Melody glanced at the box on the floor. Debra's offer wasn't bad."Fine," Melody said, her voice cold and measured. "I'll pawn this box of valuables to you for now. But you'll have to present the money now and send them away.""Sure," Debra agreed. "But before we move forward, I have one condition.""What condition?""The deal is fine, but I don't want to come out too far in the red. This ring looks nice. How about you let me have it?""Are you kidding me? Do you even know how much this ring is worth? At least one billion dollars.""I'm well aware. At auction, it could even fetch more. But turning it into cash takes time, and finding the right buyer at the right price isn't guaranteed. Plus, auction houses take a hefty cut. Not to mention, if word got out that the Nichols family was selling off their treasures, it would damage your family's reputation. It would impact business, don't you think?"She laid out the logic, knowing full well that Melody wouldn't want to go through th
Sophie pulled the box out. With an impatient wave of her hand, Melody said, "Just put it up there.""Yes." "Wait," Debra interrupted. "Leave it here for now. I'll be taking it to my place in a bit."Melody shot a suspicious glance at her."What are you planning? To live apart from Juan?""I've recently bought a new place closer to my office. Juan is fully aware of it. We've already discussed it. You don't have to worry about that.""But what about this suitcase?""Don't you trust me? The contract's right here. If anything goes missing, I'll take full responsibility. Besides, Juan and I are remarried now. His money is mine to spend as I wish. Why would I care about such a small amount of money?"Melody's face darkened at Debra's subtle bragging. She couldn't understand how Juan had fallen for such a woman in the first place.Sophie, still holding the suitcase, offered, "Madam, this suitcase is quite heavy. Should I help you take it to your car?""No need," Debra replied, stan
"This is the treasure you brought back?" Randy and Erica leaned over the suitcase, peering through magnifying glasses at the contents.Debra sat off to the side, sipping on her tea. She had already seen everything in the suitcase earlier. Except for the sapphire ring, there were no noteworthy items.Erica rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Based on my knowledge of jewelry, Melody's collection here is worth at least 300 million dollars."Randy stood up, shaking his head. "Not quite. If you add in the ring Debra is wearing, it's at least 1.3 billion.""Leaving 1.3 billion just lying around at home? She sure knows how to live," Erica said with a touch of sarcasm."No kidding," Randy agreed, slapping the table lightly.He looked confused as he continued, "But what's all this treasure talk you did before? Does it have something to do with these jewels?"Debra set her teacup down. "According to what Andrew told me, the four prominent families back in the day were the Potter family, the
Erica playfully nudged Randy. "Take notes. That's how one gets a girlfriend. You? You're gonna be single forever at this rate."Randy shrugged, lighting his cigarette. "If I ever managed to land the woman I love, I wouldn't just quit smoking. I'd stop even breathing smoke."He had barely taken his first drag when Marion stood up and snatched the cigarette right out of his hand, stubbing it out.Staring at the ash scattered on the floor, Randy blinked in confusion."What the hell, man?""Debra doesn't like smoke."Randy gave him a thumbs-up."Well, romance before bromance. Fine, I'll go smoke outside."Randy grabbed his pack and headed for the balcony. Erica rested her chin on her hand, grinning at Marion."Wow, you're protective, cousin."As Marion tidied up the scattered ash on the floor, Debra couldn't help but smile sweetly.The next day, the McKinney Group's trainee team officially debuted. In contrast, the trainee program at Potter Entertainment had been shut down for s
It wasn't long before Freya caused a commotion at the McKinney Group's headquarters.Ben blocked her way, but Freya was relentless. "Let me in. I need to see Debra Frazier."Inside her office, Debra set aside the financial newspaper she'd been reading and calmly said, "Let her in."Ben stepped aside, allowing Freya to barge through the door. Her eyes were blazing with anger as she confronted Debra."You lied to me!" Freya spat, her voice shaking with frustration.Debra remained unfazed. "Miss George, I'm not sure what you mean. Haven't I given you everything you asked for?""You promised I'd debut," Freya snapped. "Oscar has debuted, but I'm still stuck at Potter Entertainment. You tricked me."Debra leaned back in her chair. "Miss George, I fulfilled every request you made. As for the timing of your debut, that's up to the Potter Group. I don't have the authority to make those decisions for them."She paused and added, "If you came here looking for some explanation, I'm afraid
At the Odom family's villa, a video interview with Oscar played on the large computer screen.In just half a month, Oscar had managed to secure the best resources in the industry, and his popularity had skyrocketed. His name had been trending almost daily, and his fanbase had already crossed ten million.Chace knocked on the study door."Come in."Chace stepped inside, noticing Edgar's agitated expression."Sir, the company has been facing significant losses lately. Do you think it might be time to return and address it?"Ever since Marion conned him out of five billion dollars, and then Debra took another five billion, Edgar's finances had taken a serious hit. His company was short a total of ten billion dollars, and to make matters worse, the investment in Potter Entertainment had cost him several more billion.Even though the Odom family was wealthy, they weren't prepared to move around such a massive amount in such a short time."My family's assets are still worth hundreds
"Contact Edgar. Tell him that I'll meet him at 8 PM at the Royal Grand Hotel.""Yes, ma'am."Later that evening, the Royal Grand Hotel had been set up with an elaborate feast. Debra arrived, dressed in a black gown. Silver tassel earrings glittered by her ears, accentuating her long hair, which tumbled down her back like a river of night.She was a vision, mesmerizing enough to make anyone stop in their tracks. Even Edgar, who had arrived earlier, found himself momentarily lost when she walked in.He had seen plenty of beautiful women in Booton and even more within his circle, but none of them were like Debra. There was something about her, especially those eyes, which seemed to hold an almost hypnotic allure.By the time Edgar snapped out of it, Debra had already seated herself across from him. Her smile was polite but carried an edge. Edgar finally remembered the goal of this meeting."Mr. Odom, you've been in Seamar City for a while now. How are you finding it? Settling in alr
Debra remained silent, which made Edgar believe his threats were starting to take effect.His tone softened, as if offering her a lifeline. "Think about it before you give any answer."He raised his glass of wine, prepared to take a sip, when Debra broke the silence."You won't dare."Edgar paused mid-motion, his eyes narrowing dangerously."What did you just say?"His gaze grew darker, a silent promise of consequences lingering in the air, but Debra didn't waver."I said, you won't dare," she repeated, tilting her head slightly. "Otherwise, you would've made your move already instead of negotiating with me here. If you make a move, it won't just be the McKinney Group you're fighting.""Is that so?""I'm one of the McKinney Group's shareholders and, as you know, the legal wife of Juan. Opposing me means opposing the Nichols family. But that's just the beginning," Debra continued, her voice steady and measured. "The McKinney Group's biggest strategic partner is the Potter Group
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