Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1348

"The Blakes brought in Elias Ashford as the broker," Marcus explained, leaning against her desk. "Mr. Ashford has been retired for years. He only took this job as a personal favor to Old Mr. Blake."

"Because of his reputation, both the casino and the Blake family are playing by the rules."

"I pulled some strings and got the inside scoop from the casino. The Blakes paid off Debbie's massive debt at a twenty percent discount, and Julian Reed agreed to release her."

"Tonight, Mr. Ashford is personally escorting her from the casino straight into the Blakes' custody."

Lillian swirled her coffee. "And what about Bella?"

"We've kept a tail on her. She's been out and about today, but she hasn't set foot near a bank. Which proves Debbie's bank cards are still on her."

"Bella knows the $1.2 billion hit the account, but she hasn't made a move. It either means she can't access the funds herself, or she's terrified of blowing her cover."

Lillian processed Marcus's intel, a cold realization forming.

"She probably can't move a single cent without Debbie. Which confirms they were working together."

Marcus inhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Working together? You're telling me Debbie willingly let them chop off her fingers and hand just to extort her own son?"

"Sebastian is a billionaire. If she needed cash, why couldn't she just ask him? Mutilating herself for a payout... that's borderline psychotic."

Lillian shook her head, a cynical smile touching her lips. "You grew up in a healthy, loving home. You can't comprehend the toxic dynamic between those two."

"Debbie is a parasite who has spent her life running cons and gambling. But Sebastian clawed his way to the top purely because of his Blake bloodline."

"You know the timeline for the handover tonight."

"I want you to deploy a shadow team to follow the convoy. Make absolutely sure Debbie makes it to the Blake estate alive."

"If my theory is right and Bella is conspiring with Debbie, Bella is going to make a desperate play for that money."

"Debbie cannot fall back into Bella's hands. Bella has completely lost her mind. She's a vicious, unpredictable threat."

Marcus gave a firm nod. "Consider it done, Lillian. I'll handle the logistics personally. This is right in my wheelhouse."

Lillian never doubted the competence of the Parker family's heir. She gave him a silent nod of approval.