Lara came back with a glass of water. "Ms. Frazier, you fainted in the wine cellar. Mr. Lowe brought you here to rest."Debra gulped down the water, feeling her throat finally ease.As she glanced up, she caught sight of Drake standing across from her, casually clad in a loose robe. His hair was tousled, and faint dark circles under his eyes hinted at a long night."Debra, you really outdid yourself," Drake said, his tone frigid. "I sent you to clean up, and you managed to pass out in the wine cellar. You stirred up a ruckus in the middle of the night. Can't you let people sleep?"Debra retorted, "I was trying to clean, but Kale scared me with his cold face. I didn't bother anyone, yet you let him bully me."Drake's expression darkened. "I let him bully you?""If it weren't for you, why would he have tried to kill me?" Debra rolled up her sleeve, revealing a series of fresh bruises marring her skin. "Look at this. He almost chocked me."Drake's brows knitted together."Ms. Fraz
Drake snorted, unfazed by her sharp wit. "I don't understand what Marion sees in you."Apart from her looks and quick tongue, he couldn't fathom what made her special."Once you've eaten your fill, get out. I've arranged a room for you to rest in. Once you've gathered your strength, I'll take you to the casino tomorrow," he said.Debra perked up at that. "Wait, you're still going to take me? But I didn't finish cleaning the wine cellar.""Consider it a special favor," Drake said, rising from his seat and striding toward the door.Opening it, he called out, "Lara, take her to her room. I need to sleep.""Yes, boss," Lara replied, stepping in to help Debra up. "Ms. Frazier, please follow me."Debra cast one last glance at Drake, noting the exhaustion etched on his face. Just before leaving, she swiped a handful of pastries from the table.Lara led her to a neatly prepared guest room. "Ms. Frazier, you'll be staying here tonight. If you need anything, just ring the bell by the bed
Lara cleared her throat and explained, "Mr. Lowe reconsidered the outfit last night and decided it might not be appropriate, so he had Mr. Mclean prepare something else for you. Why don't you try it on and see if it fits?""I see." Debra nodded, rising to slip off her jacket and put on the new dress.It was white and modest, save for the daringly high slit. In such a dress, she would be the least popular dealer in the casino.Kale was insidious enough to arrange this.With a dark expression, she went out of the room.When Drake turned to see her, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The dress, though understated, clung to Debra's curves, accentuating her slim waist. It was intended to be seductive, yet on her, it radiated unexpected elegance."This looks nice on you, but you don't seem too thrilled about it," Drake teased her.Debra shot him a frosty glare. "Would anyone wear this to be a dealer? Kale did this on purpose. How am I supposed to attract customers like this?"Drake mu
Now, as she took in the view, Debra realized this place was every bit the metropolis people whispered about.When she was younger, she didn't understand, but now she saw that this city had everything.Not only was it home to the largest trade center, but the place was also a melting pot of people from all walks of life. People of different skin colors could be seen everywhere.Trying to escape from this city and avoid Drake's watchful eyes was almost impossible."Sir, we've arrived," the driver announced.Debra blinked in surprise. It had only been a ten-minute drive, which meant Drake's mansion was right in the heart of the city.Drake hummed in response and got out of the car. Debra followed suit, stepping out into a grand square dominated by an enormous clock tower. Surrounding them were buildings reminiscent of a bygone era, their grand scale astonishing her.Drake snapped his fingers, and Debra didn't know what that stood for until the lights in every building went on at th
Guests began streaming into the gambling hall. The manager tossed a headset to Debra, gesturing for her to put it on.She fumbled with the device until she managed to settle it over her ears. She had never stepped foot in a place like this before, not to mention knowing anything about gambling.Fortunately, Drake had cut her some slack by assigning her to the simplest of games—betting on dice rolls.As Debra struggled to figure out the ins and outs of the game, a middle-aged man reeking of stale alcohol swaggered into the room. Leering at her, he slurred, "Ava, you look stunning today. Your waist is slimmer."The manager put on an obsequious smile. "Ava's not working tonight. This is our new dealer.""A new dealer? Wonderful!" said the man, reaching out for Debra's wrist.She instinctively pulled away. The manager shot her a warning glare, and she quickly adjusted her demeanor, flashing a seductive smile. "Oh, I see you're a regular who enjoys Ava's company. Should I call her to
Debra met his gaze steadily. "I don't know how to control the dice."She couldn't do it like others, rolling the exact number Drake wanted.His eyes narrowed. "You don't know how, yet you asked me to take you here?""But even so, I can still make money," Debra countered. "Didn't I help you make some just now?"Drake's frown deepened, but she pressed on. "Sure, I can't control the dice, but I know human nature. No one can win forever by betting all on small or big while doubling the stakes each time. Eventually, they'll lose. It's inevitable.""And you think that's some brilliant strategy?" he scoffed. "If that idiot down there had any clue what he was doing, do you think you'd have been able to take him for that much?"Debra accepted his scolding without protest."If you can't handle being a dealer, then get out of here. Stop wasting my time," Drake snapped, turning to the manager. "Take her back.""Yes, boss." The manager nodded and turned to Debra. "Ms. Frazier, please come w
"A thousand people?" Debra's voice wavered."Yes," Drake confirmed casually, but the glint in his eye suggested he relished the challenge he had thrown her way.Debra's mind raced as she recalled the grand piano in the plaza. Sure, it was a prime spot, but just playing piano alone wouldn't be enough to draw such a crowd.And she would be competing with zither, cello, and violin performers for attention.Beating them and attracting one thousand audiences was almost impossible.As she pondered, Drake added, "You can still back out now.""No, I can do it," she said firmly, heading downstairs."Boss, a thousand people? Isn't that a bit much?" the manager said.Drake's amusement flickered as he noted Debra's determined stride. He figured it wouldn't take more than half an hour before she came back, defeated. As Debra navigated the square, she found it teeming with life—couples laughing on dates, workers just off their shifts, dog walkers chatting, and groups gathered for spirited
Debra walked over and slipped a bracelet to the man, who took it and fled for life.Debra scanned the swelling crowd and flashed Drake a victorious smile. "I did it, Mr. Lowe."Within half an hour, she had successfully attracted a thousand people.Drake's eyes narrowed as he quickly pieced together what had happened. "You used me."Debra had crafted the entire scenario to draw a crowd.She met his gaze, unflinching. "In this city, what else could draw more attention than your golden reputation?"The crowd began lifting their phones and taking pictures of Drake.Drake was displeased. "I told you to attract a thousand people through playing piano, not making a scene.""A thousand people are already here. Getting them to listen to me play? That part's easy," Debra replied, confidence radiating from her.Before he could respond, she strode over to him, grabbed his hand, and pulled him toward the piano. "Thanks for saving me, Mr. Lowe. Will you do me the honor of playing with me?"
"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,"