"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
Andrew casually gestured, and the maid promptly cleared the dishes before setting a clean plate for Debra."Ms. Frazier, please feel at home," he said, taking his seat at the head of the table.Debra felt a sense of unease as the maid diligently served her food. The atmosphere grew tense with Andrew's presence, and even Jordan fell silent.She fidgeted, unnerved by the heavy air that seemed to press down on her.Andrew put down his fork and knife. "I have some matters to attend to. Jordan will show you around the garden to relax."Debra nodded. "Thank you for your hospitality.""Don't worry, I'll take care of her," Jordan assured.Andrew nodded, and his bodyguards ushered him into the elevator.Debra finally breathed a sigh of relief. She found it hard to eat when Andrew was around. Everything tasted like wax.Jordan, noticing her discomfort, tried to reassure her. "Andrew is gentle. You don't need to be so afraid."'Gentle?' She only felt a forbidding aura around him.Ever
Jordan didn't understand how this masquerade held such sway over Andrew.Debra was equally perplexed. Andrew rarely attended such events, let alone sending Jordan in his place. She wondered why Andrew had given the badge to Jordan this time and instructed him to keep his identity hidden.Erica sensed her concerns and leaned in to whisper, "Stop overthinking. We need to hurry, or we'll be late."Debra nodded, pushing her thoughts aside. There was no time to dwell on it now. Their objective was to enter the venue with Jordan's help, and that was what mattered most.Meanwhile, in his office, Juan stared thoughtfully at the badge that had been delivered earlier that day."Sir, the McKinney Group is hosting a masquerade tonight. Everyone must attend masked. It's said that Tracy will be there. Do you want to go?" Joe reported.Juan's brow furrowed as he contemplated the invitation. He had thought there were no more surprises from Tracy, but this event proved otherwise."Haven't you fo
"Come with me," Marion said, leading her toward a secluded corner.There, a makeup artist was waiting.Debra sat down in front of the mirror, watching as Marion, already in exaggerated makeup, examined his reflection. She chuckled, "Even without a mask, I wouldn't recognize you like this."Marion calmly replied, "Even if you wore a mask and even more dramatic makeup, I'd still recognize you."Debra blushed at his words, her heart fluttering slightly. The makeup artist quickly touched up her makeup and brought out her costume—a clown outfit, just as Debra had requested.As the artist worked, Debra asked, "Has Juan arrived?"Marion's expression soured at the mention of Juan. He replied nonchalantly, "I don't know."Debra turned to him, surprise etched on her face. "Don't know? If he doesn't come today, then all this acting will be for nothing."Marion shrugged, a hint of jealousy in his voice. "Whether he comes or not doesn't matter. Just knowing that the masquerade is fully book
Juan hurried towards the center of the stage, pushing through the crowd. His gaze was fixed on the clown in the middle.He was determined to expose Tracy's identity. Debra saw his aggressive look and frowned.'What's Juan up to?' she wondered."Oh no, is he planning to publicly unmask Debra?" Erica freaked out.They only wanted Juan to see Tracy at this masquerade, not to unmask Debra in front of everyone.Randy's heart raced. "Damn, isn't Juan supposed to be mature and composed? Why is he acting recklessly like this?"Debra's heart leaped to her throat as she realized the imminent danger. She couldn't just leave, not with Juan so close to exposing her secret.Suddenly, everything went dark, and she felt a strong arm envelop her. Looking up, all she saw was a refined jawline inches from her face."Come with me," Marion said with a reassuring voice.His cloak concealed her as they quietly blended into the crowd. Thus, Juan lost sight of her.Joe caught up with him and advised,
"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,"