"Take it easy," Fermin said, looking up. "My master gave me an order. He wants to know how your illness is."

    Marion''s eyes narrowed, but just as he tried to fire another shot, Fermin reacted again.

    He grabbed the gun, and the bullet flew off toward the corner.

    "I took one hit for Liza''s sake. Never another," he said.

    Debra felt his anger and called out, "Marion, stop."

    Fermin wasn''t just anyone. He was not only a member of the Illuminati but also the heir of the Eaton family. They couldn''t just kill him like that.

    "I prefer talking to wiser people like Mrs. Houston," Fermin smirked. "She knows what should be done and what shouldn''t..."

    Before he could finish, Debra pulled out a gun from her jacket and aimed it at him.

    She intentionally missed, and the bullet grazed his ear.

    She said, "What Marion does is exactly what I want to do. I won''t kill you today only for the sake of Bert and Liza. I''m letting you go, not the other way around."

    Fermin smirked, "I''ve met a lot of women, but you''re a first. I like your guts," he said. "To return the favor, I''ll give you a piece of advice. Don''t trust Marion so much. People in Seamar City don''t know the full story about him. You''ve married a killing machine and a madman driven by revenge. Doesn''t that scare you?"

    Marion''s fists clenched. Debra saw it but stayed calm.

    She countered, "I have my judgment and don''t need yourment. We didn''t make a deal today, but we will be waiting for your next move. Let''s see whoughs thest."

    Instead of pressing Fermin for an exnation, she walked over to Marion.

    As they turned to leave, Fermin didn''t say another word. He simply signaled for his men to continue tending to his wounds.

    The body of the dead guard was dragged away, and the backyard was cleaned.

    A faint smile yed on Fermin''s lips. He knew once a seed of doubt was nted,

    it would take root and eventually drive the two apart.

    He would like to see how deep their bond ran.

    Outside, Debra and Marion got into the car.

    Throughout the drive, Debra didn''t say a word. Marion tried to say something, but she spoke first. "Think it through before you tell me."