The snide remarks of the socialites reached Debra's ears, but she didn't ignore them. Instead, she turned to face the gossiping women, who immediately plastered on smiles.Debra returned their smiles, but her eyes held a cold glint. Those ladies were daunted and quickly dispersed, realizing that she was not someone to be trifled with.As soon as Debra entered the banquet hall, she noticed Debra noticed a figure surrounded by a group of admiring ladies. It was none other than Melody dressed in elegant attire and adorned with precious jewels.Debra arched her eyebrow, having a certain guess in her mind.Melody's valuable jewelry was mostly in her possession. These pieces, which appeared to have a vintage feel, were likely stored with an overseas insurance company.It seemed Melody had indeed come to meet her old flame, for she wore jewelry that she usually wouldn't have even worn at home.Melody also noticed Debra. Her expression soured, and she remarked, "I don't recall inviting M
Debra's words were laced with insinuation, implying that Melody's trip there was driven by some late-life romantic whim.Melody, who valued her reputation above all else, turned livid. "Of course, I'm going back. If it weren't for some business I had to attend to, I wouldn't have come at all.""Mrs. Nichols Sr., take it easy. I didn't say anything out of line," Debra said, leaning in closer to Melody. "Don't forget, I have evidence of you hiring someone to kill me. If you don't want any trouble, you'd better not cross me. Otherwise, you'll spend the rest of your life behind bars."Melody's anger boiled over at Debra's threat. She remembered all too well how Debra had used this very threat to force Juan to hand over the Nichols Group.Although the company hadn't fallen into Debra's hands yet, there was no telling if Juan might do so in the future.Melody looked at Debra's smiling face, her own smile strained. "Since you're new here too, feel free to look around. I'm a bit tired and
"But..." The maid tried to stop her, but Melody had already stood up and was heading towards the door.In Seamar City, she was used to being respected as an elder. All the noblewomen and socialites treated her with deference.Melody firmly believed Bert's favor for Liza had something to do with her.She felt justified in her actions. As she descended the stairs, she saw Liza standing in the middle of the grand hall.The butler beside her advised, "Miss, she's really not here. You should go back. If your father finds out you came here to cause trouble, he won't be happy.""Nonsense. Everyone in the local community knows that today is the welcoming banquet my father is hosting for that old hag. Why was I kept in the dark? Who does she think she is? She's old and washed up, yet she still has the nerve to come here and seduce my father," Liza huffed, aware of the old rumors.Debra, not wanting to be noticed by Liza, stood in a less conspicuous corner. She preferred to watch the drama
"No mercy?" Liza scoffed, striding up to Melody and slapping her across the face.Melody was stunned, and she continued, "This is our territory, and everything my father owns is mine. How dare an old hag like you challenge me? Do you really think my father cares about you? Let me tell you, I am his favorite daughter, and my mother is the woman he loves most. He would never have his eyes on you."The room fell silent, not because of Liza's audacity but because of Bert's arrival.He emerged from the elevator, his presence commanding despite his nearly seventy years. His hair was dyed, and he stood tall and straight, hinting at the handsome man he must have been in his youth.Debra watched the scene unfold with interest. Liza had finally managed to draw out Bert, who rarely made public appearances except to clean up messes for her."What's going on here?" Bert demanded, his voice stern yet tinged with indulgence.Debra observed from the corner, noting how much Bert doted on Liza. De
Debra quickly formulated a plan and walked toward the champagne tower that Liza had knocked over earlier.When no one was looking, she bent down and used a shard of the broken glass to lightly cut her ankle."Ouch!" she grunted, drawing the attention of many guests.Liza recognized the voice and turned to see Debra. Her eyes narrowed as she remembered how Debra had wronged Cathryn.She marched over, ready to give Debra a piece of her mind. But just as she was about to strike, Bert shouted, "Liza, stop!"Liza stomped her foot in frustration. "Dad. This woman stole Marion and made Cathryn a laughing stock. Why won't you let me hit her?""Enough," Bert said sternly. "Today has been chaotic enough, and your spoiled behavior needs to change. She is our guest, and she's injured because of your antics. If you hit her, people will say our family has no manners."With that, he approached Debra. She was taken aback, wondering what this notorious old fox was up to.Under the watchful eyes
