"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
To be on the safe side, Debra slipped back into her room.To her shock, Ava was sneaking around."What are you doing here?" Debra asked icily.Ava jumped, spinning around with a gasp. "M-Ms. Frazier?""Answer me. What are you doing here?" Debra stepped forward.Ava shrank back and forced a smile. "Mr. Bruce Harland sent me to bring you tea. When I saw you weren't here, I planned to take it back."Debra looked at the tea in her hand and smirked, "Is that so?""Yeah," Ava stammered, hastily setting the tea on the table. "It's very fresh. Please, enjoy."Debra watched the steam curl from the cup. "Alright, I'll drink it later.""I'll be going, then," Ava said, making her exit.Debra eyed the tea suspiciously. According to the person who had drugged her, she wouldn't wake up for half an hour. Harland sending her tea now didn't make any sense.Plus, Ava was acting weird.Debra picked up the cup, inhaling cautiously. The scent was odd, clearly laced with something.Her mind flas
Ava quickly slipped into the shadows.Inside the lounge, Debra lay sprawled across the table, feigning sleep. She heard the door lock, her pulse quickening.A hand slid across her cheek, its touch making her skin crawl.Carlos muttered, "Little beauty, you're mine."The lounge was simple, but he could make do.Just then, Debra's eyes snapped open, startling him. But instead of feeling fear, he chuckled, "Awake, huh? Even better."With a wicked grin, he lunged for her, but she swiftly dodged."Oh, playing hard to get? I love that," Carlos growled, his excitement growing.He lunged again, his eagerness disgusting her. Debra braced herself to teach him a lesson, but before she could act, a faint voice drifted from outside the door."Mr. Lowe, she's inside."Debra was distracted for a split second, enough time for Carlos to rip her outer garment. She let out a piercing scream, "Help!""Stop shouting," he sneered. "No one's coming to save you."His confidence oozed from the fact
Drake's gaze flicked to Debra. The blouse she'd worn earlier that morning was now in shreds."Harland," Drake said without turning, "bring her a dress.""Right away, sir." Harland scurried out of the room.Debra instinctively stepped back as Drake moved toward her."What do you want?""Your clothes are ruined.""I'll replace them.""The top costs six thousand dollars. Cash or card?"She gaped, realizing she had no money or phone.She muttered, "I'll pay you back later."Drake snorted, clearly unimpressed.Breaking the tension, Debra said, "There's a hidden passage beneath that boutique you took me to. Care to explain what that's all about?"Drake remained silent, his expression inscrutable.Debra pressed further. "I fell through that trap door and was knocked out. When I woke up, I was here. You owe me an explanation.""I owe you nothing," Drake snorted. "Keep your nose out of things that don't concern you. Or...""Or what?" she challenged.His lips curled into a cold s
As Debra's hands stilled on the keys, Drake commanded calmly, "Continue."Debra hesitated but resumed playing, though her attention was divided. Behind her, Harland continued to beat Ava, who pleaded for mercy between sobs."Have mercy, please," she cried out."Who told you to do this?" Harland repeated.Ava finally gave in. "I'll talk. It was because I needed money. But I did it all for Mr. Lowe. Please, have mercy."Drake raised his hand, signaling Harland to stop. "Hold on. You did this for me?"Ava nodded frantically. "Yes! I did it because she is a traitor."She pointed at Debra, who paused in shock.Drake's interest was piqued. "I'm listening."Ava continued, "I saw her with a man. They were plotting to run away.""Is that so?" Drake turned to Debra. "Did you do that?""No," Debra denied immediately as she continued playing. "I don't know why she slanders me like this. Without evidence, she's talking nonsense.""Of course, I have evidence. I saw it with my own eyes. Y
Debra's heart skipped a beat. She narrowed her eyes. "Oppose Mr. Lowe? Is this a joke? In this city, who would dare stand against him?"Ava's face tightened. That night, she had only overheard fragments of the conversation, but she was sure they were plotting to deal with Drake.She looked up at Drake and said urgently, "She is biding her time, waiting for her lover to rescue her. I was just trying to protect you and show you the kind of woman she truly is."Debra arched an eyebrow. "And you have proof of this? Or is it just more of your words?"Ava shot back, desperation creeping into her voice. "No, I saw it with my own eyes. Mr. Lowe, you can't keep her around you. Who knows if she's been sent by your enemies to bring you down?"Debra smirked, sarcasm lacing her tone. "That's funny. How could a weak woman like you pose any threats to Mr. Lowe? That makes him sound vulnerable, don't you think?"Ava paled, and Debra turned her gaze to Drake. "What do you think, Mr. Lowe?"Drake
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