The sky was dark, and after Shelia saw the news on TV at Edgar's home, she began to fidget.There, on the screen, was Juan, and nestled beside Melody was none other than Hester. The media was abuzz with speculation that Hester was poised to replace Debra as the next Mrs. Nichols.Shelia's hands fluttered to her slightly rounded belly. 'That old bat wants Hester to take my place in the Nichols family. Over my dead body!'Edgar was unhinged, and she couldn't stay with him. If she wanted to survive, she had to cling to Juan like a lifeline.As Edgar emerged from the bathroom, Shelia instinctively recoiled, but she quickly composed herself. She had to play this smart."Edgar," she began, her voice laced with caution. "I haven't been home in days. I miss my dad. Can I..."Edgar's sneer cut her off. "What are you scheming again?""No schemes. I just miss home."Edgar's eyes narrowed, his voice as cold as ice. "If you're thinking of crying to Declan about how I've mistreated you, thin
Edgar cast a nonchalant glance at the TV, where a news report was airing about Melody causing a ruckus at the mall."Don't worry about her.""Understood."Meanwhile, in the back of a sleek sedan, Debra was a whirlwind of activity, her fingers dancing across her phone screen. Randy eyed her through the rearview mirror, curiosity piqued."Debra, you've been at it since we got in the car. What's got you so engrossed?""I'm stirring the pot. Mind giving me a hand? I need some influencers to boost its visibility.""What kind of article?"Erica leaned in, her eyes widening as she scanned the post. It was a meticulously crafted exposé, complete with nine incriminating photos, implicating Shelia in Michael's car accident. The comments section was already ablaze with speculation and conspiracy theories.Soon, people started connecting the dots based on Debra's post. They speculated that Shelia, upset with Debra, had plotted against Michael to hurt Debra financially.Others pointed fing
The next day, Debra was chauffeured back to Potter Entertainment in Marion's car.The rumor mill among the trainees was already churning, the hot topic being Debra's dramatic exit with Juan and the subsequent uproar caused by Mrs. Nichols at the mall."Some people just don't know their place. They think they can waltz back into high society just because they want to.""Did you see the car that dropped her off today? She's got some serious backers.""After going broke, she has no other options."...Debra was unfazed by the whispers.Eve sauntered up to her and scoffed, "Mr. Nichols's investment is probably going south. What good is it to stubbornly refuse to divorce, Debra? In the end, you won't get anything."Debra raised an eyebrow. "What are you implying?"Eve smirked, "Stop pretending. We all know the Frazier family is broke. You're desperate to get back with Mr. Nichols, but with your current status, it's impossible. As long as Mrs. Nichols Sr. doesn't agree, you're done
The trainees at Potter Entertainment were no strangers to luxury, and Eve, the richest of the bunch, was particularly smitten with men like Edgar. At the news of his arrival, they whipped out their makeup kits, touching up their lips and powdering their noses.Debra frowned in contemplation, not believing it was a simple visit. She wondered if it was connected to the news she'd posted yesterday, but it would be reckless if Edgar came to confront her there at Potter Entertainment.Before she could think further, everyone had rushed downstairs.Eve's father, Henry, was beaming like he'd won the lottery. First Juan and now Edgar. Potter Entertainment was on a roll."Mr. Odom, all our trainees are present," he announced, gesturing to the gaggle of starry-eyed girls.He had gathered only the girls, but Edgar's gaze zeroed in on Debra. "Ms. Frazier."She met his stare, her voice cool. "Hello, Mr. Odom."Envious eyes swiveled towards Debra."Aren't there male trainees here?" Chace ask
As the tension in the room thickened, Debra suddenly piped up."It seems Mr. Odom has a particular fondness for male trainees. I suppose that means us ladies are out of luck when it comes to investments."The implication hung in the air like a thick fog, and Edgar's frown deepened. He withdrew his hand from Oscar's shoulder as if it were on fire.Henry began to sweat bullets, not expecting Debra to be so blunt.In a bid to smooth things over, he interjected, "Haha, you're joking, Debra. Mr. Odom will invest in the whole program. All of you will be funded. Mr. Odom is a real man."But his effort only made things worse as everyone struggled to stifle their laughter.Edgar's voice turned silky, a mocking undertone barely concealed. "Mrs. Nichols, it seems I must have offended you in the past. Why else would you be so keen on targeting me now?"Debra shrugged. "Mr. Odom, you're joking. There is no such thing."Edgar leaned in, his voice a low whisper meant only for her ears. "The n
Debra pondered for a moment before replying, "Technically, we're enemies."Oscar fell silent, seemingly weighing whether she was telling the truth. Debra continued, "I've been straight with you about my relationship with Edgar. It's only fair you do the same."She could see Edgar was gunning for Oscar, just like a predator stalking its prey.The murderous intent in Edgar's eyes had been unmistakable."No comment."He turned to leave, but Debra's next words stopped him cold."Is he your brother?"Oscar whirled around, his hand shooting out to grasp Debra's neck, not tightly, but firmly enough to send a clear message. "How do you know that? Who are you?"Debra remained composed. "Your reaction just confirmed it."Oscar was taken aback, his grip loosening. Debra vaguely remembered some rumors about the Odom family from her previous life. Although the Odom family had dealt with them, it was better to believe in their existence than to dismiss them.Given the resemblance betwee
