Melody's face clouded over. She shoved Shelia aside, her voice shaking with anger. "You shameless woman, how dare you show your face here again?"Shelia stumbled, falling to the ground. She'd chosen her outfit carefully. The long, form-fitting dress accentuated her swollen belly.Melody's gaze softened at the sight of the bump, but her voice remained stern. "I took you in and gave you a haven to have your baby. And this is how you repay me? You carry Juan's child and turn to another man? You're a disgrace."Shelia bowed her head, tears streaming down her face. "I was forced into it. I love Juan, you know that. The Odoms took me away, saying they knew where my father was. I had no choice."She sobbed, her shoulders shaking. Melody frowned, her expression wavering. "Is this true?"Shelia nodded pitifully. "I made a mistake, but it's because I never had a father. I just wanted to find him."Melody had seen the news, knowing Shelia's father was the head of the Blair family. Declan wa
"Is something wrong?" Debra asked.Sophie wouldn't come to find her for nothing.Sophie glanced around, and Debra said, "Come with me."Debra led Sophie to an empty meeting room, handing her a cup of tea. "Now you can speak."Sophie took a deep breath before speaking. "It's Miss Miles. She came back."Debra was surprised. 'Shelia is supposed to be with Edgar. Why did she suddenly return to the Nichols family?'She said nonchalantly, "Sophie, I'm no longer Mrs. Nichols. You know I'm in the middle of a divorce with Juan. It's only a matter of time."Sophie persisted, "Shelia isn't a good woman. Mr. Nichols was only under her spell before. He was drugged and..."She knew this was an unsavory topic but felt compelled to speak up. "I've seen how you care for Mr. Nichols since the day you entered the house. Now Mr. Nichols only wants you, and I don't want to see Shelia ruining everything, so...""I understand. You want me to reconcile with Juan." Debra shook her head gently. "But fr
"What did you say? Shelia isn't a Blair?"In the opulent bedroom, Sophie dropped the bombshell.Melody's eyebrows shot up. "Where did you hear this?"Sophie leaned in, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Rumors are flying, but we can't take any chances. Not with Miss Miles carrying Mr. Nichols' child. We can't have some woman of dubious background waltzing into the Nichols' family."Melody nodded thoughtfully. The identity was crucial. If Juan married a supposed Blair, only to find out later she wasn't, it would be another blow to the Nichols family."Send an invitation to the Blair family in my name. Ask Declan for dinner at the Royal Grand Hotel tomorrow night.""Will do."Sophie scurried off and secretly texted Debra.Debra read the message with a smirk. She'd already dug into Shelia's past, so Melody's invitation didn't surprise her.But she needed to beat Melody to the punch. Shelia was using her supposed blood ties with the Blair family and the baby to worm her way into
Debra spoke meaningfully. "Oh, by the way, Melody has started to suspect Shelia's identity. I'm sure you'll be receiving a call soon to arrange a meeting so she can conduct her interrogation. Melody is old and cares about status. I hope that won't bother you."She stood up and signaled to the waiter. "There's no need to serve the food. Please pack everything up for Mr. Blair to take away. I believe Declan has lost his appetite, at least for dining with me."The waiter nodded, though his expression revealed confusion. Debra didn't wait for a response, turning on her heel and leaving the restaurant.Declan slammed his fist on the table, his face contorted with displeasure.Debra knew what Declan was thinking. Whether Shelia was his daughter or not, he had clearly made up his mind. After the humiliation Melody had dealt him, he wouldn't let this go easily.Melody's pride was legendary, and tomorrow's dinner invitation promised a spectacle worth watching.Outside the Royal Grand Hote
Melody's words sliced through the air like a sharpened blade."Hmph, how can you expect me to greet you with a smile when you've stolen Shelia away?"Declan had initially harbored doubts about Debra's claims, but the scene unfolding before him was swiftly dispelling them. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of life Jade would have if she married into the Nichols family.Next door, Debra continued her meal at a leisurely pace, while Randy and Erica, who had been engrossed in conversation earlier, now quietly munched on seeds.They exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the poor soundproofing and their unexpected entertainment.Debra felt a sense of satisfaction as she perceived the escalating tension. Had Declan come alone, Melody might have feigned kindness and engaged in polite conversation.But Declan's decision to bring Edgar was a clear sign of disrespect toward Melody. And if there was one thing Melody didn't handle well, it was disrespect.Declan slammed his hand on t
Declan stormed out of the room, leaving behind a wave of stifled laughter from the eavesdroppers in the next room.It was hard to believe a supposedly philanthropist could argue so bitterly with a renowned old lady.Randy was holding back laughter so hard that his face was turning an interesting shade of red.A loud crash echoed as Melody, in her rage, upended the table. The sudden noise startled everyone, and a waiter rushed in to clean up the mess. Only then did the suppressed laughter burst forth."I didn't expect Melody could be so harsh. She was almost cursing," Erica said. "This is the juiciest thing I've ever heard."She turned to Debra and continued, "This has dashed Shelia's hope of marrying into the Nichols family."Debra raised an eyebrow. "With things having turned out like this, Melody has no more reason to keep Shelia around."In truth, someone like Jade would have been a prime marriage partner for the Nichols family. Her age was suitable. Her family background was
