Andrew skipped pleasantries and asked directly, "For what business did Mrs. Nichols Sr. call you over to Seamar City?""To help her take control of the Nichols family, of course," Theda replied. "She doesn't want it to fall into the hands of outsiders."Her smile resembled Debra's but was sharper. "Who will you help, Debra or me?""I invited you here," Andrew said coolly. "So, you know the answer.""You treat her so well," Theda murmured. "So well it almost makes me jealous."Her smile faded, and her tone turned icy. "But I won't let go of what I want. The Nichols Group is mine."She placed a small bottle of pills on the desk and added, "These should help with your condition. See you."As she exited the study, Barton stepped forward, his face clouded with concern. "Sir, I'm afraid Ms. Buchan won't give up easily.""That's her," Andrew replied. "But Debra isn't a pushover either. Let's see which of them will laugh the last."Barton hesitated. "I fear Mrs. Houston has little cha
Theda left after dropping that line, and Debra felt a twinge of unease.Theda was clearly trouble. Just then, her phone rang. It was the manager of that salon.The manager cheerfully announced, "Ms. Frazier, the equipment you ordered has arrived. It's at Warehouse No. 1. Would you like to come and inspect it?"Debra agreed, "Yeah. Please ask the delivery guys to wait. I'm on my way."She hung up the phone and saw Liza coming down the stairs.Liza was pretty but a bit spoiled. The good part was that she had a keen interest in beauty programs. Debra's plan needed someone like her."Why are you looking at me like that?" Liza asked, uncomfortable about Debra's gaze."Weren't you eager for some beauty programs the other day? Want to come with me?" Debra asked.Liza smelled a rat, eying her warily. 'Debra was never a kind-hearted person. There has to be more to it.'But despite her better judgment, she soon found herself in Debra's sports car."What is this place? I won't settle fo
Those delivery men exchanged puzzled glances.Debra explained, "I'm in business, just like my husband. The lady beside me also works in the beauty industry. To put it simply, we're looking to make quick money through some side ventures in the business.""You mean...""I've heard that arcades are doing very well these days. Several of my friends have invested, and they're making tens of millions every month. I'm interested too, but I've been struggling to find a way in. If it's just about investing, the shares in those arcades are all taken up already. So, I'm thinking of starting my own."She glanced at the machines in the box and added, "I know these machines are from Orkgate. I don't want to beat around the bush. If you guys can get me some genuine arcade machines, I promise the reward I give will be more than this."Liza realized what was going on and was not happy. They were supposed to have beauty programs rather than talk about some shitty business, especially not one relate
"So what?" Liza said, hands on her hips. "I'm the daughter of the Eaton family. What can he do to me?"With a word from her father, Drake has to bow and scrape in front of her.Debra face-palmed. 'Liza has no idea how dangerous the world could be outside her sheltered life.'"Society isn't as simple as you think," she said. "This place is not your turf. Drake could easily harm you here.""He wouldn't dare.""Why not?""Because of my dad.""He is not here."Liza thought for a moment. "Anyway, he wouldn't act against me. If he did, my dad and brother would not let him off."Knowing how stubborn Liza was, Debra didn't advise her further. As long as Liza stayed with her, Drake probably wouldn't act.Before long, the humming sound of an engine came from outside.Debra checked the time. Only ten minutes had passed since that call.Drake was faster than she had expected. His car screeched to a halt, and he stepped out."Where's Kale?"Drake and Kale were usually inseparable."H
Drake was frustrated, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, I won't argue with you. I'll check the machine first."He walked over to that unboxed machine and examined it briefly."It's genuine.""You sure?""Yep," Drake confirmed, getting up. "Where did you buy it from?"Debra looked at him warily. "What are you planning to do?""What else? To find out who's behind this."Debra let out a sigh of relief. Drake noticed her reaction and frowned."What did you think I was going to do? You thought I was going to kill someone?""You've probably killed so many people in the past that you can't even count them. Should I not be worried?"Drake pointed at her, speechless. In the end, he sighed in frustration. "You're unbelievable.""Are we done yet? When can we start the program? I'm getting tired," Liza complained.Debra glanced at her and turned back to Drake, "Your salons are quite popular. Why don't you take Miss Eaton to try it out?""No, forget it," Liza refused, unwilling
