Chapter 1717

Enoch nodded, impressed. "Gael has raised a smart daughter. You're spot on. That's my plan for the good of everyone. You shouldn't stand in my way."

"We won't," Debra said.

"Debra." Jordan's voice cracked.

"I'm no bleeding heart," Debra said. "I just want my friend back. You wanna trash the planet? Fine by me."

She flipped open the box, revealing a rainbow-colored rock with a chunk missing.

She'd guessed the four families' gems came from one rock, so she'd had a craftsman nick it to sell the lie. It might not hold up, but it'd fool Enoch for a moment.

His eyes lit up. "Bring Miss Mathis out."

"Yes, father," Michael replied.

Lara jumped in. "Master, I saw him sneak Erica away. He's not trustworthy." Follow current novᴇls on Fɪnd-Novel.net

Randy jumped. "Where did you take her?"

"She's just resting in a back room," Michael said calmly. "Come see for yourself if you don't believe me."

"Alright, let's go," Lara sneered. "I wanna see how long you can keep this up."

Michael led them toward a door in the corner.

Debra squeezed Marion's hand. They both knew this was the best shot they'd get.

Michael and Lara were Enoch's top muscles. Without them, their odds spiked.

Marion tapped out Morse code with his fingers: What now? Rush him?

Enoch caught the vibe. "Hold up, folks. Don't get any ideas."

The four of them froze mid-plan, and he continued, "Unless you're sure you can take out these ten guys in three seconds, and that's assuming I don't kill your friend first."

He aimed his gun at Drake's head. Drake just stood there, mute the whole time.

"The gemstone is a big deal to me," Enoch said. "But I don't like being played. You know what happens if that rock's a fake."