Debra chuckled to herself.It appeared Shelia hadn't changed after all. She was still as arrogant as before.People like her, who flaunted their rise, usually had the hardest falls.In the underground parking lot, Marion had just stepped out of his car. He popped a lollipop into his mouth when a pair of hands covered his eyes from behind."Quit messing around.""How did you know it was me?"Marion grabbed her hand, a smirk playing on his lips."Even with my eyes closed, I know it's you.""I heard you never let anyone sneak up on you from behind.""That's true.""I've got some bad news."Debra turned serious, recounting everything that Ben had just shared with her, watching as a deep frown formed on Marion's face.She reached out, smoothing his furrowed brow with her thumb."What's with the face? I'm not even that upset, but you seem more worried than I am.""It's my fault. I thought Ben and Michael could handle it."Debra linked her arm with his, offering a reassuring sm
Neither Debra nor Marion had brought the necessary papers.On the way back, Marion's face remained dark and brooding.Debra stole a few glances at him. "You didn't know you needed identification documents to get married?"Marion shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I didn't have any experience."If he had known earlier that getting married required certain documents, he would have carried them with him every day.Debra couldn't suppress her laughter. It bubbled out of her, filling the car with a light, airy sound that contrasted sharply with Marion's mood.Perhaps feeling stung by her laughter, Marion suddenly turned the car around.Shocked, Debra grasped the door handle to steady herself. "Marion, what are you doing?""Going home," he replied tersely.He meant the Houston Mansion.When the two of them arrived at the study room hand in hand, Caleb was tending to the plants.The watering can in his hand was suspended mid-air. He echoed, his voice filled with disbelief, "Marria
As Debra and Marion walked hand in hand out of the house, Debra couldn't shake off a sense of unease."Is Caleb reliable?""Well, I can't say for sure. But you remember the engagement banquet my parents were supposed to have? Caleb wanted to handle that too, but my dad was against it. Now, he finally has a chance to be involved in my engagement, so let's just let him have his fun.""Well, let's hope it's not too over the top."She hadn't even finished her sentence when suddenly, the alarm sirens pierced the air. Squads of guards scrambled into formation, and a booming voice echoed from the speakers overhead."Attention! Mr. Marion Houston is about to get married. All departments prepare for security measures. All personnel on alert!"Debra covered her face with her free hand, embarrassment flooding her cheeks. Hopefully, things at the engagement banquet wouldn't get out of hand.When they arrived home, Debra found Erica had called multiple times, and when Debra finally called he
Joe hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door to the CEO's office."Come in."As he entered, Joe found Juan meticulously trimming a bouquet of roses.In a good mood, Juan glanced at him and asked, "What is it?"Joe cleared her throat, choosing his words carefully. "Ms. Frazier and Marion have set a date for their engagement party. It's the same day as yours, sir."He observed Juan's reaction, but the latter showed none."As long as it's not at the same venue, I don't care," Juan replied nonchalantly. "I wouldn't want Shelia to be bothered by it."Setting the bouquet aside, he looked up at Joe. "Did you make a reservation at the restaurant I asked for?""Yes, it's all set.""Good. Make sure you pick up Shelia yourself and take her there.""Yes, sir."Joe lingered as he watched Juan adjust his tie."Sir, about Ms. Frazier's engagement, do you really not feel anything?""My relationship with her was nothing more than a business arrangement. The Houston family announc
Debra came straight to the point. "Since Mr. Hardy is aware of the situation, please take me to see Michael."The officer nodded, jumping to his feet. "Of course, everything's ready. Right this way, Ms. Frazier."He led her through a maze of corridors until they reached the interrogation room. Michael had been locked up for days now.His once-clean-shaven face was covered with rough stubble, and dark circles hung beneath his eyes.The moment he saw Debra enter, he shot to his feet. The guards at the door stepped forward, ready to intervene if necessary."Ms. Frazier, you can speak with him here," the officer said. "We'll be right outside if you need anything."Debra said calmly, "No need. I'm here to take him with me."The officer stammered, "Uh, that's not something we can authorize."Debra sharply glanced at them. "Michael is an artist under the McKinney Group. Our lawyers have been negotiating with you for days. If he assaulted someone, we'll pay damages. But you've kept him
"Where's the surveillance footage?""There aren't any. That area was a blind spot, not caught on camera.""Is she one of your fans?""I always keep my schedule private. Only a handful of people know where I'll be. I've never seen her before."Debra realized what was going on. Someone had set up Michael on purpose.Her mind raced, piecing together the timeline. When Michael was framed, Juan was still on the island, which meant he must have arranged things ahead of time. This so-called victim was likely someone from the Nichols Group, and the one behind it was probably Joe."So, they've been holding you this whole time?""Yes. I believe someone put in a word with the authorities. But I can't figure out who. In this city, no one usually dares to go up against the McKinney Group.""It's Juan."Michael was surprised, and Debra added, "It has to be connected to the Nichols Group.""Was he also behind the accident on the island?""No, that wasn't him. I'm sorry for putting you into
