Drake stood up and continued, "That''s all I know. The old man didn''t dedicate his life to mere wealth. The so- called treasure of Seamar City can''t just be some fabled royal vault. I don''t believe it, and neither should any of you."

    All these people possessed wealth that rivaled nations. It didn''t make sense that they''d spend over a decade chasing rumors of riches they''d never seen. There had to be more to it.

    Marion remained silent, and Drake added, "This is everything I know. Now we''re even."

    He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Debra will likely sleep for another four or five hours. As her husband, you''d do well to stay close."

    The door clicked shut behind him.

    Marion moved to the bedside, brushing a hand over Debra''s forehead. Her skin was mmy with cold sweat. He dampened a towel in the bathroom and gently wiped the sweat from her face.

    "Don''t be afraid. I''m back," he murmured. "No one can harm you now."

    Debra''s tense expression eased. Marion studied her, as if seeing the nightmare over a decade ago.

    The door burst open, and Gand stumbled in. "Something is wrong!"

    Marion''s de-sharp re darted over, and Gand froze.

    "Sorry for

    stamme interruption," he

    "But something

    happened." el

    Marion stood up. "Let''s talk outside."

    He tucked the nket snugly around Debra and went out.

    "What is it?" he asked.

    "It''s Vickie Donaldson." Gand thrust his phone forward. "She imed to the public that she is the toth

    Frazier family heiress and

    announced her engagement to Juan. Things will be bad if Debra doesn''t respond."

    looked

    Vickie''s picture in the.

    sienvenues darkened as he

    Snoel

    news. She looked so much like Debra.

    "Debra needs rest."

    "But if she does nothing, people will believe Vickie''s story."

    "I''ll handle this. Stay here and watch her."

    Marion nced at the bedroom door and started to leave.

    Gand called after him, "Wait. I can help."