"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
Marion smirked. "As I said, I have ways to deal with anyone trying to hurt Debra. How about you take a guess at what I've been up to these days, running around all over the place?"It took only a moment for Juan to realize the implication behind Marion's words. His eyes narrowed as he said, "You're the one who cut off our key funding chains?"Recently, major partners and overseas suppliers had suddenly come to a halt. Payments were delayed, and if it weren't for the Nichols family's reserve funds, their business would have ground to a standstill.Juan had initially thought this was due to the McKinney Group's impact, causing hesitation among partners and suppliers. He hadn't expected Marion to be involved.Marion's smile widened. "Every business has some dirty work to handle. You should remember what the Houston family used to do, and you shouldn't have forgotten what I used to do either."Juan clenched his fists. Few had dared to threaten him so openly. "Marion, have you thought
Debra woke up from a dream of her past life.In her dream, Seamar City had eventually become Marion's domain. She rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the lingering images. She dismissed it as just another ordinary dream.The morning sunlight streamed through her window, and she saw several missed calls on her phone.She called Ben back, and he said, "Madam, Mr. Cameron wants to see you.""Now?""Yes, he called you last night, but you didn't answer.""I see," Debra said. "Did he say why he wanted me there?""It seems to be about the trainee program."After leaving Potter Entertainment, Debra announced her new role as General Manager of McKinney Group.It was no surprise that Henry was anxious. Without Juan's sponsorship, most of the trainees had canceled their contracts, leaving him facing massive compensation fees to the production team. It was likely that Edgar's investment had already gone down the drain.At noon, Debra walked into the office building of Potter Entertai
Ashley strode towards Debra, enveloping her hand in a warm, affectionate grasp. "Ms. Frazier, we've both been in the trenches together as trainees. You know Eve, so please, don't take this the wrong way.Anyone with a pulse in the industry knew Debra wasn't someone to be underestimated. Though she held the title of general manager at the McKinney Group, whispers of her special relationship with Tracy, the group's real master, had long since spread like wildfire.The recent parade of luxury cars ferrying Debra around only served to fuel Ashley's suspicion that Debra and Tracy were entangled in a romantic liaison.Debra, however, swiftly extricated her hand from Ashley's grip, leaving the latter awkwardly suspended in mid-air.Henry stepped in, his voice dripping with sycophantic charm."Ms. Frazier, why don't we head upstairs and have a little chat? After you," he gestured, as if ushering royalty.Eve, witnessing her father's groveling display, felt a hot surge of anger and anxiet
Henry swiftly read between the lines of Debra's words. He gave a firm nod and said, "I get the picture, Ms. Frazier. Consider it done.""Excellent," Debra replied, rising from her seat. "Freya is chomping at the bit to debut, but the truth is, Potter Entertainment doesn't have the resources to make it happen. I trust you grasp the sensitivity of the matter."Henry met her gaze steadily. "Leave it to me. I'll keep the trainees in line."Debra nodded, satisfied. "I'll be heading back. Don't worry. Your position here is secure.""Understood, Ms. Frazier. Let me show you out," Henry said, gesturing towards the door.Outside the meeting room, Eve watched the exchange, her jaw clenched tight enough to crack walnuts.Ashley, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, leaned in and whispered, "How does Debra still wield so much power? I heard Juan is about to get engaged to Miss Blair. Debra's not Mrs. Nichols anymore, so why is your father bending over backward for her?"Eve's e
"A gala?"When Debra strode back into the McKinney Group's headquarters, the buzz of internal chatter reached her ears almost instantly.She tossed the invitation onto her desk. "So, why didn't this invitation land on my desk yesterday?"Ben squirmed under her gaze. "This is a big deal. All the top celebrities and big-name stars will be there. I didn't think you needed to attend, so...""Cut to the chase, Ben. Who's hosting it?" Debra demanded.Ben tried to dance around the question, but Debra's steely gaze had him pinned. He finally came clean."It's the Nichols family."A smile spread across Debra's face. She knew Ben wouldn't hide the invitation without a reason. And now, she understood. He was worried about her crossing paths with Juan.Ben trod carefully. "They're going to announce Mr. Nichols' engagement to Miss Blair."Everyone in Seamar City knew about Debra's history with Juan. Now that Juan was getting engaged to Shelia, and if the invitation had landed in his still-
As twilight deepened into night, the gala was hosted at the Nichols family's old house.Melody was against Juan engaging Shelia, but Juan, being the decision-maker, had the event implemented.Outside, Debra sat in her car, watching as a parade of luxury vehicles rolled up, each more opulent than the last. She had once dealt a crushing blow to the Nichols family when she established the McKinney Group, yet their web of influence remained firmly in Juan's grasp.Her past leniency had allowed the Nichols Group to rise again within a few months."Madam, we've arrived," Ben prompted.Stepping out of the car, Debra was greeted by a familiar, albeit unwelcome, voice. "Well, if it isn't Debra."She turned to see Eve and Ashley emerging from their lavish ride. Eve was draped in a silver lace gown that clung to her curves, diamonds shimmering like stars against the night. She was a vision of extravagance, while Ashley, in a sweet pink sheath dress, seemed almost demure by comparison.Debr
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