The atmosphere in the room shifted."Get in here," Drake called out.Debra stepped inside calmly. Since she dared eavesdrop, she wasn't afraid of Drake finding out.Even if Harland hadn't shown up, she would've walked in herself and confronted Drake.Drake's eyes narrowed. "It's you."She didn't blink. "Mr. Lowe, you're playing a clever game, aren't you? I came to you with good intentions, hoping to cooperate. But it seems you've been less than forthcoming."His voice dropped another degree. "What are you getting at?"Debra took a step forward. "For years, you have systematically bled Ralph dry and ruined my family. Now your attention is on me. Every time I pressed you for answers, you dodged. Now I understand why. You're after the treasure in Seamar City."Though Ralph had confessed to hiring someone to kill her parents, Debra and Marion had uncovered another layer of the truth. The car her parents were in had been tampered with. Someone else had played a hand in their deaths.
The legendary treasure of Seamar City had been held tightly by the Four Great Families. Few knew about it, and after a century, most people had stopped searching for it.If they could obtain it, they could rebuild not just one Frazier family, but a hundred. "Okay. If you can help me take down Marion and obtain the treasure, I'll help you rebuild the Frazier family. You'll once again be the young lady," Drake said."Deal!" Debra extended her hand, and as their fingers touched, the deal was sealed."Alright, I'll go back and wait for your next instructions," she said.After she left, Kale muttered, "Boss, can we trust her?""A fallen heiress relying on men to survive? It's only natural she wants to reclaim her former glory.""But if she knows about the treasure, why hasn't she tried to find it herself?""The Frazier family is only one of the Four Great Families, not the leader. What she knows is far from enough to find the treasure.""Then why are you...""It's better than not
Just as Yvonne prepared to ignite the car, a pair of headlights suddenly pierced the darkness.The bodyguard rushed forward to protect her. "Miss, someone's coming. We need to leave now."Yvonne's fury blazed as fiercely as the fire she intended to set. "Step aside. I'm going to kill her.""Miss, you can't take the risk and expose yourself. That's Mr. Sharp's order," insisted the bodyguards.Yvonne shot a glare at Debra and hurled the lighter toward her target.In an instant, flames erupted at the front of the vehicle, crackling hungrily as they spread. The bodyguards swiftly dragged Yvonne back into their car and drove away.Debra coughed violently, the thick smoke clawing at her lungs. Distantly, she heard the frantic voices of William and Marion."Debra!""Marion! Watch out! There's a fire ahead!"When she finally managed to blink through the smoke, she saw Marion outside, pounding furiously on the glass."Marion..." she croaked, reaching weakly for the door, but it was ja
Debra saw his desperation and cupped his face. "Marion, listen to me. You and William need to head back to Seamar City, get everything in order, and then come back to me. I know you can do it. Drake and I have reached an agreement. He trusts me now. I'll be alright.""You want me to leave you here alone?" Marion asked, disbelief etched on his face."William is right," Debra insisted. "If you take me now, we won't make it. And I'll lose all the trust I've built with Drake. I've already uncovered part of his gray market operations. You need to go quickly. I'll wait for you to rescue me."Marion was reluctant, and she turned to William. "Take him away. Return to Seamar City, set everything up, and then come get me."William saw her determination and tugged at Marion's arm. "Marion, just listen to her and go with me. Do you want her blood on your hands?"Marion finally let go of her. "Three days. I'll come back in three days.""Alright, I'll wait for you," Debra replied, her heart ac
The director wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, terrified of Drake's wrath.Over half of the hospital's funding came from the Lowe family, and with just a single word from Drake, the director's career could be in jeopardy.Inside the hospital room, Debra stirred back to consciousness. She half-sat on the bed, her body bruised and battered.Drake stormed in, startling the nurse inside. "The patient is resting. You can't just...""Get out!" Drake growled.The director, standing in Drake's shadow, quickly waved the nurse away. "Hurry, leave."Recognizing Drake, the nurse turned pale and hurriedly exited the room.Debra, frustration mingling with her weak voice, said, "I'm lying here in this condition. Can't you give me a moment of peace?""You need to explain what happened today.""What? I almost died. If you want answers, go ask Miss Sharp.""You're saying Yvonne did this?""She had someone crash into our car and pour gasoline on it. If it weren't for a passing vehicle, I
It seemed inevitable that Debra would be left alone with Kale.Before long, Kale entered the room, his demeanor as unyielding as ever."Mr. Lowe has asked me to take you home.""I know."With a sigh, Debra threw off the blanket and struggled to get out of bed. Kale, however, made no move to assist her, merely standing by like a heartless automaton.Debra inhaled sharply as pain shot through her. A nurse passing by rushed over to help. "Are you her family? How can you just stand there and watch your wife in pain without offering a hand?"Kale frowned, annoyance flickering in his eyes.Debra explained, "He's not my husband, but just a friend.""Even so, he shouldn't just stand by. He should be helping," the nurse insisted, placing Debra's arm in Kale's.When he tried to pull away, the nurse firmly said, "This patient is injured. You need to support her properly while she walks. If her wound tears open, she'll need another round of treatment.""Thank you. He'll take good care of
"I can't just stand by and watch a threat like you lurking around Mr. Lowe," Kale muttered.Just as he prepared to strike, Debra suddenly halted her retreat.Taking a steadying breath, she called out, "Drake, if you've had your fun, come out."Kale frowned, and Drake emerged from the shadows of a nearby tree. "Kale, stop scaring her."Kale's frustration was palpable, but with Drake's order hanging in the air, he reluctantly acquiesced.Debra shot a challenging look at Drake. "Is it fun?""Kale doesn't trust you, so he wanted to test you. I assumed you wouldn't mind.""I mind, actually," Debra retorted, narrowing her eyes at Kale. "How do I know your loyal subordinate wouldn't just decide to eliminate me right here?"If it weren't for Drake's earlier assurance in the hospital that Kale wouldn't harm her without his orders, she might have feared for her life.But thankfully, this time was merely a test.Drake gestured toward the lake. "I'm going to develop this land. I'm curiou
Debra didn't believe that lie even for a second.She didn't forget how he had disposed of Peter on the ship.But on the surface, she nodded in agreement. "We share the same goal. I'm not greedy. Once this is all over, I simply want to restore the Frazier family's name and status. That alone will suffice. As for everything here, naturally, it's all yours. I won't covet any of it.""Not covet anything? Do you have any idea how much this project will bring monthly?" Drake asked, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes.It was likely the first time he had encountered someone faced with a mountain of wealth who claimed to be satisfied with mere scraps."Alright, since you're injured and not thinking straight, I'll pretend I didn't hear that nonsense. I brought you here not just to put Kale at ease, but also to make sure you understand that Orkgate is under my thumb. Partnering with me is the best decision you've ever made.""I understand.""Good. Get in the car.""Where are you t
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