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.""
"Please spare me." Tears streamed down Shelia's face."Don't play innocent with us, young lady. Just because you've played dead and latched onto a wealthy man doesn't mean all your problems disappear. Your benefactor has abandoned you, and now you need to find another sugar daddy to clear your mother's 80-million-dollar gambling debt. Do that, and maybe we'll let you off the hook.""What? 80 million? How could there be so much debt?""You tell me."As they exchanged glances, realization dawned on Shelia. "You're loan sharks. This is illegal."They burst into laughter. "Illegal? Do you think you can lecture us? It's only right to pay back what's owed. Your mother signed the IOU herself.""I have nothing to do with her anymore. Why should I pay?"One of the men brandished her birth certificate. "A daughter inherits her mother's debts. Do you think changing your identity will erase that? Your family's history is all here. You won't escape us until every cent is repaid."Just then,
Debra offered a faint smile. "Alright, I'll go with you."Joe stepped aside, allowing her to pass, and Debra followed him out. Halfway down the corridor, she paused and asked, "Recently, has Miss Miles been trying to contact Juan?"Joe nodded. "Miss Miles did call me a few times, but as instructed by Mr. Nichols, I didn't respond.""I see," Debra said, a smile spreading across her face.So, Shelia was still trying to reach out to her financial lifeline.Except for Juan, probably no one would come to her aid.Sensing that Debra might have misunderstood the situation, Joe quickly explained, "Mr. Nichols has indeed decided to cut ties with Miss Miles this time. Perhaps you didn't know, but previously, Mr. Nichols only brought her to some events to make you jealous."Debra waved a hand dismissively, her smile casual. "You don't need to explain. I already know."Joe was stunned. He had sensed that Debra had changed somehow, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. Now, seeing her expressi
Shelia's face contorted with anger. "Do you have any idea how much money you owe? You expect me to help you? I don't have that kind of money."Clarissa's eyes gleamed with a mix of desperation and hope. "But you've got that sugar daddy, haven't you? I heard he treats you well and takes you everywhere. Aren't you about to become his wife soon? The Nichols family is filthy rich. They can easily cover the debts."Shelia paled at the mention of Juan. "If I were to become his wife, those creditors wouldn't be hounding me."She knew Clarissa had been boasting to the creditors about her impending marriage to Juan, and they knew Juan had taken her to various events.But now, they somehow learned Juan cut off all her funds and came knocking, taking away almost everything valuable.Gritting her teeth, Shelia hissed, "If you hadn't leaked my info, those creditors wouldn't be here. You're dragging me down with you. Why don't you just disappear?"Clarissa's face was twisted with resentment. "
Clarissa eyed her warily. "How can I help you?"Shelia leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know you've been around the casino scene for years. You must know some heavy hitters. I need a favor."As Shelia shared her plan, Clarissa paled with fright. "No. Absolutely not!"Shelia's eyebrows furrowed in displeasure."Why not? Back then, you weren't afraid to dispose of bodies. Are you scared now?""That girl was an orphan. No one would investigate much for her. And you were there as a replacement; it was foolproof. Of course, I wasn't scared. But Debra is the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife. How could I dare touch her?"Clarissa wasn't foolish. She knew the stakes were high. If they followed Shelia's plan, she might end up dead in a matter of days.Shelia tightened her grip on Clarissa's hand. "I'm not asking you to kill her. You need money urgently. Just kidnap her and use her to ransom Juan. I'll handle the rest, and you'll have no involvement.""But..."
Juan, concerned that Debra might misinterpret his intentions, explained, "Taking over your family business isn't a simple matter. I just...""I know what you mean," Debra interjected, a smile playing on her lips, though her eyes held no warmth. "I was just teasing you. Don't take it seriously."She was more than glad to meet those insiders. Knowing more people meant more opportunities.Juan nodded, relieved that she understood his perspective."Joe is waiting downstairs for us."He extended a hand to Debra, but she didn't take it. Instead, she said, "You go ahead. Send me the location.""Not together?""I think I'll change into something else," Debra said, gesturing to her simple attire.She hadn't even applied makeup before leaving today.Juan chuckled, his eyes sweeping over her. "You look good in anything. No need to dress up.""Can't do that," Debra insisted. "After all, I'm meeting clients. I should look presentable to complement your handsome appearance."A faint smile
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