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
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
"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."
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
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
"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?
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,
Randy dropped off Debra and Erica at the Potter Mansion before heading to the company with Marion to assess the situation.As soon as Debra and Erica entered, they noticed a group of foreign medical experts bustling through the first-floor hall, deep in discussion.Meanwhile, stewards and maids hurried back and forth between the first and second floors, creating an atmosphere of tension and urgency.Debra's brows furrowed. In her past life, Andrew's illness hadn't progressed so quickly.Though many things had changed since her rebirth, an illness advancing its natural course didn't seem possible."I wonder how bad it is now," Erica muttered nervously.The sight of the bustling household had unsettled her. The last time the Potter family was in such chaos was when their former lead passed away.Debra glanced at her. "I'll go check upstairs.""I'm coming with you," Erica insisted.The second floor was just as chaotic. The maids, preoccupied with their tasks, barely noticed the t
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