Edgar's voice was as hard and unyielding as steel. "Yes."Erica met his gaze head-on, her lips curling into a sneer. "Mr. Odom, it seems you've been the top dog in Booton for too long. You're forgetting that Seamar City has its own rules. Even if the Frazier Group is bankrupt, I am protecting Debra. With Marion and the Osborne family backing her up, you might find it hard to leave Seamar City tomorrow if you do anything stupid today.""Are you threatening Edgar?" Shelia growled defiantly, pointing at Erica. "What's Debra to you? Why are you protecting her? She's dragging her feet about divorcing Juan while stringing along Marion. You should be disgusted with her."Erica's temper flared. "Shut up!"Debra, sensing the storm about to break, quickly intervened. "Miss Miles, don't get worked up. It's bad for the baby."All eyes turned to Shelia's belly. The news of her pregnancy with Juan's child had spread like wildfire, ensuring that everyone in the country knew of her condition.At
The Odom and Blair families shared a rich history, their bond strengthened over generations. Years ago, Kate gave birth to a daughter named Jade Blair. However, when her husband, Declan Blair, engaged in an extramarital affair, Kate took their child and vanished.Declan yearned to find his daughter, especially since the Odom and Blair families had arranged a marriage between their children long ago. Despite his efforts, the search yielded no results and eventually stalled.When Edgar assumed control of the Odom family, he made it his mission to locate Jade. He employed every resource at his disposal, sparing no expense in his quest.Erica was engrossed in the tale and impressed by Edgar's devotion. Then she looked up and asked Debra, "But how did you know Edgar was doing this for the Blair family?"Debra didn't know how to respond. She couldn't very well reveal that in her past life, Edgar's fiancée had died, causing a significant uproar.Instead, she fabricated a story. "I happen
Melody was no ordinary senior citizen. Her loud voice immediately drew a crowd. Whispers and gossip filled the air."What kind of person is this, kidnapping someone's great-grandson?""How could she do something like this?""Even harming a child, this woman is a beast."...The condemnations grew louder, each one adding fuel to the fire of public opinion. Melody, having learned the power of such pressure, was more than willing to stoke the flames.Erica returned from fetching water for Debra, only to find the hallway outside the ward packed with people. Nurses tried in vain to disperse the crowd, their efforts met with stubborn resistance."What are you all doing here?" Erica demanded, her voice cutting through the chatter.Melody turned to face her, a frown creasing her brow. "Miss Mathis, you're a prominent figure in Seamar City. Are you here to stand up for someone like Debra?"Erica had enough of Melody's haughty attitude. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., you know well that both of us a
Fuming, Melody burst into Juan's office and called out, "Juan!"Her sudden entrance startled Joe, who was in the middle of a discussion with Juan. He quickly excused himself. "Sir, I'll step out for a moment."Juan nodded, his gaze shifting to Melody, who marched straight to his desk and snapped, "You're still working here, as if nothing has happened. Do you know your child is going to call someone else Dad?"Juan was confused. "Grandma, what are you talking about?"Melody slammed her palm on the desk, her voice rising. "I'm saying Shelia ran off with another man. She is pregnant with your child. How could you let her leave?"Juan remained indifferent. "I let her go."Melody staggered back, shock written all over her face. "What?"She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Who in their right mind would push their child and woman onto another man?She spluttered, "Do you know what you're doing? Why do I have such a cowardly grandson like you? I thought Debra took her away. Do yo
Marion finished examining Debra's injuries and stood up. "The Odom family?"Erica nodded, her voice laced with anger. "Edgar Odom. I had Randy investigate. He found out that Edgar came to Seamar City looking for Shelia. He claims Shelia is the lost daughter of the Blair family and his fiancée."Erica's voice grew agitated as she spoke. "He backed Shelia and had his men hit Debra.""Erica." Debra shook her head, trying to stop Erica from saying more.Marion made up his mind and said, "It's not safe these days. Go and stay at my place."From his expression, Debra could tell that the situation was more complex than it seemed.She asked, "Is the Odom family that powerful?""Not exactly powerful, just a bit tricky," Marion replied, stroking her cheek. "I'll be back soon."Outside the door, Juan watched the scene in silence for a moment before quietly walking away.The news of Edgar finally finding the lost daughter of the Blair family spread like wildfire online.Everyone was shoc
"I see." Debra paused, her brow furrowed in thought. "Have someone go to the police station and check if there have been any recent arrests of prostitutes around Shelia's age.""Prostitutes? Ben was puzzled.He couldn't see any connection between the two matters.Debra recalled the grim details from her previous life. When Edgar finally found Jade, the newspapers had been quick to report that she was a prostitute. She had been imprisoned for her actions and suffered greatly, enduring illness and pain in jail for over six months before ultimately succumbing to her fate.Following this clue, they should figure out something."Just follow my instructions," Debra said. "I believe it will lead us to some answers.""Got it." Ben, though still bewildered, agreed to comply.Debra hung up the phone, and Erica asked curiously, "Are you suspecting that the real Jade was imprisoned for prostitution and Shelia took her identity?""It's just a guess," Debra admitted. "Since Clarissa insists
