"But if we do that, what we've been doing might not stay hidden," Chace reasoned.They all knew Shelia wasn't truly Declan's daughter. If Declan learned about the truth, all their efforts would be for naught.Edgar understood the risks but wasn't about to let Juan emerge as the ultimate winner."There's always a backup plan.""You mean...""Go get the car. We're going to see Declan.""Understood."When they arrived at the Blair family's residence, the security guard immediately recognized Edgar's vehicle and hurried over to greet them."Mr. Odom, bad timing. Mr. Blair isn't home today."Edgar rolled down the window from the back seat. "Where did he go?"The guard hesitated. "Uh, we're not sure.""What about Miss Blair?""She went out with Mr. Blair and hasn't returned yet."The guard's expression said it all.Edgar noticed the lights on in the house. Shelia and Declan were seated in the living room, and Juan was with them. They seemed to be enjoying each other's company l
After having dinner at the Blair family's house, Juan left and got into his car.Joe said, "Marion has booked the place.""Then let's go," Juan replied, his eyes gleaming with a cold determination.He had been wanting to have a serious talk with Marion, and tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity.The car pulled up to the nightclub. Marion had rented out the entire place. The manager, recognizing Juan, immediately approached him with a fawning smile and led him to the most luxurious private room at the back.The hallway was lined with Marion's men, their presence a clear display of power.Joe muttered, "What does Marion want? Is he trying to show off?"Juan remained silent. For years, Seamar City had been his territory, but with Caleb's retirement and Marion's rise, the dynamics had shifted.The city was now a formidable three-way standoff between Juan, Marion, and the elusive Tracy, who never appeared in public.In the private room, Marion sat on the couch, a defiant sm
Marion smirked. "As I said, I have ways to deal with anyone trying to hurt Debra. How about you take a guess at what I've been up to these days, running around all over the place?"It took only a moment for Juan to realize the implication behind Marion's words. His eyes narrowed as he said, "You're the one who cut off our key funding chains?"Recently, major partners and overseas suppliers had suddenly come to a halt. Payments were delayed, and if it weren't for the Nichols family's reserve funds, their business would have ground to a standstill.Juan had initially thought this was due to the McKinney Group's impact, causing hesitation among partners and suppliers. He hadn't expected Marion to be involved.Marion's smile widened. "Every business has some dirty work to handle. You should remember what the Houston family used to do, and you shouldn't have forgotten what I used to do either."Juan clenched his fists. Few had dared to threaten him so openly. "Marion, have you thought
Debra woke up from a dream of her past life.In her dream, Seamar City had eventually become Marion's domain. She rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the lingering images. She dismissed it as just another ordinary dream.The morning sunlight streamed through her window, and she saw several missed calls on her phone.She called Ben back, and he said, "Madam, Mr. Cameron wants to see you.""Now?""Yes, he called you last night, but you didn't answer.""I see," Debra said. "Did he say why he wanted me there?""It seems to be about the trainee program."After leaving Potter Entertainment, Debra announced her new role as General Manager of McKinney Group.It was no surprise that Henry was anxious. Without Juan's sponsorship, most of the trainees had canceled their contracts, leaving him facing massive compensation fees to the production team. It was likely that Edgar's investment had already gone down the drain.At noon, Debra walked into the office building of Potter Entertai
Ashley strode towards Debra, enveloping her hand in a warm, affectionate grasp. "Ms. Frazier, we've both been in the trenches together as trainees. You know Eve, so please, don't take this the wrong way.Anyone with a pulse in the industry knew Debra wasn't someone to be underestimated. Though she held the title of general manager at the McKinney Group, whispers of her special relationship with Tracy, the group's real master, had long since spread like wildfire.The recent parade of luxury cars ferrying Debra around only served to fuel Ashley's suspicion that Debra and Tracy were entangled in a romantic liaison.Debra, however, swiftly extricated her hand from Ashley's grip, leaving the latter awkwardly suspended in mid-air.Henry stepped in, his voice dripping with sycophantic charm."Ms. Frazier, why don't we head upstairs and have a little chat? After you," he gestured, as if ushering royalty.Eve, witnessing her father's groveling display, felt a hot surge of anger and anxiet
Henry swiftly read between the lines of Debra's words. He gave a firm nod and said, "I get the picture, Ms. Frazier. Consider it done.""Excellent," Debra replied, rising from her seat. "Freya is chomping at the bit to debut, but the truth is, Potter Entertainment doesn't have the resources to make it happen. I trust you grasp the sensitivity of the matter."Henry met her gaze steadily. "Leave it to me. I'll keep the trainees in line."Debra nodded, satisfied. "I'll be heading back. Don't worry. Your position here is secure.""Understood, Ms. Frazier. Let me show you out," Henry said, gesturing towards the door.Outside the meeting room, Eve watched the exchange, her jaw clenched tight enough to crack walnuts.Ashley, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, leaned in and whispered, "How does Debra still wield so much power? I heard Juan is about to get engaged to Miss Blair. Debra's not Mrs. Nichols anymore, so why is your father bending over backward for her?"Eve's e
