"How could there be robbers?" Debra frowned.The place was a fortress, bristling with guards, maids, and bodyguards, not to mention the state-of-the-art security system. It was virtually impregnable. No ordinary robber could infiltrate it.Erica tugged nervously at Debra's arm. "The police should be here any minute. Let's not get involved. We should go."Debra shook her head. "No police. I'm going in."Randy was astounded. "Debra, don't be reckless."Debra glanced at the grand entrance, having a general idea of what was going on.She made a dash toward the house. Inside, the hall was chaotic and dark.Suddenly, a pair of hands gripped her arms. "Boss, we've got a woman here."The robber's voice caught the attention of their leader in the darkness."Let her go.""But...""I said, let her go."The voice was unmistakable. Even though it was lowered, Debra knew exactly who it was."Debra, get out of here," Juan said weakly.Debra ignored his warning, moving closer to the mask
"The first aid kit is here," the maid announced, placing the kit in front of Debra.Erica and Randy rushed in, their faces etched with concern. Erica took one look at the disarray and instantly knew who the so-called 'robber' was.She offered, "Take my car. The ambulance could take forever to get here.""Okay." Debra nodded, swiftly instructing the security guards to carry Juan into the car.At the hospital, doctors swiftly began emergency treatment on Juan.Erica and Debra sat on a bench."He'll pull through. The doctor said the wound wasn't critical.""But excessive blood loss can still be fatal. Where's Randy?"Debra rubbed her temples, her voice laced with worry. "He had something urgent to attend to.""He went to find Marion, didn't he?"They both knew Marion was behind the attack. His reckless, impulsive actions had left Juan fighting for his life. Though the knife had missed any vital organs, the risk of complications lingered like a dark shadow.The doctor emerged
Debra cast a glance at Juan, his form still and silent on the hospital bed."I'll come back when he's better."With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the ward.As the door clicked shut behind her, Juan's eyes fluttered open.Joe was totally surprised."Sir, you're awake.""Help me sit up."Juan's voice was hoarse. Joe quickly assisted him, propping pillows behind his back."Sir, is this an act?"Juan remained silent, his mind replaying the events. The security alarm had blared early, a warning that only Debra could have triggered.When the intruders burst in, Juan could have easily evaded the knife, but he hadn't. He had taken the blow deliberately, gambling on Debra's reaction.A wry smile tugged at the corners of Juan's mouth."She must still care for me."Joe hesitated before speaking. "Mrs. Nichols used to love you so deeply. If you're hurt, she'd definitely be concerned.""Concerned?" Juan muttered. "If she cared, she wouldn't have left."His face was p
"Have you ever stopped to think about what would happen if you left evidence behind? You promised me you wouldn't take these risks again," Debra said.Today, Marion had shown up with a motley crew of hardened men she'd never seen before.But she knew from her past life that Marion had an ulterior motive for coming to Seamar City. His sights were set on Juan, the biggest obstacle standing between him and total control of the city.She just hadn't expected so many twists and turns this time around, but Marion's goal remained steadfast, and his forces were more formidable than ever.If any of these men were caught, Marion could be doomed. She couldn't bear the thought.She looked at Marion, waiting for an explanation, but he remained silent as a statue."You have other business in Seamar City, don't you?" she pressed.Marion finally nodded. "Yes."Debra's voice grew colder, her frustration bubbling to the surface."You've already conquered overseas, yet you're still here, vying f
The villa stood before them, an unassuming façade tucked away in an affluent neighborhood where each residence was worth a small fortune.Despite its prime location, the house bore an air of neglect, as if it were rarely inhabited.Debra raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't have pegged this as your style."Andrew coughed a little, his face pale. He pulled out a key and unlocked the door."This isn't my house.""If it's not yours, why do you have the key?""A friend entrusted it to me."There were very few people in Seamar City whom Andrew considered friends. Debra immediately thought of Marion.The interior was a stark contrast to the exterior, elegantly appointed with a taste that hinted at a bygone era. It was impeccably maintained, as if someone regularly cared for it.Andrew noticed her puzzled expression and offered an explanation."I have someone come in to clean periodically. It hasn't changed much over the years.""Is this where Marion used to live?"Marion had never ment
Debra hadn't allowed herself to dwell on the car accident that had claimed her parents' lives and left her an orphan at such a tender age.She had always assumed it was just a tragic accident. But now, as she sat across from Andrew, the past came roaring back, shrouded in a sinister new light."Marion's parents didn't die in that accident," Andrew said. "It was all a ruse. Marion's mother, Itzel, survived. Caleb sent her abroad to keep the truth hidden and to ensure she could give birth in peace. Soon after, Marion was born."Debra's mind reeled. Rumors had painted Itzel Houston as a vengeful mistress, driven mad by her illegitimacy and resentment towards the Houston family.But on the cruise ship, Marion had confessed that these were merely rumors. Itzel was no mistress, but Dwayne's rightful wife."Who wanted to kill Marion's parents?" Debra asked, her voice urgent. "And what does this have to do with my parents' deaths?"Andrew toyed with a ring on his finger, his expression t
