Ralph took a deep breath."Yes, the key is mine. It's just a regular key to the warehouse. Nothing valuable.""To the warehouse or the ancestral hall?"Ralph's expression shifted, and Debra pressed on."I don't want to beat around the bush. Did you steal the key from my father?""Preposterous! He gave it to me."Ralph stood up in agitation, but Marion stared him down."Sit down."Ralph's bravado deflated like a punctured balloon, and he timidly sat back down."Debra, even though I did bad things, I'm still your uncle. How could I steal from my own brother?""To pay off gambling debts, what wouldn't you do? If you could harm me, you might not hesitate to harm my father."Ralph's face darkened. "What do you mean? Suspect that I was responsible for his death?"Marion's voice was like thunder, his expression stormy. "It seems you won't speak honestly."Ralph was frightened, gritting his teeth. "Fine, whatever you think. I won't be able to get out anyway. Put the blame on me. I
The Frazier family, with its wealth and prestige, was governed by ironclad rules.Debra knew her father was a man of principle, unyielding even for his brother. Ralph's gambling was more than a personal failing. It was a rot that could harm the entire family. And it did.Ralph's face contorted with anger, his silence a damning confession.Debra pressed on. "I'm asking you one last time. Did you kill my father?"Ralph lost his nerves and shouted, "Yes. I did it. He was so stubborn. He found out about my gambling and decided to cast me out. I'm his brother. I just needed to borrow money, but he scolded me and threw me out. That's my family too. Why was he so harsh to me?""You were gambling, and my father kicked you out according to family rules. He did nothing wrong. Look at what you've done to the Frazier family. And you killed my father for that?"Hearing the truth from Ralph's mouth was a bitter pill to swallow. For years, he had been a second father to her. Betrayal stung like
Ralph's expression turned to stone as Debra's words landed like a physical blow."Your greed is one thing," she said. "But now you're dragging the entire Frazier family down with your idiocy. I think my dad was right to cut you off."Ralph slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. "Who are you to lecture me?"Before Ralph could take another breath, Marion was on his feet, the prison cell door swinging open. Ralph's anger dissolved like smoke in the wind as Marion placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat.Marion warned coldly, "Behave yourself and ask the questions."Ralph squirmed, his eyes darting around the room. "This is a prison. If you lay a finger on me, that's illegal."Marion's grip tightened, his fingers digging into Ralph's shoulder like a vise. Ralph cried out in pain, his face contorting. "Help! Anyone there?"Marion leaned in, his voice a low growl. "There are no cameras here. Without my orders, no one will come in to save you. B
"Shh. Don't go poking your nose where it doesn't belong," said Pedro.The guard swiftly clamped a hand over his mouth.Marion heard the sound and wrapped an arm around Debra's waist. She glanced down at his hand, her eyebrows knitting together."What are you doing?""Nothing. Just make sure you don't fall."Debra brushed his hand away. "Behave yourself."Marion smiled, "Anything you say."On their way back, Debra examined the key in her hand, her fingers tracing the intricate craftsmanship. It was clearly an antique, the lock's shape rare and distinctive."Let's go to the old house. I want to check the ancestral hall.""Ralph mentioned there was nothing valuable there, or perhaps the value lies not in what's hidden but in the secret itself.""Since my father valued the ancestral hall so much when he was alive, there must be something important hidden there. Ralph might not have found it because it's not obvious."Debra recalled her visits to the ancestral hall when she was a
Debra and Marion circled the ancestral hall, but there was nothing of value to be found. The hall was as bare as a picked bone.Marion replaced the tablets he'd been inspecting, his voice echoing in the empty room."Let's not waste our energy here anymore. If there was something valuable here, Ralph would've snatched it up long ago."They had almost turned the place upside down but found nothing.Debra's shoulders slumped. "Could it be that the so-called family secret is just a lie?"If there was truly a treasure in Seamar City, surely someone would have found it by now."The treasure isn't fake. It's just well hidden by our ancestors," Marion said, looking at the tablets. "Let's head back for today. We have the key, so we can come back anytime."Debra bit her lip. "I'm just feeling uneasy."Marion pulled her close, his voice soothing. "Don't worry. I'm here, and I won't let anyone harm you."Debra leaned into his embrace, her eyes falling on the red columns behind him. A spar
Marion glanced up, his eyes landing on a folding chair tucked inside a box. A smirk played on his lips. "What's with the chair?"Debra grinned, pulling out the chair and setting it down beside him. "Just a little preparation. I figured I might get tired waiting."She paused and continued, "Do your best."Marion chuckled, giving her cheek a gentle pinch. "Alright, I won't keep you waiting too long."He turned his attention to the tile beneath the column, giving it a firm tap. It crumbled, revealing the hollow space beneath.He laughed, "Looks like this place really hasn't seen repairs in a century.""Huh?" Debra leaned in, her eyes widening at the sight of the broken tile. "This tile must be worth a pretty penny.""I'll cover the damage," Marion said, already digging into the dirt bricks next to the column.His efforts unearthed a sealed redwood box, its antique appearance hinting at a history spanning a hundred years."This box is exquisite. Must be worth a fortune.""It's pr
"This is the old double-entry bookkeeping system. It looks complicated," said Debra, squinting at the thick ledgers laid out in front of her."You can understand it?" Marion asked, surprised."Sort of," she replied, eyes still fixed on the pages. "I haven't seen this in a long time, so I'll need to refamiliarize myself." Debra examined the books closely. Beside her, Marion couldn't help but watch her serious expression."I didn't realize you were so skilled. You even know how to handle this kind of bookkeeping."Debra smiled but gave him a playful eye roll."Did you forget what I studied? I majored in finance. If I can't read these books, how could I ever manage a company?"Despite her light tone, Debra couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude toward Juan.In her past life, she had loved him deeply and had worked tirelessly to learn everything about finance just to help him. She'd absorbed knowledge quickly back then. If not for the foundation she built in that life, she wou
Debra glanced at Marion, and in that instant, she realized what was going on.She quickly addressed Ben."Got it. I'll call him back later.""Okay."After ending the call, Debra turned toward Marion, raising an eyebrow."Did you mess with my phone?""I didn't touch it."Marion's expression was as innocent as a puppy's, and Debra remembered that her phone had been with her the whole time. Still, her gut told her that Marion was involved."You'd better come clean," she warned with a half-smile.Faced with her ultimatum, Marion sighed and confessed, "Randy and Erica installed a chip in your phone. It automatically blocks all calls and messages from Juan.""And you weren't going to tell me?" she asked, folding her arms."I forgot," Marion said innocently.Debra pressed her fingers to her temples, frustrated but not surprised. This was exactly the kind of thing Randy and Erica would pull.After their last run-in, it seemed they were determined to use any means necessary to stop
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