Marion set down the test tube and removed his protective gear."You know I didn't mean it that way," he said.Debra understood that Marion wasn't avoiding her out of disinterest but out of guilt for not protecting her better."I heard you burned down Drake's house.""Andrew told you?""It doesn't matter who told me. Did you do it?""Yes, I did. In fact, I wanted to kill him.""Then why didn't you?""Because I don't want you to be with a man who has blood on his hands."He had promised her to turn over a new leaf, but he wouldn't allow anyone to threaten Debra's safety. That was his bottom line.Seeing the guilt in his eyes, Debra hugged him tightly. "Who says you have blood on your hands? My dear, you're the purest man I've ever seen."She had been terrified that he would kill Drake. That would have undone all their efforts and burdened him with guilt.If they wanted to uncover the truth about the car accident that killed Marion's parents and the secrets hidden within Seama
Kale was annoyed by Liza's arrogance, but Drake remained unfazed."Kale, show your respect to Miss Eaton.""Did you hear that? I am your boss's savior and his fiancée. If you look at me like that again, I'll gouge out your eyes."With her threat hanging in the air, she headed back to her suite.Drake snorted, "Lucky for her. If she had come any earlier, I would have let the fire consume her.""But we can't mess with her family," Kale said with a frown."I know. That's why I didn't kill her when she talked like that.""What do we do now?""Find a place for me to stay.""I've already arranged it.""It should be near Debra's apartment.""But that woman is trouble."They had both thought Debra had only risen to prominence through her connections with Juan and later with Marion.But now, they realized she had the backing of the Mathis family, the Osborne family, and the Potter family. She was also the owner of the McKinney Group.Given how fiercely Marion protected her, Kale d
Shelia had been tied to the bed for two days. During this time, Juan hadn't regularly brought her food or water.Her mouth was still taped shut, and she had no choice but to relieve herself on the bed. The room reeked, and she was on the brink of going insane.Just then, she heard footsteps outside the room. Sophie tried to open the door but couldn't.Shelia struggled, trying desperately to make a sound to alert whoever outside, but her hopes were quickly dashed by a cold voice."Sophie."Sophie jumped, startled. "Sir, you weren't here last night. I thought I'd come in and clean up the room.""From now on, no one but me is allowed in this room," Juan said sternly."What about cleaning?" Sophie asked."I'll take care of it myself," Juan replied.Sophie nodded despite her puzzlement. Remembering something, she added, "By the way, Miss Miles hasn't been around for a few days. Should we send someone to look for her?""No need. I've already chased her away. Don't bring her up agai
Juan turned, leaving Shelia alone inside the room. The door was locked, sealing her fate.Downstairs, Sophie was in the storage room, looking at a strange silver mask and an unremarkable black suit. She didn't think these belonged to Juan.As Juan descended the stairs, he saw Sophie about to discard the items. He strode over to pick up the items."Sir, I found them in the storeroom and thought they were no longer needed. I was about to dispose of them.""These are mine. Don't touch anything in the storage room without permission.""Understood.""Also, this house no longer needs a maid. Go and take care of my grandmother. She's getting old and should enjoy her retirement. Don't let her go out without my permission.""But who will take care of the house if I leave?""I'll handle it myself. Just do as I say.""Yes, sir."Sophie gathered her belongings and left the house.Juan looked down at the silver mask. Then he placed it and the suit back in the storage room.He muttered t
Andrew said, "In the past, maybe not, but now it's hard to say."Erica furrowed her brow. "Is it because of Juan?"Juan's previous actions at the party suggested that he had allied himself with Drake.Randy grumbled, "Juan is a huge problem. Can't we take him down together?""It's not that simple," Andrew replied. "The Nichols family has been thriving since Juan took over. Even our ancestors had to avoid their sharp edge, and Juan's abilities are better than his predecessors."Erica frowned. "But why would he ally with Drake? Everyone knows about Drake's shady business, while the Nichols family's businesses are all legitimate. Is Juan trying to ruin his family?"Andrew explained, "Well, legitimacy might be the key here. Juan needs Drake's help with his gray business. He can't rely on Marion for that."He glanced at Debra and continued, "Moreover, Juan has his reasons for doing this. The alliance between the McKinney Group and the five families has threatened Juan's position as t
