Drake let out a low hum, piecing together the fragments. "So, Shelia's your rival in love? You are jealous of her and hate her alliance.""Jealous?" Debra shot him an incredulous look. "How did you get that idea?""Then why else would you be so upset over Edgar's connection to her?" Drake pressed, still toying with the notion.Debra, exasperated by his assumption, sulked, "Anyway, Shelia was my ex-husband's mistress. She's always been out to get me, so naturally, anyone associated with her is an enemy in my book."Drake's lips curved into a slow smile. "Well then, consider Edgar out of luck. I won't be helping him.""Really?""Yeah.""You're this agreeable?""What, you don't trust me? I can walk right out of here and make that deal with him if you'd prefer.""Wait." Debra nearly jumped up, seeing his playful smirk. "Fine. Go ahead. But don't come crying to me when you lose money."She flopped back onto the bed. Drake finally dropped the act. "Get some rest. After all, you're
Before Marion left, his words had been crystal clear. If anything happened to Debra, William would answer for it.But seeing her now, battered and bruised, William knew he was doomed. If Marion found out, the repercussions would be catastrophic."Quick question," Debra said, breaking his train of thought. "What are Juan and Marion up to?""Juan? Juan Nichols?""Yes, him.""No, I haven't heard anything about him.""Then why did he invite me to meet him at the casino tomorrow?"William's confusion only deepened. Knowing she couldn't get any answer, she waved it off with a sigh. "This place is too dangerous. If you are recognized, Drake won't let you slip through the cracks. Thankfully, that manager who saw you is dead.""I'm just here to patch you up," William said, focusing on her wounds. "If we don't treat these properly, you're at risk for infection. You need to be extra careful these next few days. Marion told me finding evidence isn't as important as keeping you safe."Debr
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Juan prowled the second floor of the casino impatiently.He checked his watch for the umpteenth time. It was already 20 minutes past their appointed time, but there was still no sign of her.A knot of worry tightened in his stomach. Debra was always punctual. He wondered if she was held up by something.He squinted, his gaze sweeping across the bustling floor below, and finally, he spotted her. Debra, in a striking burgundy dress, moved through the crowd like a flame. But it wasn't just her elegance that caught his attention. Shadows seemed to peel off the walls, men in black suits trailing her every step. Juan's instincts, honed by years of experience, screamed that they were trouble.Debra looked up, her eyes meeting his. With a subtle tilt of her head, she acknowledged the men tailing her. Juan understood immediately, watching as she ascended the stairs."You actually came," Juan said, his voice low as she stopped in front of him.Debra loo
"Get on the boat." Juan pulled Debra towards the beach.She asked, "Did Juan send you here?""Get on the boat first." Juan shoved her aboard but didn't follow."You're not coming?""I'll come after I take care of things here," Juan replied, turning to the personnel. "Remember your orders. Make sure Ms. Frazier reaches Seamar City safely.""Yes, sir."Juan gave Debra one last look, his expression unreadable. Then he turned and disappeared into the night, leaving her with a thousand unanswered questions."Ms. Frazier, let's get into the cabin."Debra stared out at the empty road, deep in thought.Drake must have learned that Juan had taken her away. If Juan stayed, he would be hunted down.As the boat set off, Debra asked, "Are you working for Andrew?""Yes, Mr. Andrew Potter sent us to escort you back to Seamar City.""Did Marion come to Orkgate too?""He arrived today. He and Mr. Nichols worked together to get you out of Orkgate amidst the chaos.""How many people did Mar
On the boat, Debra's breath came in shallow, ragged gasps. Her skin felt as if it were burning from the inside out, her pulse racing at an unnatural speed that left her dizzy.She staggered out of bed, barely able to focus as she groped her way to the bathroom. Cold water splashed onto her face, but even the shock of its chill couldn't extinguish the fire that raged within her.The icy wind blowing in from the sea only intensified the torment, doing nothing to soothe her feverish body.Her vision began to blur, and everything around her felt as if it were spinning. Her legs trembled violently, unable to hold her up any longer."If you don't return by midnight, this agony will become your daily companion," Drake's voice echoed in her head, cold and merciless. "Don't blame me for being cruel. This is the most merciful fate I offer to traitors."She slumped to the floor, her entire being engulfed in excruciating pain. It felt as though thousands of tiny needles were piercing her skin
"I'm fine, really," Debra replied weakly. "How is Marion? Is he safe?""Everything went as planned," Andrew reassured her. "He's already on his way back. You don't need to worry about him.""And Juan? Why didn't he come back to Seamar City?"Andrew's expression hardened. "That's his choice. Not our concern."The butler reappeared. "The car is ready, sir."Andrew nodded. "Let's get you home. We can discuss everything later.""Okay," Debra agreed.She leaned her head against the cool glass of the car window, her eyelids heavy with fatigue.Meanwhile, in Orkgate, Kale had cleaned up the mess in the casino.He entered the study room with grim news. "Boss, Marion's people have destroyed nearly everything. We've taken heavy losses, and Debra's whereabouts are unknown. Juan says she's already been taken away.""I see." Drake's face remained impassive."Should I lead people to get her back?""No need. She will come back on her own."He had never seen anyone survive the new drug th
