"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
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