Drake snorted, unfazed by her sharp wit. "I don't understand what Marion sees in you."Apart from her looks and quick tongue, he couldn't fathom what made her special."Once you've eaten your fill, get out. I've arranged a room for you to rest in. Once you've gathered your strength, I'll take you to the casino tomorrow," he said.Debra perked up at that. "Wait, you're still going to take me? But I didn't finish cleaning the wine cellar.""Consider it a special favor," Drake said, rising from his seat and striding toward the door.Opening it, he called out, "Lara, take her to her room. I need to sleep.""Yes, boss," Lara replied, stepping in to help Debra up. "Ms. Frazier, please follow me."Debra cast one last glance at Drake, noting the exhaustion etched on his face. Just before leaving, she swiped a handful of pastries from the table.Lara led her to a neatly prepared guest room. "Ms. Frazier, you'll be staying here tonight. If you need anything, just ring the bell by the bed
Lara cleared her throat and explained, "Mr. Lowe reconsidered the outfit last night and decided it might not be appropriate, so he had Mr. Mclean prepare something else for you. Why don't you try it on and see if it fits?""I see." Debra nodded, rising to slip off her jacket and put on the new dress.It was white and modest, save for the daringly high slit. In such a dress, she would be the least popular dealer in the casino.Kale was insidious enough to arrange this.With a dark expression, she went out of the room.When Drake turned to see her, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The dress, though understated, clung to Debra's curves, accentuating her slim waist. It was intended to be seductive, yet on her, it radiated unexpected elegance."This looks nice on you, but you don't seem too thrilled about it," Drake teased her.Debra shot him a frosty glare. "Would anyone wear this to be a dealer? Kale did this on purpose. How am I supposed to attract customers like this?"Drake mu
Now, as she took in the view, Debra realized this place was every bit the metropolis people whispered about.When she was younger, she didn't understand, but now she saw that this city had everything.Not only was it home to the largest trade center, but the place was also a melting pot of people from all walks of life. People of different skin colors could be seen everywhere.Trying to escape from this city and avoid Drake's watchful eyes was almost impossible."Sir, we've arrived," the driver announced.Debra blinked in surprise. It had only been a ten-minute drive, which meant Drake's mansion was right in the heart of the city.Drake hummed in response and got out of the car. Debra followed suit, stepping out into a grand square dominated by an enormous clock tower. Surrounding them were buildings reminiscent of a bygone era, their grand scale astonishing her.Drake snapped his fingers, and Debra didn't know what that stood for until the lights in every building went on at th
Guests began streaming into the gambling hall. The manager tossed a headset to Debra, gesturing for her to put it on.She fumbled with the device until she managed to settle it over her ears. She had never stepped foot in a place like this before, not to mention knowing anything about gambling.Fortunately, Drake had cut her some slack by assigning her to the simplest of games—betting on dice rolls.As Debra struggled to figure out the ins and outs of the game, a middle-aged man reeking of stale alcohol swaggered into the room. Leering at her, he slurred, "Ava, you look stunning today. Your waist is slimmer."The manager put on an obsequious smile. "Ava's not working tonight. This is our new dealer.""A new dealer? Wonderful!" said the man, reaching out for Debra's wrist.She instinctively pulled away. The manager shot her a warning glare, and she quickly adjusted her demeanor, flashing a seductive smile. "Oh, I see you're a regular who enjoys Ava's company. Should I call her to
Debra met his gaze steadily. "I don't know how to control the dice."She couldn't do it like others, rolling the exact number Drake wanted.His eyes narrowed. "You don't know how, yet you asked me to take you here?""But even so, I can still make money," Debra countered. "Didn't I help you make some just now?"Drake's frown deepened, but she pressed on. "Sure, I can't control the dice, but I know human nature. No one can win forever by betting all on small or big while doubling the stakes each time. Eventually, they'll lose. It's inevitable.""And you think that's some brilliant strategy?" he scoffed. "If that idiot down there had any clue what he was doing, do you think you'd have been able to take him for that much?"Debra accepted his scolding without protest."If you can't handle being a dealer, then get out of here. Stop wasting my time," Drake snapped, turning to the manager. "Take her back.""Yes, boss." The manager nodded and turned to Debra. "Ms. Frazier, please come w
"A thousand people?" Debra's voice wavered."Yes," Drake confirmed casually, but the glint in his eye suggested he relished the challenge he had thrown her way.Debra's mind raced as she recalled the grand piano in the plaza. Sure, it was a prime spot, but just playing piano alone wouldn't be enough to draw such a crowd.And she would be competing with zither, cello, and violin performers for attention.Beating them and attracting one thousand audiences was almost impossible.As she pondered, Drake added, "You can still back out now.""No, I can do it," she said firmly, heading downstairs."Boss, a thousand people? Isn't that a bit much?" the manager said.Drake's amusement flickered as he noted Debra's determined stride. He figured it wouldn't take more than half an hour before she came back, defeated. As Debra navigated the square, she found it teeming with life—couples laughing on dates, workers just off their shifts, dog walkers chatting, and groups gathered for spirited
Debra walked over and slipped a bracelet to the man, who took it and fled for life.Debra scanned the swelling crowd and flashed Drake a victorious smile. "I did it, Mr. Lowe."Within half an hour, she had successfully attracted a thousand people.Drake's eyes narrowed as he quickly pieced together what had happened. "You used me."Debra had crafted the entire scenario to draw a crowd.She met his gaze, unflinching. "In this city, what else could draw more attention than your golden reputation?"The crowd began lifting their phones and taking pictures of Drake.Drake was displeased. "I told you to attract a thousand people through playing piano, not making a scene.""A thousand people are already here. Getting them to listen to me play? That part's easy," Debra replied, confidence radiating from her.Before he could respond, she strode over to him, grabbed his hand, and pulled him toward the piano. "Thanks for saving me, Mr. Lowe. Will you do me the honor of playing with me?"
The last note faded, and Drake hadn't played a single key.Afraid the crowd might notice it, the manager swiftly signaled the security team to disperse the onlookers.Debra looked sideways at Drake. "Mr. Lowe, did I meet your requirements?"He had demanded that she attract a thousand people, but the crowd in the square had far exceeded that number.Drake's scrutiny lingered on her a moment too long, making Debra squirm. "Mr. Lowe?"Snapping out of his thoughts, he stood up and muttered, "You've met the minimum standard."In fact, she had far exceeded his expectations."You know how to create buzz and how to leverage people when necessary. Seems like you've got more than just a bit of cunning.""That's for sure.""I wasn't complimenting."Turning to the manager, he ordered, "Get her into a proper uniform and then bring her back.""Yes, boss.""Wait," Debra interrupted. "You're not going to let me deal cards anymore?"She had worked so hard to get close to Drake's inner circ
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