Fermin ruffled her hair and spoke softly. "You've grown up."Liza tilted her head and looked at him. "Stop fighting with Dad. Can't we just be together as a family, like we used to?""Of course." Fermin nodded. "Once I've handled these things, we'll all be back together and live happily as a family."Liza lowered her eyes. "Debra is a friend I treasure, and you're my brother. You're both smarter than me. If you two could work together, there's nothing you can't handle. We're already so rich; there's no need to get involved with the..."Fermin reached out and covered her mouth. "I think I've told you before. You're not allowed to say that word."Liza blinked, silently agreeing not to speak any further.Fermin withdrew his hand. "I have my path to follow, and you have yours. Everyone has a role in this world and a choice to make. I just want you to live happily. No matter how spoiled or bratty you get, no one will dare say anything. Even if you make the worst mistake, I'll make it
"Do you want a brother or a sister?" Marian Eaton asked.Fermin placed his hand on her belly and thought for a moment. "A sister."Marian laughed, "Smart boy, knowing it's a girl before she's even born."Bert walked over, concerned about her health.Marian asked, "What should we name your sister?""Liza." Fermin crouched down, pressing his ear to Marian's belly.He closed his eyes and whispered, "She's my long-awaited little sister."His thoughts drifted back to the present.Fermin remembered the warmth of that dream, but he also knew how cruel reality was.He hadn't been lost in that dream because there were more important things to take care of.He smiled at the sleeping Liza, carefully removed the face mask, and tossed it into the trash.Before leaving, he left the lamp on. Liza couldn't sleep well in complete darkness.Outside the room, his smile faded, replaced by his usual coldness.The maid stood nervously by the door."Keep an eye on Liza. Don't let her run off."
Debra hesitated for a moment before answering the call.There was a moment of silence before Michael started, "Are you okay?""I'm fine," she replied, her voice hoarse.She had been lying in bed doing nothing all day."I'm outside," he said.Debra froze for a second before slowly getting out of bed and walking over to the window.She lifted a corner of the curtain and saw Michael standing outside.He was wearing a white shirt, neat and clean. Probably to avoid being recognized, he had put on a mask."If you don't want to stay here, I'll take you away," he added."Okay," Debra agreed without hesitation.She hung up the phone, but her eyes dimmed.Outside, Marion saw a glimmer of hope when he heard the door opening."Debra, please listen to me...""Mr. Houston, please don't block the way."Marion's smile froze on his face. Debra had never been so different to him like that."What did you call me?""Mr. Houston. I told you before. I trust you, but if you ever deceive me, I
Michael held an umbrella, shielding Debra from the wind and snow.Once they got in the car, Debra leaned against the window, not saying a word.Inside the house, Marion sat on the couch, silent.Randy and Erica had been trying to reach him nonstop, but he ignored every call.As evening approached, Erica booted open the door and stormed into the house."You jerk!" She swung a punch at his face. "Why weren't you answering our calls? What's going on? Randy and I came all the way from Seamar City. Don't tell us you don't know.""Erica, calm down," Randy tried to soothe her."Calm down?" Erica glared at him. "You knew about his condition, didn't you?""I thought he was fine," Randy muttered weakly.Erica turned back to Marion. "Although I'm not part of the Houston family, I am still your cousin. Why didn't you tell everyone? You could keep it from me, but why hide it from Debra? Weren't you aware of the consequences? Now that it's exposed, not only will the company have problems, b
Michael was driving a convertible, and Debra sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery outside.Even this late at night, the city was alive with bright lights, bustling streets, and neon flashing everywhere.The wind brushed against her face as Michael picked up speed.She closed her eyes, letting the rush of the ride wash over her. Compared to everything she had been through, this was nothing.After a while, she opened her eyes. "You've circled this area for half an hour. Think it's about time we head back?"Michael slowed down. "Feeling better?"Debra nodded. "A little. Probably not as fun as bungee jumping, though."She used to be terrified of heights. But after everything she had faced over the past two years, extreme sports seemed almost childish compared to real life-or-death situations.Michael chuckled, "I'll take you somewhere fun.""Sure," Debra nodded, "if it helps me unwind.""Buckle up." Michael stepped on the gas, and they sped through the city.Soon, the
Any woman would be amazed to see these handsome guys.Debra stepped into the middle of the group. Michael stood off to the side, one hand in his pocket and the other making a phone gesture by his ear.She knew he was signaling for her to have fun and call him afterward.The club was loud and chaotic.One man, dressed in an open-collar black suit, approached her. His deep, captivating eyes sparkled with an intriguing desire. He raised his drink and gestured toward her with an inviting hand.Debra glanced at his drink and smiled. His wine was not up to standard.She made the usual nightclub gesture, ordering ten drinks and another most expensive bottle on the menu.Her move caught the attention of those around her. Before long, she became the center of attention.A group of exotic beauties wearing bikinis and holding lighted signs danced around the club. Then they brought the wine to Debra's booth.She grinned and raised her hand again.The waitresses were all stunned.Debra r
When they heard that one earring cost 100 thousand dollars, the six escorts began to grab the wine.Debra leaned back on the couch and scanned the room, enjoying herself.Sure enough, happiness could be bought with money. Being rich was indeed wonderful.Soon, her attention was drawn to a guy sitting in the corner.He was wearing a simple white hoodie, pale-skinned, and his features looked a bit youthful compared to the others.But his eyes were deep and captivating. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and he looked a bit tense.When he looked up and met Debra's eyes, he panicked and quickly lowered his head.Debra raised an eyebrow and beckoned to him. The young man hesitated, not fitting in with the atmosphere."What's your name?""Miss, my name is Troy Phelps.""Troy..."Debra repeated his name, clearly liking it, and her gaze shifted to the others at the table.They paused, sensing her interest in Troy.The one who had interacted with Debra earlier was not happy.
