"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
The Eaton family held immense power overseas, a status they had cultivated over a century.Their position was unshakeable.Marion was worried that if they set their sights on Debra, he would be powerless to protect her."Silly," Debra said, taking Marion's hand. "I won't be a burden to you. You do what you need to do. I can't guarantee I'll clear all obstacles for you, but I promise to keep myself safe and not distract you."Marion's furrowed brow relaxed. He had almost forgotten that Debra was the youngest female entrepreneur in Seamar City. In just one year, she had grown strong enough to rival the Nichols family, take down Edgar, and even manipulate Drake.If the Eatons targeted her, they would be the ones in trouble."You're right," Marion said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I should be worried about the Eaton family. Once they provoke you, they won't have a moment's peace."Debra teased him, "I was trying to comfort you, and you're making fun of me?""I'm just showing my
Bert sighed, "If you had any skills, would I have to resort to this retirement trick? Learn from Fermin. If he were still around, I wouldn't have all these problems to deal with."Garland rolled his eyes. "Fermin has been dead for years. If he knew how much work was waiting for him, he'd probably prefer to stay in his coffin.""He was identifying talent and managing people at 14," Bert snapped. "He was the youngest financial scholar, feared and respected by everyone in the company. He was my ideal successor. And look at you—lazy, always chasing after some justice with your newspaper. If it weren't for that car accident, I wouldn't have needed you to impersonate him.""You're right, Dad," Garland said sarcastically. "Fermin is the best. Liza and I combined aren't half as good as him."Bert took a deep breath, trying to control his temper. "You know your uncles are eyeing the family's power. If they find out Fermin is dead and I have no successor, they'll stop at nothing to take over
Garland paused, turning back to face Juan. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and asked, "You know who I am?""What do you think?" Juan replied coolly."Then go ahead and expose me, please. I'm tired of being an impersonator. You have no idea how boring it is to be Fermin," Garland said, a hint of weariness in his voice."Mr. Eaton," Carter interjected.Garland straightened his clothes and said more seriously, "Mr. Nichols, come with me."In the study, Bert had overheard their entire conversation. He took off one of his shoes and threw it at Garland. "You useless brat. What good are you?"Garland swiftly dodged the shoe, but it flew past him and headed straight for Juan. With a quick reflex, Juan caught the shoe in mid-air."Mr. Eaton Sr., let's talk business," Juan said, placing the shoe back on the desk.Bert appreciated his polite demeanor. "Wilbur's grandson is much better than Caleb's grandson. Alright, what business do you want to discuss?""My grandmother has come over
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
"Miss, the fire's cut off the road," a guard reported.Lara looked around, understanding that Marion had scoped their escape route, lured them with gunfire, and set the trap.The strategy was simple but effective. The terrifying part was that he had planned it in no time and carried it out efficiently."Miss, what now?" the guard asked anxiously, looking at the roaring flames.Instead of throwing in more fuel, Marion led his crew to an open spot near water, so they could douse the fire later.The dense trees left no way out.Lara gritted her teeth, grabbed a guy, and shoved him forward, using him as a shield against the fire."Dying for me should make you proud," she said, ignoring his thrashing.He burned, reeking of charred flesh. She covered her nose, broke through, and tossed him aside. The rest couldn't escape, awaiting death.Burns scarred her body, but she didn't stop, ignoring the pain and the screams from behind her.Following the plan, Jordan's team prepared to kill
It all happened in a flash. Randy couldn't even tell how the shooting started."What're you doing? Hide!" Erica yelled.He jolted, quickly ducking behind a tree.This was life or death. Bullets didn't care who they hit. Taking cover was important.He peeked out and saw Erica charging ahead. It reminded him of their childhood.She had been Caleb's favorite, but he had thought her skills were just girly fluff.Now? The gap was glaring. She was a beast, and he was a chicken.Up ahead, Lara couldn't gauge how many were coming.A guy ran up, reporting their hidden crew got wiped by Marion. Unsure of the enemy's numbers, they held back.Lara's eyes narrowed. She believed that Marion's desperation was driven by Debra's death."He's courting death," she sneered. "I thought he was smart. Turns out he's so dumb."Turning to the messenger, she ordered, "Tell Michael's people to close in. We're boxing them up and wiping them out.""Miss, we can't.""What?""Mr. Austin's crew pulled o
"What? No," Erica yelled. "If Debra knew..." "She'd back us," Jordan said, knowing what Debra wanted.She couldn't avenge Kale, but they could. They might not crush the Illuminati, but they'd make them bleed."Take your guys and come with me," Marion said."They've lost it," Randy muttered.Erica sighed, "I've been itching to teach those clowns a lesson too. Like sewer rats, they only know how to hide behind masks and cloaks.""Don't be impulsive" Randy warned."I'm going," she insisted, yanking out her gun. "Might as well go nuts. Like is too short."Randy tensed up. "You serious?""Stay back and watch Debra if you're scared," she said. "Don't drag me down."She charged into the trees. Randy stared, feeling like the weak link."Fine. I'll show you tough," he growled, turning to a guard. "Give me your gun.""Uh, Mr. Osborne, you sure?" The guard hesitated."What, you think I can't handle it?" Randy smacked the guard's head. "I was popping off shots before you were born."
Debra suddenly hacked hard, spitting blood.Erica and Randy lit up. Jordan heaved a sigh of relief as she opened her eyes."Medical kit!" Marion snapped out of it first.William hustled over, gaping at the scene."Debra, hang in there," Erica babbled, rattled."She can't talk yet," William said, rushing to stop her bleeding.Blood poured from her chest, soaking her."You're safe now," Marion soothed her."I'm okay," she rasped.The pendant given by Kale had caught the bullet and saved her life.Tears slid down her face. She'd sworn her friends wouldn't get hurt, but Kale was gone."Don't just stand there. Help me out," William urged. "She has got an hour at most if you don't move."The pendant had dulled the shot, but it was just a stone. Her chest still took a hit even though the wound wasn't deep.Erica snapped back, and Jordan signaled for a stretcher."I've got her," Marion said, lifting her onto it.The group watched with heavy hearts.As she was carried off, Mario