That was a line Juan had once said to Debra in her past life.Now, the tables had turned, and it was his turn to face the consequences of his actions."Let's go," Debra said, putting away her smile.Marion simply raised his hand, and his men began to retreat. Juan, unwilling to concede, tried to chase after them, but Joe swiftly blocked his path."Sir, you can't chase them. That's Marion Houston.""In Seamar City, I am the one in charge. What is Marion to me?""Caleb has handed the Houston family over to Marion. We can't afford to mess with him.""Get out of the way!"He shoved Joe aside before his gaze fell on Shelia."Juan..."Daunted by his glare, she stepped back."Take these three back and interrogate them thoroughly.""And Miss Miles?""Take her back and lock her in the basement," Juan ordered. "If my grandmother asks, just say I've arranged for her to be elsewhere.""Yes, sir.""Juan, I'm carrying your child. You can't do this to me. Let me go!" Shelia struggled d
The basement was gloomy and airless. Shelia had been there for only three hours, but the damp, heavy atmosphere was already chipping away at her sanity."Let me out... Let me out!" she cried, her fists pounding against the solid door.Unfortunately, the thick walls swallowed her screams, rendering them useless.After a while, the door creaked open, a sliver of harsh light slicing into the darkness. Before Shelia could even feel relief, she saw her mother.Clarissa had been tortured for days and was teetering on the edge of a breakdown. Upon seeing the pitch-black room, she recoiled in fear."No, I don't want it," she whimpered, trying to back away. But her captors showed no mercy, throwing her into the room."Ah!" Shelia jumped back, startled, as Clarissa writhed towards her.Terror gripped Shelia, and she shouted, "What are you doing? I'm pregnant with Juan's child. You can't do this to me!"Just then, Juan walked in. His sudden appearance brought a glimmer of hope to Shelia.
"Keep this under wraps," Juan instructed sternly. "No leaks allowed.""I'm afraid it won't stay hidden for long," Joe said.Melody valued her descendants above all else. Now that a woman was finally pregnant with Juan's child, she certainly wasn't about to let go of the baby.But Juan wasn't in the mood to dwell on this complication."Go get the car. I'm going to the Frazier's.""Okay."Meanwhile, news of Debra's survival was abuzz.At the Frazier family home, Rosalie was fuming. She hurled the newspaper in her hand across the room, the pages fluttering before landing under a pair of red high heels."What is Debra up to? Why stage a fake death? And she didn't even bother to let us know she was alive. Is this some kind of sick joke?" she ranted.A soft, almost amused voice responded, "Aunt Rosalie, who are you talking about?"Rosalie jumped up with a start. She whirled around to see Debra standing there."Debra..." she gasped.Debra was dressed in a wine-red gown with a whit
Ralph's face darkened with fury. "What are you suggesting? After what Debra's been through, do you still think we should sweep it under the rug and avoid divorce?"Rosalie, seemingly unaware of the storm she was stirring, pressed on. "I'm merely considering what's best for our family. What do we stand to gain by making an enemy of the Nichols family?"Her eyes flicked nervously towards Debra. "Besides, Debra suddenly decides to sell the Frazier Group to the McKinney Group without so much as a family discussion. Does she even understand the consequences? She's backing us into a corner!""Enough!" Ralph snapped, his patience wearing thin.Debra turned her gaze towards Rosalie. "So, your issue lies with me selling the company."Debra recalled her past life, how Rosalie had abandoned Ralph when their fortune ran dry, all while Juan's schemes drove the Frazier Group to the brink of bankruptcy.This time, Rosalie's concern wasn't for Debra's marital woes, but for the fear of being left
Ralph chimed in, "That's right. Mr. Nichols, your trip here is unnecessary. Debra isn't going anywhere with you.""Honey," Rosalie interjected, gently tugging at Ralph's sleeve. "Marital issues should be resolved between the couple themselves. Why are you getting involved?"She turned to Juan, a polite smile plastered on her face. "Mr. Nichols, you've come all this way to pick up our Debra at this late hour. It shows your devotion. Debra, don't be angry anymore. Just go back with Mr. Nichols."She winked at Debra, urging her to comply. Yet, Debra seemed to look right through her, feigning ignorance.Juan stepped closer to Debra, lowering himself to her level. His eyes were filled with genuine affection. "I've sent Shelia to prison."Debra met his gaze, her voice calm and collected. "Are you sharing this with me to prove something?""I know everything she did," Juan continued, eager to explain. "She killed her friend and stole her identity. My relationship with her was a mistake f
Debra glanced down at Juan's hand, her eyes flashing with defiance. "What's this, Mr. Nichols? Trying to take me away by force?"Juan remained silent for a moment, his jaw tightening. "Don't push me, Debra."Debra scoffed, undeterred. "You may be powerful, but this isn't a place for you to throw your weight about."Juan's grip on her arm tightened. "You know very well whether I dare to act up here or not. If you come with me now, we can still keep our decency."Debra coldly shook off his hand. "Sorry, that's not going to happen."Suddenly, the gate to the villa burst open, and a group of people rushed in. The commotion sent the maids scattering in panic.Rosalie hid behind Ralph, her voice a frightened whisper. "Honey, what do we do now?"Juan said, "I'll say it one more time. Come with me."Debra stood her ground, and the standoff continued.The first to crack was Rosalie, her voice shrill with panic. "Debra, I told you to go with Mr. Nichols, but you wouldn't listen. Why are
