"How could there be robbers?" Debra frowned.The place was a fortress, bristling with guards, maids, and bodyguards, not to mention the state-of-the-art security system. It was virtually impregnable. No ordinary robber could infiltrate it.Erica tugged nervously at Debra's arm. "The police should be here any minute. Let's not get involved. We should go."Debra shook her head. "No police. I'm going in."Randy was astounded. "Debra, don't be reckless."Debra glanced at the grand entrance, having a general idea of what was going on.She made a dash toward the house. Inside, the hall was chaotic and dark.Suddenly, a pair of hands gripped her arms. "Boss, we've got a woman here."The robber's voice caught the attention of their leader in the darkness."Let her go.""But...""I said, let her go."The voice was unmistakable. Even though it was lowered, Debra knew exactly who it was."Debra, get out of here," Juan said weakly.Debra ignored his warning, moving closer to the mask
"The first aid kit is here," the maid announced, placing the kit in front of Debra.Erica and Randy rushed in, their faces etched with concern. Erica took one look at the disarray and instantly knew who the so-called 'robber' was.She offered, "Take my car. The ambulance could take forever to get here.""Okay." Debra nodded, swiftly instructing the security guards to carry Juan into the car.At the hospital, doctors swiftly began emergency treatment on Juan.Erica and Debra sat on a bench."He'll pull through. The doctor said the wound wasn't critical.""But excessive blood loss can still be fatal. Where's Randy?"Debra rubbed her temples, her voice laced with worry. "He had something urgent to attend to.""He went to find Marion, didn't he?"They both knew Marion was behind the attack. His reckless, impulsive actions had left Juan fighting for his life. Though the knife had missed any vital organs, the risk of complications lingered like a dark shadow.The doctor emerged
Debra cast a glance at Juan, his form still and silent on the hospital bed."I'll come back when he's better."With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the ward.As the door clicked shut behind her, Juan's eyes fluttered open.Joe was totally surprised."Sir, you're awake.""Help me sit up."Juan's voice was hoarse. Joe quickly assisted him, propping pillows behind his back."Sir, is this an act?"Juan remained silent, his mind replaying the events. The security alarm had blared early, a warning that only Debra could have triggered.When the intruders burst in, Juan could have easily evaded the knife, but he hadn't. He had taken the blow deliberately, gambling on Debra's reaction.A wry smile tugged at the corners of Juan's mouth."She must still care for me."Joe hesitated before speaking. "Mrs. Nichols used to love you so deeply. If you're hurt, she'd definitely be concerned.""Concerned?" Juan muttered. "If she cared, she wouldn't have left."His face was p
"Have you ever stopped to think about what would happen if you left evidence behind? You promised me you wouldn't take these risks again," Debra said.Today, Marion had shown up with a motley crew of hardened men she'd never seen before.But she knew from her past life that Marion had an ulterior motive for coming to Seamar City. His sights were set on Juan, the biggest obstacle standing between him and total control of the city.She just hadn't expected so many twists and turns this time around, but Marion's goal remained steadfast, and his forces were more formidable than ever.If any of these men were caught, Marion could be doomed. She couldn't bear the thought.She looked at Marion, waiting for an explanation, but he remained silent as a statue."You have other business in Seamar City, don't you?" she pressed.Marion finally nodded. "Yes."Debra's voice grew colder, her frustration bubbling to the surface."You've already conquered overseas, yet you're still here, vying f
The villa stood before them, an unassuming façade tucked away in an affluent neighborhood where each residence was worth a small fortune.Despite its prime location, the house bore an air of neglect, as if it were rarely inhabited.Debra raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't have pegged this as your style."Andrew coughed a little, his face pale. He pulled out a key and unlocked the door."This isn't my house.""If it's not yours, why do you have the key?""A friend entrusted it to me."There were very few people in Seamar City whom Andrew considered friends. Debra immediately thought of Marion.The interior was a stark contrast to the exterior, elegantly appointed with a taste that hinted at a bygone era. It was impeccably maintained, as if someone regularly cared for it.Andrew noticed her puzzled expression and offered an explanation."I have someone come in to clean periodically. It hasn't changed much over the years.""Is this where Marion used to live?"Marion had never ment
Debra hadn't allowed herself to dwell on the car accident that had claimed her parents' lives and left her an orphan at such a tender age.She had always assumed it was just a tragic accident. But now, as she sat across from Andrew, the past came roaring back, shrouded in a sinister new light."Marion's parents didn't die in that accident," Andrew said. "It was all a ruse. Marion's mother, Itzel, survived. Caleb sent her abroad to keep the truth hidden and to ensure she could give birth in peace. Soon after, Marion was born."Debra's mind reeled. Rumors had painted Itzel Houston as a vengeful mistress, driven mad by her illegitimacy and resentment towards the Houston family.But on the cruise ship, Marion had confessed that these were merely rumors. Itzel was no mistress, but Dwayne's rightful wife."Who wanted to kill Marion's parents?" Debra asked, her voice urgent. "And what does this have to do with my parents' deaths?"Andrew toyed with a ring on his finger, his expression t
