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
Drake wasn't engaged to Yvonne. That was a curveball Debra hadn't seen coming.She couldn't recall any connections between Drake and the Eaton family, but once again, things were diverging from her past life."Debra?" Andrew's voice snapped her back to reality.She blinked. "Sorry.""Since Marion is here, you can share what you found out at the Lowe family's," he said.Debra nodded, grabbing a pen and paper from the table. "After Drake took me, I played the abandoned fiancée card and gained his trust. I got a list of names and discovered that the third floor of their casino was a front for a prostitution ring. Drugs might be involved too."She scribbled down the names and sketched out the casino's third floor. Andrew scanned the list, his expression grave. These were Orkgate's elite, families who'd been in bed with the Lowes for years. Many of these businesses were not above board, and this list looked quite convincing."Drake must trust you so much that he gave you such an impo
But if they both snuck out, he could blame it all on Liza. Bert wouldn't be as hard on him then.With that thought, Garland hurried after Liza, making sure to emphasize, "Remember, I'm only going to Seamar City to protect you. This is all for your sake.""I know. You're the best brother ever," Liza chirped.In Seamar City, Randy and Erica were waiting at the airport.Randy, with dark circles under his eyes, was seeing double. Everyone looked like Debra and Marion to him."Erica, we could've just waited at home," Randy grumbled. "They're not kids; they won't get lost. I finally took a break. I don't want to do fatigued driving.""Oh, stop whining," Erica retorted. "I'll drive later."Randy's eyes widened at the thought of Erica's driving skills. He suddenly felt wide awake. "You know what? I can drive."Just then, Debra and Marion exited the airport. Debra spotted Erica and Randy bickering in the crowd."What do you mean by that? Do you think I'm a bad driver?" Erica demanded,
"The waters in Seamar City run too deep. I don't want her to know too much," Juan replied, kicking the sack toward Garland. "Load him up. I'll meet you upstairs.""Hey, you're seriously dumping this on me?" Garland growled, glancing at the motionless Edgar inside the sack.His face was pale from blood loss. Of all the people he could've kidnapped, it had to be the two most cherished women. Edgar brought this on himself....Drake and Kale finally arrived at the factory, only to find the place deserted.Drake scanned the place and asked, "You're sure this is the place?""Yes, boss," Kale replied firmly. "The team tracked the signal from the phone call. It came from here."Drake glanced at his watch. Two hours had already passed since they'd set out.Maybe it was all over.His jaw tightened as frustration flashed in his eyes. "Damn Edgar! Can't even hold out for long enough to make it worthwhile."The next morning, at the Eaton Mansion. "Debra left? How could she just leave?
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