Andrew's face was ashen. "It's pointless even if you knew. It wouldn't change anything. It's better to live your life in peace."Debra's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm the heiress to the Frazier family. I have the right to know everything."Andrew sighed, leaning against the table to keep his balance. "I can tell you about the Four Major Families, but I don't know who killed your parents. I've investigated for years, and I still don't know who was behind the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Houston."Debra searched Andrew's eyes and found no trace of deceit. She took a deep breath before asking, "Do you know everything about the Four Major Families?"Andrew nodded. "I know the general outline of the past grudges and disputes. The Houston family had military power and absolute authority. The Potter family had the most powerful intelligence network. Under the leadership of your great-grandfather, the Frazier family was renowned for its strategic prowess. The Osborne family, originally t
"So, what about Juan? Why does Marion have it out for him?"Debra's mind whirred with memories of her past life. Marion had swept into Seamar City like a storm, quickly becoming Juan's fiercest rival. Their competition was legendary, their battles subtle yet fierce.Marion was undoubtedly Juan's most formidable opponent. Debra clenched her fists, her nerves taut."Is it...""No," Andrew cut her off, anticipating her question. He explained, "Marion has his suspicions, but no concrete evidence. The Nichols family isn't one of the Four Major Families. Their rise caught everyone off guard.""But the Nichols family has been established for a century.""The family tree doesn't lie. The Nichols family gained power under the leadership of Juan's grandfather. It peaked during his father's reign, and under Juan, their influence has become immense."Andrew coughed. "Could you get me a glass of water?"Realizing he'd been talking for a while, Debra quickly poured him a glass and handed it
For a moment, the castle fell silent after the gunshot. Then, more shots rang out, each one chipping away at the crowd's composure.A man, trembling, slowly raised his hands and stood up. "I'm a member of the Illuminati."Others scrambled to follow. "Me too."Within moments, nearly 70 to 80 percent of the people in the room were on their feet.The ones who stayed seated were mostly the "merchandise"—people the Illuminati had prepared. They quickly stood as well."Mr. Houston, have mercy," one of them begged. "We were just hired. We don't even know who's in charge."The men and women, who had been laughing and flirting with the wealthy elites, were now shaking in fear.Barely covered, they huddled together, terrified that Marion would kill them.Marion leaned back in his chair, glancing at the crowd. "Words don't count. Prove it."His men raised their rifles, aiming at the heads of the so-called members."I have proof," said one of them, pulling out a badge. "Here. Look. This
The Illuminati lackeys, totaling 30, were all dead now.Their bodies lined up neatly in a row.Marion took off his mask and casually tossed it into the corner. The guests recognized him and froze in place.Everyone there had heard of his infamous name. But they never thought he'd be bold enough to do a massacre.One of his men placed a chair behind him, but Marion didn't sit. Instead, he slowly stepped forward and casually removed the mask of a plump man.He smirked, When he saw the man's face, Marion smiled in a way that was hard to describe. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Pearson.""M-Mr. Houston..." Harvey Pearson sweated nervously.Marion casually asked, "Does your wife know you're here?" "We're just here to have some fun, Mr. Houston. We haven't done anything to offend you. We wouldn't dare."Marion ignored him, turning to rip off more masks."Mr. Glenn, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Salazar..." he muttered, raising his hand.At the signal, his men removed the masks of the remaining guest
The moment the gunshot rang out, Debra felt a gust of wind rush past her ear, followed by a ringing in her ears. It felt like the whole world went silent.In the nick of time, Marion had appeared and twisted the guard's neck. Then the bullet missed its target.Marion was dressed in a suit and a black mask, like many others did. Still, Debra recognized him at a glance."Let's go," he urged.With the alarm set off, all the guards would be gathering on the second floor in less than two minutes.The two of them rushed downstairs and quickly blended in with the chaotic guests.Unfortunately, the exit had been shut, and guards were closing in on them from every direction.Debra, who had inhaled too much of the gas, was already delirious.Her mind was foggy, and her legs felt as though they were floating. She focused on Marion's hand gripping hers, and memories of someone else holding her hand flooded her mind.The memory was blurry, like a dream, and the figure of the young man in t