"Marion..." Debra murmured, blushing.Marion closed the door and whispered, "So, this was the show you wanted to see.""Are you upset about it?" Debra's eyes, usually so full of life, now held a spark of naive guilt. "I didn't expect you to come."She had only intended to bring Erica to the show. She hadn't anticipated Randy's presence, nor had she thought they would tell Marion.Marion stroked her cheek. "So, you didn't plan to tell me from the start?""I was afraid..." Debra tried to explain, but his intense gaze silenced her.Marion croaked, "Afraid I'd be jealous?"Debra managed a small, almost imperceptible nod. She was too entangled with the Nichols family. Legally, without a divorce, she was still Juan's wife."I'm not so petty." He pinched her cheek and murmured his warning, "Dealing with the Nichols family is fine, but if you dare rekindle old feelings with him...""It won't happen," Debra interjected, her voice filled with sincerity. "I don't have old feelings for hi
'I must be crazy to share my bed with Marion,' Debra thought.The sound of running water from the bathroom only served to amplify her nervousness.The bathroom door creaked open, and she quickly shut her eyes, feigning sleep. Marion tiptoed across the room, the soft click of the bedside lamp being turned off signaling his approach. The mattress dipped slightly as he lay down beside her.The heat of Marion's body was palpable, sending Debra's nerves into overdrive. There was no way he could sleep like this.She shifted, turning her back to him, but Marion's arm draped over her, pulling her close.His deep voice was a whisper in her ear. "Sleep tight."Before she could respond, Marion nuzzled her neck, his lips brushing against her skin in soft, tender kisses. The numbing sensation made her tremble."Marion...""Yes?""It's itchy.""Itchy?"Marion's voice was a low rumble, captivating and intense.Debra turned to face him, and he immediately captured her mouth in a deep, pass
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
"Miss, the fire's cut off the road," a guard reported.Lara looked around, understanding that Marion had scoped their escape route, lured them with gunfire, and set the trap.The strategy was simple but effective. The terrifying part was that he had planned it in no time and carried it out efficiently."Miss, what now?" the guard asked anxiously, looking at the roaring flames.Instead of throwing in more fuel, Marion led his crew to an open spot near water, so they could douse the fire later.The dense trees left no way out.Lara gritted her teeth, grabbed a guy, and shoved him forward, using him as a shield against the fire."Dying for me should make you proud," she said, ignoring his thrashing.He burned, reeking of charred flesh. She covered her nose, broke through, and tossed him aside. The rest couldn't escape, awaiting death.Burns scarred her body, but she didn't stop, ignoring the pain and the screams from behind her.Following the plan, Jordan's team prepared to kill
It all happened in a flash. Randy couldn't even tell how the shooting started."What're you doing? Hide!" Erica yelled.He jolted, quickly ducking behind a tree.This was life or death. Bullets didn't care who they hit. Taking cover was important.He peeked out and saw Erica charging ahead. It reminded him of their childhood.She had been Caleb's favorite, but he had thought her skills were just girly fluff.Now? The gap was glaring. She was a beast, and he was a chicken.Up ahead, Lara couldn't gauge how many were coming.A guy ran up, reporting their hidden crew got wiped by Marion. Unsure of the enemy's numbers, they held back.Lara's eyes narrowed. She believed that Marion's desperation was driven by Debra's death."He's courting death," she sneered. "I thought he was smart. Turns out he's so dumb."Turning to the messenger, she ordered, "Tell Michael's people to close in. We're boxing them up and wiping them out.""Miss, we can't.""What?""Mr. Austin's crew pulled o
"What? No," Erica yelled. "If Debra knew..." "She'd back us," Jordan said, knowing what Debra wanted.She couldn't avenge Kale, but they could. They might not crush the Illuminati, but they'd make them bleed."Take your guys and come with me," Marion said."They've lost it," Randy muttered.Erica sighed, "I've been itching to teach those clowns a lesson too. Like sewer rats, they only know how to hide behind masks and cloaks.""Don't be impulsive" Randy warned."I'm going," she insisted, yanking out her gun. "Might as well go nuts. Like is too short."Randy tensed up. "You serious?""Stay back and watch Debra if you're scared," she said. "Don't drag me down."She charged into the trees. Randy stared, feeling like the weak link."Fine. I'll show you tough," he growled, turning to a guard. "Give me your gun.""Uh, Mr. Osborne, you sure?" The guard hesitated."What, you think I can't handle it?" Randy smacked the guard's head. "I was popping off shots before you were born."
Debra suddenly hacked hard, spitting blood.Erica and Randy lit up. Jordan heaved a sigh of relief as she opened her eyes."Medical kit!" Marion snapped out of it first.William hustled over, gaping at the scene."Debra, hang in there," Erica babbled, rattled."She can't talk yet," William said, rushing to stop her bleeding.Blood poured from her chest, soaking her."You're safe now," Marion soothed her."I'm okay," she rasped.The pendant given by Kale had caught the bullet and saved her life.Tears slid down her face. She'd sworn her friends wouldn't get hurt, but Kale was gone."Don't just stand there. Help me out," William urged. "She has got an hour at most if you don't move."The pendant had dulled the shot, but it was just a stone. Her chest still took a hit even though the wound wasn't deep.Erica snapped back, and Jordan signaled for a stretcher."I've got her," Marion said, lifting her onto it.The group watched with heavy hearts.As she was carried off, Mario