Those who worked for Drake knew his temper. Outsiders might be oblivious, but his employees were all too familiar with it. If things didn''t go as nned, they could kiss their jobs goodbye. "What now? We have to figure something out," Peter said.


    As long as the banquet wasn''t over, there was still hope


    1 can''t drink anymore."


    A woman''s crying caught Debra''s attention. She looked toward the source of the sound and saw Ashley surrounded by two middle-aged men. Their hands were anything but respectful. Ashley had already been forced to drink several sses of wine, and one of the men had deliberately spilled more on her chest.


    Her pink dress was already soaked through, making het difort painfully obvious. Even worse, her mask had been maliciously removed.


    Ashley was crying hysterically. She''d thought this was a golden opportunity for actresses like her to rise, but now she realized it was nothing more than a yground for rich businessmen. Catching sight of Debra, Ashley saw hope. Her eyes silently pleaded for help.


    Debra hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over, a calm smile on her face. "I know thisdy. Mind if I borrow her for a bit?"


    Debra''s presence had already caused quite a stir earlier, so everyone knew better than to mess with her. The two men, though reluctant, hesitated.


    One of them spoke up. "There are rules here. We haven''t broken any."


    Debra yed along. She tilted her head slightly and said, "Gentlemen, didn''t I just go shopping with your wives the other day? If they hear about tonight''s festivities..."


    At the mention of their wives, the two men turned pale


    Debra gave a small, triumphant smile. "I''ll just borrow her for a little while. I won''t spoil the fun."


    The men backed off, and Debra quickly led Ashley away. Ashley, having drunk too much, could barely walk on her own. She leaned heavily on Debra, sobbing like a child.


    "I didn''t know it would be like this. Otherwise, I never would havee," Clutching Debra''s arm, she wailed, "I''m so sorry. I did bad things to you before. Please, get me out of here." Debra''s expression remained cool. "You made your choice. How did you even get invited to this banquet anyway?"


    From what she knew of Ashley''s modest upbringing, there was no way Ashley could have obtained an invitation to such an event.


    Ashley hesitated, lowering her head.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "I begged for it."


    "How, exactly?"


    Her question was met with silence, as Ashley fidgeted, clearly ashamed.


    Debra''s tone hardened, "Not talking? Then I''ll take you right back to them."


    "No. Please, don''t." Ashley desperately shook her head.


    Debra said, "I''m giving you a chance here. Tell me everything, or you can face the consequences of your choices."