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
After Juan left the room, Debra let out a long breath. She leaned back against the bed, her mind chaotic.Jeffrey's appearance had given her a lot of valuable information.First, he had been reborn. Second, Seamar City's treasure was linked to rebirth. Third, he was the one responsible for the deaths of all their parents.Before she could think further, a sharp pain shot through her head.Jeffrey believed she knew the location of the treasure, but she didn't know. She wondered if she had forgotten something crucial....At the Potter Mansion, Andrew sat by the window, lost in memories of a time long past.Little Debra ran up to him and threw her arms around his leg."Brother, what are they doing?" "They are protecting this city.""Is this city dangerous? Why does it need protection?""Many people desire what we guard. They will stop at nothing to take it, losing all reason in their greed. Our duty is to ensure these things remain hidden from the world."His thoughts were
Marion looked at the bandages on the table. "Weren't you just crying from the pain a second ago?""It doesn't hurt when I remove it myself. But when you do it in front of me, I feel bad and want to cry," Debra replied.Marion didn't know what to say. He sprinkled some medicine on her wound, and she immediately felt a cool, soothing sensation."Did you used to eat candy when you were hurt?""No.""Huh?""I don't like sweet stuff. It's Drake. We used to go on missions together. He was hot-tempered and often got hurt. He didn't bother carrying any candy, so he'd always stuff it in my pocket. I didn't know if it worked or not, but it seemed to help him.""No wonder.""There you go. Just rest for now. Don't think about anything.""Alright." Debra lay down but poked her head out from under the blanket. "Aren't you curious about how I made it back?""I don't want to ask.""Why?"Everyone else had been eager to know.She noticed his frown and said, "Actually, it was..."Marion qu
At the Potter Mansion, Debra was lying by the edge of the bed.Marion woke up in the middle of the night, feeling someone holding his hand. Startled, he turned to see Debra lying beside him. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming."Debra?" he murmured.Debra slowly opened her eyes and flashed a sweet smile. "You're awake."Marion realized this wasn't a dream. Without a second thought, he pulled Debra into his arms. His sudden movement tugged at Debra's wound, causing her to gasp in pain.Marion quickly let go, his face filled with concern. "Did your wound tear? Let me see."He carefully unbuttoned Debra's top. Sure enough, there was some blood seeping from her shoulder.The wound on her shoulder had been caused by a bullet from Fermin. While it only pierced the skin, it couldn't handle any rough movements.Debra teased him, "I didn't expect the fearless Marion to be so anxious one day."Marion said seriously, "It's bad. I'll treat your wound."He got up from the bed and hur
"Alright." Debra got up from the bed.Juan added, "Give me your ring."Debra looked down at her ring and took it off.Juan said, "I'll give it back later."Debra left the room, knowing Juan didn't owe her anything anymore.Juan sat down and looked at the dim table lamp. His mind drifted to the previous night when he invited Vickie there.When she arrived, Vickie took in the surroundings and frowned. "What do you want to see me for?"Juan looked at her face, which resembled Debra's, and felt a wave of disgust. In his mind, one could replace Debra, and no one else could have that face."You've always wanted to take Debra's place, right? I'm giving you that chance," he said, tossing a set of clothes to her. "Put these on. You know how to look more like her.""What are you getting at?" Vickie asked suspiciously."Debra is dead," Juan replied. "From today on, you are her.""Really?" Vickie's face lit up with joy.She had suffered so much only for this moment."Yeah." Juan nodde
"Debra is back from the dead!" Randy screamed.Erica smacked him on the back of the head and snapped, "Look closely. She's not dead.""Not dead?" Randy pointed at Debra's face. "But her face..."Debra wiped her face with the sleeve. The grayish powder came off, revealing her bare skin."It's just makeup," she said."Almost gave me a heart attack. I thought you were..." Randy gaped.Drake's lips curled up, and he poked Debra's head. "Why didn't you wake up sooner? Wanted us to mourn you?"Debra explained, "There were spies outside. If they found out I wasn't dead, Juan would be in danger."Erica froze. "Juan? What's this got to do with him?""Let me explain later. I need to wash my face first." Debra stood up and looked around. "Where's Marion?""He passed out," Robert replied. "I used almost all my strength. It'll take him some time to wake up."Debra furrowed her brow. "Why did you hit him?""Ask him," Robert said. "He rushed to the Nichols Mansion, got into a gunfight, an
