The stern expression on Fermin''s face scared Liza.

    He flicked her forehead and said, "The Illuminati has nothing to do with you. Forget whatever you heard and don''t mention it ever again."

    "Are you involved with them or not?" She grabbed his sleeve and whined, "If you don''t tell me, I won''t be able to sleep. And if I can''t sleep, I''ll bug you until you spill."

    "Silly girl," Fermin sighed, leading her into the estate. "The Illuminati is just a stepping stone for me. With its support, we''ll be free from worries. The decade- long problem will also..."

    His voice trailed off, and Liza didn''t catch thest part.

    "What are you talking about? Our family is loaded and respected," she said, puzzled. "What problem could we possibly have?"

    Fermin didn''t want to continue with that topic. "Alright, you''ve asked enough questions today. The hot bath is ready. Go rx and get some sleep. While you''re here with me, you can go anywhere you want, but you can''t contact Debra and her people."

    "Fermin..."

    "No bargaining."

    A servant stepped forward. "Miss Eaton, your bath is ready."

    Liza made a face at Fermin. "Fine. But once I''ve had some sleep, I''ll ask you again. No way you''ll keep this a secret forever."

    Fermin raised an eyebrow. "I''m so scared. Bring it on and see if you get a single word out of me."

    "Fermin..."

    "Go upstairs."

    Fermin was done ying along. His serious expression made it clear that the conversation was over. Liza could only stomp her foot in frustration before heading up the stairs.

    Her mind searched for a way to contact Debra and share their location. That was the only way to stop Fermin from doing something stupid with the Illuminati.

    At the Bernard Mansion, Debra stared at the phone screen.

    It was the first time in over a month that Liza had reached out, but Debra rejected the call.

    "Why aren''t you answering?" Marion ced the medicine in front of her.

    Debra shook her head. "I can''t."

    "Afraid she''d be torn?"

    "Yeah. She''s Fermin''s sister, and he''ll protect her. But if she''s calling me now, that would be like betraying Fermin. She should stay on his side. Or if he found out, she''d be in danger."

    "Well, we don''t need her info. I''ve found out where Fermin is hiding."

    "You found him? That''s fast."

    It was surprising that Fermin had made no effort to cover his tracks after escaping from home.