"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
Debra spun around, startled, only to be pulled into a strong embrace. At first, she struggled, but then the familiar scent of tobacco enveloped her. It was unmistakably Marion.Even though he had quit smoking, he still carried that scent."Marion..." her voice broke, and her eyes brimmed with tears.For the past week, she had faced Drake alone, fought for her life in Orkgate, and dealt with danger all by herself. Yet, she hadn't felt any sense of grievance until now, being held in Marion's arms. She had been haunted by fear of not being able to see him again."I'm here," Marion's voice was hoarse.He tried to keep his emotions under control, but seeing Debra standing there in front of him, safe and sound, he couldn't help but tremble. He had almost lost her this time.The moment he heard she had been kidnapped during the engagement party, his fear had been overwhelming.Over the years, he had grown used to the constant threat of death. He thought there was nothing left in this
The car accident staged by Yvonne had harmed Debra badly. As Marion helped her into the bath, his eyes darkened, taking in the bruises and cuts that painted her skin.Debra cupped his face. "What's that look? Feeling sorry for me?"Marion's anger dissipated like smoke in the wind. He gently flicked her forehead. "I won't get you into trouble ever again.""This was a special case," Debra replied, rubbing her forehead. "I promise it won't happen again."She hadn't expected Yvonne to be so unhinged. But ironically, it was thanks to Yvonne that she had gained even more of Drake's trust.She pinched his serious face. "You have no idea how much valuable information I got from this close call.""Should I be thrilled about that?""Of course. I struck gold."Marion flicked her forehead again, a little harder this time. "If you weren't already banged up, I'd bend you over my knee."Debra pouted. "You'd hit a wounded woman?"Marion's resolve crumbled. He sighed, his voice softening. "Ho
The three men around Debra froze.They all knew Michael was one of her most trusted people.Since the founding of the McKinney Group, he had been there. He was, without a doubt, the person she relied on the most."At that time, I was in my room trying to piece together the Illuminati's and Fermin's motives. Even if Marion was hiding things from me, it didn't mean our misunderstanding had to keep getting worse," she explained. "We could just talk things out. That wouldn't work for whoever was pulling the strings. They needed someone to step in, pull me away from Marion, and create conflict between us."She paused and added, "Everyone was reaching out to me, trying to figure out what was going on. But Michael? He only called once. The moment I answered, I was hoping he wouldn't ask me to meet him. But he did.""That's it? That's the reason?""Yeah. I started to suspect him, but I couldn't be sure the house wasn't bugged. So, I had to play along and get out of there first. Even in M
Back then, Debra had been too weak, relying on tricks to survive in the cracks of Seamar City.Now her gaze was determined. She had strong backing and could be herself.For his part, Jordan had made the most important decision of his life because of her.The two cars pulled up at the Potter Mansion. The three of them headed upstairs to see Drake.But as soon as Jordan opened the door, a vase was thrown straight at Debra.Debra froze, and so did Drake on the bed.Jordan kicked the vase away just in time, preventing it from hitting Debra."What's your problem?" Jordan frowned.Drake's face darkened. "Spending a million in a nightclub and booking a hotel room with a gigolo. Debra, you're something else." "Why is everyone asking me the same thing?" Debra rubbed her brows.Jordan didn't interrupt Drake. Instead, he walked in and poured himself a glass of wine."I'm waiting for her explanation too," he said.Juan followed him inside and sat on a nearby sofa.Debra felt the weig
Juan pulled a badge out of his pocket. It had the shape of the sun on it."The Illuminati badge. I found it," he said.Debra took it. "You found it in Jeffery's belongings?""Yeah."Debra turned the badge over in her hand. It looked very similar to the symbol she'd seen in the church and the old castle. Only it didn't have the phoenix."Is there anything else?" she asked."All of his belongings were destroyed. When I found it, there was only rubble left. The Illuminati works quickly, and their influence is vast. I don't know how many businesses here are involved," he replied. "Once someone becomes a member, they're at the Illuminati's beck and call. They may never be asked to do anything, but when the time comes, they have to risk everything to get the job done, or they'll be killed by their people.""That's a high stake. Why would so many people still want to join the Illuminati?""Human desires are endless. Some want fame, some want wealth, and others just want money. To get
