Juan's response was indifferent. "As per the contract, the divorce papers will be delivered to you on the agreed date."Debra fell silent, and he added, "Did you come all the way here just to discuss this?"Detecting the coldness in his tone, Debra shook her head."I came to ask if you'd join me on a show.""What kind?""'Hello, Ex'."Juan picked up the coffee cup on the table, taking his time. "I've heard of it. The show's pitch was quite well done.""So, will you go?""Are you going?""I am.""Alright."Debra was relieved.But then, Juan asked abruptly, "What's your relationship with Andrew?"Debra quickly deflected, "Nothing special. He's a business partner of the McKinney Group, so we have some dealings."Juan seemed to accept it, as he'd never believed Debra to be the mysterious figure, Tracy. After the last time Michael replaced her at a banquet, Juan preferred to believe that Michael was Tracy. "Andrew is dangerous. It's best if you don't get too close. You don'
Randy wanted to go on strike.He, the esteemed CEO of the Osborne Group, was now reduced to being a keyboard warrior. This was a blatant insult to his dignity.Erica placed the dishes on the table and said, "There's nothing we can do about it. People like us can't just hire any keyboard warrior. We have to be careful about leaks. Besides, you're good with computers."By now, everyone had moved into Marion's new house, a six-hundred-square-meter villa in the city center. Marion didn't like overly large houses, but for the sake of spaciousness and necessary facilities, six hundred square meters was just right."Wash your hands after typing and come eat," Erica said as she set the table.Debra put down her phone, glanced at the dishes on the table, and then looked at Erica, who was wearing an apron. "Did you make all of this?""Her cooking? Don't even think about it. It's all takeout," Randy said, walking away from his computer. "Her job is to transfer the takeout onto plates and ar
From inside the study, the sound of things crashing and breaking echoed loudly. Outside the door, the butler and maids exchanged uneasy glances, turning away in discomfort. Half an hour passed before the door was kicked open with force.As soon as Marion stepped out, the butler hurried over, handing him a clean, warm towel. "Sir, you know how Mr. Houston Sr.'s temper can be. Don't let it get to you."Marion wiped his hands casually before tossing the towel back to the butler, his eyes cold as they swept over him. "Make sure I don't catch him plotting anything involving Debra. Otherwise...""Rest assured. Mr. Houston Sr.'s been retired for years now. He wouldn't dare do anything to her."Marion turned and walked away.The butler wiped the cold sweat from his brow, taking a deep breath before pushing open the study door. Inside, Caleb was seated in his chair, breathing heavily. The butler handed him the towel that had been used earlier, trying to be delicate with his words."Mr. Ho
Caleb was one of the most respected and feared figures despite having retired. Stories about him still circulated widely. He wasn't someone who invited people over for casual meals."Maybe," Debra mused, "he just wants to see what kind of woman his grandson plans to marry."Resting her chin in her hand, Debra realized she might have to start thinking seriously about meeting Marion's family.The next morning, Debra chose a fresh, elegant outfit. It was formal yet youthful. Her ensemble had a subtle designer flair, the kind the older generation typically appreciated.The Houston family's old house took up an entire villa district, with the latest in security systems and high-tech surveillance. Just the electric fence around the entrance made it feel like a military compound."Sorry, this area is restricted," the security guard at the gate said as he stopped her car.Unbothered, Debra stepped out of the vehicle, and the guard escorted her toward the villa complex on foot. The scener
Caleb had been thinking about making things a little more difficult for Debra, but seeing her disheveled appearance, he cleared his throat and said, "There's nothing more I want to ask."Before Debra could respond, he added, "Can you pick vegetables?""I can."Caleb lit up instantly. "Then come with me."He led Debra through the back door, down to the first-floor kitchen. It was huge, built for preparing meals for dozens of people."Come on in." Caleb waved her over excitedly. "I saw how hardworking you were earlier, pulling those weeds, so I'm going to let you in on a secret. Mr. Houston Sr. loves homemade food. I know you're his future daughter-in-law. Do you know how to cook?""I do," Debra replied.Caleb beamed even brighter. "That's great. You have no idea how long it's been since Mr. Houston Sr. has had a home-cooked meal. Sure, the chef's food is tasty, but there's nothing like a meal made by family."As he chattered on, he asked, "So, what do you like to eat, child?""
Marion strode forward, wrapping Debra protectively behind him."I told you, don't mess with Debra," he said coldly.The cheerful expression vanished from Caleb's face. He set down his fork and knife and took off the scarf around his neck.His voice carried a deep, imposing authority as he said, "Is that how you speak to your grandfather?"Years of privilege had left Caleb slightly stocky. His face, though etched with a few wrinkles, was still mostly smooth. His hair was a sharp contrast of white, perfectly groomed. He might have looked like a distinguished gentleman, but his eyes, like Marion's, were sharp, wild, and dangerous."Marion," Debra chimed in. "Caleb a didn't give me a hard time. We were just having a meal together."Marion's gaze fell on the plate of sandwiches. He stepped forward, picked one up, and popped it into his mouth, as if to make sure there was nothing suspicious in it."It's a little salty," he said, his tone flat.Debra crossed her arms. "I made those sa
Caleb grumbled, "You should have told me sooner. I've been putting on this act for so long.""Seeing how much you enjoyed it, I didn't want to spoil your fun," Marion replied with a smirk."You're just like Marion's mother," Caleb said.Debra smiled, her eyes scanning the table laden with exquisite cuisine. Caleb had no appetite for it."Since Marion truly loves you," he said, "I wholeheartedly approve. You two should set a date soon. I'll take care of the wedding arrangements. It'll be one less worry for me."Debra paused, her hand hovering over her knife and fork. Marion interjected, "We appreciate your concern, but we have our plans for the wedding.""What do you mean?" Caleb sulked. "You have someone you love, and you're not marrying her? That's just irresponsible. We're not short on money for a wedding. Why are you being so stingy?"He misunderstood the situation. The butler cleared his throat softly. "Ms. Frazier is still married.""Still married? To that Nichols boy?" Ca
Spoke of the devil, and he called."I need to take this call," Debra said, getting up and moving to the side."Mr. Andrew Potter, what's up?""Come to my office.""What's so urgent that it can't wait?""I've already sent someone to pick you up. They should be there now.""But I'm at Mr. Houston Sr.'s house.""I know."His calm, measured voice was unnerving, as if he knew her every move. Debra's brows furrowed even deeper."Is this necessary?""Bring Marion with you."Before Debra could respond, Andrew hung up.She glanced at Marion and walked back."Mr. Houston Sr., I have some business to take care of with Marion. We need to leave."Marion stood up without hesitation, seemingly ready to leave long before she even mentioned it. Although Caleb looked a little disappointed, he didn't try to keep them. With a sigh, he waved for someone to escort them out.As they stepped through the gate, a sleek luxury car was waiting at the edge of the driveway. Debra immediately recogniz
"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
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