She only had Fermin and Bert left in this world.


    She had no mom and no real friends. She couldn''t lose Bert or watch Fermin turn into this.


    She didn''t want Debra''s crew hurt either.


    Fermin pulled her into a hug. "Don''t worry. Dad will be fine. I''ll make sure of it."


    His promise unleashed her tears. The hospital hallway echoed with her cries.


    Once she calmed down, Fermin had someone take her away.


    A guard stepped up. "Mr. Eaton, our master is waiting ahead."


    "You''ve tailed me this whole way," Fermin said coldly. "Gonna keep it up? I don''t like shadows."


    The guards stayed silent, just following orders. If their boss said stick to Fermin, they''d die before leaving his side.


    "Loyal dogs to your master," Fermin scoffed, brushing past them.


    He walked into an empty ward. A tall figure in a white shirt stood by the window.


    "You''ve really opened my eyes," he said, surprised.


    "I''m ttered, Mr. Eaton," Michael said, turning around.


    His crisp white shirt had dried bloodstains. Noticing Fermin''s nce, he shrugged. "Just dealt with some traitors. Didn''t have time to clean up. I hope you don''t mind."


    "If Debra knew her right-hand man stabbed her in the back, she''d flip," Fermin said, smirking.


    He didn''t care for their drama. "Where''s my stuff?"


    "The Illuminati''s all in on working with you. Friends help friends in need," Michael said.


    "I''m not new to this game," Fermin snorted. "Skip the bullshit and name your terms."


    "The heart is on its way," Michael smiled. "Mr. Eaton Sr. has weathered storms. This little hup won''t kill him."


    "I said terms, not fluff."


    "Well, make the Eaton family the Illuminati''s rock-solid backup. Mr. Eaton Sr. is too old to handle things anymore. We''ll need your support down the line."


    "Be your puppet? Your boss has sorted it all out."<fn7a6c> Fresh chapters posted on FindN()vel</fn7a6c>


    "You''re joking. You''re one of us."