Chapter 578 +25 BONUS

But to everyone's surprise, Drake didn't seem offended. Instead, he chuckled softly, his lips curling into a sly smile as he continued to advance toward Debra.

“Did Andrew not warn you? Once you’re here, I’m the king. Everyone answers to me. And that includes you.”

His casual, predatory tone made the hairs on Debra’s neck stand on end.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from across the room, drawing everyone’s attention. A maid had accidentally bumped into Edgar, causing the wine bottle she was holding to shatter on the floor.

Edgar snapped, “Can you not do your job right?”

“I’m so sorry, sir,” the maid apologized profusely.

The distraction gave Debra the perfect opportunity. She quickly put some distance between herself and Drake.

“Mr. Lowe, you’re right. I should learn the rules around here. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave. Have a good evening.”

She quickly turned on her heel, heading for the exit before Drake could stop her.

“Mr. Lowe, should we bring her back?” Peter asked, watching Debra slip away.

Drake glanced between Edgar and the retreating figure of Debra before answering. “Check the Potter Group’s upper management. See if you can find any information on her.”

He wasn’t convinced she was one of the Potter Group’s people.

Peter said, “She’s probably just here to look around. We get plenty like that. There’s no need to dig too deep.”

Drake’s gaze darkened. “If I decide she’s my prey, even Andrew will have to step aside.”

Peter’s surprise was palpable. It had been years since Drake showed interest in anyone. Yet Debra had sparked something in him.

“I’ll take care of it,” Peter replied.

Just as Debra thought she’d escaped, Edgar appeared in front of her, blocking her path.

“Ms. Frazier,” he said sternly, pulling her into a shadowed corner away from prying eyes. Only when he was sure they weren’t being watched did he release her arm. “Do you even know what kind of place this is?”

Debra didn’t hesitate. “Not yet, but I’m starting to get the picture.”

Edgar’s frown deepened, his tone dripping with warning. “This isn’t a place for women. Whatever brought you here, you need to leave. The Lowe Group is not something you want to get involved with.”

Debra raised an eyebrow, her tone light but pointed. “Why so concerned, Edgar? Have you forgotten I cost you a lot of money not too long ago?”

For a moment, Edgar was speechless. Of course, he remembered. Debra had been responsible for one of his biggest financial losses, and she was now a rival of sorts. Yet, for reasons he couldn’t explain, he’d intervened without thinking.

“Consider it my charity being wasted,” he muttered. “If you’re so eager to dive headfirst into danger, don’t cry when you can’t get out.”

Edgar turned to leave. He’d barely taken two steps before he spun back around, his brow furrowed even deeper.

“One more thing: around here, women are nothing but commodities. With your looks, you better watch your back.”