As the tension in the room thickened, Debra suddenly piped up.


    "It seems Mr. Odom has a particr fondness for male trainees. I suppose that means usdies are out of luck when ites to investments."


    The implication hung in the air like a thick fog, and Edgar''s frown deepened. He withdrew his hand from Oscar''s shoulder as if it were on fire. Henry began to sweat bullets, not expecting Debra to be so blunt.


    In a bid to smooth things over, he interjected, "Haha, you''re joking, Debra. Mr. Odom will invest in the whole program. All of you will be funded. Mr. Odom is a real man."


    But his effort only made things worse as everyone struggled to stifle theirughter.


    Edgar''s voice turned silky, a mocking undertone barely concealed. "Mrs. Nichols, it seems I must have offended you in the past. Why else would you be so keen on targeting me now?" Debra shrugged. "Mr. Odom, you''re joking. There is no such thing."


    Edgar leaned in, his voice a low whisper meant only for her ears. "The news reports. Was that your doing?"


    The trainees whispered among themselves in disgust.


    #


    "Figured Debra had her agenda. Didn''t expect her to use this trick to entice Mr. Odom.


    "She is shameless, unting like that in front of so many people."


    Oscar stepped forward and pushed Edgar away from Debra. "Mr. Odom, social distance, please."


    -Freya, observing from a distance, bit her lip, her displeasure written all over her face.


    Debra, however, maintained an air of innocence.


    "Mr. Odom, I had nothing to do with those rumors. I''m as baffled as you are."


    "Let''s hope so, Edgar said, arching his eyebrows. "I wouldn''t want to think youck credibility, Mrs. Nichols."


    Debra merely smiled, her eyes giving nothing away.


    Edgar straightened, addressing the room. "I need to review a few things. If everything checks out, we''ll sign the contract. I''ll fund both groups of trainees."Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Sure!" Henry said happily.


    Oscar, however, frowned at the news. As Edgar turned to leave, he shot Oscar a look. loaded with meaning.


    Tomas was puzzled. "What was that about? Did he take a liking to you?"


    Debra shrugged, chiming in, "I had no idea the Odom family was so progressive. Putting on a show of devotion for the public while ying a different game behind the scenes."


    Her words were like a match to kindling, igniting a flurry of whispers and spection. "Can I talk to you for a second?" Oscar invited Debra to talk elsewhere.


    The other female trainees watched with envy and jealousy, their voices hushed but


    venomous.


    "Didn''t Oscar avoid girls like the gue? Howe he''s so chummy with Debra?"


    "She''s only been here a few days, and she''s already trying to seduce men. How shameless!"


    Someone nudged Freya, asking, "Aren''t you neighbors with Oscar? What''s your rtionship like? Does he have a girlfriend?"


    Freya''s face darkened like a thundercloud. Despite living in the same neighborhood, Oscar had never shown her an ounce of warmth. Seeing him actively engage with Debra was like a p in the face. Meanwhile, Oscar questioned Debra, "What''s your rtionship with Edgar?"