Debra shifted uncomfortably under Ralph's gaze. "It's not what you think about Marion and me.""Everyone can see the way Marion feels about you. But he is a man with a past, and that past is stained with blood," Ralph said with concern. "All I want is for you to be happy and safe. A life with Marion will never be tranquil. If there's even a shred of doubt, don't walk down that aisle. Our family has more than enough wealth to ensure you a comfortable life."Debra offered him a reassuring smile. "I understand your concerns, Uncle Ralph. But please, focus on your recovery. I can take care of myself."Ralph nodded in agreement.Stepping out of the hospital room, Debra spotted Marion and Randy deep in conversation at the far end of the corridor. She decided not to interrupt them.Ralph's words echoed in her mind, casting a shadow of doubt over her feelings for Marion."Debra!" A voice suddenly came from behind her.Debra turned to see Erica rushing over, still dressed in her evening
Marion turned around, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed the commotion behind him. Cathryn was trying to make her way towards him, but Randy intercepted her. "Miss Bernard, you shouldn't be out of bed. Doctor's orders. Let me help you back."He had been there all night and worried that she might faint again under yet another stimulation."Marion, I need to talk to you alone," Cathryn pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.Her eyes were rimmed red, threatening to spill over with tears at any moment. However, Marion's gaze was fixed elsewhere, and he completely ignored her plea.Cathryn followed his gaze to see Debra standing behind her. She bit her lip, a pang of jealousy coursing through her.Randy, noticing Debra as well, muttered under his breath, "Oh gosh, this is turning into a battlefield."With a sudden burst of determination, Cathryn walked up to Debra and grabbed her hand. "Mrs. Nichols, can you ask Marion to talk to me? I need to clear things up."She cried
Debra stood with a calm demeanor, her voice steady as she spoke, "This is between Marion and Cathryn. We shouldn't interfere.""But Marion likes you," Erica insisted, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Cathryn is just causing a scene. Marion never once said he wanted to marry her or even liked her. She's just putting on a show, acting like she's the victim. Didn't you see how those passersby looked at you?"They acted as if Debra had done something bad to Cathryn, though the whole thing had nothing to do with her.Erica stomped her feet and continued, "If it weren't for her father, Marion wouldn't have paid her any attention."Debra shrugged, but her gaze betrayed her as she glanced at Marion and Cathryn.Cathryn attempted to grab Marion's arm, but he deftly sidestepped her."Do you dislike me touching you that much?" she asked, dropping her eyes.Marion replied indifferently, "I promised Shawn that you'd be safe for the rest of your life, but if you keep pushing me, I'll ha
"Do as you please," Marion said indifferently, turning to leave.Randy hastily followed him, leaving Cathryn standing alone amidst the crowd.Debra also turned on her heel and walked away. Erica sidled up to her."Did you catch what they were discussing?""Yes, I did."Randy’s voice had been loud, so it was impossible not to hear. But Cathryn had inadvertently caused her a lot of trouble.Erica's expression turned serious as she noted Debra's darkening mood. "Has Cathryn joining Nichols Entertainment caused you problems?"Debra remained silent, but her expression gave away her feelings."Is it serious?""I hope not."The Bernard family had substantial influence overseas, and with Marion backing them, their power had only grown. Nichols Entertainment inviting Cathryn to join them was a strategic move to cover up Sean's recent scandal.Cathryn's overseas connections could attract significant investment. That was why she and Marion had been trending lately. The Nichols Group wa
"Yes, madam," Ben said, but he didn't leave immediately.Debra noticed his uncertainty. "Is there something else you want to discuss?""There is one more thing." Ben hesitated. "Cathryn has signed a contract with Nichols Entertainment, and they reached out to us with a proposal. They want Cathryn to do a magazine shoot with Michael.""The McKinney Group or the Frazier Group?""The Frazier Group."The Nichols Group wouldn't dare approach the McKinney Group directly, but they seemed eager to exploit old connections with the Frazier Group.Michael was now a top-tier star with a massive fan base and numerous awards. If Cathryn could work with him, it would undoubtedly boost her career."It seems the Nichols family wants Cathryn to start at the very top," Debra mused, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.Starting at the top wasn't always a good thing, and she knew that better than anyone."Should we agree to their proposal?" Ben asked.Debra replied, "You can ask Michael directly. Se
"Madam, Michael has agreed," Ben reported.Debra waved her phone. "I already knew."She turned the screen towards Ben, revealing a message from Michael. [Leave it to me.]Ben was puzzled but swiftly moved on to the next matter at hand. "The Nichols Group has sent an invitation for dinner tomorrow night. They request the presence of Frazier Entertainment's top management at the collaboration dinner."Debra nodded indifferently. "Let me see the invitation."Ben forwarded the invitation to her. Debra glanced at the seal, recognizing it as Juan's insignia."Who else is invited?""All the senior staff from both Frazier Entertainment and Nichols Entertainment, and the media."Debra merely sneered, knowing what Juan was up to.He liked to manipulate public opinion to his advantage. By inviting the media, he was broadcasting his intentions.Ben hesitated. "Madam, maybe you should skip this one."Debra, however, was undeterred. "No, if he wants me there, I'll go.""But the media..."
"I've changed because of you," Michael said, his eyes sparkling with an unmistakable warmth.If it hadn't been for Debra, he might still be the same struggling actor, clawing his way up in the industry. But in just six months, he had skyrocketed to stardom.Because of Debra, he could now afford to take care of his grandmother and give her the life she deserved. To him, Debra was a beacon of light in his darkest times, illuminating his life.Debra kept her thoughts to herself. She didn't tell Michael that the debt the Frazier family owed him from her past life didn't warrant such a profound statement from him.The car pulled up outside the Maple Hotel. Michael stepped out, opening the car door for Debra.This chivalrous act caught the attention of many high-profile women nearby, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Michael.He was known for being low-key, never attending parties or dinners, so seeing him in person was a thrill.Debra leaned in, whispering, "Act a bit aloof. Or
When Michael returned to her side, Debra asked curiously, "What did you say to him?"Michael's lips curled into an enigmatic smile, a hint of amusement flickering across his usually stoic face. "I merely suggested that if he continued filming, I might be forced to smash his camera in public. And who knows? Perhaps his rival media outlets would catch wind of the story and splash it across their front pages. He'd lose his camera and his scoop. Essentially, he'd be finished as a reporter."Debra stared at Michael, momentarily speechless. She had always suspected that beneath his calm exterior lay a cunning and devious mind. Now, she was certain of it.Across the room, Juan noticed the intimate exchange between Debra and Michael, his brows furrowing in displeasure. His thoughts were interrupted by Joe, who approached him with a pale face."Mrs. Nichols Sr. and Miss Miles are here."Juan's eyes hardened. "Who let them in?"Joe swallowed nervously. "Sophie couldn't stop Mrs. Nichols Sr
"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,"