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."
Randy thought it was something important, but Marion simply handed over two invitations."Engagement invitations?" Both Randy and Erica were surprised.Marion smiled, "Take a closer look."Randy and Erica exchanged looks before opening the invitations. Erica's eyes widened as she caught the key detail. "A wedding?"Debra leaned into Marion's chest and said, "Yep. You guys are going to be our best man and maid of honor."Randy's jaw nearly dropped to the floor. "No way. Are you serious? A flash marriage?"Erica rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? They have been together for a while now."Randy retorted, "But it's been less than 48 hours since Debra got divorced. If this gets out, it's gonna blow up like a nuclear bomb."Debra and Marion exchanged a knowing look. They had already thought it through last night. Marion had even asked Ben to print the invitations, wanting to get them to the best man, maid of honor, and Caleb first.Debra explained, "We're holding the enga
If the branch office collapsed, Edgar would lose even more money."Sir, we have a situation on our end too. I was going to ask you for more funds.""What?""You requested ten billion in funds a few days ago. Now, some of Flesta's projects are coming to a halt. Our investors and partners are demanding their payments. I've been delaying them as much as I can, but if we don't get the funds soon, the company might collapse. If this situation lasts more than three days, you know what the consequences will be.""Why the hell are you telling me this now?""I did try to tell you earlier, but you said it wasn't urgent.""Enough! I don't care how you do it. Those projects cannot stop, and I need my funding immediately."Chace sneered inwardly. No one would lend them so much money, and neither would the banks.Edgar was desperate, and desperate men were easy to manipulate.Chace came up with a plan."Understood.""By midnight, I want answers."Chace glanced at the clock. There was bar
Everyone nodded at Marion's call. They split tasks fast.Randy drove Erica toward the Osborne Mansion, speeding through the dark.When they parked, he didn't budge from the driver's seat."Don't stress. I'm here with you," Erica said, squeezing his hand.She knew what ate at him. If Enoch was really the Illuminati's head, it would spark a war. His relationship with Enoch would be unmendable."I never saw this coming," Randy said, his face shadowed with a rare gloom.He had always known Enoch didn't care about him, Yvette, or their family.In fact, he had never known much about Enoch. Without Theda's hunch today, he'd never have linked Enoch to the Illuminati."If Enoch is tied to them, what will you do?" Erica asked, watching him closely.She knew that blood was thicker than water."I don't know." Randy shook his head.Being the heir to the Osborne family never mattered to him, but he could not deny his bloodline.If it came to picking sides, he didn't know if he'd back Mar
His teacher had been worried about that.Randy had racked his brain, wondering what a dad should be like. He'd wanted to roughhouse like other kids, only to receive cold stares.His mother always brushed it off, telling him not to chase fatherly love."Randy?" Erica's voice yanked him back."Huh?" He blinked, seeing everyone's concerned stares."I called you a dozen times. Why were you zoning out?" Erica frowned.Randy grinned weakly. "Well, Theda's got a point. Now I'm kind of suspecting him too.""She left a minute ago," Erica pointed out, squinting at him."I'm not covering for my dad," Randy said. "She made sense. Maybe I'll swing at home. If he's the Illuminati's head, he will be in the valley.""You were absent-minded while we hashed out the plan. Now you're playing seriously?" Erica teased. "We're not pointing fingers at your dad, just saying Theda's theory holds water. If you want to check, I'll go with you. We'll watch each other's backs."She didn't say it out loud,
Theda added, "When Jeffery ditched the Nichols family, even with his smarts, he couldn't build up enough money and power to challenge the four families that fast. Someone had his back. He once told me not to judge a book by its cover. You never know who's laughing last."Her cryptic words left them puzzled.Debra asked, "So, who do you suspect?""I'd say Enoch Osborne," Theda replied.The name dropped like a bomb. Everyone froze and then swung their eyes to Randy.Randy gaped. "My dad? No way. He's a stiff old fart, decent at business but the weakest of the four families. Calling him lazy is generous. He's a stubborn rock. How could he be the head of the Illuminati?""Don't sell your old man short," Theda said. "The last generation of the four families got hit hard. But your family? Only your mother lost it. Your father has played it safe, staying low-key and outlasting them all. I bet he's the one Jeffery meant."She shrugged. "Could be wrong. But if it's him, you're in deeper
It wasn't that Debra's crew was weak, but the Illuminati was too strong.The room fell silent.Theda continued, "Everyone here is riding your call. You know what happens when you throw pebbles at a tank, right?""I'm not backing off. We've got our reasons," Debra replied."I'm not here to talk you out of it," Theda said. "I'm saying if you need me, I'm in."Everyone blinked, caught off guard. She smiled, "What? Surprised I'd join? Or wondering why? Forget Robert's ties to you. You've already done me solids in Seamar City. I can't pay you back much, but I can pitch in here.""How do you plan to help?" Erica asked."Inside job. Boosts our odds," Theda replied. "I worked with Jeffery before. Being a Buchan, he cut me slack. With his Illuminati ties, they might trust me too. Need a message slipped in or intel dug out? I've got you.""You don't have to..." Debra started."No convincing me otherwise," Theda cut in. "It's not just for you. Juan's blood to me. Call it a favor he owes.
