"I'm not a fan of wasting food," Drake replied, his tone casual but pointed."Neither am I," Debra quipped back, matching his indifference.He leaned forward. "What do you feel like eating tonight? American? Italian? French?""I'm easy to please. Whatever works," Debra replied.Her sudden shift in attitude from earlier caught Peter off guard."Sir, she's only behaving now because she's in front of you. During lunch, she..."Drake didn't even let him finish. He asked Debra, "What's the request now?"Debra smiled, "You're sharp, Mr. Lowe."Peter was confused. Drake was supposed to punish Debra, but there wasn't even a hint of anger on his face."I'd like a phone," Debra said.Drake's hand paused mid-cut as he sliced his steak. The request seemed to have hit a nerve.Peter couldn't believe his ears. "A hostage asking for a phone? Ms. Frazier, surely you're joking.""I know you gave my ring to Juan. Whatever your motives are, one thing's for sure. He doesn't believe I'm dead,"
Drake glanced at Peter and ordered, "Go to the safe and bring me my phone.""Got it," Peter replied, rattled by Debra's earlier remarks.He hurried off, running down the hall toward the inner storage compartment.Debra watched him leave, her expression calm but her mind calculating. As long as there was a phone on this ship, she had a chance.Before long, Peter came rushing back, Drake's phone in hand.Drake powered on the phone, and within seconds, notifications began lighting up the screen. Debra's instincts had been right. The incident had already made headlines across various media platforms. People were speculating about a possible terrorist attack, and the police had launched an investigation.Peter swallowed nervously. The Lowe family had long been involved with shady business. If the authorities followed the trail back to them, it would be disastrous.Drake smirked, "It's just two mercenaries, and they're both dead. Do you think that scares me?"He set his phone on the
"Are you done?" Drake asked, his patience thinning."Yes," Debra replied, pushing the phone back across the table. "Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to add."Drake wasn't expecting her to be so forthcoming. He glanced at the phone, checking the new social media account she'd created. There was only one post. It was a selfie, her face slightly retouched to look healthier than she actually was.The location was on the island, and the caption read, [All is well. The gunshots were just for show. I've been down with a high fever, so I've been out of it for a bit. Thanks for the concern, but I'm alive and kicking.]It was playful, light-hearted, and most importantly, believable. The post had already garnered hundreds of likes and comments within minutes.Drake closed the app and handed the phone to Peter. "Put it away.""Yes, sir," Peter replied, sweat dripping down his back.Debra, sensing her opportunity, leaned back in her chair and quipped, "Well, Mr. Lowe, we've
"Well, you can't actually..." "Enough!" Shelia stood up abruptly, her patience wearing thin. "I told you to investigate Debra. Did you do it?"Holly replied, "Mr. Blair's secretary looked into it. We know Ms. Frazier fell into the sea, her fate uncertain. Mr. Nichols was injured as well."Shelia scoffed, clearly dissatisfied. "Isn't that all over the news? Couldn't you go to the island and investigate further?""Well," Holly hesitated, "Mr. Blair's secretary isn't the same as Joe, who's always by Mr. Nichols' side. Not every bit of information is available to us, and most of what we know is just from the media. Miss, you should already know that.""You're unless," Shelia huffed.But there was nothing she could do.The Blair family was rich, but compared to the Nichols family, they were worlds apart. And with Declan away, no one listened to her here anymore.If she wanted things done, she'd have to rely on herself."Get the car ready. I'm going to the Nichols Mansion.""Miss
Melody shot up, her expression turning solemn. "Do you realize what you're saying?""Well, I'm thinking of the best interests of you and the Nichols family. If Debra is alive, Juan will never let her go. Who knows what he'll do for her in the future?"Seeing Melody waver, Shelia sighed dramatically. "Juan is the president of the Nichols Group, yet he embarrassed himself by appearing on some reality show. The entire elite circle is laughing at him. He's been bewitched by Debra. He's not even thinking straight anymore. What's next for him if this goes on?"Melody's face fell, just as Shelia had expected.Melody was already furious with Juan for participating in that reality show, all for Debra. In their world, entertainers were nothing more than tools for amusement. Juan's reckless behavior had made her the laughingstock among her peers. Now that Shelia had brought this all back into focus, Melody was more determined than ever to rid them of Debra. Noticing the gleam in Shelia'
Therefore, when Melody summoned her, Violet came without hesitation.Melody said, "Well then, I won't beat around the bush."Sophie handed Violet a cup of tea. Taking it, Violet smiled and said, "We're family, Melody. I'll do everything within my power to help you.""I want you to get rid of someone for me."Violet choked on her tea, sputtering, "Get rid of someone?""I know your husband does business overseas, so you must have connections. Plus, don't they allow guns over there? You should have people who can handle this kind of thing, right?" Melody said.Violet forced a smile and replied, "Well, yes, there are people who could do that. But who is it that has upset you so much?""Who else could it be? It's Debra," Melody huffed.Everything would have been fine if Debra had been dead. But she was alive. Her survival meant trouble for the Nichols family.Violet's face turned pale. "Debra... She's not an easy person to deal with. I heard she died while filming a show. Why would
Andrew and Marion had been holed up on the island villa, discussing their strategy."I'm leaving," Marion said.Andrew frowned. "You don't even know where she is. What good will it do to leave now?"Just then, Randy burst through the door. "She's alive."His words attracted immediate attention.Marion immediately stood up. "What do you mean?""Check the news. Haven't you been following it? Debra just posted on social media," Randy quickly replied, placing his phone in front of them.The butler searched for the relevant news and placed the phone in front of Andrew. "Sir, take a look."The post read, [All is well. The gunshots were just for show. I've been down with a high fever, so I've been out of it for a bit. Thanks for the concern, but I'm alive and kicking.]Attached was a selfie of Debra. Though it was just a selfie, in the background, they could faintly see a dining table and the décor behind her."It's a cruise ship," Andrew said, recognizing the surroundings."The ke
"Drake's phone," Andrew muttered.Randy was struck by a realization. "Wow! Debra posted that update using Drake's phone. And she even customized the phone model?"And Drake didn't notice a thing.Andrew explained, "Drake isn't a fan of electronic gadgets. He probably doesn't know much about their little features. Debra must have taken advantage of his lack of attention to make the changes, just to let us know that she's using his phone."Randy mused, "Drake's phone, huh? But even if someone isn't into gadgets, they can't avoid using phones. There might be some important secrets stored on that phone. If we can prove it's Drake's phone, it would confirm that he's behind the abduction. Debra is so smart."Andrew nodded. "Alright, we've all been at this for days. Let's pack up and catch the earliest flight home.""Okay."The next morning, Melody took out a few pieces of jewelry, each of considerable value. Sophie saw it at the door of the bedroom and hurried over with a smile."Mrs
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