Juan never guarded against Melody, who had brought him up.But Debra knew what Melody was capable of.In her previous life, her marriage to Juan was orchestrated by Melody.Melody had tampered with the wine without telling her.That was why she had avoided drinking earlier.After searching fruitlessly, Debra was filled with doubt. "Could it be my imagination?"In the dead of night, she tossed and turned in bed, faintly hearing movement downstairs.Since he started coming back often, Juan had cleaned up a guest room, and they had been sleeping in separate rooms like before.Debra pushed open the door and found the light in the kitchen on.She went down the stairs and saw Juan in a loose bathrobe, drinking cold water from the fridge."Juan?" she called out softly.In the dim light, she vaguely saw him stiffen."Why are you out here?" he said, his voice hoarse. "Go back!"His cheeks were unnaturally flushed, and she could tell something was wrong.Panic clawed at Debra's thr
Debra swiftly pulled out a stun gun as Juan was about to tear her clothes.Juan collapsed on the floor, his face flushed red.Rubbing her temples, Debra muttered to herself, "If this isn't handled properly, it could affect his health."Dragging Juan towards the bathroom, Debra drew a tub of cold water. After confirming it wouldn't be lethal, she started removing Juan's clothes.But just then, Juan opened his eyes.Debra froze in mid-motion. 'Damn! Looks like the stun gun isn't strong enough.'"Listen, I'm trying to help you, nothing more," she said, raising her hands high.The effects of the drug still lingered, but the shock had jolted Juan awake a bit."Get out!" he croaked.Debra ran out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.Soon, the sound of running water filled the bathroom.Seizing the opportunity, Debra went upstairs. As she reached the guest room, a strange fragrance greeted her.It was mixed with the aroma of the essential oil Juan often used for better sl
"Really?" Carrie's eyes lit up, but soon she deflated. "Someone so impressive wouldn't be interested in me. I wonder why he's here at our school. Can't be to pick up his girlfriend, right?"Shelia quickly thought of Debra.At the auction, Marion had defended Debra, so something might be going on between them.Sure enough, after Debra and Randy came out of Building #2, they headed towards Marion's car together.Marion even courteously opened the car door for Debra.This scene left Carrie stunned. "Isn't she a mistress trying to steal your boyfriend? How come she's getting into someone else's car? Does she know Mr. Houston? Unbelievable!"Shelia felt jealous. 'Why does Debra always have men surrounding her?'Inside the car, Randy naturally took on the role of the driver."You called me over so urgently. Did you find out who anonymously spread the rumors?"Marion was always so efficient."The ID was newly registered, but we managed to track down her IP.""Where is it?""Right
"Marion, are you crazy? How could that piece of sewage area be worth billions?"Even if they used it to launder money, it wouldn't be worth ten billion dollars.Randy gestured as if to pat Marion's forehead, but Marion swatted his hand aside. "The municipality has issued a document.""What kind?" Randy scratched his head, clueless.Debra explained, "For urban environmental protection and greening, the municipality will fund the redevelopment of all sewage areas. So, this place will soon become a greenbelt, and I won't need to spend a dime.""For real?" Randy was skeptical."Additionally, I'll receive a two-billion-dollar subsidy for corporate development," Debra said."What?" Randy stood up from his chair.Marion calmly added, "Moreover, the surrounding land was owned by the real estate tycoon, Mr. Stephen. For this conversion, he has started a new project to transform the area into high-end residential and commercial developments.""Are we talking about a major redevelopment
Debra, who had kept her phone on mute the whole way, took it out and saw two missed calls from Ralph.She raised an eyebrow. "He sure finds out things fast."Randy asked curiously, "Who is it?""My uncle," Debra replied. "Looks like I won't be going back to school today. Could you guys take me to his home?"They understood what she meant.Ralph wanted a piece of the cake."I'll take you there," Marion said.Debra was surprised.Marion didn't have to do this for her."What? You don't trust my driving skills?""How could I? I just feel bad troubling you so many times."Randy couldn't hold back a laugh. "Really?""I'll never forget your help," she said, glad to have Marion escort her.Marion drove her to the Frazier family's house and even opened the car door for her.Word of this quickly reached Rosalie's ears.Rosalie couldn't believe it. "Who did you say? Marion Houston?"The servant nodded.Ralph heard it and asked, "What's going on? Marion is here? We've never offend
Rosalie was not happy about the revelation, but she didn't think Debra would reject Ralph's request.That was a piece of land measuring 60 thousand square meters.She didn't want Debra to benefit from it.Debra feigned surprise. "Green zone? Why wasn't I informed?""Because you've never been involved in these matters. Ralph is looking out for your best interests. This large piece of land will make us rich," Rosalie said, her eyes sparkling.Anyone with brains knew the value of the land once the municipal document came through.Debra sighed, "Ralph, why didn't you tell me earlier? It's too late now.""What do you mean?" Rosalie tensed up.Ralph stammered, "You wouldn't have...""I sold it three hours ago.""What?" Rosalie exclaimed."In fact, I bought it on a whim. Later, I regretted it because it turned out to be in a sewage area. It was a hot potato I was trying to sell, but there were no buyers until Marion found me today. He wanted it, and afraid he'd change his mind, I s
