Drake nodded. "You''ve got a point."


    Debra continued to say, "So, I want to take down the man who yed with my heart. It''s only fair, right?"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    "Fair," Drake echoed. "If someone yed with my feelings like that, I wouldn''t just kill them. I''d make sure they bled first."


    Debra pressed on. "I''m not here to sacrifice myself for some guy. I''ve lost everything-my family, my position in the McKinney Group. I can''t even go back to Seamar City. I''m asking for a chance to work for you here in Orkgate. I''ll make enough money to exact my revenge."


    Drake chuckled, "So, you want to deal cards at my casino?"


    "That''s right." Debra didn''t hesitate.


    Kale frowned, but Drake was interested.


    "Alright, I''ll give you a chance."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah."


    "Does that mean you won''t lock me up anymore?"


    "Of course," Drake said, turning to Kale. "Get her some clean clothes."


    "Yes, sir." Kale cast a sidelong nce at Debra and left the room.


    Drake tossed a towel toward her. "Go take a shower."


    Debra caught the towel withoutint and headed for the bathroom. Before entering, she paused to lock the door behind her. The sound of running water filled the room soon after.


    Kale returned with a fresh set of clothes, setting them down with clear reluctance. "Boss, are you sure we can trust her?"


    "People betray others for money and


    power alkthe time. Why wouldn''t trust her?" Drake said, sipping his wine. "Besides, I never believed Marion would fall for any woman."


    "But they''re engaged."


    "That engagement was never about love. Marion''s been eyeing Seamar City for years. Marrying Debra was just a way to spite Juan. Plus, I presume she knows the secrets about her family. Marion has everything to gain and nothing to lose."


    M


    "Still..."


    "That''s enough. You can go now."


    "Yes, boss."


    Kale left the room and closed the door.


    A few minutester, Debra''s voice echoed from the bathroom.


    "Mr. Lowe, where are my clothes?"


    Without turning around, Drake grabbed the outfit and tossed it toward the bathroom door. Debra grabbed the clothes and retreated behind the door.


    Soon, the sound of a blow dryer hummed through the room.


    Drake''s throat suddenly felt dry, and he asked impatiently, "Are you done?"


    "Almost," Debra quickly replied, going on to put on the clothes.


    When her eyesnded on the gown, her expression darkened.