Chapter 433

Henry, worried about Eve, shouted, “Everyone, stop!” His usual composure vanished, replaced by a father’s desperate plea. The trainees, relentlessly frog-jumping across the field, crumpled to the ground, exhaustion clinging to them like a second skin.

“Let’s see how you’re going to make me lose money,” Edgar said. Debra smiled enigmatically, her eyes revealing nothing. Edgar walked away, and Henry scurried after him.

By nightfall, the intense training had taken its toll. Everyone was too worn out to even lift their forks. “My legs feel like they’re made of lead,” one trainee groaned. “It’s all Debra’s fault. If she had just danced earlier, we wouldn’t be in this mess,” another complained. The complaints echoed through the dining hall, but Debra was nowhere to be found.

Tomas, puzzled, voiced his thoughts. “What’s Edgar playing at? Is he just messing with us, or does he have a screw loose?” Oscar put down his fork and knife, clearing his plate. Tomas shouted after him, “Hey! Is that all you’re eating?” Oscar checked the time and headed to the practice field, fifteen minutes early.

A sudden tap on his shoulder made him turn. Expecting Debra, he was met with Freya’s awkward gaze. “Are you waiting for someone?”

“It’s none of your business,” Oscar replied, trying to leave. Freya grabbed his arm, persisting, “Are you waiting for Debra?”

Oscar frowned, shaking off her hand. “We’re not close. Stay out of my affairs.”

Freya’s eyes flashed with concern. “We’re neighbors, Oscar. I don’t want you to be deceived. Debra is married and still fooling around. How can you be interested in her?”

“Shut up!” Oscar growled, his patience wearing thin.

Just then, Debra strolled over with a scoff. “I thought Miss Ger was the most high-minded and prideful among the trainees and wouldn’t gossip. It seems I was mistaken.”

Freya frowned, her voice laced with accusation. “Oscar, you were waiting for her.”

“Are you two a couple?” Debra asked.

“No,” Oscar stated firmly.

Freya turned to Debra, her voice a low hiss. “I told you. Edgar can’t have a girlfriend. Stay away from him.”

Debra retorted, “Don’t limit yourself so rigidly. Does it concern you what he chooses to do?”

“You…” Freya, usually so composed, found herself lost for words.

Oscar, his patience exhausted, grabbed Debra’s arm and pulled her away. “There’s no need to reason with irrelevant people.”

Freya called after them, “Oscar, if you keep this up, your mother will be upset.”

Oscar paused, his frown deepening. “Why should that concern you?”

He led Debra to the other side of the practice field. Trying to calm him down, Debra said, “You don’t need to be so harsh with her. I can tell she likes you.”

Oscar’s expression remained indifferent. “If you’re here just to talk about such trivial matters, then we have nothing to discuss.”