Chapter 427

“I’ll go talk to him,” Oscar began.

Debra cut him off. Her voice was assured. “It’s pointless, Oscar. You didn’t choose to be born into this mess, but your very existence threatens Edgar’s status. Nothing you say will change that. He might act friendly to your face, but behind your back, he’ll be scheming to take you down.”

Oscar fell silent, his expression troubled. He just wanted to dance and find his stage, away from the drama and the politics. Seeing his turmoil, Debra softened her voice. “Here’s the deal: come find me tonight. I have a business proposition for you. If you agree, I promise Edgar won’t bother you anymore.”

Oscar looked at her, surprise and suspicion warring in his eyes. “You have a solution?”

Debra shrugged. “Believe me if you want. If not, just forget it. I’m not here to force you into anything.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Oscar staring after her. “Tonight at 8:30, back practice field.”

Tomas, who had been lurking nearby, had missed the conversation entirely. As soon as Debra was out of earshot, he rushed up to Oscar.

“Hey, what did you and Debra talk about?”

“Nothing.” Oscar turned to leave, but Tomas was persistent.

“Come on, man. I saw you two. You were all cozy and close. If it was nothing, I wouldn’t buy it,” Tomas pressed.

Oscar stopped. “Did you hear something?”

“No,” Tomas mumbled, sulking. “Are you keeping secrets from me, dude? I knew you two had a thing.”

Oscar rubbed his temples and walked away without a word.

“Hey, are you guys dating?” Tomas persisted, shouting after Oscar.

His voice rang clearly in the ears of those eavesdropping nearby. Whispers started almost immediately.

“What? Oscar is dating?” “When did our captain start dating? I didn’t know.” “No wonder he never hung out with girls. It turns out…” “He isn’t dating Debra, is he?”

Freya, overhearing the gossip, clenched her fists. The speculations continued.

“Is it true? Debra is pretty, but can she really melt the iceberg?” “This is explosive news. Didn’t you see it? Oscar defended Debra right in front of Mr. Odom.”

Freya’s heart tightened, and she intercepted Oscar. It was rare for her to lose her composure as she asked, “What’s your relationship with Debra?”

Tomas, while fond of gossip, respected Oscar’s privacy. He raised his hands. “I didn’t hear anything. You guys talk. I’m out.”

He stepped away, and Oscar replied to Freya, “It’s none of your business.”

Freya grabbed his arm. “Your mother forbids you to date. Did you forget?”