra felt like she was just beginning to understand him."I didn't understand it at first," Marion admitted, lowering his gaze. "I was afraid you'd look down on me."Debra scoffed, "Oh, I do look down on you."His eyes dimmed, and she continued, "I look down on you for being silly enough not to tell me sooner. Do you think love is just some biological reaction? I don't care about all that. I just need to know that you care about me, that you'll whisper sweet things to me every day, that you'll always protect me, and that you'll never betray me or love someone else. That's all that matters."She paused and added, "Love isn't something science can define. It's a feeling and everything you do because of that feeling. I can see it and feel it. So, don't ever tell me you have an emotional disorder. T
In Seamar City, Erica and Randy were glued to their phones, hoping to catch any news from Orkgate.They waited all day, but there was nothing."Seriously?" Erica complained. "Is this how you gather intel? Can you do it or not?"If only he were half as good as Marion or Jordan, they would have found out something by now."I'm doing my best," Randy explained. "But Orkgate is like a fortress. Even when Drake was there, Marion's people struggled to get info. I don't stand a chance."Erica was frustrated, but Randy suddenly had an idea."Why don't we just ask Drake?" he suggested. "He's the king of Orkgate. He'll know the city like the back of his hand.""Great idea, but can you even get into the Potter Mansion?" Erica pointed out.They had tried before, but the place was heavily guarded."I'm out of options," Randy admitted. "But I don't think Debra will be a sitting duck. Plus, Marion is there. Maybe they're working things out. You're worried about nothing.""I'm worried because
"That's impossible. Debra would never do something like this. I know her." Erica stared at the news, her fingers turning ice-cold.She used to regard the whole thing as mere argument. But now, it had escalated into a full-blown marriage crisis."I'm going to the Potter Mansion to see her," Erica said, turning to leave.Randy quickly followed behind her.The two of them drove straight to the Potter Mansion, which was still on lockdown.When the security guards saw their car, one of them sighed and stepped forward."Miss Mathis, I've made it clear," he said. "Without Mr. Jordan Potter's approval, we can't let you in. Please don't make this harder for us.""I'm not making things hard for you," Erica replied. "I just want to talk to Jordan."The guard hesitated and finally relented. "Alright, please wait here. I'll report this to Mr. Jordan Potter. But if he refuses to see you, there's nothing I can do.""Thanks," she said. "He won't dare turn me down."Randy, who had been silent
Late at night, someone knocked on the door to Marion's hotel room.He opened it to see a pale-faced, teary-eyed Lexie standing outside.He frowned, instinctively trying to shut the door. But Lexie quickly blocked it with her hand, not caring if it got slammed."Mr. Houston, I need to talk to you," she said urgently."We have nothing to talk about," Marion replied coldly.He went on to close the door, but Lexie blurted, "I truly admire you. Remember when you saved me before?"Marion narrowed his eyes, not recalling ever saving her."I've killed a lot of people and saved a lot more. Why would I remember you?" he said indifferently."It's okay if you don't remember me, but I remember you," Lexie insisted. "If it weren't for you, I would have died a long time ago. My father owed a lot of money, and you let me go. I'm grateful to you. Everything I said tonight in front of Mrs. Houston was from the heart. I really like you. I've worked hard to stand before you today. I don't want you
Lexie's face lit up with excitement.Most married men, when faced with temptation but hesitant to act, would shift the blame onto their wives.The implication was clear. "I'm fine with you throwing yourself at me, but my wife isn't. You need to find a way to make this work so I can be with you without upsetting her."Lexie gave the perfect answer. "Don't worry. I'm not after Mrs. Houston's position. As long as I can stay by your side, that's enough for me." The underlying meaning was that she would like to be the mistress.Marion scorned inwardly, showing nothing on the surface. "Come in."Lexie was thrilled. 'Overseas kingpin? Please. At the end of the day, you're like any other man, throwing yourself at my feet.'The presidential suite had everything anyone could need, but her eyes immediately locked onto the plush, inviting bed.The lighting was dim, and the atmosphere was romantic, propelling them to do something."Mr. Houston..." She looked at him shyly.She had never s
Marion picked up the recorder, glanced at it, and then placed it on the nearby table.Lexie quickly added, "I swear, I'm telling the truth. They forced me into this. If you let me go, I promise I won't say a word to anyone.""Secrets are safe with the dead," Marion said, unconvinced.Lexie fell into despair, but he added, "But I'll give you a chance to live.""I'll do anything.""Come here."Once she reached his side and before she could react, Marion injected a syringe into her arm.Lexie freaked out. "Please, spare me."The locals all knew what that was. It was Marion's secret weapon to rule. He never used it on his people, only on objectors.The drug would cause excruciating pain if not administered regularly. Lexie never imagined he would use it against a young woman like her."I don't like betrayals," Marion said. "This is the only way I can be sure.""I'm not with them. You gotta believe me," she pleaded. "I was only after money and never meant to cause you trouble."
