The room buzzed with whispers."Isn't that Debra Frazier? What's she doing here?""I heard she disappeared during her engagement party and ran off with Andrew Potter.""Ugh, what bad luck running into her here!"The upper echelon of society was a viper's nest, ready to strike at the first whiff of scandal.Debra, with her tarnished reputation and fallen family, was a prime target. Her previous marriage to Juan and Marion's protection were the only reasons she was tolerated in their midst."Ms. Frazier, your reputation isn't looking too great," Drake scoffed, descending the staircase.His voice sent a shiver down her spine, but Debra kept her composure.The crowd parted as Drake approached, businessmen eagerly trying to catch his attention.Kale blocked them, allowing Drake to reach Debra unimpeded.Eyebrows raised and lips pursed in disapproval, the elite watched the scene unfold."Look at her, clinging to Mr. Lowe this time.""Relying all on her looks, she thinks every man
Drake laughed, "Did you think that by stealing Tracy's invitation, you could just waltz in here like you were invited?""Stealing? No," Debra responded. "It's for the President of McKinney Group, so here I am."Judgmental whispers then filled the air. The guests didn't bother to hide their disdain."She's got some nerve to pose as Mr. McKinney.""She must have gotten in here on Tracy's coattails. What a phony coquet!"Drake listened and smirked, "Did you hear that? It's not that I doubt you, but no one here is convinced.""Sounds like you don't believe me either," Debra countered.Suddenly, a group of bodyguards from the McKinney Group stormed into the room, forming two neat lines.Ben strode in and made his way straight to Debra's side. "Everyone, allow me to introduce Ms. Frazier, President of McKinney Group. She's been keeping a low profile out of respect for the Nichols family's rules, but now that she's severed ties with them, she's ready to reveal her identity. Ms. Frazie
Drake's expression darkened as he looked at Debra's playful smile.He had never imagined that the person behind the McKinney Group would be Debra. All the things she had said about being a fallen heiress and poor worker were all fake.He had been played the whole time."Boss," Kale called out, noticing that the guests were gathering around Debra.He lowered his voice and whispered, "There must be something wrong with those documents.""Do you think I haven't noticed?" Drake said, having observed the guests' strange expressions.Debra raised an eyebrow and said, "Mr. Lowe, I owe you thanks for keeping me by your side these past few days. I've learned a lot, especially about how to hold someone's weaknesses against them."Drake squinted at her, but she was unperturbed as she addressed the guests, "I notice that Mr. Eaton hasn't arrived yet. I suppose he won't be coming tonight, will he?"The guests remained silent, and she continued, "As it happens, the McKinney Group is co-hosti
Debra shook her head and added, "If you ask me, you should return to Orkgate as soon as possible. That's where your foundation is. Your tactics won't work here."With that, she turned to Ben and said, "Go get the car. Let our people escort the bosses to the Potter Mansion. Mr. Andrew Potter has arranged a banquet to welcome everyone.""Yes, ma'am." Ben sprang into action.Soon, only Drake and Kale were left in the vast banquet hall.Drake ripped off his tie. "Go find Fermin. If he doesn't show up by midnight, there will be a price to pay."To pacify him, Kale quickly responded, "I'll get it done right away."After Kale left, Drake kicked over a nearby chair. Edgar finally emerged from the corner with a sneer. "Never seen you so desperate before."Drake was annoyed further, not expecting Edgar to show up again after the last dismissal."We've both been played by Debra," Edgar said. "If you had lent me the money back then, I could have regained control. But it's not too late now.
"Yes, boss."The subordinates quickly carried out Drake's order, but before they could get out of the hall, Juan walked in.Looking around the empty place, he remarked, "Looks like I'm late."Drake narrowed his eyes. "You knew Debra was the head of the McKinney Group. Why didn't you tell me?""What?" Juan raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know.""Don't give me that. She was your wife. How could you not know?" Drake snorted.Juan remained composed. "We were only married on paper. I didn't know anything about her affairs."His sincere expression convinced Drake, who took a deep breath and barked at his men. "What are you waiting for? Go smash the party.""Yes, boss.""Hold it." Juan stopped them.Drake frowned. "What do you want to say?""The Potter family is reputable here. If you attack them, you'll never be able to stand your ground in this city again," Juan warned."Are you saying even you can't handle the Potter family?""It's not that I can't handle them, but it's a hassle,
The Potter family was an ancient and respected clan in Seamar City, second to none in terms of reputation and influence. Never in his life had Randy seen anyone disrupting any event hosted by the Potters.Debra said, "Just in case. Drake is unpredictable and violent. There's nothing he won't do.""Alright. I'll get ready. If he dares to show up, I'll make him lose so much face that he'll have to hide in Orkgate for the rest of his life," Randy replied.Just then, Erica emerged from the banquet hall. "Randy, what are you dawdling for? There's still a lot to do inside."Debra's face lit up with a smile. "Erica."Erica froze for a moment before spotting Debra standing by a car. Erica's eyes welled up, and she rushed over to hug Debra tightly. "Oh, sweetheart, I thought I'd never see you again."Randy tugged at her clothes, reminding her, "People are watching. Mind your image."To the public, Erica was always known as an iron businesswoman. But in private, she and Randy were quite t
All eyes turned to the new arrival, and the room fell silent as they recognized Juan.Everyone knew that Debra was once Juan's wife, and their recent divorce made his presence even more unsettling.Juan and Marion were both powerful figures not to be trifled with.Randy was stunned. "What the hell? How did he get in? What were the guards doing?"He moved to intercept Juan, but before he could, Juan's men rushed in.Debra frowned. "Today's event is hosted by the Potter family, not the Nichols family. Are you trying to challenge all of us here by doing this?"Although Juan had been the dominant force in Seamar City for years, the combined strength of the five families was not something he could easily overcome.Juan glanced around at the guests and replied coolly, "You stole Drake's guests. Can't I come and do the same?""Juan, don't get cocky," Randy shouted, pushing past a bodyguard and coming out of the crowd.Erica followed suit, standing beside him."You had your days," Ra
The lollipop dangled from Marion's mouth like a cigar.While the guests were confused, he casually raised his hand, and several guards immediately rushed inside.Juan's bodyguards were good, but they couldn't compare to these people, who were trained according to military standards. Tension rose in an instant.The crowd fidgeted, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire."I'd like to see who dares to walk out of this door today," Marion said calmly.His guards drew their electric batons, and the crowd gulped nervously.Ever since Marion arrived in Seamar City, he had kept a profile so low that people had forgotten how he had made his name known.Even though he was now the head of the Houston Group and had toned down his behavior, he still could do things recklessly.The choice between money and life became clear to everyone present. Those who had been swayed by Juan's words now dared not move again.Their choice became clear, and Juan was not delighted.Marion walked up to h
"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
"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,"