Juan was surprised that Debra knew his favorite movie.Debra remained completely unaware of his sudden change in demeanor. She casually selected the movie and pressed play. When she turned to glance at him, their eyes met, and his suspicion was plain as day.It suddenly dawned on her. That was something Juan had mentioned before her rebirth.She remembered clearly. Before her rebirth, on their first wedding anniversary, Melody had been pushing them to get closer. She had demanded they go on a date to the movies.Debra had been thrilled. She asked what movie he wanted to watch, and he had casually mentioned 'Absurd World'. It had just come out back then. That night, after the movie, he had smiled at her for the first time while leaving the theater, saying it was a good film.But after her rebirth, Juan had never mentioned his favorite movie.Seeing the skepticism in his eyes, Debra quickly explained, "I remember Joe mentioning once that you liked this movie, so I figured I'd give
Juan replied honestly, "I didn't plan this.""Figured. You're not exactly the romantic type," she said, a rare smile softening her face as she continued watching the fireworks show. It went on for a good ten minutes, and her mood shifted. "Wow, the production team really knows how to burn money."From their courtyard, the display above looked like something out of a movie. It was stunning, almost surreal.At first, Debra was captivated by the dazzling display, but after ten minutes, her excitement began to wane. She rubbed her ears, silently calculating how much this extravagance must have cost.'Ten thousand, 20 thousand, 30 thousand...' she mentally counted.By the time the fireworks finally fizzled out, nearly 15 minutes had passed. It was a solid million-dollar fireworks show. The show had gotten a bigger budget than she thought.Juan turned to her and asked, "Did you like it?"Debra considered it seriously before replying, "I liked it at first. Now? Not so much."She tur
The sunlight filtered through the half-drawn curtains, casting a warm glow on the bedroom floor.Debra rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed, her long hair slightly messy. Her bare face still had traces of sleep.Her phone's ringtone woke her up. She picked it up and saw a task notification from the production team, instructing her and Juan to meet at the beach by eight o'clock.Debra got out of bed and walked to her closet, choosing a simple white T-shirt and jeans. Her figure made even the most ordinary clothes look stylish.Downstairs, Juan was already dressed and waiting in the living room. He wore a dark shirt with the collar slightly open, looking casual yet elegant.When they saw each other, both were visibly surprised.Juan had never seen Debra dressed so casually. Her natural look didn't make her appear haggard; instead, it added a touch of purity, making her seem like an angel who had accidentally wandered into the mortal world."Morning," Debra said.She noticed the came
"Wait, the cameraman..." Debra said."Forget about him," Juan responded.Debra was baffled. "Where did you get the money?"Since the first day of filming the show, their phones had been handed in. The only phone Juan had now was issued by the production team, and it only had a few emergency contacts."This car is owned by my family. We don't need to pay."His explanation sent Debra into a deep spiral of thought. 'Since when did the Nichols family have anything to do with taxi service?'Not long after, the taxi pulled up to the beach. The moment it arrived, the production team members stared, bewildered.The director hurried forward, confused. "Did we send a car for them?""Nope."Debra and Juan stepped out, one after the other, onto the sand.The director ruffled his hair. 'Why aren't these two following the rules of the show?'"Where's the camera guy following them?""He called in. Said he lost them. He won't be here for another thirty minutes."The director rubbed his
"Man, it's barely 8 AM. Please, just let me sleep." Randy groaned.He had been up all night, trailing after Marion to this remote island. The moment they'd arrived, Marion had made him rent a car for a whole month and now had dragged him to this desolate beach to spy on the filming.If it weren't for the fact that Marion was his best friend, Randy would've bailed long ago. This wasn't his idea of fun.He muttered under his breath, "I swear, even secret agents don't have to do this much.""Let's just watch a little longer," Marion said, peering through the binoculars.His attention focused on the small fishing boat where Debra and Juan were boarding."Go buy a fishing boat.""What?"Randy practically jumped out of his seat. 'We're out of nowhere. Where am I supposed to get a boat?'This place was a bit too rustic for his taste. Wealthy men like him usually didn't come to places like this for romance. The location, the accommodations, and even the rented car sucked.He sighed,
"A lobster? Three pounds?"Debra walked closer, spotting other massive sea creatures. "A ten-pound king crab and turbot?"Juan chimed in, "Crayfish and snow crabs too."Debra was dumbfounded. Even though this place was rich in sea creatures, it couldn't possibly offer this much bounty from other areas or countries.She glanced over at the cameraman for an answer. If it was the production team who arranged this, they were treating the audience like fools.The cameraman quickly shook his head. They didn't have that kind of budget. Even the director was on tight means.Then again, since the seafood had already been caught, they couldn't just toss it back into the ocean.Only a fool would pass up free stuff. They might as well take it.Juan started surveying the surroundings. Soon, his eyes locked on a fishing boat.He wrinkled his brow and said to the fisherman, "Take us back."It was a fruitful trip for Debra and Juan, but the production team was left in deep thought as they watched the