"Y-Yes." Lexie nodded vigorously, looking up at him. "But what if Mrs. Houston finds out about this?"She knew why Grover wanted these photos. By the next morning, they would be all over the trending news.Given how devoted Marion was to Debra, there was no way he'd let her see something like that."That doesn't concern you. Just focus on your task," he said."I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn. It won't happen again," she said, bowing her head.Marion stood up from the couch and stepped toward her. Without a word, he snatched the phone from her hand and took a photo.Lexie's heart lurched with the click.An hour later, she stumbled out of the hotel room, disheveled.The Trennery family's people had been waiting outside. Grover leaned out of the car window."Success?" he asked.She nodded fearfully, but he pressed, "So easy? You sure there's no trick here?"Lexie quickly explained, "He was drunk and took my recorder. Then..."She shyly lowered her head. Grover's expression shif
Everyone nodded at Marion's call. They split tasks fast.Randy drove Erica toward the Osborne Mansion, speeding through the dark.When they parked, he didn't budge from the driver's seat."Don't stress. I'm here with you," Erica said, squeezing his hand.She knew what ate at him. If Enoch was really the Illuminati's head, it would spark a war. His relationship with Enoch would be unmendable."I never saw this coming," Randy said, his face shadowed with a rare gloom.He had always known Enoch didn't care about him, Yvette, or their family.In fact, he had never known much about Enoch. Without Theda's hunch today, he'd never have linked Enoch to the Illuminati."If Enoch is tied to them, what will you do?" Erica asked, watching him closely.She knew that blood was thicker than water."I don't know." Randy shook his head.Being the heir to the Osborne family never mattered to him, but he could not deny his bloodline.If it came to picking sides, he didn't know if he'd back Mar
His teacher had been worried about that.Randy had racked his brain, wondering what a dad should be like. He'd wanted to roughhouse like other kids, only to receive cold stares.His mother always brushed it off, telling him not to chase fatherly love."Randy?" Erica's voice yanked him back."Huh?" He blinked, seeing everyone's concerned stares."I called you a dozen times. Why were you zoning out?" Erica frowned.Randy grinned weakly. "Well, Theda's got a point. Now I'm kind of suspecting him too.""She left a minute ago," Erica pointed out, squinting at him."I'm not covering for my dad," Randy said. "She made sense. Maybe I'll swing at home. If he's the Illuminati's head, he will be in the valley.""You were absent-minded while we hashed out the plan. Now you're playing seriously?" Erica teased. "We're not pointing fingers at your dad, just saying Theda's theory holds water. If you want to check, I'll go with you. We'll watch each other's backs."She didn't say it out loud,
Theda added, "When Jeffery ditched the Nichols family, even with his smarts, he couldn't build up enough money and power to challenge the four families that fast. Someone had his back. He once told me not to judge a book by its cover. You never know who's laughing last."Her cryptic words left them puzzled.Debra asked, "So, who do you suspect?""I'd say Enoch Osborne," Theda replied.The name dropped like a bomb. Everyone froze and then swung their eyes to Randy.Randy gaped. "My dad? No way. He's a stiff old fart, decent at business but the weakest of the four families. Calling him lazy is generous. He's a stubborn rock. How could he be the head of the Illuminati?""Don't sell your old man short," Theda said. "The last generation of the four families got hit hard. But your family? Only your mother lost it. Your father has played it safe, staying low-key and outlasting them all. I bet he's the one Jeffery meant."She shrugged. "Could be wrong. But if it's him, you're in deeper
It wasn't that Debra's crew was weak, but the Illuminati was too strong.The room fell silent.Theda continued, "Everyone here is riding your call. You know what happens when you throw pebbles at a tank, right?""I'm not backing off. We've got our reasons," Debra replied."I'm not here to talk you out of it," Theda said. "I'm saying if you need me, I'm in."Everyone blinked, caught off guard. She smiled, "What? Surprised I'd join? Or wondering why? Forget Robert's ties to you. You've already done me solids in Seamar City. I can't pay you back much, but I can pitch in here.""How do you plan to help?" Erica asked."Inside job. Boosts our odds," Theda replied. "I worked with Jeffery before. Being a Buchan, he cut me slack. With his Illuminati ties, they might trust me too. Need a message slipped in or intel dug out? I've got you.""You don't have to..." Debra started."No convincing me otherwise," Theda cut in. "It's not just for you. Juan's blood to me. Call it a favor he owes.
"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