Chapter 551

Debra remained silent, making Edgar believe his threats were starting to take effect. His tone softened, as if offering her a lifeline. “Think about it before you give any answer.” He raised his glass of wine, prepared to take a sip, when Debra broke the silence.

“You won’t dare.”

Edgar paused mid-motion, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “What did you just say?” His gaze darkened, a silent promise of consequences hanging in the air, but Debra didn’t waver.

“I said, you won’t dare,” she repeated, tilting her head slightly. “Otherwise, you would have made your move already instead of negotiating with me here. If you make a move, it won’t just be the McKinney Group you’re fighting.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m one of the McKinney Group’s shareholders and, as you know, the legal wife of Juan. Opposing me means opposing the Nichols family. But that’s just the beginning,” Debra continued, her voice steady and measured. “The McKinney Group’s biggest strategic partner is the Potter Group. I have ties with Marion, and he’s a key player there. Not to mention, the Houston family is closely linked with the Osborne family. Oh, and the Mathis family? They’re Marion’s relatives. So, by targeting me, you’re picking a fight with every major family in Seamar City.”

Edgar’s grip on his wine glass tightened, his knuckles turning white.

Debra chuckled, her tone light but loaded with meaning. “Mr. Odom, this isn’t your city; your usual tactics won’t work here. And to be honest, all this effort to take down someone who isn’t even a threat to you? It’s not only a waste of time, but it could also come back to bite you.”

“Enough!” Edgar snapped, cutting her off. He knew full well what going up against the McKinney Group would entail. But he couldn’t let Oscar rise to stardom and steal the spotlight.

“Ms. Frazier, leave it or take it,” he said finally.

Debra didn’t even bat an eyelid. “No.”

Edgar’s patience was thinning, but Debra remained composed. “But since you’re a guest in our city, this meal is on me. Please don’t refuse.” Without waiting for a response, she downed the rest of her wine in one graceful motion. “If you’re not satisfied with how things went today, you’re welcome to try elsewhere. I doubt you’ll have any more success, though. The only person who stands to benefit at this point is the owner of this restaurant.”

Her words, dripping with sarcasm, were a deliberate slap in the face. Standing up, Debra called out to Ben, who was waiting outside.

“Looks like we’re done here. Have the waitstaff box up the leftovers. I think Mr. Odom likes the food here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Debra turned back to Edgar, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she observed his strained composure. The sound of dishes shattering soon echoed from inside the private room. Ben intended to say something, but Debra stopped him with a gesture.

Once outside the restaurant, Ben spoke with concern. “Edgar is a lunatic. Why did you go out of your way to provoke him, madam?”