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.
"Please, don't get me into this," Randy pleaded."I don't want to die," Erica echoed. "I'm still young."Debra peeked out. "Excuse me, is K that terrifying?"Randy and Erica nodded vigorously. When they realized plugging their ears wasn't helping, they finally put their hands down.Erica said, "Listen. Whatever this is about, let them handle it. As for K's identity, we have no idea.""And we're not curious about it," Randy echoed.Debra studied their expressions. "But you look curious."Marion chimed in, "We don't know K's identity, but Drake has been secretly working for K's organization all along. We couldn't find anything because they've been hiding their tracks."Randy frowned. "Hiding? How? Every listed company needs a business license and detailed records. All their information should be online."Debra explained, "When Marion mentioned hiding, he meant their identity was concealed. The company wouldn't be called 'K Group' out in the open. It's probably a conglomerate tha
"Bullshit!" Randy spat.In his mind, Juan was nothing but a backstabber.Debra had let Juan off the hook before, but he didn't appreciate it. Now he was working with their enemies against them.Jordan spoke up. "Miss Eaton is only staying with us for a few days. She'll be fine. Everyone, go home. If you don't, we may as well have a little competition and see who has more say in Seamar City.""I'd like to see about that," Debra's voice came from outside the hall.Then she came in with a group of people. Jordan recognized their uniforms and frowned."You have Andrew's seal?""We're not done yet."Debra raised her hand, and a new group of bodyguards armed with batons stormed into the hall. Wearing the Houston family emblem on their chests, they quickly spread out."If you're not convinced, we can fight it out," she declared. "Juan, the Nichols family has gone through three transitions. You must be pretty drained, right? Jordan, how are you handling the resources of the Lowe famil
On the second floor, Jordan received the news. "Fermin?""Yes, it's definitely him," replied the guard, handing over the watch.Jordan examined the watch. It was one of a kind, custom-made exclusively for the Eaton family.In their world, watches symbolized status, and this one undoubtedly belonged to Fermin.To this day, no one had ever dared challenge the authority of the Eaton family head."I'll go take a look," Jordan said, signaling for a group of bodyguards to follow him downstairs.Fermin was already standing in the center of the lobby.When Jordan arrived with his men, Fermin didn't flinch. Just standing there, he exuded an oppressive aura that made it hard for others to breathe."Mr. Eaton," Jordan greeted him. "What brings you here at this hour?""I don't waste time with pleasantries," Fermin replied curtly, extending his hand. "Where's my sister?"Unfazed, Jordan stepped forward and placed the watch in Fermin's hand. "Miss Eaton found the place entertaining, so I i
Iwan frowned instinctively when he spotted the man."Fermin?" he muttered to himself.Debra, on the other hand, was impressed by the change in Garland's demeanor. The clothes did make the man.She stepped forward and extended a hand. "Mr. Eaton."Fermin glanced at her without taking her hand. His voice was cold, carrying an air of natural authority."Where's my sister?" he asked.Debra was surprised at how convincing Garland's performance was.She replied, "She's been captured by the Lowe Group's new president. I knew you'd come tonight, so I'll take you to her."Not far away, Iwan listened to their exchange, his frown deepening. According to their intelligence, Fermin was already dead. Yet there he was in Seamar City.Iwan suspected that Garland was passing himself as Fermin again.After Debra left with Fermin, Iwan hesitated at the bottom of the stairs before going up.In the car, Debra patted Fermin on the shoulder. "Not bad. You're pulling this off."She took out an ear
"No, I can't do this," Garland refused, running away from Debra.He hid behind a sofa and stammered, "I didn't even have this kind of confidence when I was home, not to mention here.""Do you want to save Liza or not?" Debra furrowed her brows. "You won't need to talk. I'll give you an earpiece.""I've used it before. It's too easy to get caught," Garland blurted, then covered his mouth. "I need a little mental preparation.""We're running out of time." Debra threw the suit jacket at him. "Change into this. In ten minutes, jump out of the window from the second floor.""Jump out of the window?" Garland gasped.Debra walked up to him. "You know we have spies in the house, right? We need to make Ivan believe you're Fermin."Garland glanced at the suit jacket and thought about Liza. His resolve hardened. "Alright. I'll wear it."As Debra came out of the room, Erica asked, "How did it go?"Debra nodded. With Marion gone, they had to rely on themselves.Jordan was now in control o
