The restaurant area of the Emerald Hotel was exclusively reserved by Juan. The lighting was dim, and retro music played softly in the background. The chef meticulously arranged the dishes, the presentation creating a somewhat ambiguous mood.Debra glanced at the dishes on the table, her expression cool and detached. "I thought you came to see me to sign the divorce papers."Earlier that day, there had been a significant uproar at the Nichols Group. The resentment towards her was palpable, and Debra couldn't believe that Melody hadn't made any move in such a high-pressure situation.Juan was supposed to discuss the divorce with her now, not arrange a private dinner."Does Marion know about your relationship with Tracy?" Juan suddenly asked.Debra frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"Juan replied, "Tracy opposed the Nichols Group for your sake. Before you had the accident, you had the Frazier Group merge with his company. Your relationship must be special."Realization dawned
Shelia's public tantrum drew the attention of everyone around them.People outside the restaurant cast curious and disapproving glances at Debra and Juan, their expressions filled with silent judgment."Sir." Joe rushed into the scene, but Juan's steely gaze cut through him like a knife. "Who brought her here?""I..." Joe stammered, unable to form a coherent response. He knew it was useless to excuse himself.Hidden in the bushes outside the hotel, a figure snapped a photo of the drama and slipped away.Debra's patience was wearing thin. "You keep making a scene. Don't bother me.""You're not allowed to leave." Shelia, her face contorted with jealousy and rage, grabbed Debra's hand. "Everyone, look. This woman is divorced and trying to seduce my husband."More and more people gathered around. Juan snapped, "Shelia, what do you think you're doing?""I'm carrying your child. Yet you're here looking for your ex-wife. Do you even want this child?""I never wanted this child."Deb
In a nearby corner, a wheelchair lay tipped over on its side. A familiar figure came into view.Debra's eyes widened in surprise. "Andrew?"Then it clicked. The Emerald Hotel was owned by the Potter family, so it wasn't unusual for Andrew to be here, even at this late hour."It's nothing, thank you," Andrew said politely.Debra noticed that his legs weren't entirely paralyzed but seemed difficult to use. He managed to pull himself back into the wheelchair with a grimace of effort.He didn't seem particularly surprised to see her, which made sense. Juan had booked the entire restaurant in the Emerald Hotel, and as the owner, Andrew would naturally be aware of the arrangements.Debra's initial instinct was to flee, but she hesitated, caught in a moment of indecision. She decided to make small talk to buy herself some time. "Mr. Andrew Potter, where's your assistant?"Andrew replied calmly, "He's handling something for me."Debra nodded. "Should I..."Her eyes darted towards the
As Debra settled into her seat, Andrew slid a cup of instant coffee towards her.She glanced at the steaming cup and raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you really have it."Andrew took his seat across from her and began meticulously brewing his tea, seemingly uninterested in discussing the commotion downstairs.Debra, however, couldn't contain her curiosity. "Mr. Andrew Potter, you mentioned a disturbance downstairs. Was it caused by Shelia?"The Emerald Hotel was owned by the Potter family, and no one had dared to cause trouble within its walls.Shelia, not being part of their elite circle, was an exception to this unspoken rule. If an ordinary person had caused a scene, the hotel would have handled it discreetly.But Shelia was now practically a member of the Nichols family, and she was carrying Juan's child, which made it a different matter. Any repercussions would likely fall on the Nichols family."Shelia..." Andrew mused. "I don't remember that name.""You don't?" Debra was taken a
The efficiency with which the matters were handled, from sorting materials and drafting titles to managing overall content and coordinating online support, was truly astonishing."Consider it a gift for your help today," Andrew said.Debra raised an eyebrow. "This gift is a bit expensive."The Nichols family was already under immense pressure, and with the recent commotion, it seemed like all the stress was falling squarely on Juan's shoulders.Juan would have no choice but to divorce her.Debra probed, "Mr. Andrew Potter, why are you helping me get a divorce? Is it because of Jordan?"Andrew set down his teacup and looked at Debra.Though not intense, his stare made her instinctively lower her head, a slight flush creeping onto her cheeks. She avoided direct eye contact, feeling a sense of sudden shyness.Andrew was undeniably handsome, with a slightly delicate look in his eyes. Debra had heard stories about him since she was a child. Her parents had spoken of his decisiveness
"Ms. Frazier, is there anything else?" Andrew asked."No." Debra shook her head."Then you can leave," Andrew said bluntly.Debra felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration. In front of him, she felt like an inexperienced schoolgirl.Across town at the Nichols family's house, a different kind of tension was unfolding.Melody slapped Shelia across the face, and the latter burst into tears."What's your problem? Who told you to make a scene at the Emerald Hotel? Do you even know what that place is? You brought this on yourself, and now you're dragging the Nichols family into your mess."Juan, sitting silently on the sofa, made no move to defend Shelia.Shelia, between sobs, tried to explain, "Mrs. Nichols Sr., Juan went to see Debra, and it was at a hotel. I just couldn't stand it."Melody sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "When you climbed into Juan's bed, how could Debra tolerate it?"Shelia's face paled, the weight of her actions settling heavily on her shoulders.
In the dimly lit room, moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow on Shelia's skin.She removed her top, revealing her pale chest. Juan averted his gaze, but Shelia grabbed his hand. "Juan, I'm your woman. Why are you avoiding me?"She pressed closer, attempting to ignite his desire, but Juan pushed her away abruptly.Shelia stumbled back onto the bed, her eyes wide with shock. Juan looked at her as if she were something distasteful, his voice cold and unyielding."I warned you. Since you refuse to behave, you'll move out tomorrow.""Juan!" Shelia's voice trembled, but Juan didn't look back as he strode out of the bedroom.The next day, Debra received an unexpected piece of news. "Shelia moved out of the Nichols family's house?""Yes, someone saw her leave early this morning.""Did Melody agree to this?""Shelia offended the Potter family. Melody probably had to consider Mr. Andrew Potter's influence," Ben replied firmly.Debra thought about it and believed
As far as Debra remembered, the Frazier Group had never encountered financial scandals in her previous life.This sudden turn felt surreal and inexplicable."Ms. Frazier," Ben called out, rushing towards her with a helpless expression.Debra shook her head, signaling him to stay calm. Given the circumstances, she knew she had to cooperate with the police to prevent the situation from escalating. She was determined to clear her name and prove her innocence.As she was escorted out, news outlets began reporting her arrest for embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. The public, who had once championed her yesterday, now turned against her with astonishing swiftness.The comment sections were flooded with vitriol.[Rich people are never clean. No wonder her husband wants a divorce.][They say she embezzled billions. She'll probably be in prison for life.][Rumor has it she was involved with many men during her marriage. She's not a good person.]...The negativity was overwhe
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