Andrew's face was ashen. "It's pointless even if you knew. It wouldn't change anything. It's better to live your life in peace."Debra's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm the heiress to the Frazier family. I have the right to know everything."Andrew sighed, leaning against the table to keep his balance. "I can tell you about the Four Major Families, but I don't know who killed your parents. I've investigated for years, and I still don't know who was behind the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Houston."Debra searched Andrew's eyes and found no trace of deceit. She took a deep breath before asking, "Do you know everything about the Four Major Families?"Andrew nodded. "I know the general outline of the past grudges and disputes. The Houston family had military power and absolute authority. The Potter family had the most powerful intelligence network. Under the leadership of your great-grandfather, the Frazier family was renowned for its strategic prowess. The Osborne family, originally t
"So, what about Juan? Why does Marion have it out for him?"Debra's mind whirred with memories of her past life. Marion had swept into Seamar City like a storm, quickly becoming Juan's fiercest rival. Their competition was legendary, their battles subtle yet fierce.Marion was undoubtedly Juan's most formidable opponent. Debra clenched her fists, her nerves taut."Is it...""No," Andrew cut her off, anticipating her question. He explained, "Marion has his suspicions, but no concrete evidence. The Nichols family isn't one of the Four Major Families. Their rise caught everyone off guard.""But the Nichols family has been established for a century.""The family tree doesn't lie. The Nichols family gained power under the leadership of Juan's grandfather. It peaked during his father's reign, and under Juan, their influence has become immense."Andrew coughed. "Could you get me a glass of water?"Realizing he'd been talking for a while, Debra quickly poured him a glass and handed it
Everyone nodded at Marion's call. They split tasks fast.Randy drove Erica toward the Osborne Mansion, speeding through the dark.When they parked, he didn't budge from the driver's seat."Don't stress. I'm here with you," Erica said, squeezing his hand.She knew what ate at him. If Enoch was really the Illuminati's head, it would spark a war. His relationship with Enoch would be unmendable."I never saw this coming," Randy said, his face shadowed with a rare gloom.He had always known Enoch didn't care about him, Yvette, or their family.In fact, he had never known much about Enoch. Without Theda's hunch today, he'd never have linked Enoch to the Illuminati."If Enoch is tied to them, what will you do?" Erica asked, watching him closely.She knew that blood was thicker than water."I don't know." Randy shook his head.Being the heir to the Osborne family never mattered to him, but he could not deny his bloodline.If it came to picking sides, he didn't know if he'd back Mar
His teacher had been worried about that.Randy had racked his brain, wondering what a dad should be like. He'd wanted to roughhouse like other kids, only to receive cold stares.His mother always brushed it off, telling him not to chase fatherly love."Randy?" Erica's voice yanked him back."Huh?" He blinked, seeing everyone's concerned stares."I called you a dozen times. Why were you zoning out?" Erica frowned.Randy grinned weakly. "Well, Theda's got a point. Now I'm kind of suspecting him too.""She left a minute ago," Erica pointed out, squinting at him."I'm not covering for my dad," Randy said. "She made sense. Maybe I'll swing at home. If he's the Illuminati's head, he will be in the valley.""You were absent-minded while we hashed out the plan. Now you're playing seriously?" Erica teased. "We're not pointing fingers at your dad, just saying Theda's theory holds water. If you want to check, I'll go with you. We'll watch each other's backs."She didn't say it out loud,
Theda added, "When Jeffery ditched the Nichols family, even with his smarts, he couldn't build up enough money and power to challenge the four families that fast. Someone had his back. He once told me not to judge a book by its cover. You never know who's laughing last."Her cryptic words left them puzzled.Debra asked, "So, who do you suspect?""I'd say Enoch Osborne," Theda replied.The name dropped like a bomb. Everyone froze and then swung their eyes to Randy.Randy gaped. "My dad? No way. He's a stiff old fart, decent at business but the weakest of the four families. Calling him lazy is generous. He's a stubborn rock. How could he be the head of the Illuminati?""Don't sell your old man short," Theda said. "The last generation of the four families got hit hard. But your family? Only your mother lost it. Your father has played it safe, staying low-key and outlasting them all. I bet he's the one Jeffery meant."She shrugged. "Could be wrong. But if it's him, you're in deeper
It wasn't that Debra's crew was weak, but the Illuminati was too strong.The room fell silent.Theda continued, "Everyone here is riding your call. You know what happens when you throw pebbles at a tank, right?""I'm not backing off. We've got our reasons," Debra replied."I'm not here to talk you out of it," Theda said. "I'm saying if you need me, I'm in."Everyone blinked, caught off guard. She smiled, "What? Surprised I'd join? Or wondering why? Forget Robert's ties to you. You've already done me solids in Seamar City. I can't pay you back much, but I can pitch in here.""How do you plan to help?" Erica asked."Inside job. Boosts our odds," Theda replied. "I worked with Jeffery before. Being a Buchan, he cut me slack. With his Illuminati ties, they might trust me too. Need a message slipped in or intel dug out? I've got you.""You don't have to..." Debra started."No convincing me otherwise," Theda cut in. "It's not just for you. Juan's blood to me. Call it a favor he owes.
"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