Lillian's mind went blank. She had no clue.Between school and training, there was no time for gaming. She wasn't hooked on that stuff anyway. Her classmates' shooter games couldn't touch the real-deal drills at home."Uh... It's..." She stalled, unable to remember the game Farrah was always on."Honor of Kings? PUBG? Teamfight Tactics?" Juan prompted."Yes. Those three. I'm always playing them," she said, grasping at straws."Show me." Juan handed it back.Lillian stared at the lock screen, dread pooling in her gut. That phone was special. She was supposed to use it only when there were emergencies.She treasured it and would never use it for games."You're a terrible liar.""Godfather...""Where did you get it?""I bought it."Silence then choked the room.Lillian hung her head, bracing herself for a lecture. But Juan didn't snap.Instead, he said, "If whoever gave you that phone told you to keep it secret, you'd better. Just don't let your parents find out."He tapped
Drake remained silent for a while.Then his voice crackled through. "I didn't teach her anything. I just dragged her back when she bolted."When Lillian heard that, his heroic image crumbled in her mind.It was his idea to ditch school, saying classes were a snooze. He had cruised in his sports car and invited her for a joyride. Now he was throwing her under the bus."Really?" Debra was skeptical."Absolutely," Drake said, not missing a beat. "She skipped classes again? I've already set a trip to Seamar City. I'll haul her back myself."Debra didn't lay bare his lie. "Alright, I'll see you tonight. Marion and I wrapped up Stanley's mess. Lillian would love for you to catch her."She hung up the phone and turned to see Lillian's sulking face."Still think your Uncle Drake's the best?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.Drake and Marion were from the same slum. No surprises. They were both sly as hell.Lillian felt like crying. She'd thought Drake was her ride-or-die, but in front
Solomon smirked and leaned against the wall, ready to watch the fun.Lillian needed a lesson. Otherwise, she'd think her fists could fix everything."I messed up," she muttered, hanging her head. "Won't happen again."At home, Debra had her back, and Marion had Debra's. That made her top dog. As long as she didn't tick off Debra, Marion wouldn't be too hard on her.Debra sighed, glancing at Marion. "What do we do, honey? She's owning it. Ground her or let it slide?""Or leave her to me," a voice suddenly cut in.Lillian's stomach dropped.Juan had slipped in at some point, holding a schedule.Marion's brow arched. "That's my kid. Since when is she your project?"Lillian nodded, totally agreeing with it.Juan was unfazed. "I'm her godfather.""Godfather, not father," Marion shot back."If Lillian wants, I can step up," Juan said, cool as ice.The room crackled with tension. Debra stepped in. "You two, back off. I'm handling her."She grabbed Lillian and marched upstairs. L
Debra and Marion left the interrogation room.Jordan checked his watch. "The kids are out of school. Juan has got them. When are you heading back?""Now," Debra replied. "Keep tabs on Stanley. Make sure he's not hiding anything else. Double-check his distribution channels. No loose ends.""I've got it," Jordan said. "Go handle your kid."He'd already stationed guys outside the room. Violence was the best approach to deal with punks like Stanley....At the Houston Mansion, Lillian peered out the window. There were no signs of her parents' car, and she heaved a sigh of relief.At the very least, she would be scolded for fewer hours.Solomon lounged on the couch, flipping through files. He glanced up, deadpan. "No point scoping. You're getting the full lecture this time.""You're loving this, aren't you?" Lillian huffed. "What's it to you if I get grounded? That's cold, man.""You get roasted, and I get popcorn." Solomon shrugged. "What's not to love?""You...""Instead of ar
"No rush," Debra said, flat. "You'll join your dad in prison soon enough."She had given him chances, but he hadn't appreciated it. Their blood ties were done. Now she just wanted to figure out where he got those drugs.She slid a bag of powder across the table. "Familiar?""Why bother?" he snorted. "Didn't you figure it out? I made it. So what? I needed cash to survive after you took everything. What's wrong with that?""That simple, huh?" Debra smirked, killing the camera feed. "Where did you get it? The Illuminati's old stash or somewhere else? Spill, or I'll make you."Marion stepped in, his shadow looming. 20 years later, Stanley still flinched at the sight of him.As soon as he moved closer, Stanley blurted, "This is a police station. Touch me, and I'll sue you.""The camera is off," Debra said, leaning in. "Without proof, how are you gonna squeal?"Marion cracked his knuckles, and Stanley threw his arms up."I'll talk. That year, I was broke, so I visited my dad in pris
Stanley, a full-grown man, crumpled like a ragdoll under Lillian's grip.His eyes widened with disbelief, but he wasn't giving up like that. He quickly got back on his feet and lunged at her again.But each time, she effortlessly blocked him with just one hand. It was like she was playing him like a fool.His pride was injured. Stanley gathered all his strength to stab her. Lillian swiftly disarmed him and pinned him down."Turn yourself in," she said. "It's not too late now."Stanley struggled, unable to break free.She continued, "If you don't, I'll keep going till you do."Stanley gritted his teeth, pain shooting through him.Farrah stepped closer, frantic. "Lillian, have mercy. My dad must have his reasons for this. He always said he liked you and wanted us to be friends. He even invited you over.""He just used you to get to me," Lillian said, eyeing Stanley. "And to pull off his plan. My mother hates actions like this. You're a lousy dad."Lillian pulled a phone from he