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
"Oh, really?" Debra paused, leaning on the second-floor railing. "And what business could Melody possibly have with me?"Shelia snorted, "Stop playing dumb. You're having Melody's box, right? You're not Mrs. Nichols anymore, so hand it over."Debra almost laughed. She'd nearly forgotten about that box.Back then, to pay the Vargas family, Melody exchanged a box of her personal effects for one billion in cash.Clearly, the old lady hadn't filled Shelia in on the details. That was typical Melody, always keeping her pawns in the dark."Do you know what's in that box?" Debra asked.Shelia scoffed, "Of course. It's filled with Melody's most valuable possessions. You're to hand them all over."Shelia assumed Debra had taken the box while holding the title of Mrs. Nichols. Now that she and Juan were divorced, Debra had no more reason to keep it.Debra curled her lips. "Miss Blair, if you're here to collect the box, you should know the facts. But if you insist, you can have it."Sheli
It was late at night.Inside the church, soft light filtered through the colored glass, casting a shadow that stretched long and unnerving.Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the vast space. A young man dressed in a black robe and wearing a mask entered."Didn't get the job done, and you're still here to face me?" The bishop's voice was low and ominous.The young man was unfazed. "Debra and Marion are keeping Drake well protected. We had no chance to move. The Potter family guards escorted him the whole way from the airport. We couldn't act."The bishop paused, his fingers tightening around the ring in his hand."The Potter family?" he muttered, "Without Andrew leading them, they're just a bunch of misfits.""It's not so easy to remove Andrew," replied the young man. "Rumor has it that he was crippled in a kidnapping incident, but he's still walking. And another rumor said he was dying, but he's still kicking and alive.""The Four Great Families only have one person like that.
Fermin's men aimed their rifles at Bert.Fermin led Liza downstairs and casually said, "Be careful. Don't let anything go off by accident. The old man's too frail for this.""Fermin..." Liza's face went pale.She knew Fermin wouldn't harm their father, but at that moment, her heart still twisted with worry.Outside, a luxury car pulled up. Fermin raised his hand and ordered, "Fall back."His men quickly withdrew from the property.Bert stood there, barely able to keep himself upright. The butler immediately stepped forward to support him. "Sir, stay strong.""That bastard pointed a gun at me." Bert's words were cut off by a sudden surge of something in his throat.The next second, blood gushed from his mouth.The butler was alarmed. "Sir!"Outside, Liza looked back at the house, worried about Bert.He was too old to handle such a shock.Fermin brushed it off. "Don't worry about him. Get in the car."Liza reluctantly sat in the passenger seat.She'd try to talk to Fermin w
Bert's face darkened as a loud noise echoed from outside the basement.A group of masked men had blown open the basement door.Fermin's shackles were quickly removed, and then he vanished from the surveillance footage.On the second floor, Bert had instructed that Liza be kept under guard to stop her from running around.Sitting on the bed, Liza was worried about Fermin when a sudden loud noise came from outside."Who's there?" She turned pale from fear.When she got up to check, she saw Fermin standing at the door.He had changed into a black shirt, and his face was no longer the mess it had been the day before. Even his stubble had been neatly groomed.He opened his arms with a smile, "Come here.""Fermin." Liza rushed into his arms, hugging him. "Did Dad let you out?"Fermin playfully ruffled her hair. "He didn't let you out, but you still managed to sneak down to the basement. Weren't you afraid of his punishment?""I was worried about you," Liza replied, but her express
Late into the night, Debra leaned against the head of the bed, waiting for Marion to come back after washing his hands.But then, the showering sound echoed from the bathroom.After a while, he walked out. His hair was still damp, and the bathrobe hung loosely on him, revealing his toned muscles and perfect V-shaped lines.The dim light from the bedside lamp reminded Debra of the banquet earlier.Her face flushed. She instinctively reached for the light switch to break the mood, but Marion grabbed her wrist.His palm was warm, and under the soft light, there was a glint of desire in his deep eyes."I'm clean," he croaked, having washed off the scent of blood.In fact, before leaving the castle, he had already changed into a new jacket, worried that Debra might catch the disgusting smell of blood."Alright," she said shyly, a bit overwhelmed by his strong desire.Marion smelled faintly fresh. Different from his usual tobacco, this scent was clean and pure."Don't hurt yourself
"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