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
"Grandma, you shouldn't have come today," Juan said, his voice laced with disapproval.It would have been fine if Melody had come alone. She shouldn't have brought Shelia along.Melody, however, swept her gaze over the Frazier Group's executives, her chin held high."This is a significant day for the collaboration between the Nichols and Frazier families. How could I not be here?"Her imperious demeanor was a remnant of a bygone era when the Nichols family held uncontested power in Seamar City. Times had changed, but Melody had not changed with them. The murmurs of discontent around the room grew louder."Mrs. Nichols Sr., it's highly inappropriate to bring someone like her today.""Ms. Frazier is still present. Have you no respect for the Frazier family?""This isn't a collaboration; it's a humiliation."...Melody still held her head high, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort she was causing.Debra observed the spectacle with a calm detachment. She understood Melody's in
The room buzzed with heated voices, each one vying to be heard over the others."Exactly! We still haven't gotten to the bottom of the incident where Ms. Frazier fell into the sea. How do we know if the Nichols family didn't orchestrate it to make way for that mistress?""If it weren't for Ms. Frazier, do you think we'd even consider working with the Nichols family?""And you have the nerve to stage this banquet to humiliate us? Is this how the Nichols family treats its associates?"...The shouts echoed through the grand hall. Debra observed the scene unfold with a keen eye.She had orchestrated this chaos, and if it hadn't escalated, her elaborate plan would have been in vain.Juan's gaze shifted to Debra, realization dawning on him. This chaos was all her doing.Joe was struggling to manage the situation. Juan had hoped to use the banquet to mend his relationship with Debra and create a public image of harmony to stabilize the market.But Melody's interference, bringing She
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,"
William left quickly.Marion got up to lock the door and returned to the bedside.Sitting back into the chair, he switched on a dim lamp, making sure Debra would see him first thing if she woke up."Brother..." Debra mumbled.Marion leaned in. "I'm here."Her murmurs stopped, but her hands shot up, grasping at the air. "It's so dark. Save me."He grabbed her flailing hands right away. "Don't be scared. I'm right here."But she didn't calm down. She clutched his hand, her nails scratching at his skin. "Brother, save me," she murmured, feeling like she was trapped in a pitch-black hold.Cold seawater seemed to swallow her whole. The biting chill seeped into every crack of her body. The stench of the ocean made her gag.The water was up to her chin. She stood on tiptoes, desperate for a breath in that tiny space."Save me." Her eyes flew open.Familiar surroundings came into view. Her pupils darted until they landed on Marion. Her racing heart finally slowed."Marion?" Her v
Not long after, Marion came out with Debra.William nudged Erica and Randy. "Told you it would be soon.""How's she out here fresh after surgery?" Erica gawked.Debra was supposed to recover in the hospital, but seeing her unconscious form on the stretcher, Erica figured he had his reasons."Let's go back," Jordan chimed in. "The Potter Mansion's got a top-notch medical team. If we need gear, I'll grab it.""Yeah, hospitals suck anyway," Randy said. "Let's head back. It's freezing out here."They'd planned to grab food and head in, but Erica had made them wait so Marion could have more time with Debra. Now they were all sniffling."I'm... Achoo." William sneezed again, then bolted for the car. "I'm out of there. It's freaking cold."He had treated so many patients, but this was the first time he had fallen ill.Debra, still out cold, was loaded into the back. Marion stayed close, tending to her.By the time they reached the Potter Mansion, it was the middle of the night.Wil
William rubbed his eyes in disbelief.They had taken the emergency lane to the hospital, but Marion and the others arrived right behind their heels after going through a battle."We floored it. That's not the point," Erica replied.Marion and Jordan were already striding into the hospital.Randy grabbed Erica's arm. "Come on. Let's go.""Huh? William is still here." She was puzzled.Inside, the operating room's red light glowed.Marion arrived first. The hospital director greeted him, saying, "Mrs. Houston is in surgery now. Our top doctors have assessed her. The wound's been handled perfectly, and she is out of danger."Marion's face softened a bit. Erica heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank God. She's fine now."They'd been terrified seeing Debra collapse in a pool of blood."You're wiped out. Why don't you rest a bit?" Erica said, turning to Marion."I'll wait here," he replied, his eyes glued to the red light.Until it turned green, he couldn't rest his mind at ease."Well
Michael raised an eyebrow. "My plan never included you. Does our master know you snuck here from Orkgate? And you've got the nerve to question me?"Lara glared at him, her body aching from the burns. Her face twisted with anger."Take Miss Sharp back for treatment. It will take two hours to get back, so she'll have to tough it out," Michael ordered, unfazed.Before leaving with his crew, he lamented sanctimoniously, "Such a shame, ruining a pretty face like that."Lara clenched her fists, incandescent with rage....In the ambulance, Debra coughed up another mouthful of blood. It splattered right onto William's white coat."Aw." William almost griped about the mess, holding back only at the sight of her bad condition.He had to save her, no matter what. It was a promise he'd made to Andrew.He didn't even want to think about what would happen to him if Debra didn't make it today."Maybe another shot of painkiller? We've gotta get that bullet out fast," a medic suggested."Yo