Debra's phone rang.She glanced at the screen and answered the call before Michael's angry voice came through."You'd better have a good explanation for this."Debra pulled the phone away from her aching ear."Calm down." "Calm down? I told you to go have fun at that club, not blow a million dollars. And now, you're all over the news, crowned the 'Queen of the Overseas Nightlife Scene' overnight. And you checked into a hotel with a male model. Have you lost your mind?"Michael rarely lost his temper. This time, he was genuinely furious.Debra rubbed her temples. "I was just blowing off steam. Nothing happened with that model.""You threw money around like crazy and booked a hotel room with him. The rumors are everywhere. The whole overseas circle thinks you and Marion are getting a divorce. I bet Seamar City is buzzing with gossip, too. Going back now is like walking away with your pants down.""It's not that bad. I'm exhausted. We'll talk when you're back."Before Michael
It was late into the night when Debra got off the plane.Jordan's car was already parked by the airport. It felt empty with few passengers at that hour.She spotted him at a glance and threw a package at him. He tossed his cigarette aside and caught the package.Debra said, "Kid, you've learned to smoke now?"Jordan protested, "We are the same age. Don't talk like a senior.""Force of habit," Debra smiled. "I thought you were still that red-haired guy who'd always stick up for me back in school. But just two years later, you've grown up.""Debra.""Sorry. It's kind of ingrained."Having lived through a life, she couldn't help but speak to him like an elder."Aren't you going to explain it?""There's nothing to explain. I just came back alone.""Is that all you're going to say?"Together, they walked out of the airport, and he opened the car door for her.Jordan followed her to get into the car, and she finally said, "The news is all true."Jordan froze. "A nightclub model
Josh finally got a good night's sleep.Opening his eyes, he saw Debra was already up."Are you hungry? I can go grab some breakfast for you.""No need. I'm not used to regular stuff."Marion had always made breakfast for her since they got together. At first, these were just simple little things. But now, they had become an inseparable part of her life.Debra shook her head. "Your job is done here. Think about it and come back when you're ready."Before he could respond, she turned and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.Just then, the doorbell rang.Josh threw on his jacket and opened the door.A waiter was pushing a food cart. "Sir, here's your order.""My order?" Josh pointed to himself.The waiter did not explain. He simply rolled the cart inside and left.Debra finished freshening up and stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes landed on the cart."I said I wasn't eating. Did you order this?" she said.Josh removed the lid. Inside lay a freshly baked soufflé, topped w
Randy glanced at the car and said, "Don't be fooled by his façade. Watch how I tear it off."He yanked open the car door and grabbed Marion's arm, trying to drag him out. "Come on," Randy urged. "Erica is mad. Just do me a favor and come out."Marion didn't resist it.Erica stepped forward. "Debra is not the type to mess around. She's doing this to piss you off. I believe she's still waiting for you to explain yourself. Just get up there, talk to her, and deal with whatever's wrong with you. Got it?" "Don't be stubborn," Randy echoed. "Keep this up, and Debra is gone for good."He shoved Marion toward the hotel, but the latter just stood there, unmoving.Several guards arrived. Without a word, they started to drag Erica and Randy away."What the hell? Let go of me. Do you want a fight?" Erica snapped, raising a fist.But then, she recognized those people as well-trained soldiers of the Houston family. There was no way she could beat them.Randy didn't fare any better. He wa
"Really?" Debra raised an eyebrow."Don't judge me by appearances. I'm good at my studies," Josh replied. "One day, I'll make something of myself.""Who says working in this industry means you're a failure? The industry doesn't have ranks or status. If you feel bad about it, just tell yourself you're here to soothe souls. As long as your heart is pure, your body is too.""Thanks." Josh finished his wine in one go."Alright. You can go to bed.""Are you sure you don't wanna..."Josh hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.Though he had no problem saying honeyed words to clients, he was careful with his words around Debra."No, I'm married.""Then why are you...""Didn't your boss tell you when you started in this line of work? Don't try to pry into clients' privacy.""Sorry.""I have a card here. It's enough for your studies and starting a business. After tonight, you probably won't fit in here anymore. But I think you have the potential to be the boss in this line of work
Josh had booked the most expensive presidential suite.When Debra walked in with him, Josh went over to the table and asked, "Want a drink? I noticed you haven't really had much to drink tonight.""No thanks." Debra sat down on the couch and took off her other earring, placing it on the table. "I'll buy you for the night. You don't have to do anything. Just stay in this room and don't go out."Josh was puzzled. "What do you mean?""I mean, you can go to sleep now," Debra replied. "I don't like sleeping on the couch, so you'll be sleeping there tonight."Josh gaped. "You're spending all this money just for me to sleep on the couch?"He couldn't believe his ears. The rich ladies usually lined up to date him. Yet Debra wanted nothing from him."Not really," she replied, walking over to him. "Take off your shirt."Josh paused and complied.His figure was seductive. Debra smiled, clearly pleased with what she saw.Josh thought she was just playing hard to get, so he leaned in towa