"Haven't I?" Theda sneered. "If I'm right, you probably aimed to use Lester's scandal to bring down my company, but that was within my expectations. How much he earns or loses doesn't matter. The Nichols Group is what I'm aiming at.""I can tear up the contract, but you can't hurt Erica or my other friends," Debra said.Theda smiled, "Sure thing. I'm a person of my word. If you don't trust me, we can sign an agreement and make it official.""A deal it is. The Nichols Group is all yours, but don't celebrate so soon. Even without this company, I can still take you down," Debra said.Theda shrugged. "We'll see."She watched Debra leave in defeat and smiled.Garland grabbed Juan and pulled him into the corner.He demanded, "Explain yourself. Who are you helping?"Instead of answering his question, Juan swatted away his hand."Answer me. Who are you helping? Don't tell me you've fallen for Theda," Garland pressed."This is not your concern. And remember, we've never met," Juan rep
In their bedroom, Debra asked Marion, "How did Hunter die?" "Erica didn't kill him," he replied. "She took over his company but let him stay as a nominal president. He was deeply in debt because of project issues. Most of it was Erica's doing. When he found out that all his assets had been transferred to Erica's account, he lost it and jumped from the building."Debra zeroed in on the key point. "Did he jump on his own, or was he forced into it by Erica?""This is the key. Everyone asked the same question." Marion walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and touched the glass. "Erica gave Hunter two choices. The first was for Hunter to jump from the window, and in exchange, she would pay off his debts. The second was for Hunter to sever ties with her and let the debt collectors kill him."Debra nodded. "Both options led to death. That's Erica for you.""Hunter chose to jump," Marion elaborated. "Erica softened, trying to save him, but he intended to push her down. In the end, he los
Years apart, Randy thought Erica had forgotten about the past.But she lost control as soon as Juan brought it up. This matter had never ceased to haunt her.Erica looked at Randy and remembered the old days."Caleb always preferred to let us fend for ourselves," she said. "He's like an old wolf, wanting his descendants to struggle and survive on their own. When I first returned, he avoided me to test my abilities. If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have been able to make Hunter pay for what he did.""No matter what happens, I'll support you unconditionally. Even if the whole world is against you, I will be by your side," Randy said.Erica laughed, "You're talking like Marion, but you're not him. He grew up in a wolf's den, while you grew up in a sheepfold. You're sweet, but I can't let you do those dangerous things for me.""I am serious," Randy said. "Like Marion, I'd risk my life to protect the woman I love.""Bah! What nonsense are you talking about?" she snorted, pokin
Erica shoved Randy out of the room and slammed the door in his face.Debra came out of her room and bumped into the scene.She raised an eyebrow as she noticed Randy's flushed face. "Got drunk again?"Randy was frustrated. "In films, the heroine always looks at the hero lovingly, but why does my heroine hit me?""Wrong approach, maybe," Debra replied. "I think you need to make another proper confession.""Confession? I've confessed a hundred times, but she only sees it as a joke. What can I do?""I mean a formal confession," Debra said. "You're too casual all the time. No girls would take you seriously with the way you talk. The situation is a bit awkward. Think carefully about how to confess and make her accept you.""Right." Randy nodded. "I'll make a plan."Debra shook her head as Randy rushed out in the middle of the night. Then she turned to knock on the door. "Erica, it's me."Erica cautiously opened the door. In the room, only a desk lamp was on.Debra stepped inside a
"No," Erica muttered, "I can't.""That's right," Debra said, standing up. "I heard Randy has something special planned for you. Well, he may appear carefree, but he's serious about relationships. People like him can be hurt easily. If you reject him, he probably won't come near you again. You should think about it carefully."With that, she stepped out of the room, giving Erica some space to think.There was only a thin veil between Randy and Erica, but afraid of her rejection, he could only approach her cautiously. Erica, on the other hand, was afraid of the awkwardness and kept backing away.That was normal since they were childhood friends. Starting a romantic relationship was a lot to adjust to.It was a matter between the two people. Debra couldn't help them much.The next morning, the news of the partnership between the Buchan Group and the Nichols Group was all over the headlines. Theda's new role was highlighted.In the conference room, several shareholders were present,
"How so?" Debra retorted. "When you took all the advertisers from me, did you show any mercy?"The air in the room grew tense. None of those shareholders dared to intervene.Debra leaned in and whispered to Theda, "If I'm right, you signed a betting agreement with Runestone Bank. They invested two billion dollars in Buchan Entertainment's rise in Seamar City. But if you can't make four billion dollars in three years, you lose the bet. And if you lose, you know what the consequences are, right?"If she lost, she'd have to repay the four billion. If she couldn't, everything she had pledged would go to Runestone.Debra had figured out the motives behind her sudden cut with the Buchan Group and her eagerness to take over the Nichols Group, and Debra had obtained more information on her through Marion.Debra continued, "What do you think Melody would say if she found out? Would she still want you to take charge of the Nichols Group?""Not your concern," Theda spat.Her bet with Runes
