Debra lifted the lid of the gift box. Insidey a sleek bank card with a small slip of paper showing the PIN. "What''s this?"


    "Just take it. I''m a top-tier actor now. You think I can''t afford a little gift like this?" "Alright then, I''ll ept it."


    Across the room, Marion caught her eye. He was dressed impably, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly, every strand of his hair in ce. As he moved through the crowd, toasting guests with charming ease, he stole a nce at her. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a subtle, knowing smile.


    After tonight, Marion would officially be her fiancé.


    The thought filled her with a warm glow, her heart fluttering with excitement.


    But before she could fully savor the moment, a security guard hurried over.


    "Mr. Andrew Potter had a fall as he was leaving. You shoulde quickly."


    "What?" Debra''s face tightened with concern.


    Andrew always had his butler by his side. It was unbelievable he fell.


    "Let''s go check it out together," Erica suggested.


    "Alright," Debra agreed.


    As the hostess of the banquet, she had to deal with anything unexpected.


    They quickly followed the security guard out.


    Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the venue, Cathryn watched Marion like a hawk. Mustering her nerve, she approached him, blocking his view.


    Raising her ss, she offered a tight smile. "Marion, congrattions on your engagement. Allow me to toast you."


    Marion didn''t refuse. He lifted his champagne flute, clinked her ss lightly, and then turned to walk away.


    "Marion!" Her voice broke with frustration. "Do you really hate me that much?"


    He turned back and replied nonchntly, "I hope you will keep your distance from me. I don''t want Debra to get the wrong idea." Cathryn''s face drained of color.


    Liza came up, looping her arm through Cathryn''s. "Come on, Cathryn, Don''t waste your time on him. Men are all the same. We should just leave. This city is so dult."


    Liza, fresh from abroad, had offended Randy earlier. It was not something her father desired. Now, all she wanted was to drag Cathryn away and escape the oppressive atmosphere.


    "Alright," Cathryn sighed.


    Her gaze lingered on Marion''s retreating figure, a mix of disappointment and burning determination flickering in her eyes. ''You''ll regret this, Marion.'' "Ms. Frazier, this way," the security guard gestured, leading them out of the hotel.


    By now, the engagement banquet was more than halfway through and approaching its climax. The area outside the hotel was deserted, with only a few dozen luxury cars parked there and not a single personin sight.


    "Where is he?"


    Debra and Erica followed him to where Andrew''s car was parked, but before they could reach it, a muffled groan cut through the silence.


    Debra spun around just in time to see Erica crumple to the ground, unconscious.


    A cold knot of fear twisted in Debra''s gut. Before she could react, a rough hand mped a cloth over her mouth.


    A familiar voice hissed in her ear, low and menacing. "Long time no see, Debra."


    It was none other than Drake.


    The drug worked fast, and Debra''s body slumped into his waiting arms.


    Nearby, inside a shadowy van, Kale nced over at Erica, whoy motionless on the ground.


    He looked up at Drake. "Boss, what about her?"This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Leave her," Drake replied. "Tell Marion I took Debra."