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
Eve was delighted. "With your silver tongue, if I do manage to win Mr. McKinney's heart and marry him, I'll make sure you get your shot at stardom.Ashley's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Eve, you're an absolute doll!"Eve, accustomed to Ashley's honeyed words, barely registered the compliment. Her gaze sharpened as she spotted Debra entering the house."You, over there. Come here," she commanded.Joe, who had been searching for Debra at Juan's behest, paused mid-stride as Eve intercepted him. As Juan's secretary, only Juan and Melody held sway over him.Maintaining a diplomatic tone, he responded, "Good evening, Miss. Is there something I can assist you with?"Eve snorted, "Debra is just a lowly manager from the McKinney Group. What makes her worthy of being here? Have someone remove her. She's sullying the atmosphere."Eve's imperious tone made it clear she mistook Joe for a mere butler. Ashley, ever the opportunist, fanned the flames. "Exactly. This is the Nichols fa
"Indeed, Ms. Frazier," Joe acknowledged with a slight bow.He flicked his gaze at a maid standing nearby. The maid sprang into action, stepping forward and splashing a glass of ice-cold water onto Eve's face.Eve gasped, her makeup streaking down her now-drenched face. Her expression darkened like a storm cloud."Have you all gone mad? I am a guest here. How dare you treat me this way?""The Nichols family has no interest in hosting ill-bred guests. Besides, we have no record of you." Joe regarded Eve with an icy stare, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had pulled strings through her father's connections to secure an invitation. Normally, this kind of grand event was beyond their reach.Feeling the weight of countless eyes on her, Eve gritted her teeth. "Regardless, I am still a guest. Even if I've erred, it is Mr. Nichols' place to reprimand me, not yours. You're just a secretary. Since when do you have the authority to act like this?"Ashley immediately echoed he
Eve hadn't even laid eyes on Tracy before the security guards manhandled her like a ragdoll.In the blink of an eye, a man in a crisp butler's uniform stood before her. Eve wrenched herself free from the guards' grasp, her voice shaking with rage and humiliation. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on me?"She frantically brushed at her clothes, as if their touch had left a stain. "You must be the butler. I demand to see Mr. Nichols. He should know how his staff is treating his guests."She was a rich lady, and no one had disrespected her like this before.The butler looked down his nose at her, his voice dripping with disdain. "Mr. Nichols is not for anyone to see."He signaled the guards with a flick of his wrist. "Miss Blair has expressed her displeasure with this outfit. Remove it.""Yes, sir."The guards advanced on Eve, their hands grabbing at her designer dress. She paled, her eyes wide with terror. The sound of ripping fabric filled the air as her haute couture gown was
Debra and Juan were to maintain the facade of a happy couple in public.Post-divorce, neither could have any lingering claims. She was explicitly forbidden from tarnishing the Nichols family's name. And to keep up appearances, neither party could remarry within a year.She couldn't help but laugh. "Juan, this is absurd.""I've already signed," Juan stated, his voice as unyielding as stone. "These are my conditions. Meet them, and you'll receive a ten-billion-dollar settlement."Debra knew Juan's resolve was set in stone. This was the biggest compromise he could make."And what about Shelia? Today's supposed to be your engagement announcement.""I never said today was about an engagement."Realization dawned on her like a harsh light. Juan wasn't planning to announce his engagement to Shelia. He was staging a reconciliation with her instead.Her brows furrowed. "What's your endgame, Juan?""That's not your concern. Leave it or take it."Debra stared at the agreement, the weigh
The moment Edgar strode into the room, Declan's face flushed a shade of crimson.The history between the Blair and Odom families was no secret, and the Blair family's recent actions had left the Odoms smarting from public humiliation.Declan's smile was more a grimace, but with all eyes on him, he steeled himself and extended a hand. Before he could grasp Edgar's, the latter withdrew and asked, "Where's Jade?"To the casual observer, Edgar still cut the figure of a man hopelessly in love. The room buzzed with whispers as Shelia descended the staircase.Clad in a couture gown that shimmered under the chandeliers, and dripping in jewels that could fund a small nation, Shelia commanded attention.Guests flocked to her, their congratulations echoing through the marbled hall.Having attended many events with Juan in the past, she smiled politely in poise, as if she were already the future Mrs. Nichols."Dad," Shelia cooed, sidling up to Declan.He beamed with pride, patting her hand
The ladies from high society buzzed around Shelia like bees to honey, their glasses clinking in endless toasts.Ashley, eyes darting about like a hummingbird, spotted her chance and swooped in. She plucked a glass of wine from a nearby tray and offered it to Shelia with a gracious smile."Miss Blair, your reputation precedes you. I must say, the rumors don't do your beauty justice. Please, allow me to toast to you," she gushed, downing her wine in one smooth motion.Shelia raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar face. "And you are...""Ashley Steele, formerly a trainee at Potter Entertainment," she introduced herself, batting her eyelashes with practiced sincerity. "I've always admired you, Miss Blair."Shelia was unmoved by the flattery. As the newly discovered daughter, she was more accustomed to envy than admiration.Still, she played along. "A trainee at Potter Entertainment? Then you must be acquainted with Debra."The name dropped like a stone in a pond, ripples of tension spr
Ashley's words were like a grenade tossed into the midst of the gathered elite, leaving them stunned and speechless.Shelia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "I never knew Debra was like that."Ashley whispered, "Miss Blair, there's so much you don't know. Some people might look like they're cut from fine cloth, but underneath, they're just cheap polyester."The other ladies immediately voiced their disdain toward Debra and their support for Shelia."Well, after tonight, Miss Blair will be Mrs. Nichols. No matter how many men Debra warms her bed with, Mr. Nichols won't even spare her a glance.""That's right, Miss Blair. You're a rare gem, beautiful and pure. Debra, well, she's just a woman of the world. Mr. Nichols is lucky to have you.""Isn't that so? Miss Blair graduated from Arcane Academy on her merit, while Debra had to sneak in through the back door. That alone speaks volumes about her character."Shelia basked in the glow of their praise. Her smile was as radiant as
"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
"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,"