The arcade was filled with the sounds of scuffling, panicked cries, and the dull thuds of bodies hitting the floor.The leader of the gang was now pinned to the ground. "Mercy!"He managed to crane his neck and finally got a good look at Marion's face. "Mr. Houston? Please, have mercy, Mr. Houston."Marion nudged the man's face with the toe of his boot."West Dock?""Yes, sir. We're from West Dock.""Which hand of yours touched my wife?""Your wife?"The leader of the gang paled when he saw Marion embracing Debra.He stammered, "No, I didn't get to..."Before he could finish, he felt a sharp glance cut through him.Marion ordered, "Take him away and slap him until he can't speak.""Yes, sir." His men swiftly dragged the man away.Debra pointed to the punk who had just harassed Liza. "Bring him here and let Miss Eaton deal with him.""Yes, ma'am." Marion's men brought the punk before Liza.Debra smiled, "Miss Eaton, didn't you say you wanted to chop off his hand? I have a
As Garland scrambled to come up with an excuse, one of Marion's subordinates entered the room at a brisk pace.Upon seeing Debra, he hesitated for a moment and awkwardly moved closer to Marion."Sir...""There are no outsiders here. Speak."He snapped to attention and reported, "The Nichols Mansion caught fire. The entire place is burned to the ground."The room fell into stunned silence at the news. Marion shot a cold, calculating glance at the man, who immediately felt a chill crawl down his spine.With the tension thick in the air, Garland was the first to break the silence.He exclaimed and gestured dramatically, "The Nichols Mansion on fire? This is big. Juan was Mrs. Houston's ex-husband, right? I need to look into it and help clean up the remains if needed."The room went quiet again. Liza glared at him. "Seriously? Of all the things you could say, you chose that?"It wasn't a secret that the Nichols family and the Frazier family were on bad terms. The scandal of Juan's
Marion's men rounded up all the customers from the back rooms and brought them forward."Take them to the police station. Have Mr. Hardy interrogate them thoroughly," Marion ordered."Yes, sir."Watching batch after batch of customers being led away, Marion turned his attention to the staff pinned to the ground. "Are you going to talk, or do I need to make you?""I'll talk," one of them blurted out, lifting his head. "Sir, some of us dockworkers just wanted to make extra money. Someone said businessmen were investing in arcade centers. All we had to do was pay a franchise fee, and we could run our own business. The setup and machines were all taken care of. But there was a rule. Only locals with connections could join."Marion's eyes narrowed. "Connections? You mean my people?""Not just yours," the man stammered. "The Potter family, the Osborne family, the Mathis family, and even the Frazier family. Any of them would do."Debra felt a chill run down her spine. This was designed
Debra reached out to take his hand.On the surface, Marion acted as though nothing fazed him. But deep down, he was far more vulnerable than he let on.The employees they had just dealt with were likely people who had worked loyally by his side for years.The enemy's methods were insidious, aiming to force them to destroy their own foundation piece by piece."I'm fine," Marion murmured, squeezing her hand. "Let's go check the back room."Debra nodded and followed him.Burnt-out stubs littered the floor, and the faint haze of smoke still hung in the air. Rows of gambling machines lined up along the walls.She recognized them immediately. She'd seen machines like these back in Orkgate. She remembered the day Drake had shown her a vacant lot under construction, boasting about his plans to create a playground of sin.Her lips tightened, and she broke the silence. "Drake must have a part in this."Nothing moved in or out of Orkgate without his approval.With a flick of his hand, M
Drake kicked the table in front of him. "I wasn't buying machines. I was helping you catch criminals, okay?"The two interrogators looked at him like he was crazy. One of them asked, "Why don't you tell us about the severed hand and the machines in the box?""I've been saying this for ages. I'm helping you catch criminals. Why are you arresting me?" Drake growled.His mind was all on finding the culprit who set him up. He was in no mood for questions.The interrogator ignored his outburst. "How many times have you transported these machines? Who's the buyer? Who's the seller?""I'm the CEO of the Lowe Group," Drake growled. "I'm from Orkgate. I want to know who the hell stole my machines as much as you do."The interrogator raised an eyebrow. "So, the machines are yours?"Drake laughed in disbelief, "You know what? Just call Marion and Debra. You must know them, right?"The interrogators exchanged a glance.In the Potter Mansion, Debra sat on the sofa. "What? Drake got arreste
Marion and Debra parked their car outside the police station.Pedro spotted them from afar and jogged over, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Mr. and Mrs. Houston, you're finally here."From his anxious looks, Debra could tell how much chaos Drake had stirred up inside the station."Is he inside?" she asked."Yes. Please, just take him away. I can't take it anymore," Pedro pleaded, clasping his hands together.Debra raised an eyebrow. "Drake surely knows how to make a scene.""I'm not going in," Marion said, twirling his car keys. "Or he won't say a thing.""But he called for you. Are you sure?""Not interested in seeing him.""Alright."Inside the police station, Drake was lounging in a chair, his hands cuffed in front of him.Two interrogators stood before him, bowing and apologizing."We're sorry for recognizing you in those clothes, Mr. Lowe.""Exactly, Mr. Lowe. We thought you were joking. Please, take off the handcuffs.""I'm not taking them off," Drake said lazily,
