Chapter 404

As Sheila sauntered off with Edgar, Michael blew out a breath. “That was daylight robbery.”

Debra shrugged. “They started this game. If I didn’t beat them at it, I’d be their pawn.”

“So, is this settled?”

“Not quite.”

“But you just…”

“Is there a signed agreement?”

“I didn’t realize you were so calculating.”

“I learned from the best.”

“Who?”

Debra’s mind flashed to Marion, but she sealed her lips and rose from her seat. “Your problem is solved. Once the money comes in, I’ll wire it to you.”

“Okay.”

Debra called Hannah, who promptly sent a car. As she stepped into the practice room, the chatter hushed, all eyes zeroing in on her. Hannah waved her in. “Debra, come in.”

Eve’s voice sliced through the silence. “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence. Did you spend the night charming a sponsor? It’s nearly noon.”

Ashley sidled up to Debra, circling her like a vulture. “Can’t blame her. Her family is broke, and she owes a fortune. What’s a girl to do but use her assets?”

Eve snickered. “Exactly. She’s here to be a star, paying off her debts.”

“It’s different for her. You came down to be a trainee, but she’s a broke lady. If she didn’t come to be a trainee, what else could she do?” Ashley raised her eyebrows. “I heard she went to Arcane Academy.”

“Arcane Academy? Yet her family still went belly up. I remember there were rumors she bought her way in, relying on Juan’s connections. Now Juan doesn’t want her anymore, so what does she have left?”

Laughter erupted. Hannah, standing at the door, scowled. “That’s enough. If you’ve got so much energy to burn, go run laps outside.”

The room quieted, the girls returning to their stretches. Debra brushed off the remarks. She’d weathered worse storms.

Hannah cleared her throat. “You’ve been training for almost a month. The company’s giving you a shot at screen time. Blow it, and it might be your last.”

Freya perked up. “What’s the gig? Do we need to showcase any talents?”

The other girls were also eager to know.

Hannah held up a hand. “Details to come. For now, shed those extra pounds. The camera adds ten, remember? No one wants to be a blimp on screen.” Her gaze flicked to Eve, barely perceptible but sharp as a blade.