"A gala?"When Debra strode back into the McKinney Group's headquarters, the buzz of internal chatter reached her ears almost instantly.She tossed the invitation onto her desk. "So, why didn't this invitation land on my desk yesterday?"Ben squirmed under her gaze. "This is a big deal. All the top celebrities and big-name stars will be there. I didn't think you needed to attend, so...""Cut to the chase, Ben. Who's hosting it?" Debra demanded.Ben tried to dance around the question, but Debra's steely gaze had him pinned. He finally came clean."It's the Nichols family."A smile spread across Debra's face. She knew Ben wouldn't hide the invitation without a reason. And now, she understood. He was worried about her crossing paths with Juan.Ben trod carefully. "They're going to announce Mr. Nichols' engagement to Miss Blair."Everyone in Seamar City knew about Debra's history with Juan. Now that Juan was getting engaged to Shelia, and if the invitation had landed in his still-
As twilight deepened into night, the gala was hosted at the Nichols family's old house.Melody was against Juan engaging Shelia, but Juan, being the decision-maker, had the event implemented.Outside, Debra sat in her car, watching as a parade of luxury vehicles rolled up, each more opulent than the last. She had once dealt a crushing blow to the Nichols family when she established the McKinney Group, yet their web of influence remained firmly in Juan's grasp.Her past leniency had allowed the Nichols Group to rise again within a few months."Madam, we've arrived," Ben prompted.Stepping out of the car, Debra was greeted by a familiar, albeit unwelcome, voice. "Well, if it isn't Debra."She turned to see Eve and Ashley emerging from their lavish ride. Eve was draped in a silver lace gown that clung to her curves, diamonds shimmering like stars against the night. She was a vision of extravagance, while Ashley, in a sweet pink sheath dress, seemed almost demure by comparison.Debr
Back at the Potter Mansion, Debra stared at the equity document. Her father's handwriting and the Frazier Group's stamp stood out.She dug into a drawer, pulling out her seal which hadn't been used for two years. She pressed it onto blank paper, comparing it to the one on the document. She expected differences, but they were the same.That stamp was real. Her father had signed off on this.She didn't get it. In her memory, they and the Potters barely crossed paths.A knock came at the door, interrupting her thoughts. She stashed the seal fast. "Come in."Marion stepped inside, and she smiled, "You're polite to knock. Thought it was Erica.""Didn't wanna barge in and spook you," Marion replied, nodding at the equity document. "Still thinking about that?""I tried to figure out why Andrew has our shares," Debra said. "I've been at it all afternoon and still don't get it.""Andrew's a big-picture guy. Maybe it was just a deal between your families. Let it go," Marion said, rufflin
"Mrs. Houston." Jordan's voice snapped her back.He continued, "Pass this equity document around. Let everyone see it. With Andrew's vote, Mrs. Houston stays."The shareholders inspected it. Once they confirmed the stamp and legal weight, the outcome was obvious."What now?" Jordan eyed Jason, who remained composed on the surface but felt bitter inside."You pushed for a fair vote," Jordan said. "Aren't you satisfied with the outcome? You won't threaten them to change their votes, will you? Well, I brought some people too. They can spar a little if you like."The room crackled with tension. Those shareholders, sensing trouble, started slipping out.The outcome was clear, with Debra winning."Well then, we're out," Jason said."Hold up," Debra stood, stepping toward him. "Tell Michael he can keep the shares he bought. But the 30% I gave my friend? He doesn't deserve it. I want it back in three days. If he doesn't deliver, I'll take it my way.""I'll pass it on," Jason replied,
"I vote for Mr. Austin." Kraig kept his head down.Debra fell silent. She'd braced for the worst, but never thought a veteran on her team would betray her."Well, that settles it," Jason smiled. "Mrs. Houston, the top spot isn't yours anymore. The shareholders have spoken..."Jordan's voice cut through the room. "Who said that's the final vote?"His appearance surprised everyone, including Debra."Didn't you double-check the McKinney Group's shares?" he added.Seven shareholders were present: four from the Frazier Group, and three from the corporate side. The results of the vote were clear enough.Jason didn't flinch. "I don't think you hold any shares. You've got no say here.""I don't," Jordan replied. "But someone does."He pulled out an equity document. "This is Andrew's 1% stake in the McKinney Group. He authorized me to vote for Mrs. Houston."Jason's brow furrowed. The other shareholders swapped confused looks. They had never heard Andrew had any shares.Debra stared
The people saying these things were all entrepreneurs who'd bought shares in the Frazier Group. Debra had long known what they were. They were sexists who'd never let a woman hold real power."You guys don't seem to hold that many shares yourselves, do you?" Debra leaned back in her chair. "Anyone else want me to step down? Or got a problem with me? Just spit it out."The room went quiet. If this election could've been neutral, they'd have rather sat it out. But that wasn't an option."If no one's got anything to say, let's vote," Debra said lazily. "Let's see how many of you want me gone.""Think carefully before you open your mouth. It'll save us trouble," Marion chimed in.The sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the room. The air tensed instantly.Marion wasn't big on brain games. He preferred action. If these people hadn't contributed to the company, he'd have brought in his people instead of listening to their nonsense."Are you threatening us?" Jason said. "This ele
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