The Central Hospital was backed by the Nichols Group.To ensure the safety of Debra and their unborn child, Juan had made sure the hospital had top-tier medical equipment and plenty of blood reserves. There was no way things could suddenly go wrong.It was Shelia.Suddenly, Juan felt like a hand was dragging him out of his dream. He woke up in his hospital bed, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead."Sir, you should focus on your recovery. I've heard from my sources that Marion and Randy are heading to Flesta. Ms. Frazier will be fine," Joe said.The smell of disinfectant assailed Juan's nose, reminding him of Debra bleeding out on the operating table. He finally understood why Debra had been so resentful and terrified of him.He was the cause of everything that had happened in their past lives."Sir? Are you alright?" Joe asked with concern, seeing Juan's strange reaction.Just as he was about to call a doctor, Juan put on a puzzled expression. "Who is that?"Joe froze. "
'What is going on?'That was the last thought that flashed through Debra's mind before everything went dark.She didn't know if they were sent by Edgar or Drake."The guard will be back any minute. Should we just take care of her here?" Gavin suggested, making a slicing gesture across his neck."No. We gotta follow the rules. The client wants her to disappear without a trace. I say we throw her into the sea," Lennox responded, pulling out his phone.He snapped a quick picture of the unconscious Debra and sent it to Reece. "Alright, let's do it your way. Once the client confirms, we'll finish the job.""Take her away."Gavin opened a large suitcase they had brought with them, shoving Debra's limp body inside.As they wheeled the suitcase towards the elevator, both men seemed on edge. This was their first time handling a job like this, but the thought of the huge payout in the end kept them motivated.The elevator dinged. The bodyguard stepped out with the takeout, and when he
The streets of Flesta bustled with people as Debra slowly regained consciousness. She felt every bump as the vehicle sped along. The cold wind bit at her skin, making her shiver involuntarily.When the two men sprayed her with the sedative earlier, she'd instinctively held her breath. But she had still inhaled enough to knock her out for a while. Luckily, she wasn't fully under and could still think straight.The car rattled as it moved, and the sounds of traffic gradually faded, indicating they were driving away from the city center. Soon, Debra caught the faint scent of saltwater, blowing in through the cracks in the windows.Her heart raced as she wondered why they were taking her to the sea.She tried to loosen the ropes binding her hands, but her eyes were covered, leaving her clueless about her surroundings. She heard one of the men speak up."It's far enough. Should we stop here?""What a shame! She is pretty."The car came to an abrupt halt, and Debra forced herself to s
Gavin grunted in pain and stumbled back.Debra ripped off the tape from her mouth and tore away the blindfold. With all the strength she could muster, she screamed, "Help! Somebody, help me!""Shut up, bitch!" Lennox bellowed, charging at her.Debra had already managed to loosen the ropes tied around her ankles. Without hesitation, she kicked Lennox right in the groin, sending him howling in pain.Gavin rushed forward to grab her, but she swiftly knocked him down to the ground. It was clear neither of the men had expected Debra to know any self-defense.She silently rejoiced not slacking off during her training with Marion. If she had, she'd probably be dead by now."Help!" Debra shouted again, bolting toward the car.She jumped inside and slammed her foot on the gas, flooring it."She's running away," Gavin shouted.Lennox smacked him on the back of the head. "Stop shouting and give chase."But they couldn't catch up with the car. They panted, quickly giving up.Just then,
"Bastard!" Debra cursed.Drake, however, was unperturbed."Ms. Frazier, you're back."The bodyguard was even more shocked than Drake. Anyone else would have fled by now."Of course, I came back," Debra yelled. "Drake, you're insane. What did I do wrong that you asked your men to kill me?"She grabbed the gun holstered at his waist and snapped, "If you want me dead, shoot me in front of my face."She observed his expression, knowing it was not his order.When she escaped earlier, she debated running away. But she quickly realized how unrealistic that was.She wasn't familiar with Flesta, and Edgar's influence was far-reaching. They had all the means to find her.Plus, she didn't have any money on her. If she got caught while on the run, she would lose all of Drake's trust. Drake hated betrayal, and her fate wouldn't be much better than Peter's.It was better to return on her own terms, to earn his trust. But to justify her return after abandoning such a golden chance to escape
All the partners were ready to cut ties with the McKinney Group. Now, all Edgar needed was some cash for PR work. Once he brought down Oscar and smeared the reputation of the McKinney Group, it was game over for them.Chace, however, voiced his concern. "Sir, many of our projects are losing money. Are you sure it's wise to spend ten billion on PR against the McKinney Group? Isn't it a bit risky?""Risky? If we get all those partners on our side, we'll dominate the market. Ten billion? We'll earn that back in a few years. Do you think my business empire can't handle a little turbulence?" Edgar said dismissively.Chace remained silent, though worry clouded his face. He hadn't realized just how complicated the situation in Seamar City was until now.Projects were hemorrhaging money, and many partners had been poached by their competitors. Yet Edgar seemed unconcerned about the crumbling foundation beneath him.Ever since he received Debra's provocation, Edgar had been spiraling, obse
"Aren't you curious about how Kolton really died?"Debra's words stopped Chace in his tracks."What do you mean by that?""Everyone thinks he died of a heart attack, but the truth? Edgar killed him."Chace laughed, disbelief lacing his voice. "That's ridiculous. Why would he kill his father?""You refuse because you never had a father, so you regarded Kolton as your father. The truth is that Kolton wanted to find Oscar. Edgar saw that as a threat to his position and deliberately caused Kolton's death," Debra said.She was not making up things. It was something she picked up from a tabloid in her past life.Initially, due to the tragic love story between Edgar and Jade, Edgar's image as a deeply loving man gained significant popularity. However, some tabloids dug into his past and exposed the existence of Oscar. She had the chance to read that article, which was written very convincingly. It detailed how Edgar caused Kolton's death to secure his position, including testimonies
"I have some things to take care of. I'll be leaving now," Chace said as he turned to leave the hotel.Drake came up with a cryptic smile."You and he...""What do you think we are?""Whatever it is, just as long as you're not planning on running away.""Why would I? If I wanted to run, I could have left last night.""Don't play dumb with me. You're not running because you know it's impossible to escape."Debra's smile fazed as she realized that Drake had pieced together why she'd returned to his side that night.Drake arched a brow. "Relax. As long as you know your place, I don't care why you came back."Debra's eyes glinted mischievously. "I'm not sure what makes me so special to you. Are you falling for me?"Drake clutched her chin and examined her face."Pretty face," he murmured, tilting her head slightly, "but a brain full of vanity."He let go of her and added, "Come to my room tonight. There's something I need to discuss with you in private."His sudden request cau
"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
"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,"