"What did you say?" Liza was shocked.Cathryn was also taken aback. She had no idea that Drake was taking Debra to a banquet.Debra was Marion's wife now. She didn't know what Drake was up to."This is outrageous. How could he do this?" Liza gritted her teeth. "Cathryn, did you see it? Debra is nothing but a seductress. She has Marion and still wants to seduce other men. I'm going to tell my dad and have him cancel my engagement to Drake."Cathryn was still processing the news when Liza stormed off, leaving her behind.Cathryn realized that if Liza told Bert, he would bring people to the banquet. In front of everyone, Drake wouldn't dare to kidnap Debra, and she would be saved."Liza, wait! You can't go." Cathryn rushed after her, but Liza was already speeding away in her sports car.Cathryn panted because of her heart problem, grabbing the nearest security guard. "Liza has learned about Mr. Lowe's attendance at the banquet with Debra and is going to tell her father. You need to
"How is that possible? This place is crawling with your people," Debra said, taking a couple of steps forward.She caught a glimpse of a black car about 100 meters away. It was Marion, and she felt reassured.According to the tradition, Drake put a masquerade mask on Debra and wore a half mask on his face.Debra braced herself as they entered the gala. She had been to one such event before, so she wasn't as shocked this time.Drake said, "Hold onto my arm tightly, or I can't guarantee your safety."His words put Debra on high alert.Inside the venue, everything seemed normal at first, but she noticed that all the guests were men. There were no women, and the men were eyeing her lustfully.This made her uncomfortable, and she tightened her grip on Drake's arm.Across town at the Eaton Mansion, Juan watched as Garland struggled to do a handstand against the wall. Garland's face was flushed red as he groaned, "Are we done yet?""Not yet.""How much longer?""Three more hours.
Melody had been staying with them for days, refusing to leave. She claimed to be looking for Juan, but her actions suggested otherwise. She was constantly cooking and making tea for Bert, reminiscing about old times.Anyone with eyes could see her true intentions.However, Bert was still devoted to his late wife and would never be swayed by Melody.Juan replied, "Focus on your studies. Don't ask unnecessary questions."Just then, Liza's screams echoed through the house. "Dad! I want to break off the engagement with Drake."Garland covered his ears. "Don't mind her. That's my sister. She's always been spoiled. Just avoid her."Juan paid no attention until Liza shouted, "Dad, you must help me teach Debra a lesson. Not satisfied with having Marion, she is now seducing Drake. This is outrageous."Juan's eyes narrowed at the mention of Debra.Garland muttered, "Debra..."The name rang a bell. It seemed to be the woman who bought his news agency in Seamar City.Juan stood up and wa
Liza was annoyed by Melody's intimate way of addressing her father. "What has it got to do with you?"Melody wanted to retort, but Bert interjected, "Alright, I'll take care of it.""I'm only thinking of what's best for Liza," Melody muttered. "To be honest, Juan gave up his company for Debra. I came all the way here to make sure she pays for what she's done. We've been friends for so many years, Bert, and this is your territory. You must help me."Liza frowned. It was true that she wanted to teach Debra a lesson, but she didn't want Melody to meddle.She clung to Bert's arm and said, "My dad will stand up for me. Just stay out of it."She insisted on going to the banquet right away and catching Debra red-handed.Bert indulged her and ordered Carter to prepare the car.Across town outside the Legacy Hotel, Marion stared at the entrance and frowned.Through his Bluetooth earpiece, a subordinate's voice came through. "Sir, they have signal interference equipment in the hotel, and
"Drake, slow down."Drake didn't respond but slowed his steps slightly.In the center of the second floor was a large platform, usually reserved for performances. Today, however, Drake had a three-seater sofa placed there."Sit," he said.Suspicion clouded Debra's expression. "You're not planning to pull some kind of prank on me, are you?"Drake smirked, "Your life's already in my hands. Why would I bother?"Debra took her seat, while Drake snapped his fingers, the sharp sound echoing in the room.She cocked her head, eyeing him warily. "What's this? A magic show?"Suddenly, all the lights went out. Marion slipped into the venue unnoticed, his presence as silent as a shadow.The crowd didn't panic. Instead, a strange, festive atmosphere settled over the place.Drake's voice came from somewhere behind Debra. "I once told you I'd show you a glimpse of the future. Tonight, consider it a preview of the Lowe Playground. Since we're partners now, I figured it's only fair to show yo