Randy exclaimed, "This is fake. Who did this? I'll tear them apart."Erica chimed in, "This news can't be true. It must be a smokescreen to confuse us."Theda looked at the ring in Robert's hand. "Could Marion's desperate actions today be because of this?"Everyone was taken aback....Jeffrey read the news. "Well done."Juan asked, "Aren't you sad about killing Vickie after training her for so long?""Dying as the daughter of the Frazier family is a blessing for her," Jeffrey replied indifferently. "Debra's body has been burned to ashes, and Vickie is no longer useful. Sacrificing her to create chaos and shake the Four Great Families was a brilliant idea."He paused and added, "Send the body to the Potter Mansion. I want them to understand that with Debra dead, their resistance is meaningless.""Got it," Juan replied, slowly retreating.In the basement, he dismissed everyone and looked at the lifeless woman in the coffin. "Once you're back, don't show up again," he whisper
William fidgeted at the sight of so many big shots in the room. Robert's presence alone sent a shiver down his spine.Earlier, when Marion was carried in on Robert's back, he didn't dare utter a sound.William cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders, trying to muster some courage.Standing on the side with Chace, Oscar spoke up. "Do we need medical equipment? I can have some brought over.""No need. This house has everything," William replied.He stepped forward and worked on loosening Marion's stiff arm. It took quite a while before he finally pried open the tightly clenched hand.Blood had pooled in Marion's palm. William let out a low whistle. "What an iron!"He pulled the bloodstained diamond ring from Marion's grasp and studied it. "That's a huge rock. Must've cost a fortune."Everyone's gaze fell on the ring."Wait... Isn't that Debra's ring?" Erica rushed inside. "Why is it covered in blood? Is she..."Drake snatched the ring from William's hand and inspected it. "
"How could this be?" Theda smiled faintly. "We just want to take our people and avoid any casualties. That's all.""If that's all, I might consider it," Jeffrey replied, looking at Marion. "But someone might not want to leave."Drake stepped forward. "We can settle the score later. Even if we don't take your life now, we will eventually."Marion knew Drake was telling him to leave. His hand, clutching the ring, was already bleeding.Drake and Robert noticed and grabbed Marion's arms."Let's go," Robert said firmly.They had to leave now. Otherwise, mutual destruction was unavoidable.But Marion refused to move.Finally, Drake said, "If you don't leave, we'll all die here. I'm not ready to die yet. Don't drag me down with you."Oscar said, "Mr. Houston, let's go. We can save Mrs. Houston another time. If we keep this up, we'll just be making useless sacrifices."Marion still held his ground.Robert frowned and struck Marion on the back of his neck."You guys talk too much,"
"I'm gonna kill you!" Marion shouted.He raised his gun and fired three shots at Jeffrey.But Jeffrey seemed to have already anticipated Marion's move. With just a quick motion, he pulled Ivan in front of him.The three bullets hit Ivan right in the heart. Ivan slowly looked down at his chest. It was only then that the pain hit him all over his body. He finally realized he was dying.He turned to look at Jeffrey. His lips parted, but no words came out. By the time he collapsed, Jeffrey's men had surrounded Marion.Marion's hand tightened around the bloodstained ring. He had come for a bloodbath. If he couldn't save Debra, he wasn't planning to leave alive.Juan spoke up. "Save your energy. No matter how much you fight, the result won't change. You might as well think about how to make your exit.""He's not leaving," Jeffrey said, turning to Marion. "Your bullets have run out, and I won't give you a chance to reload. Everyone who came here is going to die."At his command, sever
Jeffrey muttered, "A shame. She was promising."Pulling a blanket over Debra's face, he turned to Juan. "The four families will retaliate now that she's dead. Clean this up.""How?""Burn her. Suppress the news of her death. Let no word leak tonight."Without hesitation, Juan strode to the bedside, flicked open a lighter, and set the curtains ablaze. Flames crawled hungrily across the sheets, engulfing the figure beneath the blanket. Only when fire fully consumed the body did Jeffrey nod and exit....At dawn the next day, Melody's funeral procession began.Pallbearers carried the coffin through the mist-shrouded gates. The air seemed to thicken with foreboding.The first gunshot tore through a pallbearer's chest before anyone registered the danger."It's Marion Houston!" someone shouted.Marion emerged from the fog, his forces fanning out behind him. Bullets rained down as the remaining bearers collapsed. The Nichols family guards rushed forward, only to fall under crossfire