Barton shook his head."Why would Jordan betray us? It doesn't make sense," Debra pressed. "Isn't this part of your plan? With Liza captured, we're in a tight spot. Just tell me the truth.""I really don't know," Barton replied with an innocent look.Debra panicked. She couldn't tell the truth from lies anymore or if this was part of some scheme. She wasn't sure if Jordan really betrayed them or if Andrew was really sick.These questions swirled in her mind and drove her crazy."Where's Marion?" she finally asked.If Andrew was gravely ill, Marion wouldn't leave his side.Barton replied, "Mr. Houston has been tied up with matters at home. He hasn't returned since he left in the morning.""He's gone all day?" Debra's eyes narrowed.That didn't add up. With Marion's efficiency, there was no way he'd take so long to handle family issues.While Debra was struggling to make sense of it all, Garland burst in, looking frantic."What do you mean Jordan is a traitor? And Liza's been
"Hey, don't touch me!" Liza shouted, struggling as the bodyguards grabbed her arms.Jordan came down the stairs and asked with a frown, "Where are Debra and Erica?""Sir, they escaped," one of the guards reported.Jordan slapped him and spat, "Useless!"The guard bowed his head and stepped back.Liza glared at Jordan. "Traitor! You're even worse than Drake. You sneaky backstabber!"Her string of insults didn't faze him one bit.She continued, "Let me remind you, I am Liza Eaton. If you dare lay a finger on me, my dad won't let you off the hook."The guards all had a headache coming on. She had repeated it so many times, but they couldn't deny the power of her family.One of the guards ventured, "Sir, what should we do? Let her go?"Jordan glanced at Liza. "Take her away and lock her up.""What?" Liza shouted, "You have the nerve to lock me up? Just so you know, if I get even a scratch, my dad will chop you into pieces.""Gag her.""Yes, sir."The guards gagged Liza and dr
"No need to chase further," Jordan said."Why not?" demanded a figure coming out of the corner.He was cloaked in a black robe, his face hidden behind a white mask. His voice was deep, altered by a voice changer."Messing with the Eaton family is not a wise decision," Jordan replied blandly."So what if I mess with them? They're nothing," said the masked man, raising his hand.At the signal, a bunch of bodyguards rushed downstairs.The guests at the party had no idea what was happening, and the cameras were soon shut off."What's going on?" the reporters protested as they were driven out of the hotel.The remaining ones in the hall were shocked. Given their experiences, they knew something big was about to happen. The only thing they could do was stay quiet."Back off. You don't want to hurt Miss Eaton," Erica shouted.But Debra heard hurried footsteps coming from inside the hall. Alerted, she said, "Something is not right. We need to run.""Relax. I dare them to lay a finge
Debra's voice turned icy. "Did you have something to do with Andrew's worsening condition?""I don't have time to waste talking to you," Jordan replied, turning to the guards. "Escort Mrs. Houston out.""Yes, sir." The guards moved toward Debra.She sensed their malice and stepped back.Erica's shouting came. "Run."She grabbed Debra's hand, and the two of them bolted down the stairs.Unsure of the situation, Liza trusted her instincts and followed them."After them!" The guards gave chase.Liza suddenly had an idea. She stopped in her tracks and stood boldly in front of the guards. The unexpected move forced them to screech to a halt.She declared, "I am the daughter of the Eaton family. If you dare lay a hand on me, my dad will make sure you regret it."Debra and Erica, who had reached the exit, heard her words and felt helpless. At such a time, no one would care about her status anymore.The guards ignored the threat, ready to act, when Jordan suddenly called out from the
Erica rushed forward and said, "Barton, you're here just in time. I need to ask you something."Barton cut her off. "Mr. Andrew Potter's condition has suddenly worsened. It's very serious right now. Please come back with me immediately.""What?" Debra exclaimed. "He was fine yesterday."An image of the previous day suddenly popped into her mind. Jordan had gone into Andrew's room right after she left."Do you know about this?" Debra asked. "Jordan is the new president of the Lowe Group?"Barton, as Andrew's trusted aide, was supposed to know if this was part of Andrew's plan."What?" Barton was puzzled. "Mr. Jordan Potter?"Debra decided to go upstairs to confront Jordan. Erica quickly reached out to stop her."Where are you going? Didn't you just say we can't go up there earlier?""I have to go and ask him. What is he doing? Betraying the family?""Betrayal it is," Liza chimed in. "I'm going with you."She grabbed Debra's arm and rushed up the stairs.The guards immediatel