Marion leaned against the doorframe and smiled, "No need."He'd always known. Debra had grown into a hawk soaring freely through the skies. Even without his protection, she'd fly higher and farther.His smile deepened as he listened to her passionate plans for the company's future. That alone was worth his trip....At the Potter Mansion, Andrew unlatched the golden cage, releasing the canary inside.It fluttered clumsily toward the window. Trapped too long, it had forgotten how to fly. Yet it flapped its wings and pushed onward until it took flight and disappeared into the distance."Sir, that was your favorite bird," a servant said hesitantly."Loving something doesn't mean clutching it in your hand," Andrew replied with a smile. "To love is to let go, find its true self, and pursue what it wants."His voice lowered. "To love is to step back and watch her enjoy her life."A storm brewed outside, but he knew no matter how fierce the rain was, she'd endure....After seeing
Marion fell silent. "I wasn't in Seamar City back then. No idea what happened."Debra frowned, troubled. Marion's eyes dimmed."Let's go home.""Okay."Half an hour later, we were back at the Potter Mansion."What? You're not the Frazier family heiress?" Garland's jaw dropped.Liza smacked his arm. "Seriously? Someone named Vickie popped up claiming to be the real heiress. No one said Debra isn't.""Oh," Garland exhaled in relief. "So, that chick is a fake?""Fake," Debra said firmly.Liza tilted her head. "Why are you so sure? What if she's legit?""Girl, you're smarter than this." Erica rolled her eyes. "It's an obvious scam. No one's buying it.""Then why bother?" Liza pouted. "If everyone knows she's fake, why embarrass herself?"Debra explained, "Truth doesn't matter. She wants the title, not assets.""Why is that?" Liza remained puzzled.That title alone didn't seem so alluring."She wants the identity because of the hidden treasure," Debra replied. "One of the fou
Erica rolled her eyes. "We've been over this. Everyone knows Vickie's a fraud, but Juan's backing her is real. In this circle, folks cozy up to powerful families to climb the social ladder. They just play dumb and prop up Vickie to get close to Juan."Liza blinked, clueless. "Why don't they just work with Debra instead?"Debra laughed bitterly, "The business owners surviving in Seamar City aren't fools. The McKinney Group and the Nichols Group are at war. From this drama, they can tell Juan is targeting me. He is untouchable here. When he wants someone to be gone, they're gone. And with Caleb's sudden death, Andrew's illness, Jordan's betrayal, and Drake's downfall, we're clearly in a tight spot. Who would bet on the underdog?"Liza gasped, "So, this is their power play to win allies?"Debra nodded.Garland gaped at Liza. "You figured that out?""Didn't you?" she asked back.Garland bristled. "Of course. I'm the family pillar. I saw through everything."Liza side-eyed him.Deb
"I..." Erica was lost for words.Debra came upstairs, suspicion flickering. "Are you hiding something from me?"Erica shrank back, and Randy jumped in. "How is that possible? I was just helping her pick an outfit. Right, Erica?"Erica forced a nod. "Y-Yeah." Marion also came up. Randy seized the lifeline. "Marion, take Debra back. I need to help Erica change."He dragged Erica away like the floor was lava.Debra's suspicion grew. Marion gently brushed her hair. "I'll find the newspapers. It's been a long day. You need to rest.""What if they're gone?" she muttered.It was a major event. She had no memory of it, and her parents had never mentioned it. It didn't make sense."Do you think Vickie's kidnapping is connected to what happened to the Potters?" she said, recalling what Erica had once told her.It was Jordan who had been kidnapped. The incident killed their parents and crippled Andrew.The thought of it always made her chest tighten. When Vickie had mentioned it, her
"I didn't mean it.""Just heed my advice. Marion's sweet-talk game is stronger than you think. The news must have covered both kidnapping cases. Figure out why those three are hiding it from you."Drake went back to his room, leaving Debra outside.Her mind was a mess. She couldn't understand why even Marion chose not to tell her the truth.Footsteps creaked upstairs. Debra looked up to see Ivan descending.Her eyes narrowed. "I told you not to clean the second floor and above. What were you doing up there?"Ivan stammered, "I'm sorry. Someone mentioned the attic hadn't been cleaned in years. I wanted to help." "Attic?""The one on the third floor. It's locked, so I came down."Debra's pulse quickened as she realized the mastermind was feeding her clues through Ivan.She played dumb. "Alright. Remember, don't come up here again without my permission.""Yes, Mrs. Houston." Ivan retreated.Debra stared at the staircase for a while and turned to look at Andrew's room. It was
Marion drove through the night, streetlights flickering across his face.A weathered old newspaper lay crumpled in the passenger seat, its yellow pages detailing every grim detail of that decade-old kidnapping case, but not a trace of warmth touched his expression.When he reached the coast, he killed the engine. Clutching the newspaper, he strode to the water's edge. A lighter flashed in his hand. Flames crawled across the brittle paper, casting dancing shadows on his tense jawline. He watched until the last ember died, then scattered the ashes across the sand....Debra had drifted into an uneasy sleep.Her dreams swirled with half-remembered fragments—a ship's deck, choking smoke, a cramped dark space.Saltwater stung her nostrils as waves pressed down on her face. She thrashed against the suffocation until she was exhausted and helplessly sank into the water. Suddenly, a child's scream pierced the darkness. "Brother, save me."Debra jolted awake. The fading image of a face
The room was a cozy paradise. A small plush bed sat in the center, topped with a giant teddy bear. Two fairy tale books lay on a nearby desk.The floor had a fluffy pink rug, a tiny wooden rocking horse, and half-built toy blocks scattered around. Miniature castles, dolls, and delicate tea sets filled the space.Every detail hit Debra's nerves like a hammer. Something buzzed in her memory, just out of reach. Her head throbbed as the room spun around her. She forced herself forward, step by shaky step.Then she spotted a pile of yellowed newspapers crammed in a corner. She tried to go over, but each movement flooded her mind with fragmented images."Almost there," she muttered.A memory fragment flickered. Someone was reading fairy tales by her bed.She heard her younger self ask, "Brother, why do princes and princesses fall in love at first sight?" "Because they're meant to be," he replied softly."But can't the princess love someone else?" "She might have many knights, bu
Drake carried Debra downstairs on his back.A warm teardrop hit his shoulder. He frowned, glancing sideways at her unconscious face. Even when she passed out, her brows stayed furrowed. Tears kept soaking into his shirt."What a fool," he muttered.Andrew slumped against the wall. The tiny attic room glowed with remnants of Debra's childhood. This had been her sanctuary years ago.Back then, when her parents were busy with business, they'd leave her at the Potter Mansion for weeks. Young Debra's first word wasn't Mama or Papa. It was Brother.She'd trailed him everywhere like a shadow.The mansion's vast emptiness scared her at night. She'd cry until he moved her bed near the attic's stained-glass window. His mother had joked that he would have a good husband someday, just like his dad.Debra's laughter had thawed the mansion's cold halls. She'd painted his gray world in color.Andrew looked at those familiar items and struggled to his feet. His chest burned like coals as he fl
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
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