Debra chimed in, "Marion owes you a lot of money?""Yeah. From the first time he met you, he..." Randy replied.Erica swiftly stepped on his foot, silencing him mid-sentence. Randy grunted and corrected himself. "Well, it's nothing. Marion's got plenty of money. It's just that he hasn't finished handling it yet."Erica elbowed him and spluttered, "What do you mean he hasn't finished handling it? Can you speak clearly?"Randy clammed up. Erica sat down next to Debra, her voice softening."That is just man-to-man stuff. Don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll give you everything he has to win you over."Debra blushed. "What are you talking about?""Er, it's just a metaphor," Erica chuckled, hugging her. "Anything, you're the best woman in my mind."Debra fell silent, her mind wandering. She never wanted a fortune. After so many betrayals and schemes in her past and present lives, she only hoped to find her destined partner and live a peaceful life together.Without betrayal, conspi
Joe nodded and shouted toward the door, "Bring him in."Edgar's frown deepened as a man was brought in by two bodyguards. The fight in the room immediately ceased.The man was forced to his knees, his hands bound behind his back. His face was bruised and swollen.Juan, his voice as cold as ice, issued a chilling command. "Cut off the hand that did the hitting."The man struggled frantically, his eyes wide with terror. Edgar remained silent, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene.One of Juan's bodyguards grasped the man's wrist and, with a swift and brutal motion, brought a heavy object crashing down. A scream echoed through the room before he slumped to the floor, unconscious.Edgar's gaze was icy, but he knew better than to intervene. Seamar City was Juan's territory, and picking a fight here would not end in his favor. Moreover, Marion's men had come to warn him earlier that day."This is settled." Juan stood up, his eyes locked onto Edgar. "Mr. Odom, if you want to settle acc
A loud crash blasted through the phone, followed by screeching static.Debra's gut sank. "Randy's in trouble. Let's hurry."Jordan quickly rounded up a crew to track down Randy, while Debra and Marion bolted out of the house.That phone call screamed car wreck. Marion had Randy's location pinned fast, and an ambulance was already on its way."Don't panic. The ambulance is almost there," Debra reminded him, watching him push the speedometer.It was fine if it was just a regular crash. But if the Illuminati had set it up, the consequences were unimaginable. Enoch must have lost his mind to target his son.Debra and Marion had both lost their parents to car accidents. Marion would be devastated if he lost another person close to him."Quick! Get him out!"Thick smoke poured from the crash site. Debra's bad vibes grew.They jumped out and saw Jordan's people loading Randy onto a stretcher."How bad is it?" Debra ran up, desperate for details."Not too serious," Jordan replied. "
The maid froze. "Didn't Miss Mathis leave last night? I don't know where she is. But she's not here."A bad feeling hit Randy like a ton of bricks. He bolted out of the room and ran to the guest room next door. When he flung the door open, Erica wasn't there. The bed was pristine, with no sign of anyone sleeping in it.Erica was lazy as hell. There was no way she'd make the bed herself.Randy lost his head until what Theda had said suddenly echoed in his mind.If Enoch were the mastermind behind the Illuminati, he might have done something to Erica."Where's my dad?" Randy asked, his blood running cold.The maid had never seen him like this. He barked, "I'm asking you where my dad is."She stammered, "I called him last night like you asked. He came back for a bit and took off again."Now he confirmed that Enoch had taken Erica."Give me the phone.""Yes, sir."The maid handed it over.Randy dialed Enoch's number but could not get through.Sweat beaded on his forehead. The
Erica laughed, getting the implication.Randy coughed dryly. "Mom, what are you even saying? I'm not that kind of person."With that, he hustled Erica out of the room.As the door closed, she frowned. "What now? Your dad is suspicious.""Well, we'll deal with it when he gets back. Now take a rest.""Alright."He led her to a clean guest room."Yvette seemed fine just now. Didn't look like she's got any mental issues.""It comes and goes. She can be normal and confused at times.""Has she seen a doctor?""Yeah. They say it's from some big shock. If she takes it easy, she's pretty much fine. Her nerves are just shot. My dad kept her locked up here all these years. Probably doesn't want folks to know he's got a crazy wife."In his mind, Enoch always put profit and reputation first.If people found out he had a nutcase for a wife, he might ditch her. Even if he didn't, he'd freeze them out.One question was always hovering in Randy's mind. If Yvette wasn't tied to the Potter f
"Erica, let's head upstairs."Randy held Erica's hand as they walked up the stairs.The second floor was dead quiet, and the hallway lights were dim. At the far end was Yvette's bedroom.The door was wide open. Inside, Yvette sat at her vanity, brushing her hair.Nearing 50, she still looked good, though she'd let time take its toll. Her face was lined with wrinkles."Randy? You're back," she exclaimed, catching his reflection in the mirror.She turned around and saw him standing there, holding Erica's hand."Mom." Randy squeezed Erica's hand. "I brought Erica to see you."Yvette's eyes shifted to Erica, and she searched in her memories.After a while, she caught it. "Erica, I remember you. Randy always talked about you when he was a kid. I thought you two were just rivals or something."Yvette walked over to Erica and grabbed her hand. "Randy's a bit of a wild one, but he's great with girls. This is the first time he's brought a girl home. If you two are serious about each o
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