It wasn't surprising that Debra took a liking to Josh.Josh followed her out of the club, his steps a little hesitant.Debra raised a hand, and for some reason, that simple gesture made Josh feel like a nervous rookie on his first day of work."What's wrong? Don't know how to offer your arm to a lady?" she said.Her voice had a teasing lilt to it, but she wasn't mad.Josh quickly held out his arm, and Debra smiled with satisfaction."Where do you wanna go?" he asked eagerly, unable to resist Debra.Her entire presence was magnetic. Different from the other female customers, she had a glow that made people stop and stare."Let's go to a hotel," she replied.Josh swallowed hard. For a split second, he even thought about paying for the room."I have a car. I'll drive you," he blurted."Let's just walk." Debra gestured ahead. "There is a five-star hotel straight down this road.""You wanna walk in those heels? Won't your feet hurt?" Josh asked with concern.He had always been
Debra suddenly hacked hard, spitting blood.Erica and Randy lit up. Jordan heaved a sigh of relief as she opened her eyes."Medical kit!" Marion snapped out of it first.William hustled over, gaping at the scene."Debra, hang in there," Erica babbled, rattled."She can't talk yet," William said, rushing to stop her bleeding.Blood poured from her chest, soaking her."You're safe now," Marion soothed her."I'm okay," she rasped.The pendant given by Kale had caught the bullet and saved her life.Tears slid down her face. She'd sworn her friends wouldn't get hurt, but Kale was gone."Don't just stand there. Help me out," William urged. "She has got an hour at most if you don't move."The pendant had dulled the shot, but it was just a stone. Her chest still took a hit even though the wound wasn't deep.Erica snapped back, and Jordan signaled for a stretcher."I've got her," Marion said, lifting her onto it.The group watched with heavy hearts.As she was carried off, Mario
Debra recalled what Marion said to her when handing her the gun."There are only six shots. "If it goes down, you won't have time to reload. Aim carefully."She had aimed dead-on, but there were too many.She remembered her own words. "Even if I run out, you'll be there, right?"Unfortunately, he wasn't there.Lara fired a shot. The bullet went past the mercenaries and punched through Debra's chest."Move it!" Erica yelled, hearing the gunfire.Randy, Jordan, and the crew raced through the trees. They hadn't waited outside.After Marion took off, they'd followed, piecing together the route with their number.The flare sent them sprinting. The shots got closer but suddenly stopped."Miss, we've got company," a mercenary warned.Lara glanced at Debra, who was lying on the ground. She frowned and commanded, "Pull back."Nearby, Marion reached the flare spot, but no one was there.The gunfire had ceased, but blood stank up the air."Sir, it's gotta be ahead," a guy shouted.
Before Debra could react, Kale shoved her down. It happened too fast.Bullets ripped through him, one after another."Kale!" she screamed.He pushed her toward cover. A big tree and fallen logs shielded her.A bullet tore into his leg. He was a mess of holes, his blood gushing out.His eyes stayed wide, locked ahead. He gripped her shoulders. "Remember your promise."His hands slid off. Her white shirt was covered with blood."Debra, quit hiding," a woman's lazy voice purred.It was none other than Lara.She taunted, "We've got this place surrounded. You're not slipping out."Behind the tree, Debra's eyes burned.Lara added, "I knew Michael wouldn't kill you, so I'm here to clean up his mess. You value love and friendship, right? You'd never let them get hurt. How does it feel watching one die for you? I wonder if you can still be this though when your friends drop one by one. I don't wanna kill you, but you're a threat. Anyone who endangers our master will be eliminated."