"If I go talk to him..." Oscar began.Debra cut him off, her voice assured. "It's pointless, Oscar. You didn't choose to be born into this mess, but your very existence here threatens Edgar's status. Nothing you say will change that. He might act friendly to your face, but behind your back, he'll be scheming to take you down."Oscar fell silent, his expression troubled. He just wanted to dance and find his stage, away from the drama and the politics.Seeing his turmoil, Debra softened her voice. "Here's the deal: come find me tonight. I have a business proposition for you. If you agree, I promise Edgar won't bother you anymore."Oscar looked at her, surprise and suspicion warring in his eyes. "You have a solution?"Debra shrugged. "Believe me if you want. If not, just forget it. I'm not here to force you into anything."With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Oscar staring after her. "Tonight at 8:30, back practice field."Tomas, who had been lurking nearby, tried to catc
Oscar frowned, his voice a low growl. "What's it to you?"He barely knew Freya. They were just neighbors, nothing more. Yet here she was, reminding him of his family rule.He shrugged off her hand, recoiling from her touch. Freya flushed, stung by the rejection.Tomas, overhearing, stepped in. "Oscar, that's no way to talk to a lady. Don't worry, Freya. I'll have a word with him."But his chivalry only fanned Freya's humiliation. She stormed off, finding Debra in the dance studio. She marched up, hand raised to strike, but Debra caught her wrist."What's your problem?"Freya, always the picture of calm, was unraveling."You're shameless. Stringing men along, and now you're after Oscar too?"She tried to wrench free, but Debra held firm. "I don't know what you're talking about. Are you jealous?"Her words hit a nerve, and Freya's face darkened."I...""I see." Debra released her, stepping back. "If you like someone, you should make an effort to win them over. If you like him,
"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
Liza eased up, knowing Debra was always faithful.She would help if she said so."Is the Illuminati really that bad?" Liza asked, having never seen Fermin cornered like that."Yeah," Debra said flat-out.Liza fought back her tears. "I'm not as smart as you guys, but if I can help...""You've done plenty," Debra said, patting her head.The once-bratty lady had grown into someone brave and kind. They'd all seen her change.But this was too risky. They couldn't bet on her life."Everything's set," Marion said, striding in with Jordan.Liza blinked at their suits. They looked solemn, as if ready for a last stand.Debra nodded. "Alright, let's go over everyone's setup and run through the plan."Randy wheeled in a blackboard that showed the outskirts map.The Four Great Families had owned Seamar City for ages. Their eyes and ears were on every corner.They'd linked up north, south, east, and west, with Juan's lines tied in.According to intel, the Illuminati hadn't sunk deep ro
"Just listen to me and go," Fermin said, pulling his hand free.The next thing she knew, he yanked her toward the emergency exit."Fermin!" she yelped.The restaurant staff, loyal to Fermin, hustled her into the stairwell. By the time the guards outside caught on, she was gone."Get her," the guards barked.If Liza slipped away, Michael would have their heads. But before they could chase, Fermin's crew boxed them in."You know what this means?" one guard spat, dropping all politeness.They knew he was just a puppet. If he broke free, Bert's life would be done."Kill them," Fermin ordered, turning back to the restaurant.A waiter dropped a tray, the crash drowning out muffled screams from the stairwell.Liza was already in a cab. She tried to turn back, but a staffer blocked her. "Miss, you can't go anywhere but Seamar City. The Potter Mansion is your safest bet. Think of what Mr. Eaton's doing for you."Her stay overseas made her a hostage. While she was here, Fermin was lea
The driver hesitated but complied. "Sure, Mr. Eaton. How long do you plan to stay? There's a meeting this afternoon.""An hour," Fermin replied.From their conversation, Liza caught on that their family was under the Illuminati's thumb. The driver would not grill Fermin about his schedule otherwise."Who're you to butt in? He'll hang out with me for as long as he wants," she snapped.The driver bit back his gripes. "My bad. Sorry."Liza clung to Fermin's arm, heart pounding. She had been pampered her whole life, and her family had always been untouchable. She never imagined they'd be under someone else's boot.The car stopped by the mall. Liza and Fermin got out.When the guards tried to follow, she whirled. "My brother and I are going shopping. What're you tagging along for?""Protecting you and Mr. Eaton," one said.She opened her mouth to argue, but Fermin cut in. "They can carry bags for you."She hesitated. With these guards tagging along, they couldn't talk about the si
"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