It was the symbol of the Illuminati.A man's voice echoed through the castle."Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Kingdom Come. Here, you can fulfill your every craving."The atmosphere in the room seemed to get even hotter because of it, but the voice rang a bell to Debra, whose cheeks were starting to burn.Back in Orkgate, the scent released by Drake's men wasn't this strong.The people around her seemed hypnotized. Many had abandoned their dignity and danced wildly in the ballroom.The gamblers were all in deep, their faces flushed with excitement. Meanwhile, the women on sale started using every trick they could to satisfy the buyers.The male pets were even openly draped around the rich women, their hands roaming all over their bodies.Debra felt sick just watching it from the corner. She looked around, trying to find Marion.Without success, she focused on tracing the source of that earlier voice. She looked up at the second floor, but there wasn't a single soul.She was
The bodyguards at the entrance were intimidating.When Debra handed over her invitation, she worried there might be fingerprint scans or facial recognition. That would make things tricky.But the guards barely glanced at it before waving her through. Debra was surprised by how smoothly things went.This castle was one of the top three landmarks overseas, and it had never been open to the public. During the day, it was a tourist attraction. But now, someone managed to host a private banquet right there.Once inside, she was faced with one more hurdle. Rows of scanners stood ahead, all meant to detect any restricted items.Debra was carrying no gun, but Marion had given her a Bluetooth earpiece to stay in contact.To minimize suspicion, they decided to enter separately. She would go in first, and he'd follow shortly after.She hesitated for a moment before taking off the earpiece and tossing it into a shadowed corner.Just as she stepped forward, someone in front of her triggered
When they entered the dream, the gems were real.Fermin had woken up faster than them and taken the gems. Then he must have found a way to hide them or hand them off to someone else.In other words, this whole thing was planned. "If that's the case, Mrs. Houston and the others are in danger," Barton said anxiously, realizing someone in their group was a traitor.The Illuminati couldn't have collected so many rare stones for nothing. There had to be a scheme."I need to think this through," Andrew muttered, pressing his forehead.Barton noticed his pale face and immediately stepped forward. "Sir, are you having another episode? William said you shouldn't stress yourself out. I'll get your medicine.""Come back," Andrew said. "I'm not taking any medicine right now.""It won't work, sir. The doctor warned you against thinking too much. That's why you left Seamar City to enjoy peace. Mrs. Houston has Mr. Houston looking out for her. You don't need to worry, sir."Andrew had thoug
Michael chuckled, "You probably won't believe this, but after I finished work, I found this thing right outside my door.""What?" Debra was shocked.Michael explained, "Since that night you asked me to keep an eye out, I reached out to a few international contacts. But I came up empty. Then, the very next day, this thing was sitting outside my door."Debra mused, "So, you think someone knew you were investigating, so they gave you a shortcut?""If that's the case, then the organization must be massive, and the entertainment industry could very well be their way of spreading their influence," Michael said.A lightbulb went off in Debra's head.At those banquets held by the Lowe family, most of the guests were from the entertainment industry. Whether they were once-famous stars or rising ones, these celebrities were typically the targets of wealthy businessmen.If the entertainment industry was being used to spread Illuminati teachings, then it wasn't the stars trapping the rich m
When the bathroom door opened, Debra was soaking in the bathtub.She asked awkwardly, "Uh, where's the towel?"It was her first time staying in that house, and she hadn't expected the towel not to be in the bathroom.Marion was relieved to see her fine. "I'll get it for you."He walked over to grab the towel, then entered the bathroom and draped it over her shoulders.Her cheeks looked rosy, maybe because of the heat in the bathroom.Worried about her injury, he gently lifted her out of the bathtub. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Their breaths mixed as she was held close to him.His arms were robust, easily lifting her with no effort."Are you tired?""I-I am.""Then lie down and let me serve you."He kissed her forehead, but she tapped his shoulder. "Hey! I just finished my shower."It was getting dark. Marion ordered takeout, all of Debra's favorite dishes.Her body was sore all over. She didn't want to move, and Marion had to feed her.Leaning on t
"Marion, what are you doing?" Debra shot him a warning look.Marion shrank back."Alright. I'll call again when I get there," Michael said."Okay." Debra ended the call and looked up to see Marion's frustrated look."I'm hungry," she said, pecking him on the lips.Marion lost what little control he had left. He tilted her chin up, pressed a hand to the back of her neck, and kissed her deeply.It wasn't until they were both breathless that he finally pulled away."Let's go eat," he said.Debra glared at him, knowing he was doing that on purpose."Well, I'm not that hungry anymore," she said deliberately.Marion looked back and met her limpid eyes. His lips, slightly swollen from his kisses, were soft and inviting like ripe cherries."I am hungry, though." His voice was low, teasing.This time, his kisses were slow, lingering. His lips trailed down to her neck, and their breaths both quickened.Debra's silk nightgown slipped down to her waist, the lace straps of her undergar