"What's the story behind the private school?" Debra asked, her voice laced with suspicion.Michael shook his head. "I can't say for certain, but Shelia wasn't a student at some prestigious private school. Anyone attending Beaconridge High comes from a modest family background. From what I recall, her mother was addicted to gambling, leaving them in a tough financial situation. Our homeroom teacher once pressured her about tuition fees. Although Shelia insisted she could raise the money, she ended up dropping out."Debra's brows furrowed as she listened intently.'So, Shelia isn't an orphan after all," she thought."I know that the private school only accepts girls from orphanages," she said. "Every year, the Nichols Group and other enterprises sponsor one or two girls from there."She remembered how, in her past life, the Nichols Group had sponsored many students, but Shelia was an exception. It all began when Juan caught Shelia feeding stray cats during a sponsorship meeting.In
As Hester retreated from the room, Juan turned to Debra, his voice low. "Aren't you angry at all?"Debra shrugged. "Why would I be angry? I'm not blind, Juan. I saw her spill that tea on purpose. It's not your fault."She had entered the room just in time to see Juan resisting Hester's advances."I've drawn hot water. Go take a bath.""Alright."As she headed upstairs, she breathed a sigh of relief that he didn't follow her.Pulling out her phone, she found a message from Erica.Erica: [You haven't been back for two days.]Debra: [Juan's grandmother moved in. I can't leave for a while.]Erica: [I'm so bored!]Debra: [Go find Randy.]Erica: [Randy's accompanying Marion abroad on business. Otherwise, I wouldn't be this bored.]Debra paused mid-tap at the news.She hesitated before opening her chat with Marion.He wasn't one for chatting apps, and his messages were always brief. She scrolled through their chat history, noting that he never mentioned any business trips. He wo
Melody took a deep breath. "I don't understand what you're saying, but this damages the Nichols family's reputation and yours too. If these things are published in the newspapers, everyone will know. Think of the humiliation our family will endure. I don't care about publicity. Just handle this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, don't bother coming back to see me."Her face was a thundercloud. Beside her, Hester interjected with a smooth, placating tone. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., this is just a matter concerning Debra's work. Please don't be angry. I've heard that Debra often isn't at home, probably because she's very busy with her duties. Don't pressure her too much."Hester's words sparked suspicion in Melody's mind. "So, that's why you've been absent recently."She suspected that Debra was dating another man.Debra didn't bother to explain herself. Winning Melody's favor no longer mattered to her. "Debra!" Melody snapped, slamming her hand on the table. "Where do you place Juan?"
Debra and Juan retreated to their room. Juan broke the silence first. "I'll have someone take down the news. It won't affect you.""Aren't you going to ask about it?" she asked.After all, the photo of her and Michael was real, and she expected some kind of reaction from him.Juan met her gaze steadily. "If you want to talk about it, you will."Debra looked away, her voice firm. "I don't want to."Juan nodded, accepting her decision. "Okay."Just then, Debra heard faint footsteps outside their door, knowing it was Hester.Debra didn't bother to pretend. She strode to the door and swung it open.Hester froze, clearly not expecting Debra to catch her eavesdropping."Madam..."Debra's voice was blunt. "I don't like people eavesdropping on my door. If there's nothing important, please stay off the second floor."Hester blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, madam. It's Mrs. Nichols Sr. who was worried you two might argue. She sent me here to check. It won't happen again.""Alr
"Okay!"The security guards swiftly ushered away the women, who scattered at the sight of Hester. "Juan..."Hester hurried to his side, her expression turning grim as she took in the state of his suit. "I'll get you a new one.""No need." Juan's cold gaze swept over her. "Just make sure this doesn't happen again."Hester shifted uncomfortably under his stare. "I don't understand what you are saying."Debra stepped forward, taking charge of the situation. "Let's go back to our room so you can change."Melody, having heard the disturbance, emerged from her room, her brow furrowed. "What's going on out here?"Debra cast a glance at Hester before explaining, "Some of Michael's fans caused a scene at the door. They almost hurt Juan. I'm not sure how they found their way here."Melody, well-versed in the intricacies of their social circle, turned her gaze to Hester.Hester panicked. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., this has nothing to do with me.""Alright," Melody said, her voice impatient. "D
Debra clenched her fists, blaming herself for forgetting about what Juan had done to her in her last life just because of his recent kindness.Juan was inherently cold-hearted. He only loved himself.Moments later, Juan emerged from the bathroom, clad in a white robe, water droplets glistening in his hair.Spotting Debra sitting silently on the bed, he approached her with a smile. "What's wrong?" As Juan reached out to help adjust her hair, Debra turned away. His hand hung in midair. She stood up, saying, "There is something I want to ask you.""Go ahead.""Is Shelia really an orphan?""Yes, she is.""Is she a student at a private school?""Yes.""Why did you choose her?"Juan replied without much thought, "She excelled academically at the private school. We were choosing several students to support, based on multiple considerations of their aptitude, family conditions, characters, and images.""You sponsored so many impoverished students. Why treat her differently?"He m
Michael scrutinized the two sets of documents Debra handed him. The information about Shelia from Beaconridge High matched what he had described earlier, except for one glaring discrepancy—the photo."I couldn't remember wrong," Michael muttered, returning the documents to Debra. "The only explanation is that someone swapped the photos of these two."Debra studied the documents, her mind racing.She needed to find a way to contact the girl in the photo.This was the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding Shelia's true identity."Why are you so concerned about Shelia's identity?" Michael's sudden question snapped her back to the present.Debra looked up, remembering the rumors circulating about the two of them. However, Michael didn't seem worried at all."Should I organize a rigorous PR meeting now?" Debra said, flipping through the documents. "It's just a rumor, after all. Besides, don't you want a bit of scandal to boost your fame?"Michael froze, and Debra continued, "Con
Leanna wrinkled her brow."Oh, I've completed all these plans," Shelia said, handing over the proposals.Leanna glanced at the documents before speaking. "Don't leave after work today, Shelia. There's a dinner party tonight, and I need you to come along."Shelia blinked in surprise. "Me?"She was just an intern.Leanna offered her a reassuring smile. "I remember you mentioning that you've attended social gatherings and dinners before. You have experience, and I trust you to handle this."Shelia felt relieved. While she might be inexperienced in many areas, she was no stranger to social events, having accompanied Juan to numerous functions.Back in her office, Leanna dialed Debra's number promptly. "Ms. Frazier, I've informed Shelia as you instructed.""Good.""Also, I think I saw Shelia with two phones just now.""Two phones?"Debra's curiosity was piqued, but she dismissed the observation for the time being. "Forget that for now. Just take her to the restaurant tonight.""
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