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
Debra quickly thought on her feet. "If you don't believe me, you can ask Harland. It's my first time here. I was just trying to find the restroom, but this place is enormous. Could you tell me where it is?"The mention of Harland made the guard hesitate. He lowered the walkie-talkie, glancing back at Debra, who looked genuinely lost. He pointed ahead. "It's right ahead on the left.""Thank you," Debra said, her eyes lingering on the elevator door.If she didn't gather some information tonight, she might miss her chance. She made a quick decision and turned back to the guard."Oh, by the way, you mentioned something about swiping a card earlier. Does this elevator need a special card to use?"The guard shot her a sideways glance. "Only VIPs with a gold card can go upstairs. No card, no entry."Feigning curiosity, Debra asked, "What's upstairs? Is it fun? Can I get one from Harland?"The guard's demeanor softened. "I can't say for sure, but you could ask him if you're interested."
"Boss, Ms. Frazier..." Kale muttered.The mention of Debra annoyed Drake once again. "I left her at the casino. Do you plan to pick her up?"Kale bowed his head. "No, boss."Drake glanced at his watch. It was already midnight and the liveliest hour for the casino. People from all walks of life would be there to have fun."She is too stubborn, and perhaps a few more hours at that chaotic place would knock some sense into her. Bring her back when she realizes her mistakes.""Yes, boss."Debra had been staying in the lounge for over two hours. Harland approached the door and asked, "Has Mr. Lowe come back yet?"The guard shook his head, and Harland waved him off. Debra went out to check the situation, and Harland quickly put on a flattering smile."Ms. Frazier, if you feel bored, you can walk around. Just don't get lost. This place is both safe and dangerous.""Do you think Mr. Lowe has forgotten about me?""Of course not. You're Mr. Lowe's favorite. He wouldn't leave you here a
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