Gand, who had never been in a romantic rtionship, cleared his throat.


    ''Not in public. But when is it going to be my turn for a sweet romance like this?'' he sighed. Drake grabbed Cathryn''s arm and yanked her back. "What the hell do you think you''re doing?"


    Cathryn bit her lip, irritated by the public disy of affection. She shrugged off Drake''s grip and stepped forward once again. But before she could get close, Marion shot her a cold nce. "Marion."


    "Don''te near me."


    Marion''s gaze held no hatred, but it was distant and cold.


    "Miss Bernard," Gand stepped in, "assaulting someone with a weapon is a criminal offense. For the sake of your friendship with Liza, I can plead with Mr. Houston on your behalf. But whether or not he forgives you depends on Ms. Frazier." He turned to Debra, expecting her decision. All eyes fell on her.


    Liza tensed up, unsure of how Debra would deal with Cathryn.


    Debra didn''t mince words. "Attempted assault with a weapon? No, I won''t forgive her. Let the police handle it."novelbin


    "Debra, you..." Cathryn sputtered, not expecting that Debra didn''t even bother to feign kindness in front of Marion.


    Debra remained unfazed. "That said, I wasn''t really hurt. I doubt the police would care much about this." Gand thought she was about to let the matter slide.


    But Debra''s tone took a turn. "So, why don''t we settle it privately? Mr. Lowe, you''re her fiancée. It''s fair for you to handle the problem for her andpensate me, isn''t it?


    en


    Gand clicked his tongue. ''She and Marion are a match in heaven. Both geniuses at milking money.''


    Drake snorted, "You weren''t even hurt. What am I paying you for?"


    "Emotional damages," Debra imed, extending a finger. "This much will do."


    "A thousand? I''ll transfer it to you right away."


    "Nuh-uh. Ten million."


    Drake froze mid-motion, his hand hovering over his wallet. When the number registered, he practically choked, "Ten million? Have your nerves been fried from fear?


    Debra replied seriously, "It''s already generous that I''m not asking for five billion. Ask Edgar about it, and you''ll know my value."


    "Fine! Ten million it is. I can afford that," Drake huffed, fishing around in his pockets.


    With little cash on him, he pulled out a card and tossed it to her. "Keep the extra to fix your fried nerves."


    Debra grinned and handed the card to Marion. "Honey, keep this safe for me."


    "Of course," Marion replied smoothly, tucking the card away.


    Drake pointed at Marion, his face darkening. "The card is for her. Are your nerves fried too? Hand it back."


    But Marion only slid the card deeper into his pocket. "My wife gave it to me. Unless you want your fiancée to repay you, I suggest you drop it."