Everyone was deep in thought when Debra caught sight of Jordan standing a short distance away.


    She hadn''t noticed when he arrived, and neither had anyone else. They were all too absorbed in watching the news to pay attention.


    Randy followed Debra''s gaze and looked over. He jumped. "Jordan, you scared the hell out of me. Why did you walk without a sound?"


    "I''ve been here for ages," Jordan replied calmly. "You were all so focused on the news that you didn''t notice me."


    "Kid, looks like being in the army really changes a person. I didn''t even notice you sneaking up. You''ve gotten pretty good at hiding your presence," Erica chuckled, patting his shoulder.


    Jordan frowned. "I''m not a kid anymore. I have a name. Stop calling me that."


    Erica wasn''t bothered. "You''ll always be our little brother. Don''t forget who taught you how to do a spinning kick when you were little."


    As the tension eased a little, Debra spoke up. "Let''s head to the office. Who knows what kind of chaos is brewing out there? Yesterday, someone caused trouble at the funeral. In the past, no one would have dared to do that."


    "That guy from the Carrillo family, right?" Randy asked. "He''s a nobody. Back when the Houston family was rising, his ancestors were probably still shining shoes for others. Don''t worry. I''ll take care of him."


    "Word sure spreads fast," Randy chimed in.


    "Yeah." Erica nodded. "We heard people gossiping about the Carrillo family causing trouble the moment we got there yesterday. But when we saw that guy half-dead from your beating, we didn''t bother asking for details. Thest person who dared to challenge the Houston family like that? Who knows where their bodies ended up? I''ll make sure we settle this score properly."


    As everyone discussed ways to deal with the Carrillo family, Marion suddenly grabbed Debra''s hand.


    "Come with me."


    "What''s wrong?"


    She followed him out of the house. Jordan''s gaze unconsciously darted to them.


    Once they were in the car, Debra asked, "What can''t be said inside?"


    While driving, Marion replied, "I''m taking you to the office first."


    "Right now? Shouldn''t we tell Randy and Mathis?"


    "This is something we need to discuss alone.


    His tone was calm, but Debra could sense that whatever he wanted to talk about was serious.


    When they arrived at the Group headquarters, Ben


    them to the CEO''s office.


    (anese


    Once they


    is safe


    "This cere alone, Debra said, tell me what''s going on?" C


    "Thepany has an issue," Marion said. "I don''t want Randy or Erica to worry about it."


    "What issue?" Debra frowned.


    Everything seemed to be running smoothly, and Juan hadn''t made any aggressive moves yet.


    "Do you remember thend you bought at the auction that''s now themercial street?"


    "I do."


    Thatnd had marked a turning point in her life. She could never forget it.


    After a


    asked, ent of silence, Mari


    "Do you know what made


    coverer


    Street sessful?"