Eve heard her father''s summons and skipped over, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree. "Hello, Mr. Odom. I''m Eve Cameron." "This is my daughter," Henry introduced.


    Edgar, with a polite smile, responded, "Ah, I didn''t expect your daughter to be here as an intern. A pleasure to meet you, Miss Cameron."


    Eve blushed, her heart fluttering like a hummingbird''s wings. Before she could utter another word, Henry steered her aside.


    "Mr. Odom, allow me to introduce the team leader and backbone, Freya George."


    Edgar''s eyes gleamed with interest as he took in Freya. "Impressive. There aren''t many with such amanding presence in this industry. I believe Miss George will shoot to stardom." Everyone around was surprised by Edgar''s high praise for Freya. They showed looks of astonishment.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Debra, however, was unimpressed. Freya had confronted her earlier out of jealousy, and now Edgar was trying to get close to Oscar through Freya.


    Unaware of Edgar''s hidden agenda, Freya basked in the praise.


    Edgar turned to Debra and said meaningfully, "Ms. Frazier, your looks stand out. Would you grace us with a dance?"


    His mocking smile gave away his intention to embarrass Debra.


    Debra was ready to decline, but Henry interjected, "Of course. Debra''s dancing skills top the practice room. Even the instructor sings her praises constantly." "Dad!" Eve scowled. Her displeasure at her father''s praise of Debra was written all over her face.


    Noticing her expression, Henry tried to smooth things over. "Mr. Odom, if


    you are skeptical, you can see for yourself. Our trainees are the cream of the crop."


    "Since Eve seems less than thrilled, perhaps she''d like to dance in Ms. Frazier''s stead," Debra chimed in, passing the buck.


    But before Eve could rejoice, Edgar insisted, "I really want to see Ms. Frazier dance."


    The atmosphere in the practice room turned as thick as pea soup.


    Seeing Debra''s reluctance, Henry tried to lighten things up. "Oh, silly me. I forgot Debra sprained her ankle yesterday. She can''t dance today."


    "Really? What a pity!" Edgar said


    thoughtfully. "I suppose we''ll have to


    wait until her foot heals. Then she


    can dance for me, and we can discuss the investment."


    The pressure was palpable. Henry looked pleadingly at Debra, who smiled It''s just a dance, Mr. Odom. If that''s all it takes to secure your investment, why not just give me the money directly?"


    "How much would it take for you to dance?"


    "I''m in a bit of a financial pickle, so how about five billion?"