Juan was taken aback. "Grandma?"Melody swept into the room, her gaze filled with a mix of sternness and profound disappointment. She raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap to Juan's cheek."For just a woman, you put the Nichols family in danger," she chastised. "Are you even fit to be the head of this family anymore? Is this how your grandfather taught you to handle affairs? You're useless."Juan clenched his fists, but he didn't dare utter a word of protest. Melody turned her gaze to Debra, her eyes filled with disdain."I'm sorry for the trouble. Juan will never act so recklessly again. We will compensate you for your losses. But since you proposed the divorce, you won't get a share of our family fortune."Juan started, his eyes flashing with concern. "Grandma!"Debra, however, seemed unfazed by Melody's declaration. "You seem to have misunderstood, Mrs. Nichols Sr. The divorce agreement I gave Juan doesn't ask for a single penny from the Nichols family. So don't worry,
Debra's words cut like a knife, her eyes devoid of any warmth or affection.Juan stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched at his sides.Debra scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "What's the matter, Mr. Nichols? Still here? Waiting for more insults?"Joe, unable to bear the tension, leaned in and whispered, "Sir, we should go."Debra shifted her gaze away, dismissing Juan completely. Slowly, he backed away, his eyes never leaving her until he finally turned and left.Inside the car, Joe glanced at Juan through the rearview mirror. Juan sat in stony silence, his face a dark mask of turmoil.Joe ventured cautiously, "Sir, Mrs. Nichols is just upset right now. Perhaps she'll calm down in a few days."Juan's voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't understand why she won't accept me."Joe offered, "Maybe it's because of Miss Miles. It's difficult for any woman to accept her husband having a child with another woman.""No, it's not just that. It's something from long ago
Everyone nodded at Marion's call. They split tasks fast.Randy drove Erica toward the Osborne Mansion, speeding through the dark.When they parked, he didn't budge from the driver's seat."Don't stress. I'm here with you," Erica said, squeezing his hand.She knew what ate at him. If Enoch was really the Illuminati's head, it would spark a war. His relationship with Enoch would be unmendable."I never saw this coming," Randy said, his face shadowed with a rare gloom.He had always known Enoch didn't care about him, Yvette, or their family.In fact, he had never known much about Enoch. Without Theda's hunch today, he'd never have linked Enoch to the Illuminati."If Enoch is tied to them, what will you do?" Erica asked, watching him closely.She knew that blood was thicker than water."I don't know." Randy shook his head.Being the heir to the Osborne family never mattered to him, but he could not deny his bloodline.If it came to picking sides, he didn't know if he'd back Mar
His teacher had been worried about that.Randy had racked his brain, wondering what a dad should be like. He'd wanted to roughhouse like other kids, only to receive cold stares.His mother always brushed it off, telling him not to chase fatherly love."Randy?" Erica's voice yanked him back."Huh?" He blinked, seeing everyone's concerned stares."I called you a dozen times. Why were you zoning out?" Erica frowned.Randy grinned weakly. "Well, Theda's got a point. Now I'm kind of suspecting him too.""She left a minute ago," Erica pointed out, squinting at him."I'm not covering for my dad," Randy said. "She made sense. Maybe I'll swing at home. If he's the Illuminati's head, he will be in the valley.""You were absent-minded while we hashed out the plan. Now you're playing seriously?" Erica teased. "We're not pointing fingers at your dad, just saying Theda's theory holds water. If you want to check, I'll go with you. We'll watch each other's backs."She didn't say it out loud,
Theda added, "When Jeffery ditched the Nichols family, even with his smarts, he couldn't build up enough money and power to challenge the four families that fast. Someone had his back. He once told me not to judge a book by its cover. You never know who's laughing last."Her cryptic words left them puzzled.Debra asked, "So, who do you suspect?""I'd say Enoch Osborne," Theda replied.The name dropped like a bomb. Everyone froze and then swung their eyes to Randy.Randy gaped. "My dad? No way. He's a stiff old fart, decent at business but the weakest of the four families. Calling him lazy is generous. He's a stubborn rock. How could he be the head of the Illuminati?""Don't sell your old man short," Theda said. "The last generation of the four families got hit hard. But your family? Only your mother lost it. Your father has played it safe, staying low-key and outlasting them all. I bet he's the one Jeffery meant."She shrugged. "Could be wrong. But if it's him, you're in deeper
It wasn't that Debra's crew was weak, but the Illuminati was too strong.The room fell silent.Theda continued, "Everyone here is riding your call. You know what happens when you throw pebbles at a tank, right?""I'm not backing off. We've got our reasons," Debra replied."I'm not here to talk you out of it," Theda said. "I'm saying if you need me, I'm in."Everyone blinked, caught off guard. She smiled, "What? Surprised I'd join? Or wondering why? Forget Robert's ties to you. You've already done me solids in Seamar City. I can't pay you back much, but I can pitch in here.""How do you plan to help?" Erica asked."Inside job. Boosts our odds," Theda replied. "I worked with Jeffery before. Being a Buchan, he cut me slack. With his Illuminati ties, they might trust me too. Need a message slipped in or intel dug out? I've got you.""You don't have to..." Debra started."No convincing me otherwise," Theda cut in. "It's not just for you. Juan's blood to me. Call it a favor he owes.
"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