Drake scoffed, "Who else could you ask? In Seamar City, I'm the only one daring to act.""Says who? Marion can do it," Debra retorted.Drake sneered at her proud expression. "You'd let him take the risk?""No. You're the best candidate."Drake felt bitter. "When would you get good things for me?""This is a good thing. I've helped find a..." She paused, noticing his cold gaze. "A clue to who's been framing you."Drake scoffed, "Weren't you so capable before? In the end, you've only found a tiny clue.""Well, I'm better than someone who hasn't found anything.""What the...""Alright, I've found a lead for you. You just need to catch and interrogate them. Marion can't handle such concrete work where you excel in."Drake nodded reluctantly. "But I have a condition.""Go ahead.""If the police catch me again at the docks, I'll be kissing Seamar City goodbye. Forget the bet and consider me lost. I can afford ten million dollars.""Leave as you like. It's your reputation on the
Barton bolted downstairs.Debra walked into the room and saw a team of doctors crowded around Andrew's bed, trying to resuscitate him.Andrew's consciousness seemed hazy. Debra's gaze fell on a pill in one doctor's hand. The group was urgently discussing something.She stepped forward and asked, "What's that pill? You said it could save him. So, why aren't you using it?"The doctors exchanged glances but stayed silent. Just then, Barton returned, pulling William into the room."That pill works, but Mr. Andrew Potter refuses to take it.""Why not? Does it have side effects?""No.""Is it not for his disease?""Yes.""Then why isn't he taking it?"Debra sighed, moving to push the pill into Andrew's mouth.Andrew's eyes suddenly fluttered open. Despite his weakened state, he managed to catch her wrist.His voice was barely audible as he whispered, "Debra, put it down."Debra froze, leaning closer to him. "What?""Put it down." His eyes had regained their clarity, and his to
Barton glanced at Debra, then quickly looked away. "Anyway, this has nothing to do with Ms. Buchan.""Come on, stop covering for him," William said. "If he weren't head over heels for her, why would he treasure those pills she gave him? Did you see how reluctant he was to take them just now?"Before William could spiral further into speculation, Barton dragged him aside. "What nonsense are you spouting in front of Mrs. Houston? Ruining Mr. Potter's reputation. You're in it for trouble."William turned pale and clamped his mouth shut. He wondered if he had inadvertently spilled anything. He resolved to keep quiet from now on.Debra watched their interactions, her suspicion growing.That evening, she found herself lingering outside Andrew's bedroom. She peeked through the doorway, hesitating when a sudden noise echoed from inside.Alarmed, she pushed the door open to find Andrew sprawled on the floor. His face was pale, his forehead damp with sweat."Why did you get out of bed?" S
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju
Debra's heart sank.Back when she'd teamed up with Michael, she had nothing, offering him Frazier Entertainment shares to seal the deal. Later, Frazier Entertainment merged into the McKinney Group, and she handed it off to him.To keep her identity hidden, she'd tossed him more shares. With Frazier Entertainment, he'd racked up 30%.She'd thought he deserved it. For two years, he'd run the show plenty. She'd never seen this coming."Madam, you there?" Ben's voice shook.This was huge and should stay quiet. Otherwise, the company would fall into chaos.Debra's blood ran cold. She hadn't expected Michael to go so far."I'll be there soon," she said, hanging up.She turned to Marion. "Michael scooped up loose shares. He's gunning for a vote as top shareholder."Over 40% wasn't half, but it made him the biggest player. Calling a vote was his right.Debra only had 40%. If 10% of the rest sided with Michael, he could oust her."Don't sweat it," Marion said. "We'll hit it together.
That shut everyone up.If Jordan was right, Drake was gambling with his neck."That's too risky. I've gotta drag him back." Debra spun to leave.Erica grabbed her. "Jordan's guys are on it. They'll ping us if they find him. You can't go out like this and become their target.""I'm not their focus anymore," Debra said. "They'll zero in on Drake."She looked at Marion. "Get your people searching. We need his trail fast, or he's dead."Once the Illuminati squeezed the stone's location out of Drake, they'd kill him.Orkgate was now controlled by Lara. Drake had no other value for them."On it," Marion said.They split up. Erica and Randy tapped their networks."Debra, don't freak," Jordan said. "Drake is not dumb. Injured like that, he couldn't have gone far. As long as he keeps that secret, they won't kill him."Debra nodded. "Hope he doesn't do anything stupid."She should've seen it coming. A proud guy like Drake couldn't handle being down for so long.His injuries were bru
Outside their room, Drake froze mid-knock.His head was down, and his expression was hidden. Eventually, his hand dropped, and he sighed.He turned around and shuffled downstairs, leaning on the wall. He was a broken mess now, unwilling to drag them down....Debra woke up the next morning, reaching for Marion.He wasn't there. She bolted upright, threw off the covers, and ran barefoot downstairs, shouting, "Marion?"In the hall, Marion and Jordan turned as she stumbled in, still in her pajamas.Marion rushed up, slipping off his slippers for her. "What's with the panic?""I didn't see you." She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought you'd...""Any luck?" Jordan asked Kale, who'd just walked in.Kale shook his head. "Not yet.""What's up?" Debra asked, clocking everyone's grim faces."Drake's gone," Marion said. "No note, nothing. We're looking.""Did the cameras catch anything? Could it be the Illuminati...""Not them. He walked out himself.""Why the hell would he just up a
