Caleb was one of the most respected and feared figures despite having retired. Stories about him still circulated widely. He wasn't someone who invited people over for casual meals."Maybe," Debra mused, "he just wants to see what kind of woman his grandson plans to marry."Resting her chin in her hand, Debra realized she might have to start thinking seriously about meeting Marion's family.The next morning, Debra chose a fresh, elegant outfit. It was formal yet youthful. Her ensemble had a subtle designer flair, the kind the older generation typically appreciated.The Houston family's old house took up an entire villa district, with the latest in security systems and high-tech surveillance. Just the electric fence around the entrance made it feel like a military compound."Sorry, this area is restricted," the security guard at the gate said as he stopped her car.Unbothered, Debra stepped out of the vehicle, and the guard escorted her toward the villa complex on foot. The scener
Caleb had been thinking about making things a little more difficult for Debra, but seeing her disheveled appearance, he cleared his throat and said, "There's nothing more I want to ask."Before Debra could respond, he added, "Can you pick vegetables?""I can."Caleb lit up instantly. "Then come with me."He led Debra through the back door, down to the first-floor kitchen. It was huge, built for preparing meals for dozens of people."Come on in." Caleb waved her over excitedly. "I saw how hardworking you were earlier, pulling those weeds, so I'm going to let you in on a secret. Mr. Houston Sr. loves homemade food. I know you're his future daughter-in-law. Do you know how to cook?""I do," Debra replied.Caleb beamed even brighter. "That's great. You have no idea how long it's been since Mr. Houston Sr. has had a home-cooked meal. Sure, the chef's food is tasty, but there's nothing like a meal made by family."As he chattered on, he asked, "So, what do you like to eat, child?""
Marion strode forward, wrapping Debra protectively behind him."I told you, don't mess with Debra," he said coldly.The cheerful expression vanished from Caleb's face. He set down his fork and knife and took off the scarf around his neck.His voice carried a deep, imposing authority as he said, "Is that how you speak to your grandfather?"Years of privilege had left Caleb slightly stocky. His face, though etched with a few wrinkles, was still mostly smooth. His hair was a sharp contrast of white, perfectly groomed. He might have looked like a distinguished gentleman, but his eyes, like Marion's, were sharp, wild, and dangerous."Marion," Debra chimed in. "Caleb a didn't give me a hard time. We were just having a meal together."Marion's gaze fell on the plate of sandwiches. He stepped forward, picked one up, and popped it into his mouth, as if to make sure there was nothing suspicious in it."It's a little salty," he said, his tone flat.Debra crossed her arms. "I made those sa
Caleb grumbled, "You should have told me sooner. I've been putting on this act for so long.""Seeing how much you enjoyed it, I didn't want to spoil your fun," Marion replied with a smirk."You're just like Marion's mother," Caleb said.Debra smiled, her eyes scanning the table laden with exquisite cuisine. Caleb had no appetite for it."Since Marion truly loves you," he said, "I wholeheartedly approve. You two should set a date soon. I'll take care of the wedding arrangements. It'll be one less worry for me."Debra paused, her hand hovering over her knife and fork. Marion interjected, "We appreciate your concern, but we have our plans for the wedding.""What do you mean?" Caleb sulked. "You have someone you love, and you're not marrying her? That's just irresponsible. We're not short on money for a wedding. Why are you being so stingy?"He misunderstood the situation. The butler cleared his throat softly. "Ms. Frazier is still married.""Still married? To that Nichols boy?" Ca
Spoke of the devil, and he called."I need to take this call," Debra said, getting up and moving to the side."Mr. Andrew Potter, what's up?""Come to my office.""What's so urgent that it can't wait?""I've already sent someone to pick you up. They should be there now.""But I'm at Mr. Houston Sr.'s house.""I know."His calm, measured voice was unnerving, as if he knew her every move. Debra's brows furrowed even deeper."Is this necessary?""Bring Marion with you."Before Debra could respond, Andrew hung up.She glanced at Marion and walked back."Mr. Houston Sr., I have some business to take care of with Marion. We need to leave."Marion stood up without hesitation, seemingly ready to leave long before she even mentioned it. Although Caleb looked a little disappointed, he didn't try to keep them. With a sigh, he waved for someone to escort them out.As they stepped through the gate, a sleek luxury car was waiting at the edge of the driveway. Debra immediately recogniz
The night was cloaked in shadows. Ever since word spread that Drake had come to Seamar City, the city's elite had been clamoring for an invitation.Tonight, the Lowe Group was throwing an exclusive party at a private villa.Even though Debra had lived in Seamar City for years, she had never seen this building before. It was as if it had materialized overnight. Suspicion gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside for now. There were more pressing matters to consider.The guests included their business partners as well as Seamar City's most powerful and influential. As Debra arrived, she was struck by the sight of famous actresses and red-carpet royalty milling about the grand entrance.These weren't just any celebrities; they were top-tier stars with millions of followers.Debra stepped out of the car, her face partially obscured by the mask the host had provided. She wore an understated gown. Even so, her presence drew attention.At events like this, masks were merely a formality. Mo
