"Indeed, Ms. Frazier," Joe acknowledged with a slight bow.He flicked his gaze at a maid standing nearby. The maid sprang into action, stepping forward and splashing a glass of ice-cold water onto Eve's face.Eve gasped, her makeup streaking down her now-drenched face. Her expression darkened like a storm cloud."Have you all gone mad? I am a guest here. How dare you treat me this way?""The Nichols family has no interest in hosting ill-bred guests. Besides, we have no record of you." Joe regarded Eve with an icy stare, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had pulled strings through her father's connections to secure an invitation. Normally, this kind of grand event was beyond their reach.Feeling the weight of countless eyes on her, Eve gritted her teeth. "Regardless, I am still a guest. Even if I've erred, it is Mr. Nichols' place to reprimand me, not yours. You're just a secretary. Since when do you have the authority to act like this?"Ashley immediately echoed he
Eve hadn't even laid eyes on Tracy before the security guards manhandled her like a ragdoll.In the blink of an eye, a man in a crisp butler's uniform stood before her. Eve wrenched herself free from the guards' grasp, her voice shaking with rage and humiliation. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on me?"She frantically brushed at her clothes, as if their touch had left a stain. "You must be the butler. I demand to see Mr. Nichols. He should know how his staff is treating his guests."She was a rich lady, and no one had disrespected her like this before.The butler looked down his nose at her, his voice dripping with disdain. "Mr. Nichols is not for anyone to see."He signaled the guards with a flick of his wrist. "Miss Blair has expressed her displeasure with this outfit. Remove it.""Yes, sir."The guards advanced on Eve, their hands grabbing at her designer dress. She paled, her eyes wide with terror. The sound of ripping fabric filled the air as her haute couture gown was
Debra and Juan were to maintain the facade of a happy couple in public.Post-divorce, neither could have any lingering claims. She was explicitly forbidden from tarnishing the Nichols family's name. And to keep up appearances, neither party could remarry within a year.She couldn't help but laugh. "Juan, this is absurd.""I've already signed," Juan stated, his voice as unyielding as stone. "These are my conditions. Meet them, and you'll receive a ten-billion-dollar settlement."Debra knew Juan's resolve was set in stone. This was the biggest compromise he could make."And what about Shelia? Today's supposed to be your engagement announcement.""I never said today was about an engagement."Realization dawned on her like a harsh light. Juan wasn't planning to announce his engagement to Shelia. He was staging a reconciliation with her instead.Her brows furrowed. "What's your endgame, Juan?""That's not your concern. Leave it or take it."Debra stared at the agreement, the weigh
The moment Edgar strode into the room, Declan's face flushed a shade of crimson.The history between the Blair and Odom families was no secret, and the Blair family's recent actions had left the Odoms smarting from public humiliation.Declan's smile was more a grimace, but with all eyes on him, he steeled himself and extended a hand. Before he could grasp Edgar's, the latter withdrew and asked, "Where's Jade?"To the casual observer, Edgar still cut the figure of a man hopelessly in love. The room buzzed with whispers as Shelia descended the staircase.Clad in a couture gown that shimmered under the chandeliers, and dripping in jewels that could fund a small nation, Shelia commanded attention.Guests flocked to her, their congratulations echoing through the marbled hall.Having attended many events with Juan in the past, she smiled politely in poise, as if she were already the future Mrs. Nichols."Dad," Shelia cooed, sidling up to Declan.He beamed with pride, patting her hand
The ladies from high society buzzed around Shelia like bees to honey, their glasses clinking in endless toasts.Ashley, eyes darting about like a hummingbird, spotted her chance and swooped in. She plucked a glass of wine from a nearby tray and offered it to Shelia with a gracious smile."Miss Blair, your reputation precedes you. I must say, the rumors don't do your beauty justice. Please, allow me to toast to you," she gushed, downing her wine in one smooth motion.Shelia raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar face. "And you are...""Ashley Steele, formerly a trainee at Potter Entertainment," she introduced herself, batting her eyelashes with practiced sincerity. "I've always admired you, Miss Blair."Shelia was unmoved by the flattery. As the newly discovered daughter, she was more accustomed to envy than admiration.Still, she played along. "A trainee at Potter Entertainment? Then you must be acquainted with Debra."The name dropped like a stone in a pond, ripples of tension spr
Ashley's words were like a grenade tossed into the midst of the gathered elite, leaving them stunned and speechless.Shelia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "I never knew Debra was like that."Ashley whispered, "Miss Blair, there's so much you don't know. Some people might look like they're cut from fine cloth, but underneath, they're just cheap polyester."The other ladies immediately voiced their disdain toward Debra and their support for Shelia."Well, after tonight, Miss Blair will be Mrs. Nichols. No matter how many men Debra warms her bed with, Mr. Nichols won't even spare her a glance.""That's right, Miss Blair. You're a rare gem, beautiful and pure. Debra, well, she's just a woman of the world. Mr. Nichols is lucky to have you.""Isn't that so? Miss Blair graduated from Arcane Academy on her merit, while Debra had to sneak in through the back door. That alone speaks volumes about her character."Shelia basked in the glow of their praise. Her smile was as radiant as
Declan's voice boomed."Today, I demand an explanation. What have you done to Jade? She was committed to marrying you and even lost a child over you. Is this how you repay her?"His outburst was met with Juan's cold stare. It sent a shiver down his spine.The weight of Juan's presence pressed down on him."Juan, you promised me that we would get engaged. Why? Did Ms. Frazier say something to you?" Shelia sobbed.Her eyes already rimmed red, she turned to Debra. "Ms. Frazier, if I have ever wronged you, please forgive me. I beg you, don't take my Juan away. I can't live without him."Her voice trailed off as she swayed, collapsing into Declan's arms. He staggered, barely managing to keep them both upright.Summoning his courage, Declan addressed Juan, "Mr. Nichols, look at my daughter. Don't you owe us an explanation?"All eyes were on Juan. He took Debra's hand, his voice steady and clear. "I never intended to divorce Debra. As for the rumors of an engagement with Miss Blair, I
"I..." Ashley panicked."Really? Funny, I don't recall any of this," Debra said. "Miss Steele, is there any truth to these wild accusations?"All eyes swiveled to Ashley, who quickly adopted an expression of wounded innocence. "Miss Blair, how could you say such things? I never said such things.""You did! You all heard her!" Shelia screeched, her finger jabbing accusingly at the circle of socialites.However, none of them stood forward to say anything. Shelia was isolated and desperate, while Declan pressed his lips into a thin line.Debra's smile widened, a picture of sympathy. "It seems Miss Blair is not quite herself today. My plans to remarry Juan have been set in stone for some time. Perhaps the recent loss of her child has affected her mental state, causing her to speak so irrationally.""I'm not being irrational," Shelia protested, her voice rising to a shrill pitch.Debra clucked her tongue, a sound dripping with faux concern. "Joe, be a dear and drive Miss Blair to the
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