In the dimly lit room, moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow on Shelia's skin.She removed her top, revealing her pale chest. Juan averted his gaze, but Shelia grabbed his hand. "Juan, I'm your woman. Why are you avoiding me?"She pressed closer, attempting to ignite his desire, but Juan pushed her away abruptly.Shelia stumbled back onto the bed, her eyes wide with shock. Juan looked at her as if she were something distasteful, his voice cold and unyielding."I warned you. Since you refuse to behave, you'll move out tomorrow.""Juan!" Shelia's voice trembled, but Juan didn't look back as he strode out of the bedroom.The next day, Debra received an unexpected piece of news. "Shelia moved out of the Nichols family's house?""Yes, someone saw her leave early this morning.""Did Melody agree to this?""Shelia offended the Potter family. Melody probably had to consider Mr. Andrew Potter's influence," Ben replied firmly.Debra thought about it and believed
As far as Debra remembered, the Frazier Group had never encountered financial scandals in her previous life.This sudden turn felt surreal and inexplicable."Ms. Frazier," Ben called out, rushing towards her with a helpless expression.Debra shook her head, signaling him to stay calm. Given the circumstances, she knew she had to cooperate with the police to prevent the situation from escalating. She was determined to clear her name and prove her innocence.As she was escorted out, news outlets began reporting her arrest for embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. The public, who had once championed her yesterday, now turned against her with astonishing swiftness.The comment sections were flooded with vitriol.[Rich people are never clean. No wonder her husband wants a divorce.][They say she embezzled billions. She'll probably be in prison for life.][Rumor has it she was involved with many men during her marriage. She's not a good person.]...The negativity was overwhe
Erica assessed the situation and decisively stated, "Yes, we need you to stabilize things. I'll head to the police station and see what's going on. I'll find a way to get Debra out.""Okay," Ralph agreed.Debra had been sitting quietly in the stark interrogation room for what felt like an eternity. No one had come to question her. She had been locked in the room for a full three hours, with nothing but her thoughts to keep her company.Glancing at her watch, she tapped the table. A guard promptly walked in, asking, "Ms. Frazier, do you need water?"Debra cut straight to the point. "How long are you going to keep me here?"The guard shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. "Are you tired? Do you want to rest?"Debra changed her question. "Who reported me?"The guard shook his head, his expression apologetic. "Sorry, that's confidential. We can't tell you."Debra frowned, her frustration growing. They wouldn't harm her due to Marion's influence, but they weren't about to let her go
Debra's eyes turned cold. "I understand what you mean, Mr. Hardy, but whether or not I am involved in corruption or illegally transferring company assets, your people should be able to find out, right?""We're still investigating. For now, please bear with us for a few days.""A few days? It seems you do think of me as a criminal.""Not at all. We're just following procedures. I'll figure out a way, I promise.""I won't make things difficult for you. Since your people are having such a hard time investigating, let my people handle it.""Well...""Finding evidence is all that matters, isn't it?"Pedro sighed. "You're right. I'll contact your people now. As long as we can find evidence and cover up that missing money, you should be fine."Debra didn't respond, her silence serving as a tacit agreement.Pedro hesitated before adding, "There's one more thing.""Is there more bad news that you haven't told me?""It's Miss Mathis. She's been causing a commotion outside, wanting to
The gate of the Potter Mansion was flanked by two rows of guards. The car was waved through and glided directly into the garage.The residence was a fortress of security, tucked away in an almost deserted area where her arrival from the police station would go unnoticed."This way, please."The butler led her up the staircase to the second floor. She recalled that this level was usually off-limits to visitors, and she was surprised to find herself in a row of guest suites that rivaled any luxury hotel."If you don't like the layout of the room, I'll have them rearrange it.""No need. I like it very much."She looked around the immaculate space, her eyes widening in awe.The butler nodded. "Alright. If you need anything, just press the button by the wall, and someone will come to assist you.""Thank you."Once the butler left, Debra took a moment to explore her surroundings. The decor was not only elegant but also strikingly clean, as if everything had been meticulously arrange
Debra stared at the mountain of debt, her eyes widening as she took in the staggering figures. What had started as a few thousand had snowballed into hundreds of thousands, then millions, and finally tens of millions.Each page was a huge debt, a testament to Ralph's desperation. She could almost see him, hunched over a desk, signing away his soul one IOU at a time. These debts had been accumulating for four years.She looked up at Andrew. "You knew about these all along?""I had a rough idea.""So, you also know who reported me?"Andrew remained silent, but his eyes spoke volumes. Debra understood immediately. Who else could it be?In her past life, she had been a housewife, uninvolved in the Frazier family's business. Ralph had no reason to resent her.But in this life, she had taken control, changing the status quo and threatening Ralph's power. With the Frazier Group now under the McKinney Group's umbrella, an accounting of the past years' books was inevitable.The shortfal
"Wait!" Debra tried to stop the bodyguard, but he had disappeared in a flash.She was at a loss for what to do.In his wheelchair, Andrew was gasping for breath. Debra hurried over and asked anxiously, "What should I do now? Is there anything I can do for you?""Just stand there.""Stand here?""Just stand there," Andrew said weakly.Debra knew that her standing there without causing trouble was likely the best course of action. But Andrew had helped her so many times. She couldn't simply stand by while he was suffering.Recalling how nurses at the hospital took care of patients during asthma attacks, Debra quickly sprang into action."Wait here.""Ms. Frazier."Andrew tried to stop her, but Debra was already off like a rocket.Andrew coughed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Debra rushed to the windows, throwing them open to allow fresh air to circulate. She then dashed to the bathroom, grabbed a warm towel, and hurried back to Andrew's side."You have asthma, right? Tak
Andrew cast a glance at the bodyguard, who immediately stepped in front of Debra, his voice firm yet respectful. "Ms. Frazier, please wait outside.""Okay." Debra nodded, a hint of concern in her eyes as she glanced at Andrew.Once outside, she turned to the bodyguard and asked, "Is his asthma very serious?""Asthma?""Yes, wasn't he having an asthma attack just now?""Mr. Andrew Potter often coughs up blood and sometimes has trouble breathing, but he never has asthma.""Not asthma?" Debra paused, recalling Andrew's hesitance earlier. "If he doesn't have asthma, what would happen if he took asthma medication?""What?"The bodyguard looked at her, not understanding the implications of her question. Debra's gaze shifted back to Andrew, who was patiently answering the doctor's questions.Once the doctor finished his examination, Debra stepped back into the room. "Mr. Andrew Potter, if you don't have asthma, why did you take that medicine?""Who told you that?"Debra's gaze flic
"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,"