After Debra left, Melody finally expressed her displeasure. "Your daughter is a bit unruly."Liza had insulted and hit her. The shame would be with her for the rest of her life."I've spoiled Liza," Bert said. "I'm truly sorry about this. Please go back to your room and rest. I've called for a doctor to examine your face."His gentle words calmed Melody somewhat, but the memory of Liza's harsh words still stung.She said, "I only came to you because I don't know many people here. I didn't expect Liza to misunderstand. I wonder what others must think of me now.""We're just old acquaintances. No need to worry about what others think," Bert reassured her. "No one dares speak ill of the Eaton family here."The phrase "old acquaintances" struck a nerve with Melody. If she hadn't chosen that workaholic Wilbur all those years ago, she might have been the respected Mrs. Eaton today.Though her life was comfortable, the thought of her unloving husband and disobedient grandson filled her
"Mrs. Houston, your room is this way." The maid led Debra to a lavishly decorated guest room.Even for a seasoned socialite like Debra, the opulence of the guest room was staggering.She couldn't help but mentally tally the cost of the furnishings, which easily surpassed eight figures. The Eaton family was indeed wealthy."Mrs. Houston, the doctor will be here shortly. Please wait here, and I'll bring you some tea," the maid said politely before exiting the room.Debra heard a commotion from the adjacent room."Where are my shoes? My clothes? And my Doraemon pillow that I sleep with every night? I was only gone for three days, and you guys stole my crystal?"The voice rang a bell, and she stood up.The maid quickly reassured her, "Mrs. Houston, our young master is a bit eccentric. Please don't mind him. The doctor will be here soon, and we'll arrange for someone to escort you back.""Who are you calling eccentric?" A man's voice came, causing the maid to shrink.Just then, the
William and Marion exchanged a knowing glance, pretending not to be familiar with each other.Debra lowered her voice and said, "I'm fine. Let's just get out of here."She had noticed that the security measures here were far more stringent than usual. The guards at the door were only a fraction of what she had seen when she entered the banquet hall.Marion had only managed to get in because Bert had deliberately let him. Bert was up to something, and it was best not to provoke him further."Since my wife is unharmed, I'll be taking her with me," Marion said, his mind focused on Debra's injured foot.He scooped her up into his arms and turned to leave, but Bert's cold voice stopped him. "Wait a moment."Marion paused, and Bert asked, "Was it you who had Liza brought back?"Debra held her breath, having seen how much Bert doted on Liza. This question seemed to hint at a desire for accountability."Yes, it was me," Marion admitted.Bert said, "Liza is my only daughter. By doing t
A loud crash blasted through the phone, followed by screeching static.Debra's gut sank. "Randy's in trouble. Let's hurry."Jordan quickly rounded up a crew to track down Randy, while Debra and Marion bolted out of the house.That phone call screamed car wreck. Marion had Randy's location pinned fast, and an ambulance was already on its way."Don't panic. The ambulance is almost there," Debra reminded him, watching him push the speedometer.It was fine if it was just a regular crash. But if the Illuminati had set it up, the consequences were unimaginable. Enoch must have lost his mind to target his son.Debra and Marion had both lost their parents to car accidents. Marion would be devastated if he lost another person close to him."Quick! Get him out!"Thick smoke poured from the crash site. Debra's bad vibes grew.They jumped out and saw Jordan's people loading Randy onto a stretcher."How bad is it?" Debra ran up, desperate for details."Not too serious," Jordan replied. "
The maid froze. "Didn't Miss Mathis leave last night? I don't know where she is. But she's not here."A bad feeling hit Randy like a ton of bricks. He bolted out of the room and ran to the guest room next door. When he flung the door open, Erica wasn't there. The bed was pristine, with no sign of anyone sleeping in it.Erica was lazy as hell. There was no way she'd make the bed herself.Randy lost his head until what Theda had said suddenly echoed in his mind.If Enoch were the mastermind behind the Illuminati, he might have done something to Erica."Where's my dad?" Randy asked, his blood running cold.The maid had never seen him like this. He barked, "I'm asking you where my dad is."She stammered, "I called him last night like you asked. He came back for a bit and took off again."Now he confirmed that Enoch had taken Erica."Give me the phone.""Yes, sir."The maid handed it over.Randy dialed Enoch's number but could not get through.Sweat beaded on his forehead. The
Erica laughed, getting the implication.Randy coughed dryly. "Mom, what are you even saying? I'm not that kind of person."With that, he hustled Erica out of the room.As the door closed, she frowned. "What now? Your dad is suspicious.""Well, we'll deal with it when he gets back. Now take a rest.""Alright."He led her to a clean guest room."Yvette seemed fine just now. Didn't look like she's got any mental issues.""It comes and goes. She can be normal and confused at times.""Has she seen a doctor?""Yeah. They say it's from some big shock. If she takes it easy, she's pretty much fine. Her nerves are just shot. My dad kept her locked up here all these years. Probably doesn't want folks to know he's got a crazy wife."In his mind, Enoch always put profit and reputation first.If people found out he had a nutcase for a wife, he might ditch her. Even if he didn't, he'd freeze them out.One question was always hovering in Randy's mind. If Yvette wasn't tied to the Potter f
