Fermin strode into the police station.The officers trailed behind him, barely daring to breathe freely. They feared that any slight displeasure from Fermin could mean trouble for them."Mr. Eaton, my apologies for the inconvenience. My subordinates didn't handle things properly," the police chief said, offering Fermin a hot tea and a chair."Your people didn't do their job right," Fermin scoffed."I-I'll make sure to discipline them thoroughly," the chief stammered, shifting under his gaze."No need," Fermin replied calmly. "I've already taken care of it."The police chief looked up sharply. "Taken care of it?"Everyone in the station knew the captain was the chief's nephew.The atmosphere turned ice-cold."Those who don't follow orders or are useless have no place here, right?" Fermin hinted. "I want all of Marion's overseas assets within ten days. If you can't do it, you can step down."The police chief broke into a cold sweat. By the time he gathered his thoughts, Fermin
Fermin stormed out of the police station, the bodyguard following closely behind.He stopped abruptly and slapped the bodyguard across the face."I told you to protect her. What the hell were you doing?" Fermin snapped.The bodyguard lowered his head. "Miss Eaton didn't want me to follow her. And Debra asked me to stay in the greenhouse. This afternoon, when Miss Eaton was heading to the airport, she said she needed to use the restroom. I waited outside, but 20 minutes passed, and she still hadn't come out. I went in to check, and she was gone."He still didn't get it. "I never left my post. There's no way someone took her. Something's not right.""It must be Debra." Fermin narrowed his eyes. "No time to waste. Book me a flight to Orkgate."...Night had fallen.Debra lay down on her bed.Suddenly, the sound of an engine rumbled outside. Headlights flashed through her window, cutting through the darkness.She slowly sat up and walked to the door.At some point, Fermin had en
Even the seasoned Debra felt the pressure when facing Fermin.The rumors about him were true."How did you know the butterfly necklace was a bug?" Debra asked.Liza scratched her head. "Well, hanging out with you guys has made me smarter. Fermin didn't want me near you, but suddenly he let me visit. I figured he wanted to see if you and Marion really split up.""Impressive," Debra smiled."I had to keep up with you smart folks." Liza leaned in. "What's next? Any tasks for me? I'm ready."She was enthusiastic, but Debra didn't want to put her in danger."Fermin has influence in Orkgate. Finding you won't be hard.""But he has no business here.""He doesn't, but the Illuminati does. As a core member, he can easily mobilize their people.""So, what do we do?""I need a favor. It might be dangerous, but I'll make sure you're safe.""I'm in," Liza said, patting her shoulder. "I'm Liza Eaton. No one will mess with me.""Listen carefully," Debra warned. "The Illuminati is powerfu
Debra nodded.Liza recalled Yvonne as Drake's former fiancée.Her messy private life had made headlines. In the end, she lost her mind and jumped off a building.The news of her death had been a sensation. And her father, Conrad, was equally infamous.Liza frowned. "But Conrad and Yvonne are both gone.""The Sharp family is under new leadership now. Lara is in charge," Debra explained. "I'll drive you there, and she'll help you hide."She pulled out an earring and placed it in Liza's hand. "Here, this has a tracker inside. If I'm wrong, the Sharp family is the safest place for you. But if I'm right, things might get complicated."She didn't spell it out, but Liza understood what she meant."You're worried Lara is with the Illuminati. If I stay at her house, it'll look like I got kidnapped by them. That'll put Fermin and the Illuminati at odds.""Spot on. You're smarter than I thought.""Well, I'm a fast learner.""You understand how dangerous this is. Are you sure..." "I'
Andrew's study always had a faint scent of medicine, which had a calming effect.Debra never enjoyed lectures, but Andrew insisted.One afternoon, as she was feeling drowsy, Andrew's sharp answer jolted her awake."The usual way is to find a way out. But if your enemy sets a deadly trap, you need to think outside the box. Lure them in and create an opening for yourself.""Like a diversion?"...Debra's thoughts drifted back to the present.The Illuminati wanted Drake's raw gemstones, but Fermin might not be after the same thing.They were targeting Marion, aiming to destroy him through his marriage to Debra.She just didn't know their ultimate goal. To break up the Four Great Families was just the surface.Even if the four families were declining, the Illuminati couldn't even breach the Potter Mansion, so they must be after Marion's overseas assets. With those resources, they could expand their influence.Fermin, on the other hand, wasn't truly loyal to the Illuminati. They
"What the hell are you doing? Do you know who I am? I need to meet your boss," shouted those wealthy businessmen.Debra's car pulled up outside the club.Josh walked up to her and handed her a piece of clean cloth.She took it, then casually stuffed it into one of the businessman's mouths. A faint smile played on her lips as she said, "Mr. Pearson, long time no see."Harvey broke out in a cold sweat. Soon, more people were brought into the room.Debra took a seat on the sofa and said, "You're all members of the Illuminati, right?""What Illuminati? Never heard of it," they quickly denied it.Debra nodded. "Over the past few days, all your expenses here at the club, including your 'extra-curricular' activities, should be enough to get you locked up for a while. And those shady assets hidden in your companies? Under the local law, that counts as financial crime, doesn't it? The amount involved is massive. Also, bribery, sex-for-power deals... I'm guessing that's a death sentence?"
"Where's Marion?" Fermin demanded.His subordinate kept his head down. "Sir, Marion is in Seamar City under the watch of our people. He couldn't have gone overseas.""Then who was leading these actions?""It's the Houston family's army."Fermin's face twisted into a cruel smile.The Houston family's army only took orders from Marion, but that man was wasting away in Seamar City. Yet his men were active overseas."Sir, should we go back and handle the situation?""Not until we find Liza. I can't leave without her.""But...""No buts. Send someone to find out who's in charge overseas. The rest of you stay in Orkgate and find Liza.""Yes, sir."The subordinate hurried off to relay the orders.Fermin stood in the largest casino in Orkgate. His men had searched every corner but found nothing."Where could she be?" he muttered.In any other city, he wouldn't be this worried. But Orkgate was chaotic, with black markets, casinos, and human trafficking. Many had tried to clean it
Lara pushed the bowl toward Liza. "I heard you liked these kinds of desserts, so I had someone make it for you. I hope it's to your taste."Liza indeed craved dessert, but when it came from Lara, she held back."I just had dinner. Just leave it there. I'll have it later.""Alright, I'll leave you to it."Once Lara was gone, Liza studied the dessert and hesitated.Ultimately, she decided not to eat it. After all, it was still uncertain if Lara was a friend or a foe. There might be poison in it....Debra had wrapped everything up.Fermin's influence in the area had been systematically dismantled. It was difficult to wipe them out, but his key partners had switched to her side.Once everything was set, she anonymously sent a pre-recorded video to Fermin's email.The footage showed how Liza was kidnapped and taken from the Jovial Hotel to the Sharp Mansion. The video cut off abruptly right at that moment.Debra leaned back in her chair, curious about Fermin's reaction. More tha
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