The shards of a once-elegant teapot scattered across the marble floor, mere inches from Melody's feet.Sophie rushed to her side. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., are you all right?"Melody eyed Shelia unhappily. "I can't understand that you don't want to prepare breakfast, but you shouldn't just create a mess. What are you trying to do, Shelia?"Shelia quickly rose from the couch, her eyes brimming with tears. "This isn't my fault, Melody. Ever since Juan and I got engaged, he's been distant. I can't even reach him. You know, I'm worried about the Nichols family's future. I promised you to have a child soon."Melody took a deep breath. If not for Shelia's status as a Blair and the promises she'd made, Melody would never have welcomed her into the house."If you can't keep your man, that's your own failing," Melody said sternly. "Juan is in Orkgate, working for the good of this family. If you truly cared, you'd be focusing on stabilizing our stocks. Get your father on board. I want results, not
The maid shuffled her feet, wringing her hands."It's Miss Blair.""You mean Shelia?""Yes."The news hung in the air like a bad smell. Everyone in Seamar City knew about the sordid love triangle between Shelia, Debra, and Juan. Shelia's visit couldn't be anything good."Should I send her away for you?" asked the maid."No need." Debra set down her spoon. "Let her wait in the hall. I'll be there soon.""Yes, Ms. Frazier."Once the maid left, Debra resumed her breakfast, taking her time to savor each spoonful. If Shelia was here to stir the pot, she wasn't going to rise to the bait.In any case, Shelia wouldn't dare kick up a fuss at the Potter Mansion.Shelia sauntered into the grand hall, trailed by a couple of beefy bodyguards. Her eyes widened as she drank in the opulence. The Nichols family had wealth, sure, but this was a whole different ball game.Located in the city center, it couldn't be bought with just money. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth, unhappy that Debra
Garland knew Juan had been going to save Debra. It was a relief to learn that Juan was safe."Get inside and clean up," Garland urged. "Dad doesn't know yet. Or he'd have broken loose.""Let it break loose," Liza fumed. "Edgar teamed up with Cathryn to kidnap me. He's a dead man.""Cathryn?" Garland was shocked by the revelation."Son of a bitch!" Garland rolled up his sleeves.Liza quickly grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?""Of course, I'm going to beat the hell out of those bastards. How dare they mess with you?""Garland!"Just then, a figure wearing a mask entered the room.Liza scowled, "You have the nerve to come back. You..."Garland intervened, "Liza, go upstairs. I need to handle this. Go."She pointed at Juan, fuming. "Brother, you should punish him. He didn't care about my safety, opened fire while I was still around, and then just disappeared. No bodyguards do their jobs like that. He...""Alright, I'll teach him a lesson," Garland assured her, pushing her
Debra and Marion escorted Liza back home, where they saw Garland pacing anxiously at the doorstep."Brother!" Liza called out, making a run toward him.Garland was ready to hug her when he spotted two figures standing behind her.His smile faded, and his arms hung awkwardly in mid-air.This wasn't part of the script, and he didn't know how to react when facing Marion and Debra.And Juan was not with them.Oblivious to his strange reaction, Liza threw herself into his arms and cried, "I thought I'd never see you again."Garland glanced nervously at Marion and Debra. Liza looked up and asked, "What's wrong?"He saw her tear-streaked face and said in a deep voice, "Liza, pull yourself together. Our guests are watching."Liza was puzzled. This was their home, where she had never minded her manners.Garland then addressed Debra and Marion, "Mr. and Mrs. Houston, I presume I have you to thank for bringing Liza back safely."His polite exterior concealed a growing discomfort. His p
"But I heard you say you wanted to exchange true hearts," Marion said."I did," Debra replied. "My desire to save Liza is genuine. But that doesn't mean I have to die for it.""So why go through all this trouble? Trying to manipulate her feelings?""Not manipulation but a little strategy. Someone has to take the first step in any relationship."Marion sighed, flicking her nose. "Always scheming, aren't you?"Debra grinned, her earlier sharpness replaced by a playful gleam. This move had been unexpected, but it had worked beautifully.Not only had they caught Edgar, but Liza now owed her a huge favor. Even if there was some calculation involved, her desire to save Liza was genuine.Suddenly, Debra remembered Frederic, who had been with them. When she turned to ask about his injuries, she found him gone. Edgar was missing too.She frowned, wondering if Frederic had taken Edgar away on Fermin's orders."Hey, are you two done talking?" Liza complained. "It's freaking cold here."