Debra could have waited for more days before Buchan Entertainment's artists collapsed from overwork.Then she could swoop in and steal all their artists."Isn't the current situation good enough? I don't make things too hard for others, especially women. If I did that, you'd not only face the consequences of losing the bet but also those sky-high penalty fees from the advertisers. That would drive you to your grave," Debra replied nonchalantly.Theda was confused. In her mind, people like them never held back when dealing with enemies, but Debra was an exception."But having a kind heart doesn't always lead to a good outcome," Theda muttered. "I was seriously trying to take down the McKinney Group."Debra shrugged. "I felt no pressure."Her confident look made Theda frown, but deep down, Theda knew she could never achieve that goal.It wasn't because Debra was running the McKinney Group so well, but because Andrew was standing behind her.Theda smiled bitterly, "Luck is really
Debra paused, and Juan added, "I know you and Marion are getting married, so happy wedding.""Thank you," she replied without looking back.Juan shook his head and smiled bitterly as she walked away without hesitation.Theda came up, surprised to see the agreement in his hand. "She just gave it to you like that?""She never cared about this stuff," Juan replied, handing it to her. "The Nichols Group's future depends on you now.""I'll do my best," Theda replied. "But if Debra knew taking over the company wasn't in her best interest, would she thank you for disrupting everything?"Juan remained silent, and she lamented, "What a shame! She probably sees you as a traitor now."Before leaving, Juan glanced at her. "Just focus on your issues here."Theda wasn't offended. The shares were in her hands now. That was all that mattered.Outside, Debra got into Marion's car. He said, "I saw someone go in.""Who was it?" Debra asked with feigned ignorance.Marion turned his head away. "
"See you around," Michael said, smiling at Marion.His action got under Marion's skin. Taking a deep breath, Marion turned off the stove and took the eggs out.Debra glanced at him. "You seem hostile to Michael.""He's not worth my time," Marion replied flatly, peeling the eggs.Then he walked over to her and gently pressed the egg against her injured spot."This will help reduce the swelling. You went too hard on yourself. It's gonna hurt tomorrow.""Michael was just messing around. Don't be fooled by his innocent look. He's got a mischievous side. I think he just wanted to see if you cared about me. He wasn't trying to provoke you."Marion hummed in response, seemingly unbothered by it.He looked down at the bruise and sighed, "He wasn't wrong about one thing.""What is it?""I failed to take good care of you.""That was my doing. It wasn't your fault.""My job is to protect you. I can't let you get hurt even in the slightest." Marion pinched her nose. "I'll carry you to
When Debra and Marion came back, Michael quickly ended the call."You didn't check in with Hannah before leaving?" Debra asked."This trip is for work," Michael replied, closing his laptop. "Hannah was just briefing me on tomorrow's schedule."He noticed her disheveled appearance. "You guys came back so early. Guess the investigation didn't go as smoothly?""Let's just say it was a bit intense. Marion can tell you about the details," Debra said, sitting down on the couch.Marion habitually warmed up some milk for her and grabbed some pre-sliced cake from the fridge.He didn't stick around in the living room but went straight to the kitchen to boil eggs.Michael raised an eyebrow. "Feels like he doesn't quite like me."Marion heard it, his grip tightening around an egg. Then there was a cracking sound.Michael added, "My visit seems untimely. Should I move out?"But he made no move to get up.Debra took a sip of milk. "No way. I can't let you leave, especially since you're th
God knew how panicked Marion was when that guard raised his gun at Debra."I..." Debra murmured, "I couldn't find you.""That's not an excuse." Marion frowned. "Do you not trust me, or are you just used to handling everything yourself? Even if you stood there doing nothing, I could find you in a second. You shouldn't have rushed it like that.""The doors were closing, and I was worried that the guy would get away, so..." she explained."I don't care about the Illuminati. I care about you." Marion cupped her face, his tone serious. "You can't go solo like that again.""What if I do that again?" Debra looked at him.Marion pinched her cheek and muttered, "I'll break your legs so that you can't run off again."Debra slapped his hand away. "It was a special case today. I won't do it again.""Remember what you said. Don't make me worry," Marion relented, pinching her nose."By the way, what's the situation now?""I've handled it.""How?"He fell silent, but she didn't press furt