Just as Drake was about to shout One, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the banquet hall.Drake wrinkled his brow. Kale rushed up, exclaiming, "Boss, the Eatons are here.""What?" Drake was taken aback.Seeing people already entering the banquet hall, he quickly grabbed Debra and pushed her into Kale's arms. "Take her away.""Yes, boss." Kale dragged Debra toward a nearby corridor."My shoe!" Debra's shoe had accidentally fallen.Drake spotted it and kicked it under the sofa. But the people on the first floor couldn't escape in time.Bert entered with Liza, only to be greeted by a lurid scene.Liza, who had never witnessed such a spectacle, screamed and covered her eyes.Bert commanded angrily, "Clear the place!"Carter immediately went into action with the bodyguards.The guests present were all Drake's clients who never expected Bert to suddenly appear. Their enthusiasm vanished, and they hurriedly left, while the women arranged by Drake scattered in panic.Seeing th
"Miss Eaton, you are joking," Drake said. "Look around. She is not here."He leaned in slightly, his voice cool and deliberate. "If you don't believe me, feel free to search the place.""You must have hidden her somewhere," Liza snorted, turning to Bert. "Dad, you saw everything. This man here is unfaithful and despicable. I will never marry someone like him."Bert let out a measured breath, turning to Drake. "Liza is my dearest daughter. When I agreed to this marriage, it was because you seemed like a promising young man with sincerity. But now, it's clear that you're unfit to be her husband. Consider this engagement annulled."Drake tried to argue, "I...""There's no need to explain," Bert interrupted. "While this marriage won't proceed, business is another matter. To compensate for any loss of face this decision may bring to the Lowe family, I'll ensure our partnership remains intact."Drake's tense features relaxed into calmness. He had long grown weary of Liza's spoiled, ent
Debra's breath hitched in her throat.If Drake came in now, Frederic would be doomed.Outside, Kale said, "Boss, I have a room card. Why don't we just go in?"Drake ignored him and demanded again, "Debra, I'm being very polite right now. Don't make me break down the door."Debra glanced at Frederic, who already had his gun drawn. She quickly reached out and pressed down on his hand, shouting toward the door, "Just a moment."Drake picked up on the tremor in her voice. "What's going on? Is someone with you?"Debra's heart skipped a beat. "No, I'm taking a bath.""At such a point? You think I'm that gullible?" Drake scoffed, his patience wearing thin. "Hurry up, or I'm coming in.""Boss, don't waste time with her. She's been holed up in there for ages. Something's definitely up," Kale said, swiftly using the room card to open the door.The room was empty, but the bathroom door was tightly shut.Debra's panicked voice echoed from the bathroom. "Who let you in?"Drake frowned, a
Debra's eyes narrowed at this guy she'd never heard of.Michael had kept it under wraps, proving he had never fully trusted her."Mrs. Houston," Jason said, "I'm here for Mr. Austin to negotiate. He called this shareholder vote in the name of the biggest stakeholder. He's got the right to kick it off. Any objections?"Debra plopped into the head chair. "Cut the polite crap. Everyone's here. Objections or not, this vote's happening, right? No way it's that simple.""Mrs. Houston," Jason said coolly, "today's vote's straightforward: who's better suited as the McKinney Group CEO, you or Mr. Austin? Everyone here sees what you both bring. In the past two years, you've barely shown up. Mr. Austin ran the show, held a key role, and raked in profits. He's the clear pick for CEO.""So, you're saying I suck as the boss?" Debra shot back.Michael didn't even show, sending this random assistant instead. That already pissed her off.Now this guy's veiled jabs annoyed her even more."I'm ju
Debra's heart sank.Back when she'd teamed up with Michael, she had nothing, offering him Frazier Entertainment shares to seal the deal. Later, Frazier Entertainment merged into the McKinney Group, and she handed it off to him.To keep her identity hidden, she'd tossed him more shares. With Frazier Entertainment, he'd racked up 30%.She'd thought he deserved it. For two years, he'd run the show plenty. She'd never seen this coming."Madam, you there?" Ben's voice shook.This was huge and should stay quiet. Otherwise, the company would fall into chaos.Debra's blood ran cold. She hadn't expected Michael to go so far."I'll be there soon," she said, hanging up.She turned to Marion. "Michael scooped up loose shares. He's gunning for a vote as top shareholder."Over 40% wasn't half, but it made him the biggest player. Calling a vote was his right.Debra only had 40%. If 10% of the rest sided with Michael, he could oust her."Don't sweat it," Marion said. "We'll hit it together.