"Erica, let's head upstairs."Randy held Erica's hand as they walked up the stairs.The second floor was dead quiet, and the hallway lights were dim. At the far end was Yvette's bedroom.The door was wide open. Inside, Yvette sat at her vanity, brushing her hair.Nearing 50, she still looked good, though she'd let time take its toll. Her face was lined with wrinkles."Randy? You're back," she exclaimed, catching his reflection in the mirror.She turned around and saw him standing there, holding Erica's hand."Mom." Randy squeezed Erica's hand. "I brought Erica to see you."Yvette's eyes shifted to Erica, and she searched in her memories.After a while, she caught it. "Erica, I remember you. Randy always talked about you when he was a kid. I thought you two were just rivals or something."Yvette walked over to Erica and grabbed her hand. "Randy's a bit of a wild one, but he's great with girls. This is the first time he's brought a girl home. If you two are serious about each o
Everyone nodded at Marion's call. They split tasks fast.Randy drove Erica toward the Osborne Mansion, speeding through the dark.When they parked, he didn't budge from the driver's seat."Don't stress. I'm here with you," Erica said, squeezing his hand.She knew what ate at him. If Enoch was really the Illuminati's head, it would spark a war. His relationship with Enoch would be unmendable."I never saw this coming," Randy said, his face shadowed with a rare gloom.He had always known Enoch didn't care about him, Yvette, or their family.In fact, he had never known much about Enoch. Without Theda's hunch today, he'd never have linked Enoch to the Illuminati."If Enoch is tied to them, what will you do?" Erica asked, watching him closely.She knew that blood was thicker than water."I don't know." Randy shook his head.Being the heir to the Osborne family never mattered to him, but he could not deny his bloodline.If it came to picking sides, he didn't know if he'd back Mar
His teacher had been worried about that.Randy had racked his brain, wondering what a dad should be like. He'd wanted to roughhouse like other kids, only to receive cold stares.His mother always brushed it off, telling him not to chase fatherly love."Randy?" Erica's voice yanked him back."Huh?" He blinked, seeing everyone's concerned stares."I called you a dozen times. Why were you zoning out?" Erica frowned.Randy grinned weakly. "Well, Theda's got a point. Now I'm kind of suspecting him too.""She left a minute ago," Erica pointed out, squinting at him."I'm not covering for my dad," Randy said. "She made sense. Maybe I'll swing at home. If he's the Illuminati's head, he will be in the valley.""You were absent-minded while we hashed out the plan. Now you're playing seriously?" Erica teased. "We're not pointing fingers at your dad, just saying Theda's theory holds water. If you want to check, I'll go with you. We'll watch each other's backs."She didn't say it out loud,
Theda added, "When Jeffery ditched the Nichols family, even with his smarts, he couldn't build up enough money and power to challenge the four families that fast. Someone had his back. He once told me not to judge a book by its cover. You never know who's laughing last."Her cryptic words left them puzzled.Debra asked, "So, who do you suspect?""I'd say Enoch Osborne," Theda replied.The name dropped like a bomb. Everyone froze and then swung their eyes to Randy.Randy gaped. "My dad? No way. He's a stiff old fart, decent at business but the weakest of the four families. Calling him lazy is generous. He's a stubborn rock. How could he be the head of the Illuminati?""Don't sell your old man short," Theda said. "The last generation of the four families got hit hard. But your family? Only your mother lost it. Your father has played it safe, staying low-key and outlasting them all. I bet he's the one Jeffery meant."She shrugged. "Could be wrong. But if it's him, you're in deeper
It wasn't that Debra's crew was weak, but the Illuminati was too strong.The room fell silent.Theda continued, "Everyone here is riding your call. You know what happens when you throw pebbles at a tank, right?""I'm not backing off. We've got our reasons," Debra replied."I'm not here to talk you out of it," Theda said. "I'm saying if you need me, I'm in."Everyone blinked, caught off guard. She smiled, "What? Surprised I'd join? Or wondering why? Forget Robert's ties to you. You've already done me solids in Seamar City. I can't pay you back much, but I can pitch in here.""How do you plan to help?" Erica asked."Inside job. Boosts our odds," Theda replied. "I worked with Jeffery before. Being a Buchan, he cut me slack. With his Illuminati ties, they might trust me too. Need a message slipped in or intel dug out? I've got you.""You don't have to..." Debra started."No convincing me otherwise," Theda cut in. "It's not just for you. Juan's blood to me. Call it a favor he owes.
"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