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
"Miss, would you like to buy some flowers?" A boy with a dirty face approached Debra, holding a bundle of slightly wilted flowers.Debra's heart softened, and she was about to take the flowers from the boy when Marion suddenly grabbed the boy's wrist.The boy cried out in pain, dropping the flowers and revealing a hidden switchblade.Debra gasped, shocked by the sight. Marion's voice was cold as he said, "Mugging in broad daylight? Aren't you afraid of death?"The boy paled with fright. He stumbled back and ran away without picking up the knife.Debra looked at the crude but sharp blade on the ground. "Why would they want to kill someone?""The slums here have chaotic law enforcement," Marion explained. "People do anything to survive. These kids target wealthy people, fishing for sympathy. They stab, rob, and run."Debra frowned. "Aren't they afraid of being reported to the police?""There are no cameras on this street," Marion said. "They smear dirt on their faces to avoid bei
"Take us there," Marion commanded.The staff member felt offended. "Sir, I already told you I didn't have the authority."Instead of mincing words, Marion stepped up to the staff member and pressed the switchblade against his stomach. The staff member's face paled, and he was about to call for help when Marion warned, "You can try. Let's see if someone comes to your rescue before you hit the ground."Fearing for his life, the staff member stammered, "Okay. I'll take you."He turned to lead the way, but Marion warned, "Don't try any tricks. I know all your moves."Debra understood that Marion didn't want to reveal his identity. The staff member quickly led them to the underground level.The noise down there was deafening. A vast, illegal casino sprawled out before them.Marion's expression darkened as he realized this was one of his establishments. He had come to investigate whether there were any issues with his operation.Debra noticed an inconspicuous symbol in the casino. It
Swiftly, the staff member placed the chips in front of Marion."Sir, have you played Big or Small before?""No, I haven't.""It's quite simple. You just bet on either Big or Small and place your chips accordingly."Debra chimed in, "So how do you determine what's Big and what's Small?""You see these three dice? If the total points rolled are 11 or above, it's Big. If it's ten or below, it's Small.""That simple, huh?" Debra turned to Marion. "Honey, what do you think? Big or Small?"Marion grabbed some chips and handed them to Debra. "Your choice.""Well, I'll go with Big." Debra placed the chips on Big.The staff signaled the dealer, who understood the cue. When the dice were revealed, it was indeed Big.Those who had bet on Big cheered as they won their money. Debra handed the winning chips to Marion, but he gave her some more. "Pick again."Pretending to be thrilled by her beginner's luck, Debra eagerly placed the chips on Big again. "I'll stick with Big."The two of th
The staff member's face darkened as he said, "Please wait here for a moment. I'll go exchange your chips for cash."With other customers around, they couldn't make a scene. But as the staff member took the chips away, he exchanged a glance with his subordinate."Go inform the manager. Someone cheated.""Understood."Moments later, the staff member who had been held at knifepoint by Marion entered with a group of security guards.He spotted Marion and shouted, "It's him! He threatened me with a knife to get in here."Ten security guards immediately rushed up, surrounding Marion and Debra.The leader of the guards looked at Marion. "You're the one who cheated your way in here?"Marion didn't respond, casually sipping his tea.The security guard, feeling ignored, raised his electric baton to strike Marion. But just then, the manager rushed in, his face pale as he saw Marion."Stop! Put down your weapon!" the manager shouted.The security guards halted. "Sir, these two have susp
The security guards were dragged out by other staff members, their pitiful screams echoing outside.Marion stood up from his chair, his voice cold as he spoke. "I was only gone for a few months, and you sold the place to someone else. It seems I haven't been strict enough with my subordinates. Horace, don't you agree?"Horace Thom wiped his sweat and hurriedly replied, "Mr. Houston, these were orders from higher-ups. I'll tell you everything. It was the Eaton family who approached us for a partnership. Since you weren't here, Mr. Orrell decided to collaborate with them. Who knew that the Eaton family had already been in cahoots with the Lowe family? We had no choice but to follow Mr. Orrell's orders.""Parker Orrell?" Marion asked, a cold smile playing on his lips.Horace nodded. "Yes, it was all Mr. Orrell's doing. We thought you knew about it, sir."Marion took Debra's hand, seeming disinterested in Horace's explanations.Horace was eager to explain further, but Marion waved hi
"Are you really planning to choose a new manager from those people?""I won't choose any of them.""Then why did you..."Debra stopped mid-sentence, realizing Marion's true intention. He was setting them up to kill each other. They would all die fighting for the manager's position."Ha, I told you not to kill anyone, and you found a way to make others do the dirty work?""Darling, you've got me all wrong. If they didn't have those greedy thoughts, they wouldn't have acted. Such people deserve to die."He held out his hands, showing them to her. "My hands are clean. I haven't done anything bad.""You're still talking." Debra playfully poked his forehead.Marion smiled and took her hand. "I know. Don't worry. I've made sure no one will die.""That's more like it," Debra said, satisfied.She understood that in Marion's position, many things were beyond his control. But she hoped he could minimize the bloodshed, so they could have a peaceful life together."Where are we going ne
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