Debra suddenly sneezed as she sat on the bus, heading back."Damn, who's talking behind my back?"Then she felt a hand touch her forehead. Looking up, she found Juan standing over her, his expression serious."You're running a fever," he said.He remembered when Debra had first married him. Her health hadn't been the best, and Melody had told him to take good care of her. The house was still filled with the various medicines she'd brought with her.But ever since then, Debra had shown no signs of being frail. She was always running around and never backed down from a verbal sparring match.Debra brushed his hand away. "Just a mild fever. I'll be fine."She turned away from the camera, and Juan turned to the cameraman."How long will we reach the place?""Just the next stop.""Is there a pharmacy nearby?"The cameraman hesitated, embarrassed to admit he had no idea since he wasn't familiar with the area either.Juan sighed, "Forget it. I'll order something."Debra mumbled u
Shocked, Joe took out his phone and saw an avalanche of online comments.He couldn't believe Melody had exposed the divorce agreement between Debra and Juan."Mrs. Nichols Sr., do you realize the consequences?""Consequences?" Melody let out a cold laugh and said, "The consequence is that Debra can no longer cling to Juan."The shareholders echoed her words."That's right. Debra is broke. Without Mr. Nichols' support, she couldn't even find a place in this city.""I bet she got into that high-end variety show because Mr. Nichols pulled some strings for her.""Mrs. Nichols Sr. is truly wise. Not only did she expose the divorce agreement, but she also leaked those photos of Debra cheating with that gigolo. With this, there's no need to worry about our stock price falling. After all, it was Debra who messed up this time."They rang praises of Melody, who smiled with delight.She had been furious, feeling cornered by Debra's boldness during their previous confrontations, but now t
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
"Miss, the fire's cut off the road," a guard reported.Lara looked around, understanding that Marion had scoped their escape route, lured them with gunfire, and set the trap.The strategy was simple but effective. The terrifying part was that he had planned it in no time and carried it out efficiently."Miss, what now?" the guard asked anxiously, looking at the roaring flames.Instead of throwing in more fuel, Marion led his crew to an open spot near water, so they could douse the fire later.The dense trees left no way out.Lara gritted her teeth, grabbed a guy, and shoved him forward, using him as a shield against the fire."Dying for me should make you proud," she said, ignoring his thrashing.He burned, reeking of charred flesh. She covered her nose, broke through, and tossed him aside. The rest couldn't escape, awaiting death.Burns scarred her body, but she didn't stop, ignoring the pain and the screams from behind her.Following the plan, Jordan's team prepared to kill
It all happened in a flash. Randy couldn't even tell how the shooting started."What're you doing? Hide!" Erica yelled.He jolted, quickly ducking behind a tree.This was life or death. Bullets didn't care who they hit. Taking cover was important.He peeked out and saw Erica charging ahead. It reminded him of their childhood.She had been Caleb's favorite, but he had thought her skills were just girly fluff.Now? The gap was glaring. She was a beast, and he was a chicken.Up ahead, Lara couldn't gauge how many were coming.A guy ran up, reporting their hidden crew got wiped by Marion. Unsure of the enemy's numbers, they held back.Lara's eyes narrowed. She believed that Marion's desperation was driven by Debra's death."He's courting death," she sneered. "I thought he was smart. Turns out he's so dumb."Turning to the messenger, she ordered, "Tell Michael's people to close in. We're boxing them up and wiping them out.""Miss, we can't.""What?""Mr. Austin's crew pulled o
"What? No," Erica yelled. "If Debra knew..." "She'd back us," Jordan said, knowing what Debra wanted.She couldn't avenge Kale, but they could. They might not crush the Illuminati, but they'd make them bleed."Take your guys and come with me," Marion said."They've lost it," Randy muttered.Erica sighed, "I've been itching to teach those clowns a lesson too. Like sewer rats, they only know how to hide behind masks and cloaks.""Don't be impulsive" Randy warned."I'm going," she insisted, yanking out her gun. "Might as well go nuts. Like is too short."Randy tensed up. "You serious?""Stay back and watch Debra if you're scared," she said. "Don't drag me down."She charged into the trees. Randy stared, feeling like the weak link."Fine. I'll show you tough," he growled, turning to a guard. "Give me your gun.""Uh, Mr. Osborne, you sure?" The guard hesitated."What, you think I can't handle it?" Randy smacked the guard's head. "I was popping off shots before you were born."
Debra suddenly hacked hard, spitting blood.Erica and Randy lit up. Jordan heaved a sigh of relief as she opened her eyes."Medical kit!" Marion snapped out of it first.William hustled over, gaping at the scene."Debra, hang in there," Erica babbled, rattled."She can't talk yet," William said, rushing to stop her bleeding.Blood poured from her chest, soaking her."You're safe now," Marion soothed her."I'm okay," she rasped.The pendant given by Kale had caught the bullet and saved her life.Tears slid down her face. She'd sworn her friends wouldn't get hurt, but Kale was gone."Don't just stand there. Help me out," William urged. "She has got an hour at most if you don't move."The pendant had dulled the shot, but it was just a stone. Her chest still took a hit even though the wound wasn't deep.Erica snapped back, and Jordan signaled for a stretcher."I've got her," Marion said, lifting her onto it.The group watched with heavy hearts.As she was carried off, Mario