Debra listened intently as Bert recounted the past.


    "In my youth, I was ambitious and fearless. This recklessness helped me establish myself here. But 20 years ago, a business failure led me to the Illuminati. They offered to help me regain my footing, and I epted. For a while, I was blinded by power and status. Later, I discovered that my previous business troubles were orchestrated by the Illuminati to recruit me."


    "You mentioned you were a core member 20 years ago. Are you still involved with them?" Debra asked.


    Bert shook his head. "After Liza''s mother passed away, I wanted out. I realized the Illuminati wasn''t about helping businesses seed; it was a trap. My role was to provide favors to their people. I turned a blind eye to many things, including the ck markets overseas."<fn3a59> ?????? ???? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn3a59>


    His eyes clouded over with regret. "The first time I attended one of their banquets, I was shocked. I thought I''d seen it all, but the mix of desire and darkness was overwhelming."


    "Was the banquet..." Debra didn''t finish her question, but apparently, it was simr to the ones at the Lowe family and the Jovial Hotel.


    He nodded. "I''m no saint, but I vowed to love only Liza''s mother. I couldn''t participate in such events, but standing out in that crowd made me a target. The Illuminati threatened my family, and I had to back down."


    "So, youpromised?"


    "I had no choice. Their power was beyond imagination, and I couldn''t risk my family''s safety. It proved to be the wrong choice. If I hadn''t cooperated with them, Liza''s mother might still be alive."


    "How did she die?"