Sensing Juan's serious tone, Shelia clenched her fists, her emotions in turmoil."It's cold outside. Can you take me back?""To the apartment building. I won't come up," Juan replied.Shelia forced a smile. "Alright, I won't force you."Juan let her get into the car. At least for now, she could still stay in that apartment. It meant she still had a chance.As night fell, true to his word, Juan didn't accompany her upstairs. Shelia rode the elevator alone, her heart heavy with despair. Once back in her room, she went to the window, watching as Juan prepared to leave. Her gaze fell on the fruit knife on the table, and a desperate plan began to form in her mind.Determined, she dialed his number, her heart pounding in her chest. She waited for a while before he finally answered.Picking up the knife, she spoke into the phone, her voice filled with desperation. "Juan, I really like you. I've adored you for a long time, and I've held on all this time because of you. If you don't care
Juan couldn't understand why Debra never looked at him anymore.Her eyes, which used to be filled with adoration, now seemed to look right through him.The thought drove him crazy, consuming his mind and leaving him restless.Working overtime in her office, Debra suddenly sneezed."What's wrong?" Marion asked with concern.Only the two of them were in the office. Randy and Erica had left to have fun. During the day, Debra had to intern at Tyson Enterprises. She could only check on the McKinney Group's projects at night."Maybe I caught a cold," she replied, taking a sip of hot tea.Lately, she had gotten too much on her plate and had no time to relax."If you're not feeling well, don't go to the family banquet tomorrow," advised Marion.Ever since the big fuss caused by Stanley earlier, Debra had been using the excuse of her injuries from the car accident for the past three months to decline to attend the monthly banquets. But this time, she had to go.She shook her head. "I
"You brat, shut your mouth!" Ralph snapped, glaring at him.Stanley wisely stayed silent, knowing better than to provoke his father further.Debra had hoped that Stanley might have matured during his time in prison, but it seemed he was still the same immature and resentful person he had always been.Ralph turned his attention back to Debra. "I've decided to hand over the other companies to you. It's a good opportunity for you to gain some experience."Rosalie, returning from the kitchen with dishes, overheard the conversation. Her expression shifted slightly, a hint of displeasure crossing her face."Honey, what are you talking about? How can the family's companies be handed over to an out..."Before she could finish, she realized her mistake.Compared to Debra, they were the real outsiders. Originally, those companies were founded by Debra's father.Debra raised an eyebrow. "Rosalie, after all this time, I didn't expect you to be the same as before.""I..." Rosalie faltered,
Rosalie noticed Debra's displeasure and reprimanded the maid, "How could you be so careless? Hurry up and prepare clothes for change.""I'm sorry, Miss. I'll get clean clothes for you right away," the maid apologized profusely, keeping her head down.Rosalie explained to Debra, "She's new here and clumsy. I hope you don't mind."Then she turned back to the maid and ordered, "Take the lady upstairs to change her clothes.""Yes, madam," the maid replied nervously, guiding Debra upstairs.Debra glanced back at Rosalie, feeling a sense of unease. But considering it was the family banquet, she didn't think Rosalie would play any tricks.The maid led Debra into a guest room on the second floor and handed her the prepared clothes."Please change here, Miss. I'll wait outside."Debra nodded and waited until the maid left before carefully inspecting the clothes. Everything seemed normal.'Was it just an accident?' she wondered.Regardless, the clothes were fine, so she decided to chan
Outside the door, the maid inserted the spare key into the lock, blocking any movement from inside."Help!" Debra cried out, pounding on the door.Downstairs, blaring music drowned out any noise from upstairs. Rosalie, in a red dress, and Ralph were engrossed in an impromptu tango."Don't bother. Today, you're mine." Erick advanced.Debra shoved him away, smashed a water glass, picked up a shard, and held it to her neck. "Don't come any closer, or I'll kill myself. Then all your scheming with Rosalie will be in vain."Erick hesitated, realizing that he couldn't let Debra die there. "Damn, you think you can threaten me?"He lunged forward to snatch the glass, but Debra didn't give him a chance. Blood trickled from her neck, and Erick was startled, not daring to move further.Marion had been waiting outside the villa for a while. As their agreed-upon time approached, he called Debra but got no answer.Glancing at the mansion, he spotted a woman leaning against a second-floor balc