"I've reserved a private room at Maple Hotel. Come on and get in the car," Marion said."Thank you!" Debra said.In the afternoon, Juan was headed to a banquet with Joe. As they passed by Arcane Academy, he glanced at the students bustling on campus, and Debra's image involuntarily came to his mind."Pull over," he said.He surprised himself by giving that command.Joe promptly pulled over and asked, "Sir, do you want to pick up Miss Miles?"Juan remained silent.Joe asked again, "Should I call Mrs. Nichols?"Juan lifted his head, his eyes cold in the rearview mirror. Joe immediately shut his mouth.At the school gate, Wendy spotted Juan's car and nudged Shelia. "Shelia, isn't that your boyfriend's car? Is he here to pick you up?"From afar, Shelia recognized the license plate and blushed at Wendy's words.Carrie teased, "Guess you can't dine with us today. Next time, you're treating.""Okay, I'll catch you guys later," Shelia chirped, hurrying towards Juan's car.It had b
"Check out the menu and see if there's anything you like," Marion said, handing the menu to her.Debra casually browsed through it. "Let's have everything Randy mentioned."Marion chuckled, and Randy exclaimed, "See? Marion never picks wrong! Those are all your favorites!"Debra looked at Marion, who didn't seem inclined to explain."Sorry sir, the crab just ran out. We can offer you a substitute of equal value. How about..." The waiter trod carefully, not wanting to upset Marion.Randy frowned. "What's going on? I made a reservation in advance. How can it be unavailable?" He prided himself on managing such matters impeccably, and this was like a slap in the face."We're really sorry, but the crab was already reserved by another guest. The clerk made a mistake, and we could compensate you with two other dishes. Please accept our apologies, sir.""Is this a matter of compensation? Who reserved it? I'll go speak to them!" Randy said.Debra stopped him, saying, "It's okay. The c
Michael raised an eyebrow. "My plan never included you. Does our master know you snuck here from Orkgate? And you've got the nerve to question me?"Lara glared at him, her body aching from the burns. Her face twisted with anger."Take Miss Sharp back for treatment. It will take two hours to get back, so she'll have to tough it out," Michael ordered, unfazed.Before leaving with his crew, he lamented sanctimoniously, "Such a shame, ruining a pretty face like that."Lara clenched her fists, incandescent with rage....In the ambulance, Debra coughed up another mouthful of blood. It splattered right onto William's white coat."Aw." William almost griped about the mess, holding back only at the sight of her bad condition.He had to save her, no matter what. It was a promise he'd made to Andrew.He didn't even want to think about what would happen to him if Debra didn't make it today."Maybe another shot of painkiller? We've gotta get that bullet out fast," a medic suggested."Yo
"Miss, the fire's cut off the road," a guard reported.Lara looked around, understanding that Marion had scoped their escape route, lured them with gunfire, and set the trap.The strategy was simple but effective. The terrifying part was that he had planned it in no time and carried it out efficiently."Miss, what now?" the guard asked anxiously, looking at the roaring flames.Instead of throwing in more fuel, Marion led his crew to an open spot near water, so they could douse the fire later.The dense trees left no way out.Lara gritted her teeth, grabbed a guy, and shoved him forward, using him as a shield against the fire."Dying for me should make you proud," she said, ignoring his thrashing.He burned, reeking of charred flesh. She covered her nose, broke through, and tossed him aside. The rest couldn't escape, awaiting death.Burns scarred her body, but she didn't stop, ignoring the pain and the screams from behind her.Following the plan, Jordan's team prepared to kill
It all happened in a flash. Randy couldn't even tell how the shooting started."What're you doing? Hide!" Erica yelled.He jolted, quickly ducking behind a tree.This was life or death. Bullets didn't care who they hit. Taking cover was important.He peeked out and saw Erica charging ahead. It reminded him of their childhood.She had been Caleb's favorite, but he had thought her skills were just girly fluff.Now? The gap was glaring. She was a beast, and he was a chicken.Up ahead, Lara couldn't gauge how many were coming.A guy ran up, reporting their hidden crew got wiped by Marion. Unsure of the enemy's numbers, they held back.Lara's eyes narrowed. She believed that Marion's desperation was driven by Debra's death."He's courting death," she sneered. "I thought he was smart. Turns out he's so dumb."Turning to the messenger, she ordered, "Tell Michael's people to close in. We're boxing them up and wiping them out.""Miss, we can't.""What?""Mr. Austin's crew pulled o
"What? No," Erica yelled. "If Debra knew..." "She'd back us," Jordan said, knowing what Debra wanted.She couldn't avenge Kale, but they could. They might not crush the Illuminati, but they'd make them bleed."Take your guys and come with me," Marion said."They've lost it," Randy muttered.Erica sighed, "I've been itching to teach those clowns a lesson too. Like sewer rats, they only know how to hide behind masks and cloaks.""Don't be impulsive" Randy warned."I'm going," she insisted, yanking out her gun. "Might as well go nuts. Like is too short."Randy tensed up. "You serious?""Stay back and watch Debra if you're scared," she said. "Don't drag me down."She charged into the trees. Randy stared, feeling like the weak link."Fine. I'll show you tough," he growled, turning to a guard. "Give me your gun.""Uh, Mr. Osborne, you sure?" The guard hesitated."What, you think I can't handle it?" Randy smacked the guard's head. "I was popping off shots before you were born."