Debra took the contract and scanned it. Indeed, it stated that in three months, Juan would transfer all his shares in the Nichols Group to her."I thought you were joking, Mr. Nichols. But it seems you're serious," she said.Juan remained expressionless. "I'm a man of my word, but...""But?""I don't think you'll still be alive by then."Debra's smile froze on her face, and Juan continued, "I heard Drake inject you with a new type of drug. You've been pampered all your life, never knowing real hardship. If you can't make it through the next three months, the company won't be yours."Debra looked down at the contract and noticed a clause stating that if either party died within three months, the contract would be null and void.She sneered and quickly signed the contract."Don't worry. Even for the sake of your company, I will pull through.""We'll see about that."Juan's smile faded as he watched her go. He believed she would make it.As he exited the notary office, Joe appr
Two days had passed since the first bout of drug withdrawal hit Shelia.The room echoed with her heart-wrenching screams, and the chains binding her limbs clanked against the bed."Please, save me. I was wrong."Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Eventually, she screamed in despair, "Juan, why are you doing this to me? What did you inject me with?"Juan stood on the other side of the room, looking down at the timer in his hand.The first bout of pain lasted about three hours. During that time, Shelia went from excitement to madness. It was painful but not fatal.Shelia collapsed on the bed, her eyes sunken and surrounded by dark circles. After being locked up and tortured for days, she looked like a withered husk.Confirming the end of the first stage, Juan rose from the sofa. He had already prepared a nutritional supplement, which he blended into a juice and poured down Shelia's throat.Shelia choked, feeling like her insides were being ripped out.These days, Juan had been feeding
"He injected me with a diluted version?" Debra was surprised.She hadn't expected Drake to still have a conscience. But then, another question struck her. "How do you know all this?"Andrew explained, "Marion did a lot for the Bernard family, who had their hands in both legal and illegal businesses. At that lawless place, Marion suffered a lot and even got hooked on drugs. Doctors thought he was a lost cause, but he pulled through with sheer willpower and kicked the habit in a year.""How could it be? I thought Mr. Bernard was kind to him," Debra said, confused."Kindness? For people like us, there's no such thing," Andrew said. "Shawn saw potential in Marion and kept him close. Marion had to take extreme measures to gain his trust. You know, among the four families, the Houston family is the most capable. Marion ending up overseas wasn't an accident; it was part of Caleb's long-term plan. You were probably too young to know, but Marion was the most outstanding and mature among us.
"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.
The line went through, but the one answering the call was Kale.He warned, "Miss Bernard, I believe Mr. Lowe made himself clear. If you insist on bothering him, he'll show you no mercy."Cathryn hadn't expected this number to belong to Kale. It turned out Drake hadn't given her his number at all.But with Edgar staring at her from the side, she had to bite the bullet and try again. "Can you please let Drake take the call? I have something very important to tell him.""Mr. Lowe isn't interested," Kale refused flatly, ready to hang up.Cathryn cried out, "I've been kidnapped by Edgar. He'll kill me if I can't come up with a ransom of 20 billion dollars."But Kale was unimpressed. "Well, you're no longer engaged to Mr. Lowe. Whether it's 20 billion or 20 dollars, it has nothing to do with us."Cathryn's last hope was dashed. Edgar heard it and said, "So, you're useless now.""No. Don't kill me," Cathryn pleaded.Edgar snorted, "The Eaton family would pay 40 billion for Miss Eaton
"Not your concern," Edgar spat, pressing the gun barrel against Liza's forehead. "Call Marion and tell him to prepare the ransom. Otherwise, I'll kill her.""Go ahead," Debra said indifferently. "Cathryn and I are rivals, and I've never gotten along with Liza. Killing either of them won't affect me."Liza was pissed off. From the look on her face, Debra knew she was cursing her.Debra added, "Save your energy. Using their lives to threaten me won't work. You'd be better off making them call their families. Maybe Drake cares enough about his fiancée to pay up. As for Mr. Eaton Sr., he's old and ruthless. I'd suggest contacting her brother instead. Maybe then, you'll have a chance to walk away with the money."Liza listened with growing irritation. Undoubtedly, Debra was the devil's advocate."You make a good point," Edgar admitted, ripping the duct tape off Liza's mouth.She immediately shouted at Debra, "You shameless viper! You...""Shut up!" Edgar pressed the gun harder agains