"No biggie. I'm just that sharp," Randy grinned."Don't flatter yourself." Erica smacked his arm, turning to Debra. "If that's the play, we'll set up around the valley early.""We scoped it out last time. Here's the terrain map Marion roughed out. Memorize the basics, just in case," Debra said.Jordan spoke up. "I'll plant people inside to learn the lay. If things go down, we'll back each other up."He paused, frowning. "But we've only got one path. Without the full picture, it's still risky.""Got it here," a voice called from the door.Everyone turned to see Theda walking in with Robert. A map was in her hand."It's you guys." Debra was surprised.Theda had been busy with her business. She barely had time to breathe, not to mention show up there."This mess is huge. If the Illuminati takes Seamar City, my business is done," Theda said.She'd seen Jeffery's crazy side. The Illuminati couldn't be anything good.She unrolled the map and stuck it on the board. "This is the val
Liza eased up, knowing Debra was always faithful.She would help if she said so."Is the Illuminati really that bad?" Liza asked, having never seen Fermin cornered like that."Yeah," Debra said flat-out.Liza fought back her tears. "I'm not as smart as you guys, but if I can help...""You've done plenty," Debra said, patting her head.The once-bratty lady had grown into someone brave and kind. They'd all seen her change.But this was too risky. They couldn't bet on her life."Everything's set," Marion said, striding in with Jordan.Liza blinked at their suits. They looked solemn, as if ready for a last stand.Debra nodded. "Alright, let's go over everyone's setup and run through the plan."Randy wheeled in a blackboard that showed the outskirts map.The Four Great Families had owned Seamar City for ages. Their eyes and ears were on every corner.They'd linked up north, south, east, and west, with Juan's lines tied in.According to intel, the Illuminati hadn't sunk deep ro
"Just listen to me and go," Fermin said, pulling his hand free.The next thing she knew, he yanked her toward the emergency exit."Fermin!" she yelped.The restaurant staff, loyal to Fermin, hustled her into the stairwell. By the time the guards outside caught on, she was gone."Get her," the guards barked.If Liza slipped away, Michael would have their heads. But before they could chase, Fermin's crew boxed them in."You know what this means?" one guard spat, dropping all politeness.They knew he was just a puppet. If he broke free, Bert's life would be done."Kill them," Fermin ordered, turning back to the restaurant.A waiter dropped a tray, the crash drowning out muffled screams from the stairwell.Liza was already in a cab. She tried to turn back, but a staffer blocked her. "Miss, you can't go anywhere but Seamar City. The Potter Mansion is your safest bet. Think of what Mr. Eaton's doing for you."Her stay overseas made her a hostage. While she was here, Fermin was lea
The driver hesitated but complied. "Sure, Mr. Eaton. How long do you plan to stay? There's a meeting this afternoon.""An hour," Fermin replied.From their conversation, Liza caught on that their family was under the Illuminati's thumb. The driver would not grill Fermin about his schedule otherwise."Who're you to butt in? He'll hang out with me for as long as he wants," she snapped.The driver bit back his gripes. "My bad. Sorry."Liza clung to Fermin's arm, heart pounding. She had been pampered her whole life, and her family had always been untouchable. She never imagined they'd be under someone else's boot.The car stopped by the mall. Liza and Fermin got out.When the guards tried to follow, she whirled. "My brother and I are going shopping. What're you tagging along for?""Protecting you and Mr. Eaton," one said.She opened her mouth to argue, but Fermin cut in. "They can carry bags for you."She hesitated. With these guards tagging along, they couldn't talk about the si
"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