When Debra reached the laboratory, she saw Marion working on the latest antagonist."I have good news. Want to hear it?" she said.Marion paused and turned to see Debra standing at the door. Ever since her last visit to the lab, he had been adamant about not letting her enter without proper protection.He walked over to her, removed the protective gear, and tapped her head."It's dangerous here. If you miss me, just call me over.""Andrew just told me some good news. Finally, someone can stop spending 24 hours a day in the lab."Marion quickly caught on to her meaning. He picked her up and spun her around excitedly."You'll get through this, right?""Yes. Put me down first."She tapped Marion's shoulder, signaling him to put her down. As he did, he dropped a kiss on her forehead and took her hand, leading her out of the mansion."Where are we going?" Debra asked, confused.Andrew watched calmly from the second-floor window as Marion and Debra ran out together, but Randy jump
Erica groaned, "Too bad."Debra glanced at the rearview mirror, puzzled."That's strange.""What is it?""Didn't we already pass this road?""We did.""Then why are we on it again?""We were being tailed earlier.""That Rolls-Royce Phantom?""Yes.""Looks like Randy's car."Debra teased, squinting at him, "You're not planning to kidnap me, are you?"Marion took one hand off the steering wheel and pinched her nose."More than that. I want to tie you to my side and never let you leave."Debra blushed at the unexpected sweet words. "You never used to say things like this. Who knew you had it in you?""Darling, I only say these things to you," Marion protested, feigning hurt.Debra laughed at his expression.After a two-hour drive, they finally reached a secluded mountain area. Debra saw an electronic iron gate at the mountain's halfway point, which opened automatically as their car approached.Marion drove confidently up the mountain, and the fresh air seemed to wash awa
Marion's gaze was so tender that no one could associate him with the ruthless man he was known as.Debra blushed, whispering, "Haven't I already told you the answer?"Marion went down on one knee and snapped his fingers. A little Golden Retriever wagged its tail, trotting over to Marion's side. Debra was surprised to find it in a red bow tie.The Golden Retriever sat obediently beside Marion, its watery eyes fixed on Debra. Wagging its tail and sticking out its tongue, it looked at Debra expectantly.Marion took the flowers and the ring from its back. This diamond ring was specially crafted to shine together with Debra."A ring?""A proposal ring."Marion had watched many proposal videos and found that they all had three elements: flowers, a diamond ring, and the man kneeling on one knee.Marion said seriously, "Whether it's a proposal, engagement, or wedding, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, so we can't skip any of the rituals. I won't let you feel shortchanged."Debra burst
Debra's heart melted. "You're so cute. Did someone teach you that?"Debra cooed at the puppy, glancing meaningfully at Marion.Marion replied seriously, "Not me. I've been having my people take care of him.""Really?" Debra looked at the dog curiously.The three-month-old golden retriever stared at her and whined. Debra couldn't resist kissing it. Their meeting seemed to be fate."Puppy, what's your name?" she asked, gazing into the puppy's eyes.The puppy seemed to understand, stretching out its paw to touch Debra's belly.Marion chimed in, "He doesn't have a name yet. Do you want to give him one?"Debra looked at the puppy and then at her belly.In her past life, the doctor had told her she was carrying a boy. She had named him Ori, often stroking her belly and muttering his name, so that he'd know his name when he was born.Ori meant dawn. She thought she was finally seeing the light, but instead, she was plunged into hell. She didn't even get to see her baby before they b
Instead of explaining the matter, Randy dialed Marion's number and told Marion to return to the Potter Mansion as quickly as possible.This thing was major. No one in Seamar City was aware of it yet, but Marion's people had been closely monitoring the overseas situation. They would be notified at the first sign of trouble.It was already late at night when Marion and Debra rushed back, with Debra cradling the puppy in her arms.Erica was surprised. "Where did you two go in the middle of the night? And why did you bring back a golden retriever?"Ori tilted its head, surveying the room. Debra set it down on the floor. "We adopted it. You mentioned there was trouble overseas. What happened?"Andrew, seated at the desk, explained, "Recently, some small groups have caused disturbances. We found out quickly and managed to stop them, but there was still some unrest."Debra furrowed her brow. "Just small groups? That simple?"Randy interjected, "Of course, it's not that simple. Those pe
Andrew subtly averted his gaze. "You two go ahead. The medical facilities overseas are more advanced and will be helpful for Debra's rehabilitation. Don't worry about Seamar City. After the stunt Debra pulled, Drake won't be able to establish any businesses here for a while. Since he's creating rumors overseas, he won't stay in Seamar City for long. I'm sure he's already left.""Alright," Marion said, leading Debra out of the room.Debra saw his serious expression and asked, "Is the situation very tricky?""It's manageable.""If it were manageable, you wouldn't look like this."Marion stopped in his tracks, and she pressed, "If those overseas assets are taken away, what will happen?""I've been managing overseas businesses for years to open up a market there. My parents' deaths are connected to overseas interests," Marion replied."Do you mean the Lowe family was not behind your and my parents' deaths?" she asked."No, the Lowe family is involved, but it was the previous genera
Overseas at Drake's villa, Liza linked arms with Cathryn, leading her to a guest room on the second floor."I had this room prepared for you. Make yourself at home here," Liza said.Looking at the luxurious decorations inside, Cathryn hesitated. "But this is the Lowe family's house. It doesn't feel right for me to stay here.""What are you afraid of? You're my best friend. Not only can you stay here, but you could even stay at my place. My dad wouldn't say a thing. Besides, Drake insisted on having you stay here. I didn't order him to do it." Liza showed a disdainful look at the mention of Drake."He is the CEO of the Lowe Group and your fiancé. You should respect him," Cathryn advised."Respect him? With his background, he doesn't even fit to lick my boots," Liza scoffed. "I don't know what my dad was thinking, arranging for me to marry someone like Drake.""Liza...""Don't forget, Drake was just a lowlife from the slums. Your father only kept him around because of Marion. Clim
"I don't care. I'm not marrying a loser who can't even afford a villa," Liza scoffed, linking arms with Cathryn. "Come on, let's go shopping. My dad bought me a mall, and you can pick whatever you want."She left without taking another glance at Drake.Drake watched them leave, the smile on his face fading quickly. He made a decision in his mind. Once he used the Eaton family's power to take down Marion, he would make sure Liza paid dearly....The flight from Seamar City to overseas landed.Debra put on sunglasses and a cap, linking arms with Marion as they exited the airport.As a former public figure, she was worried about being recognized. Their trip overseas was a secret, and they didn't want to alert anyone to their presence.Outside the airport, people of all kinds bustled through the streets. The city was a mix of towering medieval architecture and modern commercial districts."This place truly is the city of romance," Debra remarked.Marion said, "But also a city of 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