This meant that all the Lowe Group's dealings with these people were conducted in secret. Such secrecy hinted at something shady.Debra was engrossed in her thoughts when a figure suddenly appeared, breaking her concentration.The man was dressed in a white shirt, his demeanor elegant and refined. Although he wore a mask, Debra instantly recognized him as Edgar.Fearing that Edgar might recognize her, Debra quickly hid to the side. Edgar was engaged in friendly conversation with the people around him, clearly not a first-time attendee at such parties. The guests here seemed quite familiar with Edgar, indicating that he had already established connections in Seamar City."Mr. Odom, it seems your recent business ventures haven't been going too well. Do you need our help?" one of the guests asked."Just some minor issues. Once I return to Booton, I'll be able to sort them out. Of course, I'm very interested in collaborating with the Lowe Group," Edgar replied, raising his glass with
Peter Moss, a manager of the Lowe Group, watched the commotion with growing irritation. He rushed over and snapped at Debra, "Bitch, Mr. Odom noticed you. Do you even know how lucky you are? Acting like this, do you not want a future in this business?"Debra recognized him as the one who had been accompanying Edgar earlier. The atmosphere grew tense, and it became clear that the people here had their methods for dealing with disobedient actresses.As two bodyguards moved toward her, the security guard from earlier, who had verified her invitation, rushed forward, shouting, "Stop!"He rushed over to Peter and whispered something to the latter. Peter's face paled instantly."Why are you telling me this now?""I'm sorry, sir."Straightening his suit, Peter forced a smile and turned to Debra, the aggression now replaced with an overly polite tone. "My deepest apologies, Miss. This was all just a misunderstanding. Since you're here representing the Potter Group, please, feel free to e
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
The doctor and nurses led Liza out of the room.She could tolerate it as long as they didn't use electroshock therapy.Fermin was left alone in the room.The moment the door closed, he shouted, "Hey! Where are you taking my sister?"But his head hurt too much. Instead of pressing further, he sat there, curiously scanning the room.His expression and actions didn't look fake."Sir..." The butler hesitated."Keep him locked up." Bert struck the floor hard with his cane.They couldn't let him out until they made sure Fermin's personality was gone."Understood." The butler followed Bert out of the room.Beyond the reach of the security cameras, the corners of Fermin's lips curled into a faint smirk....Debra curled up in Marion's arms.He never slept more than four or five hours a night. Any longer, and he'd wake up on his own.She shifted, rubbing against him."Want to sleep a little longer?" he asked gently.Debra opened her eyes and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I
The sounds of violent banging echoed through the enclosed room.Despite the nurses' best efforts to hold him down, Fermin pounded the bed in agony."Strap him down," ordered the doctor.The nurses quickly bound Fermin to the operating table.Behind the one-way mirror, Bert watched with pain. His hand gripped his cane tightly.Electroshock therapy was one of the most dangerous treatments. But it was the only way to make Fermin believe he was dead, allowing his personality to enter a dormant state."Sir, maybe we should leave for now," the butler suggested, unable to watch any longer."I can't, not when Fermin is still inside," Bert replied, his voice heavy.He didn't want Fermin to suffer or go out to hurt others."Fermin!" Liza stumbled down the stairs, nearly falling in the process.Several servants, who were chasing after her, stopped at the entrance since they were not allowed in there.They had sealed off the elevator, but Liza, in her desperation, had chosen to take the
Once everything was settled, Marion walked back to the living room and lifted Debra off the sofa.For over a month now, Debra hadn't needed to walk on her own."If you keep pampering me like this, my legs will be useless.""It's fine. I'll carry you for the rest of your life."He was confident in his strength. Even when he was old, he believed he could still lift weights without breaking a sweat.Debra was light. He had no trouble lifting her at all.The bedroom was dimly lit. Marion gently laid her down on the bed and lay beside her.Debra smiled, "You're always watching me sleep. This time, let me watch you.""Okay," Marion agreed, placing her hand over his chest.Soon, Debra heard his steady breathing.Marion was a light sleeper. The slightest movement would wake him.Debra stayed still, quietly watching his sculpted face, straight nose, plump lips, sexy Adam's apple, and well-defined collarbone.Suddenly, he murmured, "How am I supposed to sleep with you staring at me l
When she woke up the next morning, Debra instinctively reached out to feel around.She muttered, "Marion, what time is it?"There was no response. She opened her eyes and found Marion wasn't in bed.After a quick wash, she went downstairs.Marion, who had come back from his mission, was cooking breakfast in the kitchen. The sleeves of his black shirt were rolled up."You're up so early," he said, noticing it was only 7 a.m.He had gotten used to Debra's routine."Breakfast is ready. Come eat," he added, setting two sandwiches and a bowl of oatmeal on the table.Since Debra's injury, her health had been poor. While in the hospital, she'd repeatedly had fevers. Recently, she could only eat light food.She had slept deeply last night, probably because she was exhausted.After she took her seat, Marion sat next to her and began to gather her hair into a bun."You're getting better at this," she chuckled."Anything for you," he replied with a smile.A bodyguard came in and repo