"Okay!"The security guards swiftly ushered away the women, who scattered at the sight of Hester. "Juan..."Hester hurried to his side, her expression turning grim as she took in the state of his suit. "I'll get you a new one.""No need." Juan's cold gaze swept over her. "Just make sure this doesn't happen again."Hester shifted uncomfortably under his stare. "I don't understand what you are saying."Debra stepped forward, taking charge of the situation. "Let's go back to our room so you can change."Melody, having heard the disturbance, emerged from her room, her brow furrowed. "What's going on out here?"Debra cast a glance at Hester before explaining, "Some of Michael's fans caused a scene at the door. They almost hurt Juan. I'm not sure how they found their way here."Melody, well-versed in the intricacies of their social circle, turned her gaze to Hester.Hester panicked. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., this has nothing to do with me.""Alright," Melody said, her voice impatient. "D
Debra clenched her fists, blaming herself for forgetting about what Juan had done to her in her last life just because of his recent kindness.Juan was inherently cold-hearted. He only loved himself.Moments later, Juan emerged from the bathroom, clad in a white robe, water droplets glistening in his hair.Spotting Debra sitting silently on the bed, he approached her with a smile. "What's wrong?" As Juan reached out to help adjust her hair, Debra turned away. His hand hung in midair. She stood up, saying, "There is something I want to ask you.""Go ahead.""Is Shelia really an orphan?""Yes, she is.""Is she a student at a private school?""Yes.""Why did you choose her?"Juan replied without much thought, "She excelled academically at the private school. We were choosing several students to support, based on multiple considerations of their aptitude, family conditions, characters, and images.""You sponsored so many impoverished students. Why treat her differently?"He m
Michael scrutinized the two sets of documents Debra handed him. The information about Shelia from Beaconridge High matched what he had described earlier, except for one glaring discrepancy—the photo."I couldn't remember wrong," Michael muttered, returning the documents to Debra. "The only explanation is that someone swapped the photos of these two."Debra studied the documents, her mind racing.She needed to find a way to contact the girl in the photo.This was the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding Shelia's true identity."Why are you so concerned about Shelia's identity?" Michael's sudden question snapped her back to the present.Debra looked up, remembering the rumors circulating about the two of them. However, Michael didn't seem worried at all."Should I organize a rigorous PR meeting now?" Debra said, flipping through the documents. "It's just a rumor, after all. Besides, don't you want a bit of scandal to boost your fame?"Michael froze, and Debra continued, "Con
Leanna wrinkled her brow."Oh, I've completed all these plans," Shelia said, handing over the proposals.Leanna glanced at the documents before speaking. "Don't leave after work today, Shelia. There's a dinner party tonight, and I need you to come along."Shelia blinked in surprise. "Me?"She was just an intern.Leanna offered her a reassuring smile. "I remember you mentioning that you've attended social gatherings and dinners before. You have experience, and I trust you to handle this."Shelia felt relieved. While she might be inexperienced in many areas, she was no stranger to social events, having accompanied Juan to numerous functions.Back in her office, Leanna dialed Debra's number promptly. "Ms. Frazier, I've informed Shelia as you instructed.""Good.""Also, I think I saw Shelia with two phones just now.""Two phones?"Debra's curiosity was piqued, but she dismissed the observation for the time being. "Forget that for now. Just take her to the restaurant tonight.""
"Please spare me." Tears streamed down Shelia's face."Don't play innocent with us, young lady. Just because you've played dead and latched onto a wealthy man doesn't mean all your problems disappear. Your benefactor has abandoned you, and now you need to find another sugar daddy to clear your mother's 80-million-dollar gambling debt. Do that, and maybe we'll let you off the hook.""What? 80 million? How could there be so much debt?""You tell me."As they exchanged glances, realization dawned on Shelia. "You're loan sharks. This is illegal."They burst into laughter. "Illegal? Do you think you can lecture us? It's only right to pay back what's owed. Your mother signed the IOU herself.""I have nothing to do with her anymore. Why should I pay?"One of the men brandished her birth certificate. "A daughter inherits her mother's debts. Do you think changing your identity will erase that? Your family's history is all here. You won't escape us until every cent is repaid."Just then,
Debra offered a faint smile. "Alright, I'll go with you."Joe stepped aside, allowing her to pass, and Debra followed him out. Halfway down the corridor, she paused and asked, "Recently, has Miss Miles been trying to contact Juan?"Joe nodded. "Miss Miles did call me a few times, but as instructed by Mr. Nichols, I didn't respond.""I see," Debra said, a smile spreading across her face.So, Shelia was still trying to reach out to her financial lifeline.Except for Juan, probably no one would come to her aid.Sensing that Debra might have misunderstood the situation, Joe quickly explained, "Mr. Nichols has indeed decided to cut ties with Miss Miles this time. Perhaps you didn't know, but previously, Mr. Nichols only brought her to some events to make you jealous."Debra waved a hand dismissively, her smile casual. "You don't need to explain. I already know."Joe was stunned. He had sensed that Debra had changed somehow, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. Now, seeing her expressi
Shelia's face contorted with anger. "Do you have any idea how much money you owe? You expect me to help you? I don't have that kind of money."Clarissa's eyes gleamed with a mix of desperation and hope. "But you've got that sugar daddy, haven't you? I heard he treats you well and takes you everywhere. Aren't you about to become his wife soon? The Nichols family is filthy rich. They can easily cover the debts."Shelia paled at the mention of Juan. "If I were to become his wife, those creditors wouldn't be hounding me."She knew Clarissa had been boasting to the creditors about her impending marriage to Juan, and they knew Juan had taken her to various events.But now, they somehow learned Juan cut off all her funds and came knocking, taking away almost everything valuable.Gritting her teeth, Shelia hissed, "If you hadn't leaked my info, those creditors wouldn't be here. You're dragging me down with you. Why don't you just disappear?"Clarissa's face was twisted with resentment. "
Clarissa eyed her warily. "How can I help you?"Shelia leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know you've been around the casino scene for years. You must know some heavy hitters. I need a favor."As Shelia shared her plan, Clarissa paled with fright. "No. Absolutely not!"Shelia's eyebrows furrowed in displeasure."Why not? Back then, you weren't afraid to dispose of bodies. Are you scared now?""That girl was an orphan. No one would investigate much for her. And you were there as a replacement; it was foolproof. Of course, I wasn't scared. But Debra is the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife. How could I dare touch her?"Clarissa wasn't foolish. She knew the stakes were high. If they followed Shelia's plan, she might end up dead in a matter of days.Shelia tightened her grip on Clarissa's hand. "I'm not asking you to kill her. You need money urgently. Just kidnap her and use her to ransom Juan. I'll handle the rest, and you'll have no involvement.""But..."
"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
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