Marion rushed over to help her, having no time to deal with Erick. Debra was stained with blood, her face unusually red.He shouted at the maid, "Go fetch the first aid kit!"The maid hurriedly went off. When she came back with the kit, Marion snapped at Erick, "Get out!"Erick fled in a hurry. The maid followed him out, closing the door.Marion quickly tended to Debra's wounds. She was struggling to hold herself together."I feel terrible." She felt like she couldn't breathe. Her body was burning up, and her consciousness was fading."Hang on!" he said, holding her close to him.She found relief in his arms. A coolness spread through her skin. Marion placed her in the bathtub, cold water cascading down from the shower. Her thin dress was soaked.Marion kept his eyes low, focusing on wiping her body with a wet towel. Debra's hands were unusually hot. She grabbed Marion's wrist, her gaze unfocused."Marion, I feel awful," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. She had never fe
Marion's throat rolled. He reached out and supported Debra's neck. Just as he was about to fiercely kiss her, Marion regained his senses. Suppressing the desire in his eyes, he said in a hoarse voice, "If you still think this way when you're sober, I won't let you off, but... not now."Debra's eyes remained confused. Marion's hand struck Debra's neck, and she fainted in his arms the next second.Marion wrapped Debra's body tightly in a towel, then carried her up in his arms.Ralph and Rosalie were outside at that moment. Ralph didn't understand what had happened, but Rosalie looked tense.Marion emerged from the room carrying Debra. His cold gaze swept over Rosalie.Rosalie, afraid and guilty, averted her eyes."I'll settle this score with you when I come back!"Leaving those words behind, Marion hurriedly left with Debra.Ralph, puzzled by what had happened, looked suspiciously at Rosalie beside him and asked, "What's going on here?""It's Marion's fault! It has nothing to do
Debra frowned and said, "I don't know how she drugged me. When I was locked in therhe room, I couldn't find my phone either.""Rosalie's bold! I underestimated her before." Erica, infuriated, said, "Debra, don't worry, I'll go to the Frazier's right now and set things straight for you!""Don't!"Debra grabbed Erica's hand and said, "Marion and Randy have already gone. Help me with the discharge procedures now. I want to go see for myself.""Okay."Erica didn't refuse.There was such a drama. How could Debra not be present?After completing the discharge procedures, Erica drove Debra to the Frazier's.Meanwhile, the Frazier's was already in chaos.When Marion barged in with people, Ralph's mood couldn't get any worse. "Mr. Houston! What exactly do you want to achieve this time? Did we offend you?""You should ask your wife about that."Marion's gaze was fierce.Rosalie dared not say anything on the side.Ralph knew Marion wouldn't cause trouble without reason. He turned to
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
Marion fell silent.Debra glanced at him through the rearview mirror and said, "I won't ask. But I want to hear it from you, not from someone else."With that, she closed her eyes and ended the conversation.Marion lowered his gaze. His eyelashes trembled.He had always wanted to tell her, but he was afraid that once she knew, she wouldn't be able to accept him....Late at night, Fermin finished treating his shoulder wound and knocked on the door to Liza's room.Her voice was gruff. "I'm sleeping.""Well then, another time maybe," he said, pretending to leave.Liza yanked the door open, scowling. "What do you want?""Debra and Marion are gone.""I know.""You know?""Of course. Someone like Marion would not let you just capture him that easily.""Are you saying my skills aren't as good as his?""Yep.""You're such a good sister."Her gaze landed on his injured shoulder. "You shoulder...""A clean shot through. Nothing serious," he said, ruffling her hair. "Finally, y
"Take it easy," Fermin said, looking up. "My master gave me an order. He wants to know how your illness is."Marion's eyes narrowed, but just as he tried to fire another shot, Fermin reacted again.He grabbed the gun, and the bullet flew off toward the corner."I took one hit for Liza's sake. Never another," he said.Debra felt his anger and called out, "Marion, stop."Fermin wasn't just anyone. He was not only a member of the Illuminati but also the heir of the Eaton family. They couldn't just kill him like that."I prefer talking to wiser people like Mrs. Houston," Fermin smirked. "She knows what should be done and what shouldn't..."Before he could finish, Debra pulled out a gun from her jacket and aimed it at him.She intentionally missed, and the bullet grazed his ear.She said, "What Marion does is exactly what I want to do. I won't kill you today only for the sake of Bert and Liza. I'm letting you go, not the other way around."Fermin smirked, "I've met a lot of women,
Debra froze. "The raw stone belongs to your family?""I don't need to lie to you," Fermin said casually. "If it weren't for Liza, I'd have gone after you already. Catch you and force Drake to hand over the stone. Easy. But if I do that, Liza would be upset and nagging me."He paused and added, "If you don't want me to go after Drake, there's a way. You could trick the raw stone out of him, and then I'll deal with you. I promise I won't kill you. That would be better for everyone, wouldn't it?"Debra frowned. "We're not stupid enough to hand over something without knowing what it's for.""So, no deal?" Fermin replied nonchalantly.The bullet was removed from his shoulder, and he didn't bat an eyelid. "I'm letting you go today as a favor to Liza. Next time, you won't be so lucky."He raised a hand, and his bodyguards stepped aside to make way.Debra glanced at Marion, who lit a cigarette and shook it. "It's been a while since someone talked so big in front of me."He flicked the
