Debra looked at Andrew, asking, "Mr. Andrew Potter, are you suffering from depre..."Before she could finish, Andrew wrinkled his brows, a silent warning that made Debra swallow her words.She couldn't reveal his secret to his face. His severe depression was likely his most closely guarded secret. If news of his mental illness spread while he was at the helm of the Potter family, it would be exploited mercilessly. Those vying for power within the family would seize the opportunity to employ underhanded tactics.Debra opted for a more indirect approach. "Mr. Andrew Potter, taking medicine alone won't solve the problem. Why not find the root of your issue and resolve it completely?""Thank you for your suggestion," Andrew said blandly, turning to the butler. "See Ms. Frazier out.""Yes, sir," the butler replied, his voice trembling slightly.It was the first time he had witnessed someone speak so candidly to Andrew. He had half-expected a storm to brew, but Andrew remained calm.A
Outside the house, Michael stood tense, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. His face was a mask of calm, but his hand gripped the knife hidden in his sleeve, ready to act at the slightest provocation.Debra stepped out and said, "Why so tense, Michael? It's time to leave."Michael asked, "It's settled?""Yeah."Seeing that she was unharmed, Michael relaxed his guard, but only slightly.The Potter family was like a bottomless quagmire filled with unknown dangers. If Juan was the ruler of Seamar City, then Andrew was its most mysterious king.Everyone knew that while one could cross Juan and live to tell the tale, offending Andrew was akin to signing their death warrants.Once inside the car, Michael reached over, his hands gently checking Debra's shoulders and arms for any signs of injury.Satisfied that she was unharmed, he asked despite the presence of the driver, "Did you offend him?""No.""Then why did he meet you?""He gave me a friendly reminder."Debra leane
Board members of the Nichols Group shouted and cursed, their voices echoing off the walls.Juan's sudden entrance brought an abrupt silence, as if someone had hit the mute button."Mr. Nichols, you need to come up with a solution. The finance department can't produce over a hundred million to support this project. If something goes wrong now, then...""I will cover the cost," Juan interjected calmly.With his declaration, the room settled down immediately.One board member, emboldened by the recent turmoil, dared to ask, "Mr. Nichols, are you planning to use your own money to fix the problems?"In the past, such a question would have been unthinkable, but Juan's recent actions had left everyone puzzled and concerned.They voiced their dissatisfaction one after another."Mr. Nichols, aren't you going to do anything about Mrs. Nichols' tantrums? It's affecting the company's image.""I think it's best if you divorce her. The Frazier family is now backed by the McKinney Group. The
"Yes, sir," Joe responded.The board members, who had threatened Juan with resignation, almost collapsed to the ground.They had forgotten the steely resolve and power Juan once wielded. His recent nonchalance had lulled them into a false sense of security."Sir, are you sure about letting them resign?" Joe asked cautiously. "They are all senior board members, after all."Juan's expression remained impassive. "I want to send a clear message to my grandmother. No matter how far her influence reaches, it stops at the company's door and mine.""Understood, sir." Joe nodded, knowing better than to argue.Juan pulled out a card and handed it to Joe. "This should cover everything. I need some time to myself."Joe faltered, "Sir, while the construction site issues have been resolved, there's still the matter of Mrs. Nichols."He paused, bracing himself for Juan's glare. "Mrs. Nichols keeps sending divorce papers daily. We can't keep ignoring them.""Arrange a meeting with her tonight
The restaurant area of the Emerald Hotel was exclusively reserved by Juan. The lighting was dim, and retro music played softly in the background. The chef meticulously arranged the dishes, the presentation creating a somewhat ambiguous mood.Debra glanced at the dishes on the table, her expression cool and detached. "I thought you came to see me to sign the divorce papers."Earlier that day, there had been a significant uproar at the Nichols Group. The resentment towards her was palpable, and Debra couldn't believe that Melody hadn't made any move in such a high-pressure situation.Juan was supposed to discuss the divorce with her now, not arrange a private dinner."Does Marion know about your relationship with Tracy?" Juan suddenly asked.Debra frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"Juan replied, "Tracy opposed the Nichols Group for your sake. Before you had the accident, you had the Frazier Group merge with his company. Your relationship must be special."Realization dawned
Shelia's public tantrum drew the attention of everyone around them.People outside the restaurant cast curious and disapproving glances at Debra and Juan, their expressions filled with silent judgment."Sir." Joe rushed into the scene, but Juan's steely gaze cut through him like a knife. "Who brought her here?""I..." Joe stammered, unable to form a coherent response. He knew it was useless to excuse himself.Hidden in the bushes outside the hotel, a figure snapped a photo of the drama and slipped away.Debra's patience was wearing thin. "You keep making a scene. Don't bother me.""You're not allowed to leave." Shelia, her face contorted with jealousy and rage, grabbed Debra's hand. "Everyone, look. This woman is divorced and trying to seduce my husband."More and more people gathered around. Juan snapped, "Shelia, what do you think you're doing?""I'm carrying your child. Yet you're here looking for your ex-wife. Do you even want this child?""I never wanted this child."Deb
In a nearby corner, a wheelchair lay tipped over on its side. A familiar figure came into view.Debra's eyes widened in surprise. "Andrew?"Then it clicked. The Emerald Hotel was owned by the Potter family, so it wasn't unusual for Andrew to be here, even at this late hour."It's nothing, thank you," Andrew said politely.Debra noticed that his legs weren't entirely paralyzed but seemed difficult to use. He managed to pull himself back into the wheelchair with a grimace of effort.He didn't seem particularly surprised to see her, which made sense. Juan had booked the entire restaurant in the Emerald Hotel, and as the owner, Andrew would naturally be aware of the arrangements.Debra's initial instinct was to flee, but she hesitated, caught in a moment of indecision. She decided to make small talk to buy herself some time. "Mr. Andrew Potter, where's your assistant?"Andrew replied calmly, "He's handling something for me."Debra nodded. "Should I..."Her eyes darted towards the
As Debra settled into her seat, Andrew slid a cup of instant coffee towards her.She glanced at the steaming cup and raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you really have it."Andrew took his seat across from her and began meticulously brewing his tea, seemingly uninterested in discussing the commotion downstairs.Debra, however, couldn't contain her curiosity. "Mr. Andrew Potter, you mentioned a disturbance downstairs. Was it caused by Shelia?"The Emerald Hotel was owned by the Potter family, and no one had dared to cause trouble within its walls.Shelia, not being part of their elite circle, was an exception to this unspoken rule. If an ordinary person had caused a scene, the hotel would have handled it discreetly.But Shelia was now practically a member of the Nichols family, and she was carrying Juan's child, which made it a different matter. Any repercussions would likely fall on the Nichols family."Shelia..." Andrew mused. "I don't remember that name.""You don't?" Debra was taken a
"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,"