Debra's eyes narrowed. "You framed Michael, didn't you? Someone put you up to this."The woman's face paled. "What are you talking about? He hit me."Debra leaned back in her chair. "I've done my homework on you. You're not even one of Michael's fans. Why were you at the studio that day?"The woman hesitated for a moment, but then, as if reciting a well-rehearsed script, she snapped back, "I am a fan. I went there to get his autograph, and he attacked me. Just because he's famous doesn't mean he can treat people like dirt. Michael is nothing without our support."Debra drummed her fingers on the table. "Interesting. Few people knew Michael was leaving the studio early that day. How did you find out?""I heard about it in a fan group.""Are you in the group?""Of course.""Tell me the group ID. I'll check it."The woman froze, and Debra raised an eyebrow. "You see, the fans who have access to Michael's personal schedule are all verified superfans. If you're one of them, it won'
Juan's words annoyed Debra.Michael swiftly stepped in front of her and shot back, "It seems your taste has taken a bit of a nosedive lately."His gaze flicked to Shelia, his tone sharpening. "I wonder what tricks Miss Miles used this time. You seem to have an uncanny connection with the rich and powerful."Shelia's smile remained firmly in place. "Juan and I are soul mates, and we are engaged. Since you've been locked up at the police station, I presume you don't know about Ms. Frazier and Mr. Houston's engagement. But still, the way you two are pulling on each other is indecent."Michael's disdain for Shelia was written all over his face, but before he could form a retort, Ben got out of the car and jogged up to them.He said, "Mr. Austin, it's good to see you free at last. Mr. Houston is waiting in the car. We should get going."Shelia saw through the lie instantly, her voice dripping with mockery. "Oh, Ben, are you covering for Mr. Austin now? Mr. Houston just let his fiancée
"See you around," Michael said, smiling at Marion.His action got under Marion's skin. Taking a deep breath, Marion turned off the stove and took the eggs out.Debra glanced at him. "You seem hostile to Michael.""He's not worth my time," Marion replied flatly, peeling the eggs.Then he walked over to her and gently pressed the egg against her injured spot."This will help reduce the swelling. You went too hard on yourself. It's gonna hurt tomorrow.""Michael was just messing around. Don't be fooled by his innocent look. He's got a mischievous side. I think he just wanted to see if you cared about me. He wasn't trying to provoke you."Marion hummed in response, seemingly unbothered by it.He looked down at the bruise and sighed, "He wasn't wrong about one thing.""What is it?""I failed to take good care of you.""That was my doing. It wasn't your fault.""My job is to protect you. I can't let you get hurt even in the slightest." Marion pinched her nose. "I'll carry you to
When Debra and Marion came back, Michael quickly ended the call."You didn't check in with Hannah before leaving?" Debra asked."This trip is for work," Michael replied, closing his laptop. "Hannah was just briefing me on tomorrow's schedule."He noticed her disheveled appearance. "You guys came back so early. Guess the investigation didn't go as smoothly?""Let's just say it was a bit intense. Marion can tell you about the details," Debra said, sitting down on the couch.Marion habitually warmed up some milk for her and grabbed some pre-sliced cake from the fridge.He didn't stick around in the living room but went straight to the kitchen to boil eggs.Michael raised an eyebrow. "Feels like he doesn't quite like me."Marion heard it, his grip tightening around an egg. Then there was a cracking sound.Michael added, "My visit seems untimely. Should I move out?"But he made no move to get up.Debra took a sip of milk. "No way. I can't let you leave, especially since you're th
God knew how panicked Marion was when that guard raised his gun at Debra."I..." Debra murmured, "I couldn't find you.""That's not an excuse." Marion frowned. "Do you not trust me, or are you just used to handling everything yourself? Even if you stood there doing nothing, I could find you in a second. You shouldn't have rushed it like that.""The doors were closing, and I was worried that the guy would get away, so..." she explained."I don't care about the Illuminati. I care about you." Marion cupped her face, his tone serious. "You can't go solo like that again.""What if I do that again?" Debra looked at him.Marion pinched her cheek and muttered, "I'll break your legs so that you can't run off again."Debra slapped his hand away. "It was a special case today. I won't do it again.""Remember what you said. Don't make me worry," Marion relented, pinching her nose."By the way, what's the situation now?""I've handled it.""How?"He fell silent, but she didn't press furt
The man trembled and spilled every bit of information he knew about the Illuminati."Sounds like you're not so useful," Marion said, watching the man shiver in fear. "Everyone here is guilty. To redeem yourselves, your souls will stay in this castle."Before anyone could process his words, gunshots erupted around them. Screams filled the air. In just moments, the castle was thick with the smell of blood."You're out of your mind!" shouted the man, rushing toward the exit.But before he could get close, he was shot dead."Sir, we'll take care of the rest," said a guard."Make sure to clear all the traces," Marion ordered before leaving the castle alone.His eyes reflected the cold light of the moon. The air around him was chilling.Since the day he arrived overseas, everyone was nothing more than a dead man to him....Debra had a dream of her coming-of-age ceremony.Everyone was smiling, and everything was perfect.Suddenly, a gunshot shattered everything. The world went bl
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