That shut everyone up.If Jordan was right, Drake was gambling with his neck."That's too risky. I've gotta drag him back." Debra spun to leave.Erica grabbed her. "Jordan's guys are on it. They'll ping us if they find him. You can't go out like this and become their target.""I'm not their focus anymore," Debra said. "They'll zero in on Drake."She looked at Marion. "Get your people searching. We need his trail fast, or he's dead."Once the Illuminati squeezed the stone's location out of Drake, they'd kill him.Orkgate was now controlled by Lara. Drake had no other value for them."On it," Marion said.They split up. Erica and Randy tapped their networks."Debra, don't freak," Jordan said. "Drake is not dumb. Injured like that, he couldn't have gone far. As long as he keeps that secret, they won't kill him."Debra nodded. "Hope he doesn't do anything stupid."She should've seen it coming. A proud guy like Drake couldn't handle being down for so long.His injuries were bru
Outside their room, Drake froze mid-knock.His head was down, and his expression was hidden. Eventually, his hand dropped, and he sighed.He turned around and shuffled downstairs, leaning on the wall. He was a broken mess now, unwilling to drag them down....Debra woke up the next morning, reaching for Marion.He wasn't there. She bolted upright, threw off the covers, and ran barefoot downstairs, shouting, "Marion?"In the hall, Marion and Jordan turned as she stumbled in, still in her pajamas.Marion rushed up, slipping off his slippers for her. "What's with the panic?""I didn't see you." She heaved a sigh of relief. "Thought you'd...""Any luck?" Jordan asked Kale, who'd just walked in.Kale shook his head. "Not yet.""What's up?" Debra asked, clocking everyone's grim faces."Drake's gone," Marion said. "No note, nothing. We're looking.""Did the cameras catch anything? Could it be the Illuminati...""Not them. He walked out himself.""Why the hell would he just up a
Debra jolted awake from a nightmare, her forehead slick with sweat."Still torn up about Michael?" Marion's voice came from beside her.She settled into his arms, finally feeling a little relieved. These past two months, they'd faced everything alone. She hadn't curled up with him like this in forever."It's my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't trusted Michael so much, the Eaton family wouldn't have been a mess. Mr. Eaton Sr. wouldn't have been in the hospital.""It's your fault," Marion said, patting her back. "Even without your trust, the Illuminati would've found a way in. That was their goal.""I just can't wrap my head around why Michael's one of them," she said.She'd spent all night recalling the past, from meeting Michael to building the McKinney Group with him. He was key to its success, but everything had been a lie."Maybe he was never with us," Marion said. "The Illuminati's everywhere. Didn't you check his background when you teamed up?""I..." Debra faltered.S
"We're all in it for ourselves." Michael shrugged. "Jeffery did his part for the Illuminati, so I'll cut you some slack.He pushed the teacup to Juan. "But I don't buy it that you're all-in. Following in Jeffery's footsteps sounds nice, but you killed him, which shows your ruthless nature. We need people like you. I don't care if you're Debra's mole or chasing your angle. Save your energy. It's pointless. Just do your job and back us up. I won't say a word about it.""Should I thank you for it?" Juan scoffed.He'd thought Michael was forced into it, but now he saw how naïve that was.Though young, Michael was already a core member, suggesting his connection to the Illuminati dates back a long time.Only intelligent and influential ones could enter the core circle. That meant he hadn't defected midway.Michael sat down across from him. "Don't look at me like that. We're not the same, and you know it.""When'd you turn on Debra?" Juan asked."Doesn't matter," Michael said, smilin
It was true they were both members of the Illuminati, but Fermin never signed up to be a lapdog.Back then, he'd teamed up with them for mutual gain. But the Illuminati wanted more than a partnership. They wanted the Eaton family on a leash.When Fermin didn't bite, Michael added, "I saw Miss Eaton crying her eyes out. We go way back. Should I cheer her..."Before he could finish, Fermin's knife flashed to his throat, nicking him. Blood trickled, but it was just a scratch."Stay away from her," Fermin growled. "Touch her, and I'll end you.""I'm just being nice here," Michael chuckled. "But if you're not cool with it, I'll drop it. But those terms? Think twice. We only help our own. If you keep playing your own game, that heart goes elsewhere. And trust me, you won't find another match."Fermin hated to admit it, but Michael was speaking the truth. Without the Illuminati's help, he couldn't find a match for Bert's heart.He lowered the knife. "Fine, it's a deal. Get your people
She only had Fermin and Bert left in this world.She had no mom and no real friends. She couldn't lose Bert or watch Fermin turn into this.She didn't want Debra's crew hurt either.Fermin pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry. Dad will be fine. I'll make sure of it."His promise unleashed her tears. The hospital hallway echoed with her cries.Once she calmed down, Fermin had someone take her away.A guard stepped up. "Mr. Eaton, our master is waiting ahead.""You've tailed me this whole way," Fermin said coldly. "Gonna keep it up? I don't like shadows."The guards stayed silent, just following orders. If their boss said stick to Fermin, they'd die before leaving his side."Loyal dogs to your master," Fermin scoffed, brushing past them.He walked into an empty ward. A tall figure in a white shirt stood by the window."You've really opened my eyes," he said, surprised."I'm flattered, Mr. Eaton," Michael said, turning around.His crisp white shirt had dried bloodstains. Notic
Liza rushed to the ICU upon receiving the news.A bodyguard stopped her. "Mr. Eaton said no one gets near the room and disturbs the patient's rest."Liza smacked him, and he bowed his head.Her eyes were red, her vibe darker than ever. "That's my dad in there. Why can't I go in? Move!""Mr. Eaton forbids it. Please, don't make things hard for us," the bodyguard said, stuck.No one there dared to defy her. They all knew how much Fermin doted on her."I don't care," she snapped. "Step aside, or I'll have my brother skin you alive. Let's see if you still block me."Her threat chilled him. She might be bluffing, but Fermin wouldn't."What's the ruckus?" Fermin's voice cut through."Mr. Eaton." The bodyguard bowed his head."Didn't I tell you no one gets near?" Fermin's tone dripped danger.Coming with him was a group of elite guards. The bodyguard was daunted by their aura.Liza stepped forward. "Dad is in a bad condition. Why wouldn't you let me see him? Does this have anythin