"I'm not a fan of wasting food," Drake replied, his tone casual but pointed."Neither am I," Debra quipped back, matching his indifference.He leaned forward. "What do you feel like eating tonight? American? Italian? French?""I'm easy to please. Whatever works," Debra replied.Her sudden shift in attitude from earlier caught Peter off guard."Sir, she's only behaving now because she's in front of you. During lunch, she..."Drake didn't even let him finish. He asked Debra, "What's the request now?"Debra smiled, "You're sharp, Mr. Lowe."Peter was confused. Drake was supposed to punish Debra, but there wasn't even a hint of anger on his face."I'd like a phone," Debra said.Drake's hand paused mid-cut as he sliced his steak. The request seemed to have hit a nerve.Peter couldn't believe his ears. "A hostage asking for a phone? Ms. Frazier, surely you're joking.""I know you gave my ring to Juan. Whatever your motives are, one thing's for sure. He doesn't believe I'm dead,"
Drake glanced at Peter and ordered, "Go to the safe and bring me my phone.""Got it," Peter replied, rattled by Debra's earlier remarks.He hurried off, running down the hall toward the inner storage compartment.Debra watched him leave, her expression calm but her mind calculating. As long as there was a phone on this ship, she had a chance.Before long, Peter came rushing back, Drake's phone in hand.Drake powered on the phone, and within seconds, notifications began lighting up the screen. Debra's instincts had been right. The incident had already made headlines across various media platforms. People were speculating about a possible terrorist attack, and the police had launched an investigation.Peter swallowed nervously. The Lowe family had long been involved with shady business. If the authorities followed the trail back to them, it would be disastrous.Drake smirked, "It's just two mercenaries, and they're both dead. Do you think that scares me?"He set his phone on the
"Are you done?" Drake asked, his patience thinning."Yes," Debra replied, pushing the phone back across the table. "Take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to add."Drake wasn't expecting her to be so forthcoming. He glanced at the phone, checking the new social media account she'd created. There was only one post. It was a selfie, her face slightly retouched to look healthier than she actually was.The location was on the island, and the caption read, [All is well. The gunshots were just for show. I've been down with a high fever, so I've been out of it for a bit. Thanks for the concern, but I'm alive and kicking.]It was playful, light-hearted, and most importantly, believable. The post had already garnered hundreds of likes and comments within minutes.Drake closed the app and handed the phone to Peter. "Put it away.""Yes, sir," Peter replied, sweat dripping down his back.Debra, sensing her opportunity, leaned back in her chair and quipped, "Well, Mr. Lowe, we've
"Well, you can't actually..." "Enough!" Shelia stood up abruptly, her patience wearing thin. "I told you to investigate Debra. Did you do it?"Holly replied, "Mr. Blair's secretary looked into it. We know Ms. Frazier fell into the sea, her fate uncertain. Mr. Nichols was injured as well."Shelia scoffed, clearly dissatisfied. "Isn't that all over the news? Couldn't you go to the island and investigate further?""Well," Holly hesitated, "Mr. Blair's secretary isn't the same as Joe, who's always by Mr. Nichols' side. Not every bit of information is available to us, and most of what we know is just from the media. Miss, you should already know that.""You're unless," Shelia huffed.But there was nothing she could do.The Blair family was rich, but compared to the Nichols family, they were worlds apart. And with Declan away, no one listened to her here anymore.If she wanted things done, she'd have to rely on herself."Get the car ready. I'm going to the Nichols Mansion.""Miss
Melody shot up, her expression turning solemn. "Do you realize what you're saying?""Well, I'm thinking of the best interests of you and the Nichols family. If Debra is alive, Juan will never let her go. Who knows what he'll do for her in the future?"Seeing Melody waver, Shelia sighed dramatically. "Juan is the president of the Nichols Group, yet he embarrassed himself by appearing on some reality show. The entire elite circle is laughing at him. He's been bewitched by Debra. He's not even thinking straight anymore. What's next for him if this goes on?"Melody's face fell, just as Shelia had expected.Melody was already furious with Juan for participating in that reality show, all for Debra. In their world, entertainers were nothing more than tools for amusement. Juan's reckless behavior had made her the laughingstock among her peers. Now that Shelia had brought this all back into focus, Melody was more determined than ever to rid them of Debra. Noticing the gleam in Shelia'
Therefore, when Melody summoned her, Violet came without hesitation.Melody said, "Well then, I won't beat around the bush."Sophie handed Violet a cup of tea. Taking it, Violet smiled and said, "We're family, Melody. I'll do everything within my power to help you.""I want you to get rid of someone for me."Violet choked on her tea, sputtering, "Get rid of someone?""I know your husband does business overseas, so you must have connections. Plus, don't they allow guns over there? You should have people who can handle this kind of thing, right?" Melody said.Violet forced a smile and replied, "Well, yes, there are people who could do that. But who is it that has upset you so much?""Who else could it be? It's Debra," Melody huffed.Everything would have been fine if Debra had been dead. But she was alive. Her survival meant trouble for the Nichols family.Violet's face turned pale. "Debra... She's not an easy person to deal with. I heard she died while filming a show. Why would
Andrew and Marion had been holed up on the island villa, discussing their strategy."I'm leaving," Marion said.Andrew frowned. "You don't even know where she is. What good will it do to leave now?"Just then, Randy burst through the door. "She's alive."His words attracted immediate attention.Marion immediately stood up. "What do you mean?""Check the news. Haven't you been following it? Debra just posted on social media," Randy quickly replied, placing his phone in front of them.The butler searched for the relevant news and placed the phone in front of Andrew. "Sir, take a look."The post read, [All is well. The gunshots were just for show. I've been down with a high fever, so I've been out of it for a bit. Thanks for the concern, but I'm alive and kicking.]Attached was a selfie of Debra. Though it was just a selfie, in the background, they could faintly see a dining table and the décor behind her."It's a cruise ship," Andrew said, recognizing the surroundings."The ke
"Drake's phone," Andrew muttered.Randy was struck by a realization. "Wow! Debra posted that update using Drake's phone. And she even customized the phone model?"And Drake didn't notice a thing.Andrew explained, "Drake isn't a fan of electronic gadgets. He probably doesn't know much about their little features. Debra must have taken advantage of his lack of attention to make the changes, just to let us know that she's using his phone."Randy mused, "Drake's phone, huh? But even if someone isn't into gadgets, they can't avoid using phones. There might be some important secrets stored on that phone. If we can prove it's Drake's phone, it would confirm that he's behind the abduction. Debra is so smart."Andrew nodded. "Alright, we've all been at this for days. Let's pack up and catch the earliest flight home.""Okay."The next morning, Melody took out a few pieces of jewelry, each of considerable value. Sophie saw it at the door of the bedroom and hurried over with a smile."Mrs
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