Juan stormed into the room, his anger palpable. The bodyguards quickly let go of Debra.Juan rushed to her side, checking her over. "Are you hurt?""I'm fine," Debra replied weakly.Juan glanced at those bodyguards, who quickly bowed their heads."We just followed Mrs. Sosa's orders.""Who pays your salary, the Sosa family or the Nichols family? How dare you disrespect my wife?""We were wrong, Mr. Nichols."Violet saw the cold glint in Juan's eyes and fidgeted. Trying to pacify his anger, she said, "Juan, it's been so long since we've seen each other. There's no need to get so upset. Debra's fine, isn't she?""If anything had happened to her, this wouldn't end so easily," Juan said coldly.Seeing that her attempts to smooth things over weren't working, Violet forced a smile. "You're right. Thank goodness she's okay. I'd feel terrible if anything happened.""I'm exhausted," Debra murmured."I'll help you sit down," Juan said gently, guiding her to the couch.Only then did h
The bodyguards wisely retreated, seeing Juan's cold expression.Debra finally relaxed. Juan stepped closer, his hand brushing lightly against her forehead."You're burning up. What happened?""Why don't you ask your dear aunt? She stirred up quite the storm here."The house was in disarray, and Debra felt helpless about the disturbance."I'll take care of it.""I know. I wasn't planning to get involved."She tried to stand up, but the moment she rose, a wave of dizziness hit her.In that haze, she thought she heard someone calling out to her. Juan rushed forward and caught her just before she collapsed, but the next second, she was lifted into another set of arms."No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Nichols. I've got a girlfriend."Marion's voice was steady as he cradled Debra close, not even sparing Juan a glance."Stop!"Juan blocked Marion's path. His gaze lingered on the unconscious Debra, now safely held by Marion.With a mocking smile, he said, "Your girlfriend? Is thi
"Chill, man. Here I am," said a blonde, trotting up with a medical kit in hand.He looked to be in his late twenties, his appearance sharp and professional. Yet when he spoke, a thick accent tumbled out, totally out of place with his handsome looks."Hurry up! If something happens to her, Marion will demolish your hospital," Randy urged."Then please, tell him to do it. I've had enough of this job. Demolish the hospital already," William Weaver quipped.Marion chimed in, "Be quick, or I'll break your head."William dared not joke around anymore. William shut up and got to work.After a quick examination, he shrugged. "She's running a high fever. Other than that, nothing serious."Randy rolled his eyes. "What, you were hoping for something more? Shouldn't you be happy she's not worse off? Do your job before Marion breaks something."William shot him a mournful look, and Randy urged, "What are you waiting for? Give her the fever reducer."William complied, taking the fever medic
Drake realized who he was facing."Sir, back when Ralph lost a fortune gambling at our place, it triggered the collapse of the Frazier family. I suspect that Debra is getting close to you for ulterior motives. Should we..." Peter said, slicing a finger across his throat."No. Leave her to me," Drake responded calmly.Peter blinked, surprised. "You're going to handle this yourself? Isn't that too much trouble?""You mentioned she's filming some reality show on our island?" Drake inquired."Yes, but due to some public backlash, the filming has been paused. However, their lease is still valid, so I doubt the crew or the guests will be leaving any time soon," Peter replied."Make preparations. I feel like switching up my vacation spot," Drake said."Sir, Debra isn't the only one on the island. Juan is there too. Should we..." Peter reasoned.Drake's eyes narrowed. "Are you telling me how to run my affairs?""N-no, sir," Peter stammered, bowing his head."Do as I say.""Yes, sir.
William had been losing at cards all night. From the other room, Debra could hear the occasional bickering between William and Randy.In her room, Debra turned on the TV. The late-night news was plastered with scandalous headlines about her and Juan's rumored divorce. In the corner of the screen, a blurred image of Marion appeared, alongside the caption 'Gigolo'.The situation was serious, but the moment she saw the caption, she burst out laughing.Marion raised an eyebrow at her. "What's so funny?""Gigolo?" Debra managed between giggles. "You're one of the most feared men in the city, right alongside Juan, and now they're calling you a gigolo."Marion lightly tapped her forehead. "Ungrateful little thing.""Ungrateful?" Debra shot back. "I should be asking you. Who told you to come to this island? And you were the one who stuffed crabs and lobsters into the nets, right?"She had thought it odd at the time but had brushed it off as a trick by the production team. Now, it was ob
Violet was indignant.She had traveled back from overseas, expecting to use her connection to Juan to rake in some money in Seamar City.But barely two days after her arrival, she had been unceremoniously dismissed by Juan right in front of those bodyguards.Fuming at the thought, Violet pounded her fists harder as she lamented, "Melody, you've got to stand up for me."Melody rubbed her temples. "You're useless."She had assumed that after all those years abroad, Violet would have gained some experience.Still, Debra had outsmarted and disgraced Violet."Melody," Violet whined, hoping to elicit some sympathy.Melody cut her off. "Say no more. Since you couldn't bring her back, someone else will.""Someone else?" Violet was puzzled.Just then, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the grand hallway.At Melody's signal, Sophie went to open the door. In stepped Shelia, looking radiant in a champagne-colored bodycon dress, pearl earrings, and a massive diamond ring."Long ti
Violet felt increasingly uncomfortable as she watched Shelia and Melody interact so intimately. After exchanging pleasantries, Melody glanced at her and asked, "Why are you still standing there?""I..." Violet felt humiliated, unsure how to respond.Melody waved her hand dismissively. "You can go now. I need to have a private conversation with Jade.""But..." Violet wanted to protest, but Melody's tone left no room for negotiation.Sensing the shift in the room, Shelia smiled and said, "It seems Mrs. Sosa has something important to discuss with you. Maybe I should come back another time?"Melody didn't answer. Violet, catching the unspoken cue, quickly interjected, "It's nothing important. I've got something at home. I'll leave now."Before leaving, she sneaked one more glance at the ring on Shelia's finger.If her memory served her right, the ring was the Nichols family's heirloom.She couldn't help but wonder if Melody wanted Juan and Shelia to get married again. That meant
Edward walked over to Juan and greeted him politely, "Mr. Nichols, I'm Edward, one of the artists with the Nichols Group."Edward was a sunny, bright young man. Juan merely nodded at him in acknowledgment, offering little in the way of conversation.The other couples stood nearby. One pair was a once-famous couple in the industry.Axel Decker was a veteran actor in his fifties, and his ex-wife, Emilee Carlson, was a goddess of her time."Well, if it isn't our legendary boss-man."A sultry voice called out from behind. Everyone turned, their faces filled with thinly veiled disdain.The owner of the voice was Wendy Black, a once-popular actress. She wore a revealing dress and sported heavy makeup. Her features were striking, a mix of classic beauty and a hint of foreign ancestry, thanks to her foreign father.Wendy had once ruled the entertainment world with her bold style and stunning looks. Her husband was upset about her style and eventually divorced her.Debra recalled Wendy'
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