The masked man patted Juan on the shoulder. "Come with me."Juan glanced at the door to Debra's room once again before following the masked man to the fifth floor.The hallway was shrouded in darkness. The masked man pushed open a door to reveal a master bedroom frozen in time, its décor untouched for decades.A massive oil painting dominated the wall. It was the wedding portrait of a couple. The woman radiated serene elegance, while the man beside her bore a striking resemblance to Juan, his expression stern and unyielding.The masked man strode to a vase near the bed and twisted it. With a low groan, a wardrobe slid aside, exposing a steel door that opened to a sleek, modern elevator.Juan's jaw tightened. He had lived there for years, yet never knew this hidden passage existed in his parents' old room.The masked man stepped inside first. The elevator descended silently to the second underground level. When the doors opened, Juan froze.The place sprawled before him like a sh
Juan gestured at the photographs surrounding them. "Is this the reunion you wanted? Let me remind you. Officially, you've been dead for 20 years. The Nichols family has no record of you, and I don't need you."In his memory, Jeffrey had always been a stern, unfeeling machine. Time had blurred his face in Juan's memory. Yet now, he was back to stir up chaos and trouble.Juan vividly recalled the turmoil after Jeffrey's sudden death. At the funeral, Melody had declared coldly, "The head of the Nichols family is gone. He no longer exists."That day, Juan had vowed to surpass Jeffrey and rebuild their legacy. He no longer had a father."Like it or not, you're my son," Jeffrey said calmly. "This is still my home. If Claudia knew how much you've grown, she'd be proud. I've watched you all these years. You've become capable and strong, but in matters of love, you're as soft as me. One day, that weakness will ruin you.""Save your advice," Juan snapped. "I didn't need it then, don't need
'Tear everything down and begin again? How could such an absurd thing be possible in this world?' Juan wondered.He didn't believe the nonsense but still asked, "What's your plan?""Debra is reborn. I believe Andrew is too," Jeffrey replied. "I've been searching for the trigger behind their rebirth, but I haven't found it. Maybe death is one such trigger, but who would dare risk it so easily? Only by finding the treasure can we uncover the pattern and start over again.""Start over?" Juan snorted. "That's ridiculous.""I am living proof.""You've been reborn?""After losing your mother, I was lost in despair and chose to follow her in death. But when I opened my eyes, I found myself alive, as if time had reset. However, I was only sent back to the last day of your mother's life. I couldn't change her fate. That was when I realized I had encountered something beyond natural explanation. So, I faked my death, left home, and spent years in the shadows searching for clues."Jeffrey
Jeffrey stepped back into the elevator.Juan remained silent, knowing that Jeffrey hadn't told him the whole truth.At the very least, Juan believed he hadn't been reborn. Then those memories of his past life must have been implanted in his mind while he was unconscious, likely by Jeffrey.If Jeffrey could do it to Juan, he could do the same to others. Juan decided to dig deeper to uncover what Jeffrey had been up to over the past 20 years.Melody had been confined in her room for days. At that moment, she was fuming."Where is Juan? He's back but hasn't come to see me. Does he plan to keep me locked up like this forever? Go tell him to come see me immediately," she sulked.Sophie said, "Mr. Nichols has been busy with work recently, so...""Is work more important than me? Does he no longer respect me?" Melody scowled, disappointed in both Jeffrey and Juan.Just then, the door swung open.Sophie froze, and Jeffrey gestured for her to leave. Still in shock, Sophie was eventually
"Claudia wasn't an entertainer," Jeffrey snapped. "She was kind and beautiful. She loved everything about this world. It was you, treating her like a pawn for your alliances. For this damn family, I've sacrificed enough."The rims of Melody's eyes reddened. "Everything I did was for this family. I've devoted my entire life to the Nichols legacy, and what did I get in return? Two ingrates! Get out! I don't have a son like you."Mid-sentence, she clutched her chest, collapsing into the chair. Jeffrey stared at the woman who had ruled his life with an iron fist for decades.His expression remained glacial. "Your devotion is for your greed and vanity. You're a narrow-minded, ruthless relic. I should have sent you to the grave to beg Claudia's forgiveness. But since you're my mother, you'll only need to spend your remaining years bedridden. Don't worry. I'll ensure you receive a proper funeral."Tears trickled down Melody's cheeks. She could no longer speak or move, her body frozen in a
Melody realized Jeffrey had gone mad for Claudia. She regretted ever allowing Claudia to get close to him.Later, when Jeffrey decided to leave, she had a terrible argument with him. In the heat of the moment, she swore that there would no longer be a place for him in the Nichols family.After that, she poured all her energy into raising Juan. Just like Jeffrey, little Juan was intelligent, rational, and steady.When he grew up, she made careful plans to arrange a suitable marriage for him. This time, she would not let things go out of hand. Debra then came into view. She was from a prestigious literary family with a history spanning a century. She was a perfect match for Juan.The Frazier family was on the verge of decline, but that was even better. A woman from a struggling family would know her place, be content with her role, and dedicate herself to taking care of her husband.Most importantly, Juan didn't like Debra, which pleased Melody. It meant he would never abandon the
Sensing her hostility, Jeffrey settled onto the sofa across from her."Take it easy, Debra," he said, his tone coaxing. "I mean you no harm. My actions are driven by necessity."Debra remained silent, and he continued, "Everything I do is for my wife. I hope you can understand. If Claudia were alive, she'd like you. It's a shame Juan failed to cherish you.""I don't quite follow you," Debra said indifferently.No longer a naïve girl, she wasn't to be swayed by hollow sentiment. Hypocrites like him only made her sick.Jeffrey leaned forward, fingers steepled. "My marriage to Claudia was arranged, yet we loved each other deeply. If it weren't for Melody, we would have lived together happily. I know what Juan did to you in your past life, and I'm sorry."His gaze intensified. "The day Claudia died, I misunderstood her and didn't go to see her. I couldn't get over it in the past and this life. All I want is to make up for my mistake. I think there are misunderstandings between us. If
"I believe Melody played her part," Debra said evenly, "but without your tacit approval, how could she have harmed Claudia so precisely? How could she have imprisoned Claudia so effortlessly?"She met Jeffrey's gaze unflinchingly. "You know the truth better than anyone. You were the head of the Nichols family. If you wanted, you could have easily saved her."Jeffrey lost control and slapped her. Blood trickled from the corner of her lips, but her stare never wavered. Claudia used to look at him in the same way."Lies." Jeffrey staggered back, his voice fraying. "You know nothing.""Don't I?" Debra dabbed her mouth. "Search online, and you'll see. Everyone in Seamar City knows about your story. Claudia gave up her career for marriage. What kind of life did she live? There was no makeup and no dancing, just a hollow shell playing housewife."She smirked and continued, "Will you blame Melody for that too? A man who lets his mother brutalize his wife isn't a man at all. Face the music
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