Debra nodded and led the way back to her room, Lara trailing closely behind. As they reached the door, Debra suddenly yanked Lara inside, catching her off guard."Ms. Frazier, what are you doing?" Lara stammered."I need to talk to you about this dress," Debra said, cutting straight to the chase.Lara's façade dropped, her expression turning serious. "Ms. Frazier, I have to warn you. This dress belongs to Miss Sharp. If she finds out you wore it, you won't like the consequences."Debra was skeptical. "It's just a dress. Surely, she wouldn't go that far over something so trivial, would she?""With Miss Sharp, you can never be sure," Lara replied, her tone grave. "Her belongings are off-limits to everyone, whether it's clothing or people."Debra's eyes sharpened as she began to realize that Lara wasn't just another naive maid. Surviving this long in Drake's cutthroat world required a certain savvy."Drake didn't kill me because you covered for me, right?" Debra probed.She had ta
Ava caught a glimpse of Harland's warning glare and clapped a hand over her mouth. "It's nothing, Miss Sharp. I was just joking with Harland."Her dramatic act didn't sit well with Harland, whose face darkened instantly.Yvonne fixed him with a glacial stare and snapped, "Who permitted anyone to touch my piano? Harland, are you trying to lose your job?""Miss Sharp, this has nothing to do with me. It was the new pianist who didn't know the rules. I've already reprimanded her," Harland stammered.Before he could finish, Ava interjected, "Yeah, Miss Sharp, don't blame Mr. Bruce. The new pianist was brought in by Mr. Lowe. Mr. Bruce was just following orders."Yvonne's expression darkened further. "Drake brought her over?" Harland could feel the weight of her gaze.Sensing an opportunity, Ava stepped closer to Yvonne and whispered conspiratorially, "Miss Sharp, that new pianist is nothing but a vixen. She insisted on playing your piano. That was a sheer provocation to you."Just
"Yes, Miss Sharp," the chauffeur replied, deftly steering the car toward the Lowe Mansion.Kale came out into the courtyard, his face taut as he spotted Yvonne stepping out of the car.He said, "Mr. Lowe is resting. This might not be the best time for a visit, Miss Sharp."Yvonne cast a pointed glance at the mansion, its windows flickering with light, and arched an eyebrow. "Is he really resting, or is he inside with another woman?"Kale frowned. "Miss Sharp, you're overstepping."With a smirk playing on her lips, Yvonne replied, "The Sharp and Lowe families share a long history. I was just joking."Turning to her chauffeur, she ordered, "Take the car back and tell my dad that I'll be staying here.""Yes, Miss Sharp," her driver responded, leaving Kale more apprehensive than before."Miss Sharp, I don't think this is appropriate," he said."What's inappropriate about it? I'm going to be living here eventually," she said nonchalantly.She was ready to get in, but Kale blocked
Yvonne emerged slowly from the bathroom, her long, pale legs moving with a deliberate grace.She was draped in nothing but a thin, black lace nightgown, the damp strands of her hair clinging to her skin. Every step she took seemed calculated to seduce, and the sly smile tugging at her lips only heightened her allure.The door swung open, and Drake stepped inside. Yvonne moved instantly, throwing her arms around his neck."Drake," she purred, her voice honeyed and soft, "have you missed me these days?"He pried her arms off his neck, his chilling indifference making the smile on her face freeze.Drake went to the sofa and asked, "What brings you here?""I missed you," Yvonne cooed, striding closer. "Is that so wrong? I heard you've hired a new pianist."Drake leaned back, casually reaching out to twirl a damp lock of Yvonne's hair between his fingers. "So what, are you jealous?"Yvonne's lips tightened in displeasure. "I've already had someone smash the piano. You know I don't l
"She left this morning," Drake replied with a smirk. "What, are you scared?""Of course, I am!" Debra whispered. "If Miss Sharp finds out, you'll be in trouble.""Trouble? You're the one in trouble here," Drake said dryly, giving her a pointed look."Am I wrong?" Debra crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Is Miss Sharp more beautiful than me?"Drake's gaze swept over her, appraising. "Your waist is slimmer, and your face is more delicate. But you're more cunning.""Thank you for the compliment," she said."It wasn't a compliment," Drake replied, turning away. "You have five minutes. Be downstairs and in the car."Debra sighed and hurried to follow. Kale, waiting by the door, shot Drake a glance."Boss, didn't you promise Miss Sharp that you'd let Debra go?""I was just saying that to keep her happy. You take it seriously?"It was a tactic to soothe Yvonne's jealousy. He would never give up a useful pawn like Debra for that."I understand."Debra overheard their conversati
"Wait! I'll pick," Debra said quickly.It wasn't often she could get Drake to open his wallet, and she had no intention of letting the opportunity slip by.She moved carefully between the rows of pianos. Drake, lounging on the sofa, watched her intently, a faint smile tugging at his lips.Debra paused at one, her hands feeling its surface, and tested the keys. "I'd like this one."The manager, who had been lingering at a respectful distance, immediately stepped forward. "Good choice, Miss. This is our finest model, flown in directly from Phoria. The craftsmanship is exquisite, designed with the utmost precision.""Good. I'll take it," Debra beamed, turning to Drake. "Mr. Lowe?"Drake didn't even bat an eyelid. "Send it to the casino tonight.""Of course, Mr. Lowe," the manager replied smoothly.Drake rose from his seat and instructed Kale, "Pay the bill, and let's go.""Yes, boss," Kale replied, his efficiency almost robotic as he handled the transaction.Drake suddenly pause
