Upon receiving the news, Juan rushed to the seaside, where the rescue team laid out a piece of clothing before him. "Sir, is this the clothing your wife was wearing?"Juan stared at the clothing, his expression momentarily blank. He recognized the dress. It was the same one Debra had been wearing in the surveillance footage on the day of the kidnapping."Yes.""We infer that your wife must have perished, and the search and rescue efforts have been halted. Please accept our condolences."After days of scouring the sea with no sign of Debra, the discovery of this piece of clothing seemed to seal her fate.Juan frowned, protesting, "Her body hasn't been found. You can't just say she's dead."Before he could say more, Joe noticed his distress and intervened. He said to the rescue team, "Thank you all for your hard work these past few days. We will prepare a small token of appreciation for you. Please take a rest now."The team members nodded and left.Juan shrugged off Joe's hand.
But Juan's dynamics didn't even come near Melody's.The affection she had shown Debra in the past was merely superficial, a means to an end.Now that Debra was presumed dead, Melody had shifted her favor to Shelia, a woman she had once disdained, solely because Shelia carried the Nichols family's heir.The hypocrisy of it all filled Juan with a profound sense of disgust, a feeling he had never associated with his family.Melody, oblivious to Juan's inner turmoil, looked up at him with a puzzled chuckle. "Juan, why are you still here? Go rest upstairs. Shelia and I will handle things here."Her dismissive attitude annoyed Juan. His voice was filled with coldness as he declared, "If you like this house so much, you can have it."With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Melody staring after him in confusion.Shelia, sensing the tension, asked tentatively, "Grandma, is Juan angry?"Melody waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about him. He'll come back once he's co
With Debra presumed dead, he had to arrange her funeral and handle the divorce paperwork for the Nichols family once again.Juan let out a sudden laugh. It was a sound of resignation. "Alright, let's do as my grandma says."After all, his whole life seemed to be just a puppet dance orchestrated by the Nichols family.News of the grand funeral for Mrs. Nichols reached Debra's ears. The event was being held on a massive scale, almost as if to ensure that everyone in the high society circles knew about it. Invitations were sent out to industry elites, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, each of them holding a significant position in the business world.Debra looked at the invitation in her hands, her lips curling into a sneer. Cutting off useless ties was a common tactic used by the Nichols family.It was the same in her previous life and this too."What should we do, Ms. Frazier?" Ben asked.They hadn't anticipated the Nichols family's rush to hold the funeral. If Debra were offic
On the day of the funeral, Shelia appeared in a black dress. Her belly was still flat, but she pushed it out to emphasize her pregnant state. She wanted everyone to know that she was carrying the heir to the Nichols family.Melody greeted the arriving guests with a dignified nod, but her gaze flicked anxiously around. Juan was conspicuously absent. She turned to Shelia, asking, "Where is Juan?"Shelia shook her head. "I don't know. I didn't see him this morning."Just then, Joe hurried over. "Mr. Nichols said he won't be coming today.""Not coming? That's not acceptable," Melody said unhappily.Since Juan and Debra hadn't divorced yet, they were still seen as a loving couple. It was inappropriate for him to be absent from his wife's burial.Melody ordered, "Go fetch him. Tell him it's my order. If he doesn't come today, he can forget about having me as his grandmother.""Understood." Joe quickly left.The guests whispered among themselves."Who is that woman with Melody?""
Melody furrowed her brow and chimed in, "Why didn't you come back if you were alive? Do you know how worried everyone was? And now you show up at the funeral. How thoughtless can you be?""You received the clothes retrieved by the rescue team and couldn't wait to hold the funeral. Naturally, I had to come and see for myself." Debra looked around the church, taking in the surroundings, and remarked, "It's a style I like, but unfortunately, I won't be able to enjoy it."She vividly remembered how she had tried so hard to please Melody in her past life. She had listened to Melody's every word and shown Melody with more respect than she had shown her parents.But Melody had seen her as nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded at will.When Melody found that Shelia could benefit Juan more, she welcomed Shelia into the family without a second thought, casting Debra aside like an old, unwanted toy.Like Juan, Melody had ice running through her veins.Debra turned her attention
The moment Debra stepped into the venue, camera flashlights flickered incessantly.This was more than just a news story; it was a sensation, a spectacle that would be splashed across every headline and trending on every platform. Some media outlets had even started live broadcasts. Debra surveyed the scene with cold detachment. This chaos was perfect for her purposes—a grand stage on which to blow the divorce news out of proportion.Joe sensed things were out of control and quickly pulled out his phone to alert Juan.By the time Juan arrived, the ambulance had already spirited Melody away, and Debra's people had efficiently cleared out most of the guests from the church.As Juan strode into the grand hall, his eyes immediately locked on Debra. A surge of joy propelled him forward, but before he could reach her, Shelia intercepted him."Juan, you can't go over there," Shelia exclaimed. "Melody just passed out because of her.""Move aside," he commanded, pushing past Shelia with
"Yes, madam."Ben swiftly summoned three bodyguards, who dragged the three bound kidnappers into the room, pushing them roughly in front of Juan.Juan recognized their faces, his expression turning as cold as ice. "You captured them?"Despite all his best efforts, he hadn't been able to find any trace of these kidnappers. He hadn't expected that Debra's people would have beaten him to it."I did," she replied, casting a sidelong glance at Shelia, who stood trembling, her face pale as a sheet. "Miss Miles, you're capable enough to find such skilled assassins to come after my life. I'm truly honored."Juan's gaze shifted to Shelia, his eyes filled with disbelief. "You did it?"No matter what, Shelia was a student he had sponsored. At best, she had been just a scheming girl who wouldn't have dared hire killers.Shelia quickly shook her head, her eyes wide with desperation. "No, it's not like that. Juan, let me explain.""It's her. She's the one who paid us to kill Mrs. Nichols." O
Shelia's face drained of color as the recording played. Juan's gaze sharpened, his eyes cold and accusatory as he turned to her.She trembled, rushing over to smash the recorder. She pointed at it and stammered, "This is fake. I never said any of this. Juan, don't be fooled. Debra is just jealous of me carrying your child. She's trying to drive a wedge between us."She attempted to step closer to Juan, but he held up a hand, stopping her in her tracks. His voice was filled with unprecedented disgust. "Two million dollars to kill Debra, using the baby in your womb to become Mrs. Nichols... I never knew you were such a woman.""Juan..." Shelia shook her head vehemently, tears welling up in her eyes. "They're framing me; this isn't true."Debra watched with cold detachment. She knew that nothing Shelia said would convince Juan now. "I'll leave the kidnappers and the recording to you. Take your time interrogating them. You can have the recording verified by experts. Since Shelia is p
"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