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
Neither Marion nor Debra picked up the conversation.Parker steeled himself and continued, "Mr. Houston, is there something important you need to take care of this time?""Yes, there is," Marion replied casually. "Bring them in."Several henchmen escorted Parker's wife and daughter into the room, their hands bound tightly. Parker's wife, a heavyset woman, had her makeup streaked with tears, while their daughter was crying in her high school uniform. "Dad, save me."Parker's face paled. "Mr. Houston, what are you doing? I've been loyal to you for years. Why did you take my wife and daughter?""That's not quite accurate, is it?" Debra interjected. "You were loyal to the Eaton family, not Mr. Houston."The mention of the Eaton family struck Parker dumb. He panicked. "Mr. Houston, I can explain."His legs gave way, and he crumpled to the floor. Marion was known for his ruthlessness, and Parker knew that betrayal meant certain death."It was the Eaton family," he stammered. "They ap
Debra eyed the school emblem on Phoebe's chest. "Miss Parker, I've heard about your high school. The annual tuition is in the seven figures. I doubt Parker's salary could cover such expenses."Phoebe looked at her father with fear. Sibyl interjected, grasping anything that came to mind. "It's my parents' money and has nothing to do with Parker.""Mrs. Parker, don't be so hasty. I'm not finished yet," Debra said, glancing at Parker. "This doesn't even include the expenses for Parker's mistress. I noticed that his secretary has quite a figure and some expensive jewelry. He has a wife, a daughter, and a mistress to support. I doubt his salary is enough for all that.""What?" Sibyl was surprised by the revelation.Phoebe was equally shocked that her dad was keeping a mistress."Parker, how could you do this to me? You were a nobody when my family helped you rise. How dare you cheat on me? You won't get away with this," Sibyl snapped.Debra signaled to the guards, who quickly untied S
Marion frowned, and the guards quickly stepped forward to pull Phoebe away."Dad, please apologize to Mr. Houston. Promise him you won't do it again. We're willing to give up all our assets. Mr. Houston, please spare my dad," Phoebe pleaded.Debra watched with cold detachment.Marion stood up, not even sparing Phoebe a glance. "Take them away."The guards exchanged uncertain glances, moved by Phoebe's pleading, but they dared not defy Marion's command. They dragged the three away from the office."Mr. Houston!" Phoebe continued to cry out, but she was quickly gagged and dragged out.Debra remarked, "The situation here is truly something else. Even an underage girl has such deep thoughts."At her age, she was not as deep as Phoebe. Blame it on her fate. Phoebe was facing them. Any other person might have softened."Jealous?" Marion asked, embracing Debra from behind.Just moments ago, Phoebe had rushed at him so quickly that he couldn't dodge in time.For people like them, who
In the conference room, several shareholders were chatting amongst themselves."We only respected Marion because of Mr. Bernard. But now that Mr. Bernard is gone, Marion is still acting like he owns the place. Today, at the shareholders' meeting, we'll vote unanimously to remove him.""Exactly. How can a kid from the slums become the head of us? When the Bernard Group was changed to the Houston Group, I was already unhappy. It's time to settle this score."...Outside the conference room, Debra listened to their disdainful words about Marion, and her heart ached.She had heard many rumors about Marion. Some called him cold-blooded, and others called him evil. Before his heir status was exposed, everyone deemed him a grim reaper from hell. No good expressions were associated with him.But after his lineage was revealed, no one dared question his origins again. Now Debra found it hard to believe those people, living off their ancestors' achievements, had the nerve to look down on M
"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