"You hurt Debra twice. You think I'll just let that slide?" Marion bellowed, firing a shot.Fermin didn't dodge, and the bullet tore through his left shoulder. Blood splattered instantly."Marion." Debra was taken aback.The air in the room became even more tense."Fermin!" Liza rushed over.Panic spread across her face when she saw Fermin's bleeding shoulder.Fermin endured the pain and forced a smile."Don't blame me anymore, right?""I..." His men moved quickly, as if they had expected this all along. They immediately stepped forward to treat his wound."I still owe you a stab. We can settle that too," he said."No." Liza shielded him with her body. "If you need to stab someone, stab me. I'll pay it back for him."Debra hadn't come for revenge. She glanced at Fermin, who remained nonchalant as his wound was being treated.His mental fortitude was sick."This has nothing to do with you," Fermin said. "Go back.""No. I can't let them hurt you again.""Don't worry. Th
"I'll take that as a compliment," Fermin said, his fingers tapping the wine glass on the table. "Actually, I want to make a deal with you guys.""Oh? What kind of deal?" Debra asked.Fermin set his wine glass down. "I want you to hand over Drake."Debra was taken aback, and he continued, "I've heard that when you were in Orkgate, Drake made things difficult for you. If I'm right, you two must only have animosity between you. Handing him over shouldn't be a problem for you, right?""That was a long time ago," Debra replied, stressing her tone. "Speaking of which, we used to sit together, discussing how to deal with Jeffery. Your pajamas were left behind in the Potter Mansion. Ring a bell?"Fermin's smile faded, and his eyes glinted with coldness.The wound on her shoulder still ached, but Debra kept her composure, trying not to show any fear in front of Fermin.She couldn't figure out what he was thinking. But Andrew had once said, the game between archrivals was like this.Mome
"It came from Fermin." Marion handed her an invitation.The black-and-gold card was simple, with only the time and place written on it.Debra had seen Garland's handwriting before, but she never expected Fermin and Garland, both being in the same body, would have such wildly different styles."He wants to meet us at this estate tonight?" Debra was skeptical. "Do you think it could be a trap?""Don't worry. Even if it is, we've got people ready to handle it," Marion reassured her.Unlike Garland, Fermin had zero credibility with them. They needed to be fully prepared.Debra nodded. "Let's go then. I have a lot to discuss with him."...In the evening, a black Maybach pulled up outside the Bernard Mansion.It was sent by Fermin. The invitation and the pickup clearly showed he had been watching them since they arrived overseas.Debra and Marion got in the car, with a dozen stretched Lincolns tailing them.Then a hundred or so guards could deal with all kinds of difficult situat
The stern expression on Fermin's face scared Liza.He flicked her forehead and said, "The Illuminati has nothing to do with you. Forget whatever you heard and don't mention it ever again.""Are you involved with them or not?" She grabbed his sleeve and whined, "If you don't tell me, I won't be able to sleep. And if I can't sleep, I'll bug you until you spill.""Silly girl," Fermin sighed, leading her into the estate. "The Illuminati is just a stepping stone for me. With its support, we'll be free from worries. The decade-long problem will also..."His voice trailed off, and Liza didn't catch the last part."What are you talking about? Our family is loaded and respected," she said, puzzled. "What problem could we possibly have?"Fermin didn't want to continue with that topic. "Alright, you've asked enough questions today. The hot bath is ready. Go relax and get some sleep. While you're here with me, you can go anywhere you want, but you can't contact Debra and her people.""Fermi
"Wait a little longer. No peeking," Fermin said, covering her eyes as he led Liza forward.Liza frowned. "Are we there yet?""Yes." Fermin moved his hands away.Liza opened her eyes and took in the full view of the manor.She had once wanted to move out and picked out a manor. Sadly, it had been owned by someone else, and Bert wouldn't let her live outside.Now the beautiful landscaping and warm lights were right in front of her. It felt unreal."Did you buy this manor?""Do you like it? This is the one you loved most. I've always remembered.""But that owner refused to sell it."She had secretly asked several times before, but even her identity as an Eaton couldn't get her a deal.Fermin shrugged. "I have my ways. Anything you like, I'll get them for you."Liza faltered, "Did you..."Fermin smiled, "Of course not. I'm a reasonable person."Still, Liza felt uneasy.In the past, if Fermin had bought her a manor like this, she would have thought it was just him being kind t