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 But now, that love had been cruelly withdrawn, leaving her in a state of despair."You know best what happened that night."Juan clenched his fists, regret coursing through him.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
"But if we do that, what we've been doing might not stay hidden," Chace reasoned.They all knew Shelia wasn't truly Declan's daughter. If Declan learned about the truth, all their efforts would be for naught.Edgar understood the risks but wasn't about to let Juan emerge as the ultimate winner."There's always a backup plan.""You mean...""Go get the car. We're going to see Declan.""Understood."When they arrived at the Blair family's residence, the security guard immediately recognized Edgar's vehicle and hurried over to greet them."Mr. Odom, bad timing. Mr. Blair isn't home today."Edgar rolled down the window from the back seat. "Where did he go?"The guard hesitated. "Uh, we're not sure.""What about Miss Blair?""She went out with Mr. Blair and hasn't returned yet."The guard's expression said it all.Edgar noticed the lights on in the house. Shelia and Declan were seated in the living room, and Juan was with them. They seemed to be enjoying each other's company l
After having dinner at the Blair family's house, Juan left and got into his car.Joe said, "Marion has booked the place.""Then let's go," Juan replied, his eyes gleaming with a cold determination.He had been wanting to have a serious talk with Marion, and tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity.The car pulled up to the nightclub. Marion had rented out the entire place. The manager, recognizing Juan, immediately approached him with a fawning smile and led him to the most luxurious private room at the back.The hallway was lined with Marion's men, their presence a clear display of power.Joe muttered, "What does Marion want? Is he trying to show off?"Juan remained silent. For years, Seamar City had been his territory, but with Caleb's retirement and Marion's rise, the dynamics had shifted.The city was now a formidable three-way standoff between Juan, Marion, and the elusive Tracy, who never appeared in public.In the private room, Marion sat on the couch, a defiant sm
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,"
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