"A marriage certificate can't trap me, Juan. Do you even look like the head of the Nichols family right now?"Debra delivered this scathing remark and walked out.Juan stood there, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He knew he didn't embody the image of the Nichols family head at that moment.The family always expected their leaders to prioritize the family's interests above all else. With the Frazier family bankrupt and Debra having lost her chance to be Mrs. Nichols, it was time to find a more suitable candidate.Yet, despite Debra publicly asking for a divorce months ago, Juan still hadn't agreed. The elders of the Nichols family were growing increasingly unhappy with him, but they couldn't force him to change his mind.Juan watched Debra's retreating figure, his expression darkening. Joe approached cautiously and said, "Sir, Mr. Hardy is still waiting upstairs.""Tell me what happened tonight in detail," Juan said, regaining his composure.He was unaware that Melody had de
"Go handle it. I want to see the results tomorrow.""Yes, sir."Juan headed upstairs. Pedro, who had been anxiously waiting in the study room, hurried up. "I'm sorry about what happened to Miss Blair's baby."Juan cut him off. "I don't want today's events to get out. You should understand that."Pedro nodded repeatedly. "Family troubles shouldn't be aired out. I get it."Juan added, "I want you to arrest Shelia tomorrow."About to agree, Pedro paused and then looked up in confusion. "What?"He thought he had misheard. "Mr. Nichols, technically speaking, causing a miscarriage intentionally isn't a criminal act. If we're to arrest someone, there's no solid reason. Plus, you mentioned not wanting today's events to be known. If we arrest her, it will cause a stir.'Juan's gaze was unyielding. "She caused a scene at my place today, framing Debra. You just need to make a big show of arresting her. Don't worry about the rest. You can even release her on the same day."Pedro hesitat
It was late at night when Edgar returned to the hospital room after sending Declan away.Shelia was lying on the bed, with her eyes closed. Her face was an unsettling shade of pale."Stop pretending to be asleep," Edgar said, grabbing her arm.Shelia gasped in pain, her eyes flying open. "I-I did what you said. Please, spare me."Edgar's eyes were cold and unforgiving. "You fool. You ruined my plan. How dare you ask me to spare you?"He released Shelia's arm, and she recoiled, her face contorting with pain and fear. "What are you talking about? My child is gone. Debra pushed me down the stairs. Everyone saw it."Edgar scoffed, "You're so clueless. Do you think Debra is as stupid as you? She had already planned for this. Now everyone knows you tried to frame her and ended up killing your own child. Declan is utterly disappointed in you, and Melody would love to see you dead. Debra will come after you too. You've offended so many people. Even if I spare you, they will not."Shelia
"I didn't come here to hear your explanation.""Juan.""If Debra hadn't asked me to check on you, I would never have come."Shelia froze, but she didn't think Debra would be that kind. She believed Debra had sent Juan there to laugh at her.Shelia bit her lip. "I was forced into this. Who would kill their child? It was Edgar who pressured me. He asked me to frame Debra, and I didn't dare disobey him."Juan watched coldly. He had once been fooled by her acts of kindness and weakness, but now he saw her for what she truly was. He had no more pity left for her."I don't care what your relationship with Edgar is or what he's plotting. I will not allow anyone to target Debra. Otherwise, I will make sure you pay."His expression made it clear he was serious, and her face turned pale."Juan, we're a couple."She tried to play the emotional card, but Juan's dangerous glance silenced her. She quickly changed her approach."I was wrong. Could you please forgive me and help me? I failed
Tears welled up in Shelia's eyes.For years, she had been the epitome of obedience and docility by Juan's side. He had once showered her with affection, making her feel like she was on top of the world. But now, that love had been cruelly withdrawn, leaving her in a state of despair."You know best what happened that night."Juan clenched his fists, regret coursing through him. He had shown Shelia sympathy, and in a moment of weakness, he had fallen into her trap, losing his chance with Debra.He knew Debra would never forgive him. There was no way she could accept him now."You used to dote on me so much," Shelia choked out. "When I said I was tired from studying, you'd take me out to relax, even if you were busy. When I said I was hungry, you'd send Joe to take me out for a meal. You introduced me to all the big shots in business and taught me how to handle myself. I've been with you for so many years, even longer than Debra has known you. So, why are you treating me like this?"
The next morning, Debra woke up in her apartment to see some news notifications.The headlines were ablaze with reports that Shelia, who had just suffered a miscarriage, had been taken from the hospital to the police station under public scrutiny.The city was abuzz with speculation about the truth behind Shelia's miscarriage and her subsequent arrest. Many speculated that Juan, still hung up on Shelia, had spent a fortune to bail her out.Debra's phone chimed with an incoming call. She picked it up to see Erica's name flashing on the screen."Debra, I'm at the Nichols Group headquarters with a hoe. Do you want to join me?""What?"Debra's head was still groggy, and she struggled to catch up. When the information sank in, she jumped out of bed, quickly getting dressed as she replied, "Don't act rashly. I'm on my way."Marion had been busy with family matters and had been called away by Caleb, leaving Erica to her own devices.In Seamar City, there was nothing Erica couldn't do.
'Shelia has lost her child, and Juan, who once cared for her, might soften upon seeing her grief," Debra thought.Just then, several employees of the Nichols Group passed by, whispering to each other."Did you hear? Mr. Nichols and Miss Blair are getting engaged.""For real? I thought it was just a rumor.""Totally real. I overheard it in the meeting room today. Mr. Nichols really is going to get engaged to Miss Blair.""But why would they get engaged after losing the child? What's Mr. Nichols thinking?"...The chatter reached the ears of Erica and Randy, who both turned to look at Debra.Debra, however, seemed unperturbed. "Let's go to my place.""Okay," Erica replied, her voice filled with worry.She knew that Debra had once adored Juan, and their impending divorce was a hot topic in Seamar City. She couldn't help but feel anxious about how Debra was handling the news.In her car, Debra pulled out her phone and called Ben."Madam.""Send another copy of the divorce agre
Melody's voice trembled with anger and disbelief. "At least, Debra didn't kill my great-grandson, unlike Shelia. I've already been more than lenient by not sending her to prison. Yet you bailed her out. How can you be so foolish? I trained you for so many years. Why are you still stubborn?"Juan remained composed, looking at her without a word.Sophie came up to advise him, "Sir, you know Miss Miles' character. She went as far as killing her child. How could you..."Juan cut her off. "I've made my decision. I will take responsibility for Shelia. I'll get engaged to her and take care of her for life."Melody stumbled, her hand clutching her chest as if she might collapse. Sophie rushed to her side, offering support."How could I have a grandson like you?"Juan ignored her outburst, turning away and heading upstairs.Across town in his office, Edgar watched the news on the TV and kicked over the table."What's going on?" he barked.Chace bowed his head, replying, "Sir, I don't k
"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