Debra caught a glimpse of Hester hovering outside the door.She had dressed up in a simple white dress that accentuated her youthfulness. She was younger than Shelia, and her pure appearance was quite endearing.She seemed to possess an allure that could captivate any man even more than Shelia had.As Hester entered the room, Shelia noticed her immediately.In terms of looks, Hester surpassed Shelia. In terms of demeanor, Hester exuded the aura of a refined lady. And in age, Hester was notably younger than Shelia.At first sight, Shelia felt that Hester was trying to imitate her, but it was clear that Hester had gone beyond mere imitation."Juan, Mrs. Nichols," Hester greeted. Her entrance caused everyone to pause and wonder about her identity.Debra smiled and introduced her to everyone. "This is Hester from the Vargas family, now caring for Mrs. Nichols Sr."Hester stood aside, smiling shyly. "Juan, your grandmother was worried you might drink too much, so she sent me to chec
Juan opened the car door, helping Debra inside before sliding into the driver's seat himself.Hester hurried after them, but by the time she exited the restaurant, Juan had already sped off with Debra.She was left behind and unhappy."Some people think copying my style will impress Juan," Shelia said smugly as she emerged behind Hester.Hester straightened herself, with confusion evident in her voice. "Do I know you?"Shelia scoffed, "Don't play dumb with me. Debra once tried to catch Juan's eye by imitating me. Now, you're just a worse copycat."Just a moment ago, she had come up with an excellent plan. The position of Mrs. Nichols was hers for the taking.No one could compete with her for it, not Debra or Hester."Is that so? But I don't think Juan takes you seriously either, so there's no point bringing up the past," Hester countered, flicking her hair. "After all, you're just a poor student sponsored by him, while I am a fair lady. I would never consider you a competitor b
Juan initially tried to deceive himself, thinking that Debra's actions were driven by jealousy. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw no signs of caring.Everything she did was calculated and designed to benefit herself."Juan, you're a businessman, and I am one too. You taught me all this," Debra said, her voice as icy as her gaze.He couldn't understand it. Even now, he couldn't fathom why the Debra who used to be devoted to him had suddenly changed.Debra, however, knew exactly why. Her old self, who had once revolved around Juan, hadn't ended well. She swore never to make the same mistakes again.In her last life, Juan had prioritized profit above all else, disregarding marital ties and even the child in her womb.In this life, she merely employed the same tactics and beat him in his own game.A smile touched Debra's lips, but her eyes held no warmth. "The three-month deadline isn't up yet. Do your best to impress me and see if I'll fall in love with you again."Juan looke
"A leopard can't change its spots," Debra said.Juan's defense of her would only serve to fuel Melody's anger.Juan's phone rang, slicing through the tension. Debra glanced down and saw that it was a call from Joe.His urgent voice came through. "Sir, we have a problem.""What's wrong?""Miss Vargas is missing!""Have you contacted her family?""Yes, she hasn't returned home."Debra listened quietly, her mind racing. There was only one route back from the Sapphire Hotel. If Hester had returned, she would have encountered Joe's car. The fact that she hadn't meant something serious might have happened.'Could Shelia have done something to Hester?' Her brow furrowed lightly as she considered the possibilities.But it seemed unlikely that Shelia would act so quickly, just after meeting Hester for the first time.Juan ended the call and said, "Go ahead and take a shower. Don't worry about this."Before Debra could respond, a text message arrived on Juan's phone.[To save Miss V
Debra showed no signs of panic despite the ordeal.The kidnapper felt an invisible pressure radiating from her."Here is a check of ten million dollars," Juan said, presenting the check.The kidnapper's eyes lit up with greed. He rushed over, snatched the check, and dashed off.Neither Debra nor Juan made any move to chase after him. This entire kidnapping felt like a poorly planned charade.Juan's gaze fell on Debra's neck, where a small trickle of blood marred her otherwise unblemished skin. The kidnapper's nervousness had caused the blade to nick her.Juan stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "Let me examine your injury.""Go check on Miss Vargas first. Don't let her suffer any longer," she said, walking straight to the workshop and opening a metal box.Inside, Hester was bound and gagged, her eyes wide with fear and helplessness. Debra ripped the tape off Hester's mouth. Hester froze, not expecting Debra's arrival. As Juan came up, she threw herself into his arms and
Hester quickly ran downstairs to fetch the medical kit.Debra ascended the stairs in silence.Moments later, Hester entered the room with the medical kit. She said apologetically, "I'm sorry for your injury."Debra stared at her for a while. Hester shifted uncomfortably and faltered, "Madam, why are you looking at me like this?""This trick can be effective if done well. If not, it can backfire," Debra said meaningfully.Hester stiffened. "Madam, I don't understand what you mean.""Don't you?" Debra chuckled. "Your self-staged drama was quite anticipated by me initially. However, it had too many loopholes and ended up being quite boring.""Madam, you misunderstand me. I..." Hester stammered.Debra cut her off. "Firstly, only a few people know Juan's phone number. Given the text message, the kidnapper knew your identity, but you have no relationship with Juan. Why would he kidnap you instead of me?""How would I know what he was thinking?" Hester argued, her eyes darting about.
Unnerved by Debra's piercing gaze, Hester hurriedly lowered her head and left the bedroom.As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she found Juan already finishing his conversation with Melody.Melody cast a glance at Hester, sending a shiver down her spine. From that glance, Hester sensed Melody's displeasure.She couldn't help but wonder if Melody had seen through her tricks, as Debra mentioned earlier.Juan opened the bedroom door and heard running water from the bathroom. His eyes fell on the unopened medical kit on the counter. He picked it up and took out the medicine, just as the bathroom door opened.Debra walked out, wrapped in a bathrobe that outlined her perfect figure. Water droplets were glistening in her hair.She frowned, not hearing him enter the room. She had expected him to be in a lengthy discussion with Melody, but he had come up so quickly.Juan took in her reaction and pressed his lips together. "I'll apply the medicine for you."Her injury was not seriou
"Taking a leave?" Debra murmured.She was aware of Shelia's financial struggles, which made this request for leave unusual. Moreover, interns at the McKinney Group couldn't afford to miss days without affecting their attendance record.Leanna voiced her thoughts, "Could it be related to what happened yesterday?"Debra's frown deepened. She had hinted to Leanna about Shelia's possible pregnancy last night, but she hadn't expected Shelia to act so quickly."I see. Find a way to contact Shelia and ask her what's going on. Also, reach out to Ben, having him look into nearby hospitals and check if Shelia visited a gynecologist.""Will do."Debra hung up the phone, her gaze landing on the calendar beside her.According to Erica, Marion and Randy would return from overseas in three days. She hoped to have everything sorted out before their return.Shelia found herself once again at Clarissa's small rental house. Inside, three large, intimidating men sat, their eyes gleaming with hosti
"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,"