"Debra!" Drake growled. "I came to track down the guy who set me up. Give me back the key.""Oh, come on. Are you seriously trying to tell me that someone managed to smuggle out thousands of machines under your nose and set you up? No kidding. You're the CEO of Lowe Group, infamous for your ruthless control. Who'd dare cross you?"Drake huffed, "Ruthless control? Where'd you get that idea? Sure, the reputation precedes me, but that doesn't mean no one dares pull tricks under my nose."Debra dug at her ear, unbothered by his outburst. "You mean, this whole thing has nothing to do with you? Alright, I believe you, and so does Marion. But how are you going to convince others? After all, you were caught at the docks for transporting over 100 machines. Only Kale and you were found at the scene. How could anyone not suspect you?""I told you. It was a setup.""And who was it?""I had the guy in control, but as soon as the police showed up, he escaped."His explanation sounded weak, ev
Debra and Pedro waited outside the police station.Debra had her arms crossed, not happy that Drake asked everyone else to get out.She believed the two men were hiding something from her.A moment later, Marion came out, followed by Drake.Drake shook the cuffs. "Take them off."Marion turned to Pedro. "Uncuff him.""But the key is..." Pedro glanced at Drake."Oh, the key is with me," Debra said, handing it to Pedro.Once he was uncuffed, Drake simply walked away.Debra pointed at him. "He's just leaving like that?""Let him go," Marion said, leading her into the car.Debra couldn't help but ask, "What did you two talk about?""Some stuff between men," Marion said, making a shushing gesture."Are you just hiding it from me?" Debra pouted.Marion chuckled, "Drake isn't the mastermind behind all this. I knew that already. He's not smart enough to pull off something this big. He just told me some secrets about the Lowe Group.""What secrets?" Debra's curiosity was piqued.
Debra sighed, "Just drive normally. I won't ask anymore.""Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Houston," Barton said.The car ride smoothed out after that."Thanks, honey," Marion said."Just shut up." Debra glared at him, and he quickly zipped his mouth.When they arrived at the Potter Mansion, Debra helped Marion out of the car.The hall was empty except for a maid cleaning."Barton, do you know where Erica and Randy are?" Debra asked."They went out for a meal last night and never came back. Maybe they stayed out," Barton replied."Stayed out?" Debra muttered.Just then, a voice echoed from upstairs. "You're finally back. Where were you all night? Why is no one here?"Garland looked down, surprised to find Marion injured.Remembering Juan's visit last night and his talk of disappearing for a while, Garland had a chilling thought. 'Eventually, Juan made a move against his rival in love.'It was understandable. No men could stand their loved ones being with someone els
Juan was never one to run from a fight. Yet Barton looked all serious."If you don't believe me, you can go and ask the police. Juan has fled. Mr. Andrew Potter has sent people to track him down. As long as he doesn't leave Seamar City, everything is still in control.""Honey, is the car here yet?" Marion limped into view behind her.Barton fought back the urge to laugh and said, "Mr. Andrew Potter has instructed me to escort you both home.""Oh, much appreciated," Marion replied, tossing his cane to Barton.He grabbed Debra's arm and said, "Walking is hard for me. Be my crutch, honey."She glanced at his hand. "Behave yourself. Don't make me slap you."Knowing she was still mad at him, Marion turned back to Barton. "She's not in a great mood. Don't mention anything that'll upset her. Go bring the car around."Once Barton left, Marion leaned heavily on Debra, his voice soft and dramatic. "I'm really too weak to walk."Debra sighed and helped steady him. "Juan being picked up b
Garland jumped in fright and almost tumbled down the stairs.His jaw dropped when he saw Juan standing there. "You got caught too?"Barton glanced at them before sensibly stepping away to give them space. His actions further confirmed Garland's guess.He dragged Juan to a quiet corner and bombarded him with questions. "How did you walk into their trap? What do they plan to do with you? What's your situation now? Are they going to lock you up with me? Should we pretend we don't know each other?"Though he'd only been in this house for a few days, he had realized that every single resident was shrewd and cunning.Outmaneuvering them was just mission impossible.Juan said calmly, "No one can know I'm here, especially not Debra. Got it?""Why not? Didn't you come back for her? Why do something good and keep it a secret?" Garland leaned in and whispered, "And about that wife-killing thing... Is it true or false? It's all over the news. I don't want to believe it, but knowing your tem
