"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?"
The last note faded, and Drake hadn't played a single key.Afraid the crowd might notice it, the manager swiftly signaled the security team to disperse the onlookers.Debra looked sideways at Drake. "Mr. Lowe, did I meet your requirements?"He had demanded that she attract a thousand people, but the crowd in the square had far exceeded that number.Drake's scrutiny lingered on her a moment too long, making Debra squirm. "Mr. Lowe?"Snapping out of his thoughts, he stood up and muttered, "You've met the minimum standard."In fact, she had far exceeded his expectations."You know how to create buzz and how to leverage people when necessary. Seems like you've got more than just a bit of cunning.""That's for sure.""I wasn't complimenting."Turning to the manager, he ordered, "Get her into a proper uniform and then bring her back.""Yes, boss.""Wait," Debra interrupted. "You're not going to let me deal cards anymore?"She had worked so hard to get close to Drake's inner circ
The manager held up six fingers in front of Debra.That was no small change. Debra felt a surge of anxiety mixed with curiosity about Drake's true intentions, but for now, she had to play it by ear.Not long after, the manager led Debra up to the lounge area on the second floor. Along the way, she felt the lustful stares of several men and shifted uncomfortably.In the lounge, she found Drake leaning against a pool table.The manager announced their arrival, "Mr. Lowe, she's here.""Good," he replied, his voice smooth but lacking warmth.The lounge was thick with haze, the sharp scent of cigars hanging heavily in the air. Debra instinctively held her breath.Drake set down his cigar and scrutinized her from head to toe."The dress is a bit too loose," he commented."That's Miss Sharp's dress. I'll have some new ones made for Ms. Frazier tomorrow," the manager said.Debra searched in her mind for anyone bearing that family name and then grasped something faint.In her past li
One song after another, Debra played according to the sheet music. In this casino, the music served as mere background noise, while the patrons were absorbed in the thrill of gambling."Ms. Frazier has already played through an entire book of sheet music. Should we..." the manager asked."Let her play it again," Drake replied indifferently, his gaze unwavering.He had been there watching for two full hours, and during that entire time, Debra's hands hadn't stopped moving over the keys.But apparently, the customers were more interested in her looks than her music. No less than a dozen people had approached Drake to negotiate deals.A rotund man approached and said, "Mr. Lowe, you know, I'm a simple man with simple tastes. How about you name a price for me to take her?"Whether by design or chance, Drake positioned himself just two meters away from Debra, close enough for her to overhear every word."Mr. Bender," the manager interrupted, "that is our newly hired pianist, and she
Just as Sam attempted to take Debra away, a sudden force yanked him backward, his joyous laughter morphing into a bloodcurdling scream.Drake seized Sam's hand with an iron grip, the sickening crack of bones breaking echoing in the tense air.Sam's face drained of color as he cried out in agony, "Mercy, Mr. Lowe. Please, have mercy."Drake's expression remained grim, his grip tightening until Sam's wrist snapped.Sam writhed and screamed on the ground. Harland signaled for security to drag him away.Debra, still perched on the piano, asked, "Mr. Lowe, what was that for? You ruined my long-term meal ticket."Drake squinted at her. "You want a sugar daddy? I'll make that happen for you."Before Debra could process his words, he yanked her off the piano bench and shoved her toward the crowd of onlookers."Go ahead and pick one," he said coldly. "See if they're willing to take you home."Debra scanned the room, but every guest had been paralyzed by the shocking display of violence
"Drake."When Debra rushed outside, she spotted a black Porsche parked at the curb and heard his order to close the car door.The driver glanced into the rearview mirror, observing Debra rush toward them. "Boss, aren't we going to wait for Ms. Frazier?""Drive.""Yes, boss."The driver pressed the gas pedal, and the car sped off, leaving Debra behind in the middle of the square.Frustration flickered across her face. That was typical Drake.It was not a bad thing, though. With him gone, she could explore the casino and observe its operations up close.A smirk curled on her lips as she turned, striding back toward the building.In the car, the driver couldn't resist voicing his concern."Boss, it's getting late. Ms. Frazier's out there alone, without a phone. It's not safe.""What's your point?""Maybe we should go back and pick her up. What if something happens to her?"Orkgate was a dangerous place after dark, full of unsavory characters lurking in the shadows. Debra's go
Debra confirmed the memories from her past life hadn't served her wrong. In just a few short years, Drake would marry Miss Sharp and further solidify his status in Orkgate.If that happened, any hope of avenging her and Marion's parents would be slim."Here we are," Harland announced, gesturing for her to enter the lounge. "Have a good rest. I'll have someone bring some food."Debra nodded, stepping inside with a gracious smile."Thank you.""No worries."Once Harland left, Debra took a moment to survey the room. To her surprise, there were no guards stationed outside the door. Drake hadn't bothered to keep an eye on her.Moments later, a group of waitresses entered, each balancing dishes that they set before Debra with practiced grace. One of them looked strikingly familiar.Debra squinted, recognition dawning. "Ava, right? We met hours ago."She had taken Ava's place as the dealer earlier.Ava nodded with a polite smile. "I didn't expect you to remember me, Ms. Frazier. Yes
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