Debra jolted awake from a nightmare, her forehead slick with sweat."Still torn up about Michael?" Marion's voice came from beside her.She settled into his arms, finally feeling a little relieved. These past two months, they'd faced everything alone. She hadn't curled up with him like this in forever."It's my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't trusted Michael so much, the Eaton family wouldn't have been a mess. Mr. Eaton Sr. wouldn't have been in the hospital.""It's your fault," Marion said, patting her back. "Even without your trust, the Illuminati would've found a way in. That was their goal.""I just can't wrap my head around why Michael's one of them," she said.She'd spent all night recalling the past, from meeting Michael to building the McKinney Group with him. He was key to its success, but everything had been a lie."Maybe he was never with us," Marion said. "The Illuminati's everywhere. Didn't you check his background when you teamed up?""I..." Debra faltered.S
"We're all in it for ourselves." Michael shrugged. "Jeffery did his part for the Illuminati, so I'll cut you some slack.He pushed the teacup to Juan. "But I don't buy it that you're all-in. Following in Jeffery's footsteps sounds nice, but you killed him, which shows your ruthless nature. We need people like you. I don't care if you're Debra's mole or chasing your angle. Save your energy. It's pointless. Just do your job and back us up. I won't say a word about it.""Should I thank you for it?" Juan scoffed.He'd thought Michael was forced into it, but now he saw how naïve that was.Though young, Michael was already a core member, suggesting his connection to the Illuminati dates back a long time.Only intelligent and influential ones could enter the core circle. That meant he hadn't defected midway.Michael sat down across from him. "Don't look at me like that. We're not the same, and you know it.""When'd you turn on Debra?" Juan asked."Doesn't matter," Michael said, smilin
It was true they were both members of the Illuminati, but Fermin never signed up to be a lapdog.Back then, he'd teamed up with them for mutual gain. But the Illuminati wanted more than a partnership. They wanted the Eaton family on a leash.When Fermin didn't bite, Michael added, "I saw Miss Eaton crying her eyes out. We go way back. Should I cheer her..."Before he could finish, Fermin's knife flashed to his throat, nicking him. Blood trickled, but it was just a scratch."Stay away from her," Fermin growled. "Touch her, and I'll end you.""I'm just being nice here," Michael chuckled. "But if you're not cool with it, I'll drop it. But those terms? Think twice. We only help our own. If you keep playing your own game, that heart goes elsewhere. And trust me, you won't find another match."Fermin hated to admit it, but Michael was speaking the truth. Without the Illuminati's help, he couldn't find a match for Bert's heart.He lowered the knife. "Fine, it's a deal. Get your people
She only had Fermin and Bert left in this world.She had no mom and no real friends. She couldn't lose Bert or watch Fermin turn into this.She didn't want Debra's crew hurt either.Fermin pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry. Dad will be fine. I'll make sure of it."His promise unleashed her tears. The hospital hallway echoed with her cries.Once she calmed down, Fermin had someone take her away.A guard stepped up. "Mr. Eaton, our master is waiting ahead.""You've tailed me this whole way," Fermin said coldly. "Gonna keep it up? I don't like shadows."The guards stayed silent, just following orders. If their boss said stick to Fermin, they'd die before leaving his side."Loyal dogs to your master," Fermin scoffed, brushing past them.He walked into an empty ward. A tall figure in a white shirt stood by the window."You've really opened my eyes," he said, surprised."I'm flattered, Mr. Eaton," Michael said, turning around.His crisp white shirt had dried bloodstains. Notic
Liza rushed to the ICU upon receiving the news.A bodyguard stopped her. "Mr. Eaton said no one gets near the room and disturbs the patient's rest."Liza smacked him, and he bowed his head.Her eyes were red, her vibe darker than ever. "That's my dad in there. Why can't I go in? Move!""Mr. Eaton forbids it. Please, don't make things hard for us," the bodyguard said, stuck.No one there dared to defy her. They all knew how much Fermin doted on her."I don't care," she snapped. "Step aside, or I'll have my brother skin you alive. Let's see if you still block me."Her threat chilled him. She might be bluffing, but Fermin wouldn't."What's the ruckus?" Fermin's voice cut through."Mr. Eaton." The bodyguard bowed his head."Didn't I tell you no one gets near?" Fermin's tone dripped danger.Coming with him was a group of elite guards. The bodyguard was daunted by their aura.Liza stepped forward. "Dad is in a bad condition. Why wouldn't you let me see him? Does this have anythin