The silence stretched out, each second ticking by like an eternity. Shelia's back ached from the prolonged bow, but she couldn't straighten up until Debra acknowledged her.Her resentment simmered, threatening to boil over."I'm not someone unreasonable," Debra finally spoke. "I just hope that you will pay more attention to your speech. Don't jump to conclusions and embarrass the Nichols family."She cast a meaningful glance at Melody, whose face was full of shame.By tomorrow morning, the three socialites present would undoubtedly spread tonight's events far and wide. The story of Shelia bowing to Debra would be all over town. When that happened, no one would be confused about who held more power in Seamar City.Frustrated, Melody huffed at Juan, "Take her home.""Yes, Grandma," Juan replied, walking over to Shelia and taking her hand.She started to tear up, and Juan's face softened with concern. But to Debra, the scene was nothing short of laughable.As the others began to d
Erica practically shoved Debra into the bathroom, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Wash your face. We need to get started."Debra protested, "Wait, what is all this for?"Erica's eyes sparkled. "I think Marion's going to propose."Debra blinked. "Where did you hear that?"Erica asked back, "Isn't he? We all thought so. Why else would he go to all this trouble and have Randy get a whole glam team for you?"Debra shook her head. "Marion already promised Caleb that both the proposal and engagement ceremony would be handled by Caleb. There is no way he'd let Marion interfere with it."Erica deflated like a balloon. "No proposal? Ugh, I got all worked up for nothing.""You already? We're running out of time," Randy urged from the living room.As soon as Debra came out, the stylists descended upon her, wielding makeup brushes and styling tools with practiced precision.When one of the designers brought out a custom-made dress, Erica said, "That's tailored to your measurements. I
Erica muttered in confusion, "Is Marion planning for you to work?"She couldn't quite wrap her head around what Marion was up to.Since early that morning, they had all been in a flurry of activity, helping Debra get ready. She had anticipated some grand proposal event, but instead, Marion had Randy drive them to the McKinney Group headquarters.Several employees huddled together, their eyes fixed on the car."Hey, check it out. Is that a Ferrari?""Is some big-shot CEO visiting our company today? I didn't hear anything about it."...As Randy lowered the car window and removed his sunglasses, those female employees couldn't help but blush. His eyes scanned the crowd, causing a flutter of excitement among the onlookers.He was a regular guest to different companies, and his looks were good, making him quite popular among the female employees."Isn't that Mr. Osborne? What brings him here?""He's looking at me.""No way. He's obviously looking at me."They elbowed each other
Randy escorted Debra and Erica into the building, his presence commanding respect as they walked through the lobby."What's HR doing around here? If I hear any more rumors like that, I'll have everyone involved pack up and leave," he growled.The employees scattered like a flock of startled birds.Just as Debra was about to step further into the lobby, a voice from outside caught her attention."Good morning, Ms. Blair."The receptionist warmly greeted Shelia as she walked in. The moment her eyes fell on Debra, her expression tightened.Debra was dressed in an elegant suit that exuded a cool, aristocratic aura, a stark contrast to her usual casual style.The thought of last night's humiliation rattled Shelia all over again.She glanced at the dispersing employees and frowned. "What's going on? Who's causing trouble so early in the morning?"Erica, never one to mince words, scoffed, "Oh, aren't you bold, Ms. Blair?"No longer fearful of Erica, Shelia shot back, "Miss Mathis, w
Debra found herself momentarily lost in thought as Marion stepped to her side.She whispered, "What game are you playing this time?"Marion didn't respond verbally, his lips curling into an enigmatic smile. He took her hand, a display of affection in everyone's eyes.Shelia's eyes flashed with annoyance. Her voice cut through the air, laced with irritation. "Mr. Houston, I get that you and Ms. Frazier are getting engaged, but I think you're stepping over the line here."Marion didn't even bother looking at her. He instructed Ben, "Show it to her.""Yes, sir," Ben replied, stepping forward to hand Shelia a document.Her face drained of color as she read the content.Ben went on to declare, "A year ago, Mr. Houston invested eight billion dollars into the McKinney Group, securing a 25% share. This grants him decisive authority over major decisions."Murmurs erupted across the room."Eight billion dollars? Is it true?""The appointment letter is right here. How could it be fake?"
Debra raised her eyebrows innocently. "Ms. Blair, I've hardly said a word since I've been standing here. How did I end up being your target?"Shelia scoffed, "Are you seriously going to pretend that Mr. Houston isn't doing this to defend you? Everyone knows he wouldn't even bother with women. So much for being a man of principle. He's just another guy using his power to push around women."To the untrained eye, Shelia played the victim flawlessly. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her bottom lip trembling ever so slightly.She had always been adept at playing the damsel, garnering sympathy from those around her.But Debra saw right through her act. "Mr. Houston's decision to let you go has nothing to do with me. It's because you're not fit for the position."Shelia's eyes narrowed, her voice rising in defense. "I've only been on the job for a week. What makes you think I'm not qualified?"Debra's smile was faint but mocking. "So, you're aware of it. But from what I hear, you
The lobby buzzed with murmurs."What? Ms. Blair didn't graduate?""No way! Didn't all the online reports say she graduated with top scores?""I heard she got into Arcane Academy because Mr. Nichols backed her with money and connections. She studied for four years, and now it turns out she didn't even finish?"A dropout referred to someone who did not complete their degree due to various reasons, such as failing to submit a satisfactory thesis or not completing their internship requirements.The employees at the McKinney Group were all from prestigious universities. A dropout would not even meet the basic qualifications for joining.Now it was clear who had gotten into Arcane Academy through connections.Shelia's face paled visibly. Meanwhile, the secretaries returned, their arms laden with boxes containing Shelia's personal belongings—a high-end laptop, an expensive coffee machine, delicate tea sets, and pricey bottles of wine. Except for the laptop, not a single item seemed rel
Debra rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her excitement.Shelia had been thoroughly humiliated in front of everyone, and by now, she was probably cursing them with every breath she took.Erica exchanged a glance with Randy. Erica asked, "So, what do we do now?""These lovebirds are clearly in their own world. I say we leave them to it," replied Randy.They had stood there silently through the whole fiasco, not even getting a word in edgewise.Ben approached them. "Mr. Houston asked you both to head upstairs."Randy raised an eyebrow. "When did he say that? I thought he only had eyes for Debra.Marion used to be a straight-laced businessman. Now, he was like a peacock showing off.They had prepared things the entire morning, only to create a stage for him to tear apart Shelia.Ben tried to soothe him. "Well, Mr. Houston has something important to discuss with you.""Okay, I'll do him the favor." Randy nodded.Upstairs, Debra looked around the cleaned office and sighed."
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