The tunnel pulsed with an eerie crimson glow, casting sinister shadows that danced along the walls.Suddenly, a hand clamped down over Debra's mouth and nose. Panic shot through her, but she instantly recognized the sharp, medicinal scent. It was the same drug Drake had used on her back in Seamar City.She held her breath and went limp, letting her body collapse like a rag doll. As she fell, she pinched her thigh brutally, using the pain to keep herself teetering on the edge of consciousness.She bet many secrets were hidden in this place. It was her chance to find out. Before she could think further, she felt herself being hoisted over a shoulder and carried down the passage. The soft hum of machinery vibrated through the air, and moments later, she was lowered onto a small, concealed vehicle.After a short trip, she was carried into an elevator that then paused with a chime. Soon, a familiar voice wafted into her ears."Careful! Don't bruise her," Harland grumbled. "Who told y
To be on the safe side, Debra slipped back into her room.To her shock, Ava was sneaking around."What are you doing here?" Debra asked icily.Ava jumped, spinning around with a gasp. "M-Ms. Frazier?""Answer me. What are you doing here?" Debra stepped forward.Ava shrank back and forced a smile. "Mr. Bruce Harland sent me to bring you tea. When I saw you weren't here, I planned to take it back."Debra looked at the tea in her hand and smirked, "Is that so?""Yeah," Ava stammered, hastily setting the tea on the table. "It's very fresh. Please, enjoy."Debra watched the steam curl from the cup. "Alright, I'll drink it later.""I'll be going, then," Ava said, making her exit.Debra eyed the tea suspiciously. According to the person who had drugged her, she wouldn't wake up for half an hour. Harland sending her tea now didn't make any sense.Plus, Ava was acting weird.Debra picked up the cup, inhaling cautiously. The scent was odd, clearly laced with something.Her mind flas
Ava quickly slipped into the shadows.Inside the lounge, Debra lay sprawled across the table, feigning sleep. She heard the door lock, her pulse quickening.A hand slid across her cheek, its touch making her skin crawl.Carlos muttered, "Little beauty, you're mine."The lounge was simple, but he could make do.Just then, Debra's eyes snapped open, startling him. But instead of feeling fear, he chuckled, "Awake, huh? Even better."With a wicked grin, he lunged for her, but she swiftly dodged."Oh, playing hard to get? I love that," Carlos growled, his excitement growing.He lunged again, his eagerness disgusting her. Debra braced herself to teach him a lesson, but before she could act, a faint voice drifted from outside the door."Mr. Lowe, she's inside."Debra was distracted for a split second, enough time for Carlos to rip her outer garment. She let out a piercing scream, "Help!""Stop shouting," he sneered. "No one's coming to save you."His confidence oozed from the fact
Drake's gaze flicked to Debra. The blouse she'd worn earlier that morning was now in shreds."Harland," Drake said without turning, "bring her a dress.""Right away, sir." Harland scurried out of the room.Debra instinctively stepped back as Drake moved toward her."What do you want?""Your clothes are ruined.""I'll replace them.""The top costs six thousand dollars. Cash or card?"She gaped, realizing she had no money or phone.She muttered, "I'll pay you back later."Drake snorted, clearly unimpressed.Breaking the tension, Debra said, "There's a hidden passage beneath that boutique you took me to. Care to explain what that's all about?"Drake remained silent, his expression inscrutable.Debra pressed further. "I fell through that trap door and was knocked out. When I woke up, I was here. You owe me an explanation.""I owe you nothing," Drake snorted. "Keep your nose out of things that don't concern you. Or...""Or what?" she challenged.His lips curled into a cold s
As Debra's hands stilled on the keys, Drake commanded calmly, "Continue."Debra hesitated but resumed playing, though her attention was divided. Behind her, Harland continued to beat Ava, who pleaded for mercy between sobs."Have mercy, please," she cried out."Who told you to do this?" Harland repeated.Ava finally gave in. "I'll talk. It was because I needed money. But I did it all for Mr. Lowe. Please, have mercy."Drake raised his hand, signaling Harland to stop. "Hold on. You did this for me?"Ava nodded frantically. "Yes! I did it because she is a traitor."She pointed at Debra, who paused in shock.Drake's interest was piqued. "I'm listening."Ava continued, "I saw her with a man. They were plotting to run away.""Is that so?" Drake turned to Debra. "Did you do that?""No," Debra denied immediately as she continued playing. "I don't know why she slanders me like this. Without evidence, she's talking nonsense.""Of course, I have evidence. I saw it with my own eyes. Y
Debra's heart skipped a beat. She narrowed her eyes. "Oppose Mr. Lowe? Is this a joke? In this city, who would dare stand against him?"Ava's face tightened. That night, she had only overheard fragments of the conversation, but she was sure they were plotting to deal with Drake.She looked up at Drake and said urgently, "She is biding her time, waiting for her lover to rescue her. I was just trying to protect you and show you the kind of woman she truly is."Debra arched an eyebrow. "And you have proof of this? Or is it just more of your words?"Ava shot back, desperation creeping into her voice. "No, I saw it with my own eyes. Mr. Lowe, you can't keep her around you. Who knows if she's been sent by your enemies to bring you down?"Debra smirked, sarcasm lacing her tone. "That's funny. How could a weak woman like you pose any threats to Mr. Lowe? That makes him sound vulnerable, don't you think?"Ava paled, and Debra turned her gaze to Drake. "What do you think, Mr. Lowe?"Drake
Debra lifted her head, and Drake continued, "When she said this, it didn't seem like it was baseless."Debra plotting against him was one thing, but opposing him here in Orkgate was a huge joke.Even if Ava wasn't the brightest, she couldn't have made up such a lie.Debra met his gaze with a calm defiance. "Yes, I did."For a moment, the air between them seemed to freeze. Then, with a slow smile, she continued, "I told him if he wanted to take me from you, he'd need an army. And guess what? He panicked and ran off. Ava must have misunderstood. I just didn't expect her to make up something so ridiculous."Drake's lips curled slightly. "That sounds reasonable.""Of course, it does. This is my first time in Orkgate. How could I have ties to a mongrel? And trust me, that man won't come near your casino again. Competing with you over a woman? He's probably shaking in his boots somewhere."Drake gave a noncommittal grunt, seemingly satisfied. "Fair enough."She almost laughed at his
"Yes, boss." Kale nodded and quickly exited the lounge.Outside, the casino bustled with gamblers.Harland, having just returned from handling Ava, caught sight of Yvonne entering the casino.She moved with purpose, her eyes scanning the second floor where Debra played.The music was melodious, and anyone who heard it couldn't help but feel uplifted.Harland tensed up, but it was too late to notify Drake."Miss Sharp, why are you here at this hour?" he greeted nervously.Yvonne sneered, "If I didn't come, how would I know someone had taken my place here?"She strode upstairs, the noise attracting everyone's attention. Then, without warning, she slapped Debra across the face. The crack echoed through the casino, freezing everyone in place.All the guests there knew Yvonne was a daughter of the Sharp family and Drake's fiancée. Anyone who crossed her would face serious consequences.Yvonne's long, sharp nails made their mark with that heavy slap.Debra stared at the woman in s
"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
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