The maid shuffled her feet, wringing her hands."It's Miss Blair.""You mean Shelia?""Yes."The news hung in the air like a bad smell. Everyone in Seamar City knew about the sordid love triangle between Shelia, Debra, and Juan. Shelia's visit couldn't be anything good."Should I send her away for you?" asked the maid."No need." Debra set down her spoon. "Let her wait in the hall. I'll be there soon.""Yes, Ms. Frazier."Once the maid left, Debra resumed her breakfast, taking her time to savor each spoonful. If Shelia was here to stir the pot, she wasn't going to rise to the bait.In any case, Shelia wouldn't dare kick up a fuss at the Potter Mansion.Shelia sauntered into the grand hall, trailed by a couple of beefy bodyguards. Her eyes widened as she drank in the opulence. The Nichols family had wealth, sure, but this was a whole different ball game.Located in the city center, it couldn't be bought with just money. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth, unhappy that Debra
"Oh, really?" Debra paused, leaning on the second-floor railing. "And what business could Melody possibly have with me?"Shelia snorted, "Stop playing dumb. You're having Melody's box, right? You're not Mrs. Nichols anymore, so hand it over."Debra almost laughed. She'd nearly forgotten about that box.Back then, to pay the Vargas family, Melody exchanged a box of her personal effects for one billion in cash.Clearly, the old lady hadn't filled Shelia in on the details. That was typical Melody, always keeping her pawns in the dark."Do you know what's in that box?" Debra asked.Shelia scoffed, "Of course. It's filled with Melody's most valuable possessions. You're to hand them all over."Shelia assumed Debra had taken the box while holding the title of Mrs. Nichols. Now that she and Juan were divorced, Debra had no more reason to keep it.Debra curled her lips. "Miss Blair, if you're here to collect the box, you should know the facts. But if you insist, you can have it."Sheli
Shelia's bravado rang hollow, and Debra was not convinced at all."Alright then, come back when you've got your hands on that fund," she said, turning to the guards. "See the guests off."One of the guards stepped forward. "Miss Blair, if you would please." Shelia's fury ignited like dry tinder, and with a sharp crack, her palm collided with his face. "Who do you think you are, telling me to leave?"Debra's face hardened like stone. She hadn't wanted this to escalate. Her body was still fragile, but Shelia had crossed a line.Before Debra could act, a voice cut through the tension like a blade."Barton, teach her some manners.""Yes, sir."Without hesitation, Barton stepped out from behind Andrew, his movements swift and precise.In two brutal slaps, Shelia's head whipped to the side. When her bodyguards tried to intervene, Barton dismantled them with ease.His fighting skills could rival Kale's. After the quick takedown, Barton returned to his post behind Andrew and wheele
"Who did this to you? Was it Drake?" Andrew asked, his fingers digging into her wrist as if he could crush the truth out of her. Debra winced, trying to pull back, but his hold was unyielding. "It's not that serious.""Not serious?" His voice rose, cutting through her excuses. "You think these marks are nothing?"Debra's gaze dropped. Of course, she knew the gravity of the situation. But what was done was done. All she could do was find a way to survive it. "Drake only injected me once. The dose was weak.""Has it taken effect?"Once someone was injected with drugs, just one dose could make them addicted. Even a weak dose was deadly."Yes, but it was bearable.""What were you thinking? Why didn't you tell me?"Debra rarely saw him this angry. She quickly pulled her hand back and explained, "I was too exhausted last night, and I didn't want you to worry. Most importantly, I didn't want Marion to know."She knew that if Marion found out, he'd find Drake to avenge her. But O
Debra looked at Andrew."Is Marion coming back tonight?""That's what you're focusing on right now? Do you understand the battle you're facing? If you can't conquer this addiction, it will destroy you.""I'll make it through.""Do you have any idea how many lives the Lowe family has ruined with their drugs? It's a miracle if someone breaks free. What makes you think you'll be any different?""If I wasn't determined to fight this, I would have stayed with Drake instead of coming back." She paused, looking down at her arms. "I knew from the moment he injected me that I was in trouble."She had known ever since the night Drake kidnapped her. He had drugged her, and he was betting that she wouldn't dare leave his side because of it."Drake always underestimates women. He thinks he can control me with drugs and make me obedient and dependent on him. I'll beat this and prove him wrong."Andrew studied her for a moment and then nodded. "I will provide you with the best medical support
Just as Liza finished speaking, a loud noise shattered the tension in the room.The door burst open, and in stormed a dozen bodyguards, each one clad in uniforms bearing the unmistakable insignia of the Houston family.Liza, who had never encountered anything like this before, felt her knees weaken. "Who are you people? What do you want?"Cathryn, however, wasn't as rattled. Her expression darkened when she recognized the crest, her mind immediately racing to one conclusion."It's Marion. He is here," she muttered, intending to rush out.But before she could take a step, another person entered. It was not Marion, but Erica.Cathryn froze mid-step, her eyes wide with shock.Erica sneered, "Miss Bernard, were you expecting someone else? Marion, perhaps?"Cathryn scanned the crowd for any sign of him, but he was not there. "Where is Marion? Why didn't he come?"Erica's sneer deepened. "Marion doesn't want to see you. He sent you a message: His promise to your dad is no longer voi
Outside the villa, Erica strode toward her car. She paused, her sharp gaze flicking to the side."Randy. Stop hiding and get over here."From the shadows, Randy sheepishly emerged, rubbing the back of his neck. "Erica..."She grunted, "Why were you skulking around back there?"Randy offered a lopsided grin. "I'm a guy. It didn't feel right to go in there and scare off two women like that. But you were amazing. That roar of yours could be heard from outside."Erica rolled her eyes. "You're useless.""Yes, I am," Randy laughed.She waved him off. "Where's Debra? She's back safe now, right? You promised you'd take me to see her. Hurry up.""We'll go tomorrow," Randy replied mysteriously."Why?" Erica asked suspiciously.Randy explained, "You know, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Why interrupt their time together? We'd just be third wheels."Realization dawned on Erica. "What about Marion? Is he at the Potter Mansion?"Randy sighed. "Don't even remind me. He flew straight
Debra spun around, startled, only to be pulled into a strong embrace. At first, she struggled, but then the familiar scent of tobacco enveloped her. It was unmistakably Marion.Even though he had quit smoking, he still carried that scent."Marion..." her voice broke, and her eyes brimmed with tears.For the past week, she had faced Drake alone, fought for her life in Orkgate, and dealt with danger all by herself. Yet, she hadn't felt any sense of grievance until now, being held in Marion's arms. She had been haunted by fear of not being able to see him again."I'm here," Marion's voice was hoarse.He tried to keep his emotions under control, but seeing Debra standing there in front of him, safe and sound, he couldn't help but tremble. He had almost lost her this time.The moment he heard she had been kidnapped during the engagement party, his fear had been overwhelming.Over the years, he had grown used to the constant threat of death. He thought there was nothing left in this
"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