Late at night, Barton brought Juan to Andrew's study.The mansion was quiet, with no one on guard. Andrew was seated there at ease, and Juan asked, "Aren't you worried about being found out?Erica, Randy, Garland, and Liza were all staying there. And if Debra and Marion came back, his meeting with Andrew would be exposed.Andrew casually replied, "Marion is in the hospital getting treated. They won't be back anytime soon.""What about Garland and Liza?""Isn't Garland your sidekick? You think he'll rat you out?"Andrew always seemed to have everything under control, and it was hard to read his mind.Barton invited Juan to sit down and poured him some tea.Andrew said, "Debra must hate you to the core because of your actions. With all this media attention, you would have to step down. Are you really fine with that?""I've wanted to quit for a long time," Juan replied. "I don't believe you don't want to retire."The burden of the Potter family would crush anyone else within thr
Once they were gone, Debra asked, "Is Juan in the interrogation room?""Yes, he's being questioned right now," Pedro replied. "It's not a good time for visitors."Debra fell silent. She had rushed from the hospital to find out why Juan had acted like that.He wasn't the type to lose control or try to kill someone so recklessly. Something was not right."Then I'll wait here until he's done," she said, sitting down in a nearby chair.Pedro faltered, "Well, the interrogation could take all night, and I heard Mr. Houston is injured. Shouldn't you take care of him? I'll let you know the results first thing tomorrow morning."Debra was indeed worried about Marion's injuries. If the police station weren't so close to the hospital, she wouldn't have taken the time to come here.Now that waiting seemed pointless, she stood up and said, "Alright, please keep me posted. I'll be next door at the hospital.""Of course, I'll send someone to handle that," Pedro replied.Once Debra was gone,
"Watch your mouth. This is Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Joe chided, standing beside Melody.The officers recognized him and fell silent."Where are you keeping Juan? Release him now!" Melody demanded, disregarding her manners.Pedro appeared, smiling nervously. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., what brings you here so late?""Juan was taken by your people. Why do you think I'm here?""Well, this is tricky. He injured Mr. Houston, which should be handled through legal procedures. He is in our interrogation room. If you want to see him, I can arrange that.""Mr. Houston? Since when does he rule Seamar City? Juan would never do anything illegal. It must be a setup."It was known to all that Marion used to be an outlaw. Framing someone was easy for him.Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind her."A setup? Marion is injured by him. Juan tried to attack me. If Marion hadn't saved me, I'd be the one in the hospital," Debra accused.Melody turned to look at her. "It was you. I knew it. Juan did so much for
The knife sank deep into Marion's right abdomen, blood seeping through his clothes."Freeze!" A group of police officers stormed in from behind, quickly surrounding Juan in a tight circle.Juan raised his hands in surrender, but his gaze locked onto Debra, who was nervously tending to Marion.Debra glared at him. "Juan, are you out of your mind?"She had imagined a thousand ways he might come after her, but she never thought he'd resort to such a crude and desperate attempt to kill her.Juan sneered, "Shame I didn't kill you. But at least I've settled the score with Marion for the stab he gave me.""Take him away!" The police hauled Juan off to a waiting squad car.Paramedics rushed up quickly. Marion glanced at Debra, who was worried sick. He reached up to ruffle her hair and managed a weak smile. "I'm fine. It's just a scratch.""The knife was in your gut. Why did you follow me, you idiot?"Debra smacked him on the shoulder. Marion's strength faltered, and he dropped to one
Debra drove to the outskirts of the city to meet Juan at their agreed spot.He was standing in the middle of a deserted lane surrounded by rundown houses."Why did you call me here? What do you want to talk about?" Debra asked.Juan looked her up and down. "Drake vowed to take you out within three months, but here you are, still standing. You're tougher than I thought."Debra scoffed, "You don't seem too happy about that.""Enough for chitchat. Did you leak those news stories?" Juan demanded.Rumors about him killing Shelia were everywhere, and the police had started investigating. Juan's disappearance only added to the suspicion."You think I did that?" Debra laughed. "Am I that despicable to you? We're done with each other. I wouldn't go out of my way to cause you trouble. If that's why you called me here, you're wasting your time. It wasn't me."She turned to leave, but Juan stopped her. "Wait!"Debra turned back. "What now?""I killed her," he admitted.Debra froze. "Why
Debra shook her head and said, "I'm not sure, but keeping them around doesn't hurt. They have their freedom as long as things are under control."Randy came downstairs. "Chatting alone is not fun. Let's watch some TV."He grabbed the remote and switched on the television.A news report blared from the screen: "The Nichols Group CEO is suspected of killing his wife and is currently missing. The police are investigating, and the case is under further review."Erica and Randy both turned to look at Debra.Randy threw up his hands. "It wasn't intentional. I just selected a random channel.""Chill." Erica smacked him on the arm. "It's just fake news. Someone like Juan wouldn't get his hands dirty to kill someone."Debra frowned and headed upstairs. The door to the study was closed, with Barton standing guard outside."I need to see Andrew.""Mr. Andrew Potter is unwell and not taking visitors.""Who are you kidding?"Debra shoved past him and opened the door.Inside, Andrew was