"Can we go now?" Debra asked Michael."Be my guest," he said, stepping aside.She led Kale toward the other side of the woods. His wound needed help fast.She glanced back at Drake one last time. If he changed his mind and chose to leave with them, she would fight the Illuminati off.But he didn't."Are we really letting them go?" someone beside Michael asked.Drake's glare turned lethal. "Touch them and see what happens.""Easy, Mr. Lowe," Michael said. "You played your part well, and I will keep my word." He waved the contract. "Got what I wanted. No need for extra trouble."Debra found a safe spot where Kale bandaged his wound simply. They didn't know how long it'd take to get out.She fetched some spring water, and he asked, "Are you really giving them the company?""In their dreams," she said. "I'm not stupid to lose both Drake and the company."But the contract..." "Invalid.""How?""Think they would just drop 40% of the shares? They're greedy. They'd never let th
Michael held the contract, chuckling, "As I said, he might not wanna go with you.""Whether he comes is my problem," Debra shot back. "You promised to deliver him.""Fair enough," Michael said. "He's useless to me now. I can let him go."He waved a hand. Soon, someone dragged Drake out.When Drake saw Debra and Kale, his face twisted with anger."Get over here," Debra demanded.Drake took a step forward but stopped. "I'm not going back. Get lost.""Come on. You gave them the stone, and I lost my company. If I don't bring you back, how do I face everyone?" she said.He clenched his fists. "We're not on the same side. This is all your wishful thinking. Go away. I don't wanna see you.""Boss, I'm with you." Kale stepped up, pale from his shoulder wound.Drake's voice iced over. "Didn't you hear me? I don't want you here. The Illuminati's got more to offer. We've always been in it for profit. I never saw you as friends."His eyes were red, filled with coldness and disgust."See
Michael closed in on Debra. "I knew you'd go soft. You say you're done with me, but deep down, you're making excuses, thinking I've got some sob story. You still trust me a tiny bit, don't you? Think I won't hurt you? You try to harden up, but you still believe the world's mostly good. Should I call you naïve or dumb?"Memories flashed through her head. She was dumb.She'd known he was bad news but kept hoping he had a reason. She'd thought he wouldn't hurt her, not after all they'd been through."You wanna kill me or grab me?" she asked."If you hand over the McKinney Group, I won't kill you," Michael said. "If the four families back off from the Illuminati, I'll leave you alone. But I know you better than I know myself. You won't agree, so I'm just gonna take you out. Saves time.""Did Drake already give you the raw stone?""Yeah."That explained why they wanted to kill her instead of capturing her.She was frustrated. Drake's dumbness was beyond belief."Fine, take whatever
"It could be a trap," Kale warned, his gut screaming ambush.Debra eyed the contract. She needed it, but she wasn't dumb enough to walk into danger.If Michael had a setup, they had to bail fast."We were friends once," she said. "I gave you those shares, but you stabbed me in the back. To show your sincerity, shouldn't you hand them over yourself?""You're scared I've got something waiting, huh?" Michael smirked.She didn't answer, but her silence said it all.Michael sighed, "Didn't think we'd lose even that basic trust. Hurts a little.""Cut the guilt trip," Debra snapped. "If you wanted my trust, you wouldn't have lied to me from the start."Once she'd learned he'd played her, that trust was gone. She didn't care what he wanted. She wasn't betting her life or Kale's on it.Michael shrugged. "Fine, I'll bring it to you."He took a step, but nothing happened.Suddenly, he pulled a gun and aimed it at her head. A shot was fired before she could blink.In the nick of time,
"Let's not waste time. We've gotta get there before dark," Debra said.Then they went on with their trek.The sky dimmed. After cutting through the fog, they reached a quiet valley boxed in by mountains."This is the meeting place, according to the map," Kale said, glancing down.Debra scanned the area, but Michael was nowhere to be seen.Her brow creased, but a voice came from behind them. "I'm here."She whipped around and saw Michael in a crisp white shirt."Where's Drake?" She cut straight to it."I didn't force him," Michael said, his voice as warm as ever. "He came on his own."He sounded the same, but he felt like a stranger. They'd been partners, tight as could be. She'd never imagined facing off like this."Here's the shares you wanted," he said. "If I can't run the McKinney Group, this 30% is useless to me. The 10-something percent I bought? Name a fair price, and it's yours.""How much do you want?" Debra asked."For old times' sake, market value," he said.His
"For what?" Debra asked."You knew I was worried about Mr. Lowe, so you brought me," Kale said. "Without your suggestion, I wouldn't have the chance to come."He'd disliked her at first, but after all this time, he'd come around."You're welcome," Debra said. "Now let's focus on finding Michael and figuring out Drake's location. I brought you, but I can't promise we'll get him out today. You get that, right?""Yeah," Kale said, his voice heavy. "I've got a favor to ask.""What is it?""I know this trip is risky. Mr. Lowe is the only family I've got left. We've been through hell together. If he hadn't found me back then, I would have been dead. If I don't make it, promise me you'll save him. The world never meant much to him before. No one did. But you're different."At first, Drake grabbed Debra to get at Marion, but later, she was all he saw.Clueless about feelings, Drake never figured it out. But Kale knew she was special to Drake.In all his years with Drake, Kale had neve