The man trembled and spilled every bit of information he knew about the Illuminati."Sounds like you're not so useful," Marion said, watching the man shiver in fear. "Everyone here is guilty. To redeem yourselves, your souls will stay in this castle."Before anyone could process his words, gunshots erupted around them. Screams filled the air. In just moments, the castle was thick with the smell of blood."You're out of your mind!" shouted the man, rushing toward the exit.But before he could get close, he was shot dead."Sir, we'll take care of the rest," said a guard."Make sure to clear all the traces," Marion ordered before leaving the castle alone.His eyes reflected the cold light of the moon. The air around him was chilling.Since the day he arrived overseas, everyone was nothing more than a dead man to him....Debra had a dream of her coming-of-age ceremony.Everyone was smiling, and everything was perfect.Suddenly, a gunshot shattered everything. The world went bl
For a moment, the castle fell silent after the gunshot. Then, more shots rang out, each one chipping away at the crowd's composure.A man, trembling, slowly raised his hands and stood up. "I'm a member of the Illuminati."Others scrambled to follow. "Me too."Within moments, nearly 70 to 80 percent of the people in the room were on their feet.The ones who stayed seated were mostly the "merchandise"—people the Illuminati had prepared. They quickly stood as well."Mr. Houston, have mercy," one of them begged. "We were just hired. We don't even know who's in charge."The men and women, who had been laughing and flirting with the wealthy elites, were now shaking in fear.Barely covered, they huddled together, terrified that Marion would kill them.Marion leaned back in his chair, glancing at the crowd. "Words don't count. Prove it."His men raised their rifles, aiming at the heads of the so-called members."I have proof," said one of them, pulling out a badge. "Here. Look. This
The Illuminati lackeys, totaling 30, were all dead now.Their bodies lined up neatly in a row.Marion took off his mask and casually tossed it into the corner. The guests recognized him and froze in place.Everyone there had heard of his infamous name. But they never thought he'd be bold enough to do a massacre.One of his men placed a chair behind him, but Marion didn't sit. Instead, he slowly stepped forward and casually removed the mask of a plump man.He smirked, When he saw the man's face, Marion smiled in a way that was hard to describe. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Pearson.""M-Mr. Houston..." Harvey Pearson sweated nervously.Marion casually asked, "Does your wife know you're here?" "We're just here to have some fun, Mr. Houston. We haven't done anything to offend you. We wouldn't dare."Marion ignored him, turning to rip off more masks."Mr. Glenn, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Salazar..." he muttered, raising his hand.At the signal, his men removed the masks of the remaining guest
The moment the gunshot rang out, Debra felt a gust of wind rush past her ear, followed by a ringing in her ears. It felt like the whole world went silent.In the nick of time, Marion had appeared and twisted the guard's neck. Then the bullet missed its target.Marion was dressed in a suit and a black mask, like many others did. Still, Debra recognized him at a glance."Let's go," he urged.With the alarm set off, all the guards would be gathering on the second floor in less than two minutes.The two of them rushed downstairs and quickly blended in with the chaotic guests.Unfortunately, the exit had been shut, and guards were closing in on them from every direction.Debra, who had inhaled too much of the gas, was already delirious.Her mind was foggy, and her legs felt as though they were floating. She focused on Marion's hand gripping hers, and memories of someone else holding her hand flooded her mind.The memory was blurry, like a dream, and the figure of the young man in t
It was the symbol of the Illuminati.A man's voice echoed through the castle."Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Kingdom Come. Here, you can fulfill your every craving."The atmosphere in the room seemed to get even hotter because of it, but the voice rang a bell to Debra, whose cheeks were starting to burn.Back in Orkgate, the scent released by Drake's men wasn't this strong.The people around her seemed hypnotized. Many had abandoned their dignity and danced wildly in the ballroom.The gamblers were all in deep, their faces flushed with excitement. Meanwhile, the women on sale started using every trick they could to satisfy the buyers.The male pets were even openly draped around the rich women, their hands roaming all over their bodies.Debra felt sick just watching it from the corner. She looked around, trying to find Marion.Without success, she focused on tracing the source of that earlier voice. She looked up at the second floor, but there wasn't a single soul.She was
The bodyguards at the entrance were intimidating.When Debra handed over her invitation, she worried there might be fingerprint scans or facial recognition. That would make things tricky.But the guards barely glanced at it before waving her through. Debra was surprised by how smoothly things went.This castle was one of the top three landmarks overseas, and it had never been open to the public. During the day, it was a tourist attraction. But now, someone managed to host a private banquet right there.Once inside, she was faced with one more hurdle. Rows of scanners stood ahead, all meant to detect any restricted items.Debra was carrying no gun, but Marion had given her a Bluetooth earpiece to stay in contact.To minimize suspicion, they decided to enter separately. She would go in first, and he'd follow shortly after.She hesitated for a moment before taking off the earpiece and tossing it into a shadowed corner.Just as she stepped forward, someone in front of her triggered