As Debra thought about the pack of birth control pills from earlier that day, she forced a smile and said, "Mr. Lowe, I''m not that hungry."


    "I know. You didn''t like what the hotel served yesterday," Drake responded.


    "No, I''m really not hungry," Debra said.


    She was eager to excuse herself and prayed that Marion would arrive soon.


    Drake started eating. As if engaging in casual conversation, he asked, "Kale said you contacted someone from the McKinney Group today."


    "It was an old colleague," Debra quickly exined. "I had some paid leave to record that show, and they still owe me 30 thousand dors. I thought I''d ask about it when you submitted my resignation. After all, jobs with sries like that aren''t easy to find." She picked up her fork and knife, trying to mask her nervousness with action. But then she thought about the possibility of Drake drugging the food, so she put the tableware back down.


    Drake chuckled, "What''s the matter? Afraid I drugged the food?"


    Debra stiffened. "Not really."


    "I had Kale check all your bank ounts," Drake said with a smirk. "Turns out you have seven million dors in debt. And, from what I saw, the bnce across all your ounts is less than ten thousand dors. Seems like you''ve been living pretty humbly." Debra had anticipated that Drake might investigate her finances but didn''t expect him to be this thorough.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Back when she was trying to keep Juan from getting suspicious, she had shifted all her assets. They had been entrusted to Michael, Marion, and Erica.


    The seven-million-dor debt was just a cover to keep Juan from discovering her identity as the owner of the McKinney Group. She needed to make it look like she had financial struggles, even though she had paid off Ralph''s debts. That would dispel Juan''s suspicion. "Well," she sighed. "I used to be a richdy. I never had to worry about money, and I got used to spending it freely. Now, my paycheck barely covers my expenses. That''s why I called thepany. 30 thousand dors is a lot to me right now. Surely you understand, right?" Drake nodded. "Makes sense."


    Debra smiled in relief, but he added, "There is a chance to make a fortune. Interested?"


    Debra couldn''t quite read his intentions. She could only probe cautiously, "What kind?"


    "You know, gambling is legal in Orkgate. With your looks, you could easily be the most beautiful dealer in the city."


    "A dealer? I''ve never done that before."


    "It''s easy. Just help the house win, and I''ll give you a 10%mission. With your intelligence, you could make a million in no time." "That does sound tempting."


    Debra knew that the Lowe family owned the most notorious casino in the area. Regr people who dared to enter were often left penniless or buried under debt.


    To pay it off, they were forced to luke their friends and family into the same pit. Worse, some even signed their dives away in high-interest loans from the Lowe family.


    Then again, if she could get ess to that casino, she might uncover even more secrets about the Lowe family. It could be a huge advantage.


    "Kale."


    "Sir?"


    "The medicine."


    Debra''s head snapped up, her gaze locking onto the box of pills in Drake''s hand.