The coldness in Debra's eyes deepened.Cathryn laughed mockingly, "Debra, this is all you've got? All you ever do is talk big with nothing to back it up.""If I do that," Debra said, "you'd let Liza go, right?""Of course. If you die, I'll let her walk free," Cathryn said, glancing at Liza. "We're friends. I don't want to hurt her. I just want you dead."Liza's heart sank. She didn't believe for a second that Debra would do that for her.Debra turned to Frederic and extended her hand. "Give me the knife."Frederic didn't move, and she frowned. "I said, give it to me."When Frederic still didn't respond, she added, "I'm doing this to save your lady. If something happens to Liza, how will you explain it to Fermin?"But Frederic still refused to comply. Debra leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "Trust me. Just give me the knife."Frederic's gaze flicked to the gun in Debra's right hand. Something clicked in his mind, and he slowly handed her the knife.Debra turned back to C
Debra's eyes narrowed. "I get why you want to kill me, but Drake was your ally. Isn't this a bit too cruel?"Cathryn spluttered, "Drake used me like a pawn. I just want him to pay for it. Compared to the humiliation he put me through, 20 billion dollars is nothing. It can't even restore my dignity.""Dignity is something you give yourself," Debra retorted. "Drake gave you choices. You were blinded by greed.""Shut up!" Cathryn snarled. "Don't act all high and mighty with me. You think you're so pure? If you were, why did you throw yourself at Marion? At your engagement party, Erica protected you. Randy stood by you. Andrew had your back. You have Michael and Oscar supporting the McKinney Group for you. Even Juan can't forget you. With all these people loving you, why did you have to steal Marion?"Debra hadn't realized Cathryn harbored so much resentment. She let out a cold laugh. "Everything I have, I earned with my blood, sweat, and tears. Do you think Marion would love you if yo
Frederic caught Liza, who was paralyzed with fear, and pushed her toward the car.Meanwhile, Debra kicked Edgar in the chest and pinned him under her heel. "Tell me, what's in Seamar City?"She had gone to great lengths to corner Edgar, intending to have Randy keep an eye on him in Seamar City until she could return to confront him.But Edgar had fled overseas, taking Liza and Cathryn hostage in his desperation.With his thigh pierced, Edgar could barely fight back. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he spat, "What's in Seamar City? Are you seriously pretending you don't know? It's wealth beyond imagination. The kind of fortune every merchant dreams of.""What treasure?" Debra leaned in, her expression intense. "Be specific."Edgar's hand suddenly darted to his waist. In a flash, he drew a concealed dagger and slashed toward her. In reflex, Debra caught it.Frederic immediately raised his gun, only to find it hard to aim at Edgar. He was trying to use Debra as a shield."Help
"True." Drake stood up. "Get the car ready. We're going.""Yes, boss." Kale shook his head.Drake never cared about his reputation. He just needed an excuse to go.Once in the car, Kale started the engine and asked, "Boss, where are we headed?""How would I know? Didn't Cathryn tell you where she was?""No, she didn't."Silence settled in the car.Inside the abandoned factory, Edgar glanced at Liza. "Fermin hasn't shown up yet. Looks like he doesn't care about you that much."Liza retorted, "No way. He loves me the most. He'll come to save me.""Seems like we can't rely on you. I should contact Marion instead." Edgar pulled out his phone, planning to instruct Marion to leave the money in a safe spot.Suddenly, a pair of headlights penetrated the darkness, shining directly at him."See? I told you my brother would come to rescue me." Liza pointed at the black car in the distance.Quickly, a figure emerged from the car. It was Frederic, who was dressed in a sharp suit that bo
"Me?" Debra muttered.Edgar held no personal grudge against Liza. The only person he hated there was Debra.She was the only reason for his downfall."Yes, you," Edgar replied. "You're full of tricks, and I don't trust you. If you don't take her place, I won't let her go."Debra laughed, "Then don't let her go. The Eatons are not after me anyway. And a little heads-up. If I get a scratch, Marion will make you pay a heavy price."Before Edgar could respond, she continued, "Well, I can go over and take her place."Edgar's eyes narrowed, and she added, "Relax! I might be able to fend off a couple of amateurs, but against you? I wouldn't stand a chance."Edgar scoffed, "At least you're self-aware."Only then did he cut Liza loose. The marks on her skin were deep. For someone who had lived a life of luxury and privilege, the humiliation was unbearable.She glared at Edgar, eager to slap him, but the cold steel of his gun kept her rooted in place.Meanwhile, Marion sped down the de
Kale hesitated.Drake furrowed his brow. "What is it?"Kale sighed, "Miss Bernard was kidnapped by Edgar.""Oh, and what does that have to do with me? Edgar needs money, right? He wants a ransom?""Yes.""Well, he should be asking Marion for money. Marion was the one who promised to take care of Cathryn."Drake brushed it off and loosened his tie. "Go pack your things. We don't need to get involved in Cathryn's affairs. Someone else will take care of it.""But...""What is it now?""Debra has also been kidnapped.""By Edgar? Ha!""I heard it over the phone. Besides Debra, Liza has also been taken. It sounds like Edgar is demanding a ransom of one trillion dollars.""One trillion? Has he lost his mind?""Desperate people do desperate things."Inside the abandoned factory, Debra leaned against the van and took out her phone."Are you sure you don't want me to call Marion? Both of them have already made calls. What's holding you back?" she said."Shut up!" Edgar snapped.