Yvonne raised an eyebrow and walked over to Drake's side. "What a small world! Are you here to try on clothes, too?"The saleswoman jumped in quickly, sensing the tension. "Yes, Mr. Lowe is here to try on a suit he ordered."From the fitting room, Debra pricked her ears to listen.Yvonne's eyes swept toward the fitting room. "Why didn't you go change? Are you waiting for someone?""What do you think?" Drake smirked, his arm snaking around her waist.She fell on his chest, her cheeks reddening. "Not here in the public.""You stalked me," he said."No, I came to order some new dresses. I can't stand anyone wearing my clothes." She paused, throwing her arms around his neck. "Did you take care of that pianist?""I did.""Good. You will pay for my new clothes, right?""Pick whatever you like. I'll cover all expenses.""Aren't you so sweet?"As she turned to browse, her gaze landed on a mannequin. "Where's the dress that was here?"The saleswoman stammered, "It hasn't been displ
The tunnel pulsed with an eerie crimson glow, casting sinister shadows that danced along the walls.Suddenly, a hand clamped down over Debra's mouth and nose. Panic shot through her, but she instantly recognized the sharp, medicinal scent. It was the same drug Drake had used on her back in Seamar City.She held her breath and went limp, letting her body collapse like a rag doll. As she fell, she pinched her thigh brutally, using the pain to keep herself teetering on the edge of consciousness.She bet many secrets were hidden in this place. It was her chance to find out. Before she could think further, she felt herself being hoisted over a shoulder and carried down the passage. The soft hum of machinery vibrated through the air, and moments later, she was lowered onto a small, concealed vehicle.After a short trip, she was carried into an elevator that then paused with a chime. Soon, a familiar voice wafted into her ears."Careful! Don't bruise her," Harland grumbled. "Who told y
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
"We're all in it for ourselves." Michael shrugged. "Jeffery did his part for the Illuminati, so I'll cut you some slack.He pushed the teacup to Juan. "But I don't buy it that you're all-in. Following in Jeffery's footsteps sounds nice, but you killed him, which shows your ruthless nature. We need people like you. I don't care if you're Debra's mole or chasing your angle. Save your energy. It's pointless. Just do your job and back us up. I won't say a word about it.""Should I thank you for it?" Juan scoffed.He'd thought Michael was forced into it, but now he saw how naïve that was.Though young, Michael was already a core member, suggesting his connection to the Illuminati dates back a long time.Only intelligent and influential ones could enter the core circle. That meant he hadn't defected midway.Michael sat down across from him. "Don't look at me like that. We're not the same, and you know it.""When'd you turn on Debra?" Juan asked."Doesn't matter," Michael said, smilin
It was true they were both members of the Illuminati, but Fermin never signed up to be a lapdog.Back then, he'd teamed up with them for mutual gain. But the Illuminati wanted more than a partnership. They wanted the Eaton family on a leash.When Fermin didn't bite, Michael added, "I saw Miss Eaton crying her eyes out. We go way back. Should I cheer her..."Before he could finish, Fermin's knife flashed to his throat, nicking him. Blood trickled, but it was just a scratch."Stay away from her," Fermin growled. "Touch her, and I'll end you.""I'm just being nice here," Michael chuckled. "But if you're not cool with it, I'll drop it. But those terms? Think twice. We only help our own. If you keep playing your own game, that heart goes elsewhere. And trust me, you won't find another match."Fermin hated to admit it, but Michael was speaking the truth. Without the Illuminati's help, he couldn't find a match for Bert's heart.He lowered the knife. "Fine, it's a deal. Get your people
She only had Fermin and Bert left in this world.She had no mom and no real friends. She couldn't lose Bert or watch Fermin turn into this.She didn't want Debra's crew hurt either.Fermin pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry. Dad will be fine. I'll make sure of it."His promise unleashed her tears. The hospital hallway echoed with her cries.Once she calmed down, Fermin had someone take her away.A guard stepped up. "Mr. Eaton, our master is waiting ahead.""You've tailed me this whole way," Fermin said coldly. "Gonna keep it up? I don't like shadows."The guards stayed silent, just following orders. If their boss said stick to Fermin, they'd die before leaving his side."Loyal dogs to your master," Fermin scoffed, brushing past them.He walked into an empty ward. A tall figure in a white shirt stood by the window."You've really opened my eyes," he said, surprised."I'm flattered, Mr. Eaton," Michael said, turning around.His crisp white shirt had dried bloodstains. Notic
Liza rushed to the ICU upon receiving the news.A bodyguard stopped her. "Mr. Eaton said no one gets near the room and disturbs the patient's rest."Liza smacked him, and he bowed his head.Her eyes were red, her vibe darker than ever. "That's my dad in there. Why can't I go in? Move!""Mr. Eaton forbids it. Please, don't make things hard for us," the bodyguard said, stuck.No one there dared to defy her. They all knew how much Fermin doted on her."I don't care," she snapped. "Step aside, or I'll have my brother skin you alive. Let's see if you still block me."Her threat chilled him. She might be bluffing, but Fermin wouldn't."What's the ruckus?" Fermin's voice cut through."Mr. Eaton." The bodyguard bowed his head."Didn't I tell you no one gets near?" Fermin's tone dripped danger.Coming with him was a group of elite guards. The bodyguard was daunted by their aura.Liza stepped forward. "Dad is in a bad condition. Why wouldn't you let me see him? Does this have anythin