Chapter 163

Andrew casually gestured, and the maid promptly served Debra before setting a clean plate. “Ms. Frazier, please feel at home,” he said, taking his seat at the table.

Debra felt a sense of unease as the maid diligently served. The atmosphere grew tense with Andrew’s presence; all fell silent. She fidgeted, unnerved by the heavy air that seemed to press down on her.

Andrew put down his fork and knife. “I have some matters to attend to. Jordan will show you around the garden until then.”

Debra nodded. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her,” Jordan assured him.

Andrew nodded, and his bodyguards ushered him into the elevator. Debra finally breathed a sigh of relief. She found it hard to eat when Andrew was around; everything tasted…off.

Jordan, noticing her discomfort, tried to reassure her. “Andrew is gentle. You don’t need to be so afraid.”

“Gentle?” She only felt a forbidding aura around him. Ever since the incident at the jewelry banquet, where Andrew had thrown that socialite from the second floor, she had resolved to keep her distance from him. It was clear Andrew had marked her as someone to be removed later.

She set down her fork and knife. Glancing at the antique clock on the wall, she noted there were still ten hours until the masquerade began.

As they strolled through the courtyard, Debra casually mentioned, “Did you receive a badge yesterday?”

“What badge?” Jordan said, puzzled. “I haven’t heard of it.”

Debra pondered. If Jordan doesn’t know about it, then the badge must be in Andrew’s possession.

Jordan asked, “Why are you asking?”

Debra chose her words carefully. “Both Erica and I received one. The McKinney Group is hosting a masquerade tonight, coinciding with your birthday. I thought we might go together.”

Jordan nodded, surprisingly agreeable. “That’s fine. If you want to go, I’ll accompany you.”

Debra was surprised by his quick agreement. At the same time, she felt a pang of guilt. Though she was using him, she hadn’t intended any harm. If Jordan blamed her later, she would apologize.

In the afternoon, the hall was grandly decorated for Jordan’s birthday party. He usually only had drinking buddies and rarely hosted such events. That night, many wealthy heirs and heiresses from various circles came, bearing gifts out of courtesy. However, Jordan paid them no attention; he didn’t know any of them personally.

In her seat, Debra checked the time from time to time. The masquerade had commenced, and she pondered how to discreetly leave with Jordan. Just then, one of Andrew’s bodyguards approached them.

“Sir, Mr. Andrew Potter wants you to attend a masquerade on his behalf. Your identity must remain hidden from others,” he said.

“How coincidental!” Jordan exclaimed. Earlier, Debra had mentioned wanting to attend this party.