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
Shelia's bravado rang hollow, and Debra was not convinced at all."Alright then, come back when you've got your hands on that fund," she said, turning to the guards. "See the guests off."One of the guards stepped forward. "Miss Blair, if you would please." Shelia's fury ignited like dry tinder, and with a sharp crack, her palm collided with his face. "Who do you think you are, telling me to leave?"Debra's face hardened like stone. She hadn't wanted this to escalate. Her body was still fragile, but Shelia had crossed a line.Before Debra could act, a voice cut through the tension like a blade."Barton, teach her some manners.""Yes, sir."Without hesitation, Barton stepped out from behind Andrew, his movements swift and precise.In two brutal slaps, Shelia's head whipped to the side. When her bodyguards tried to intervene, Barton dismantled them with ease.His fighting skills could rival Kale's. After the quick takedown, Barton returned to his post behind Andrew and wheele
"Who did this to you? Was it Drake?" Andrew asked, his fingers digging into her wrist as if he could crush the truth out of her. Debra winced, trying to pull back, but his hold was unyielding. "It's not that serious.""Not serious?" His voice rose, cutting through her excuses. "You think these marks are nothing?"Debra's gaze dropped. Of course, she knew the gravity of the situation. But what was done was done. All she could do was find a way to survive it. "Drake only injected me once. The dose was weak.""Has it taken effect?"Once someone was injected with drugs, just one dose could make them addicted. Even a weak dose was deadly."Yes, but it was bearable.""What were you thinking? Why didn't you tell me?"Debra rarely saw him this angry. She quickly pulled her hand back and explained, "I was too exhausted last night, and I didn't want you to worry. Most importantly, I didn't want Marion to know."She knew that if Marion found out, he'd find Drake to avenge her. But O
Debra looked at Andrew."Is Marion coming back tonight?""That's what you're focusing on right now? Do you understand the battle you're facing? If you can't conquer this addiction, it will destroy you.""I'll make it through.""Do you have any idea how many lives the Lowe family has ruined with their drugs? It's a miracle if someone breaks free. What makes you think you'll be any different?""If I wasn't determined to fight this, I would have stayed with Drake instead of coming back." She paused, looking down at her arms. "I knew from the moment he injected me that I was in trouble."She had known ever since the night Drake kidnapped her. He had drugged her, and he was betting that she wouldn't dare leave his side because of it."Drake always underestimates women. He thinks he can control me with drugs and make me obedient and dependent on him. I'll beat this and prove him wrong."Andrew studied her for a moment and then nodded. "I will provide you with the best medical support
Just as Liza finished speaking, a loud noise shattered the tension in the room.The door burst open, and in stormed a dozen bodyguards, each one clad in uniforms bearing the unmistakable insignia of the Houston family.Liza, who had never encountered anything like this before, felt her knees weaken. "Who are you people? What do you want?"Cathryn, however, wasn't as rattled. Her expression darkened when she recognized the crest, her mind immediately racing to one conclusion."It's Marion. He is here," she muttered, intending to rush out.But before she could take a step, another person entered. It was not Marion, but Erica.Cathryn froze mid-step, her eyes wide with shock.Erica sneered, "Miss Bernard, were you expecting someone else? Marion, perhaps?"Cathryn scanned the crowd for any sign of him, but he was not there. "Where is Marion? Why didn't he come?"Erica's sneer deepened. "Marion doesn't want to see you. He sent you a message: His promise to your dad is no longer voi
Outside the villa, Erica strode toward her car. She paused, her sharp gaze flicking to the side."Randy. Stop hiding and get over here."From the shadows, Randy sheepishly emerged, rubbing the back of his neck. "Erica..."She grunted, "Why were you skulking around back there?"Randy offered a lopsided grin. "I'm a guy. It didn't feel right to go in there and scare off two women like that. But you were amazing. That roar of yours could be heard from outside."Erica rolled her eyes. "You're useless.""Yes, I am," Randy laughed.She waved him off. "Where's Debra? She's back safe now, right? You promised you'd take me to see her. Hurry up.""We'll go tomorrow," Randy replied mysteriously."Why?" Erica asked suspiciously.Randy explained, "You know, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Why interrupt their time together? We'd just be third wheels."Realization dawned on Erica. "What about Marion? Is he at the Potter Mansion?"Randy sighed. "Don't even remind me. He flew straight
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