Debra suddenly hacked hard, spitting blood.Erica and Randy lit up. Jordan heaved a sigh of relief as she opened her eyes."Medical kit!" Marion snapped out of it first.William hustled over, gaping at the scene."Debra, hang in there," Erica babbled, rattled."She can't talk yet," William said, rushing to stop her bleeding.Blood poured from her chest, soaking her."You're safe now," Marion soothed her."I'm okay," she rasped.The pendant given by Kale had caught the bullet and saved her life.Tears slid down her face. She'd sworn her friends wouldn't get hurt, but Kale was gone."Don't just stand there. Help me out," William urged. "She has got an hour at most if you don't move."The pendant had dulled the shot, but it was just a stone. Her chest still took a hit even though the wound wasn't deep.Erica snapped back, and Jordan signaled for a stretcher."I've got her," Marion said, lifting her onto it.The group watched with heavy hearts.As she was carried off, Mario
Debra recalled what Marion said to her when handing her the gun."There are only six shots. "If it goes down, you won't have time to reload. Aim carefully."She had aimed dead-on, but there were too many.She remembered her own words. "Even if I run out, you'll be there, right?"Unfortunately, he wasn't there.Lara fired a shot. The bullet went past the mercenaries and punched through Debra's chest."Move it!" Erica yelled, hearing the gunfire.Randy, Jordan, and the crew raced through the trees. They hadn't waited outside.After Marion took off, they'd followed, piecing together the route with their number.The flare sent them sprinting. The shots got closer but suddenly stopped."Miss, we've got company," a mercenary warned.Lara glanced at Debra, who was lying on the ground. She frowned and commanded, "Pull back."Nearby, Marion reached the flare spot, but no one was there.The gunfire had ceased, but blood stank up the air."Sir, it's gotta be ahead," a guy shouted.
Before Debra could react, Kale shoved her down. It happened too fast.Bullets ripped through him, one after another."Kale!" she screamed.He pushed her toward cover. A big tree and fallen logs shielded her.A bullet tore into his leg. He was a mess of holes, his blood gushing out.His eyes stayed wide, locked ahead. He gripped her shoulders. "Remember your promise."His hands slid off. Her white shirt was covered with blood."Debra, quit hiding," a woman's lazy voice purred.It was none other than Lara.She taunted, "We've got this place surrounded. You're not slipping out."Behind the tree, Debra's eyes burned.Lara added, "I knew Michael wouldn't kill you, so I'm here to clean up his mess. You value love and friendship, right? You'd never let them get hurt. How does it feel watching one die for you? I wonder if you can still be this though when your friends drop one by one. I don't wanna kill you, but you're a threat. Anyone who endangers our master will be eliminated."
"Can we go now?" Debra asked Michael."Be my guest," he said, stepping aside.She led Kale toward the other side of the woods. His wound needed help fast.She glanced back at Drake one last time. If he changed his mind and chose to leave with them, she would fight the Illuminati off.But he didn't."Are we really letting them go?" someone beside Michael asked.Drake's glare turned lethal. "Touch them and see what happens.""Easy, Mr. Lowe," Michael said. "You played your part well, and I will keep my word." He waved the contract. "Got what I wanted. No need for extra trouble."Debra found a safe spot where Kale bandaged his wound simply. They didn't know how long it'd take to get out.She fetched some spring water, and he asked, "Are you really giving them the company?""In their dreams," she said. "I'm not stupid to lose both Drake and the company."But the contract..." "Invalid.""How?""Think they would just drop 40% of the shares? They're greedy. They'd never let th
Michael held the contract, chuckling, "As I said, he might not wanna go with you.""Whether he comes is my problem," Debra shot back. "You promised to deliver him.""Fair enough," Michael said. "He's useless to me now. I can let him go."He waved a hand. Soon, someone dragged Drake out.When Drake saw Debra and Kale, his face twisted with anger."Get over here," Debra demanded.Drake took a step forward but stopped. "I'm not going back. Get lost.""Come on. You gave them the stone, and I lost my company. If I don't bring you back, how do I face everyone?" she said.He clenched his fists. "We're not on the same side. This is all your wishful thinking. Go away. I don't wanna see you.""Boss, I'm with you." Kale stepped up, pale from his shoulder wound.Drake's voice iced over. "Didn't you hear me? I don't want you here. The Illuminati's got more to offer. We've always been in it for profit. I never saw you as friends."His eyes were red, filled with coldness and disgust."See