Chapter 722

Drake’s lips curled into a cruel smile as he stared down at Debra’s unconscious form. The last time he had seen her, she and Marion had put on quite a performance. It was his turn now.

Inside the Royal Grand Hotel, the emcee’s voice boomed through the ballroom, enthusiastically announcing the next segment of the evening: the grand entrance of the soon-to-be-engaged couple. Upstairs, Marion was adjusting his tie, an uncharacteristic unease tightening his chest.

“Marion!” Randy burst into the room, panting heavily.

Marion remained composed. “Today is my engagement, not yours. Why are you in such a hurry?”

Randy was burning with anxiety. “Did you see Erica? I couldn’t find her anywhere.”

Marion’s expression hardened instantly. “I told her not to leave Debra’s side for even a second.”

The two men locked eyes, both sensing the same gut-wrenching dread.

“Something’s wrong.”

Downstairs, the guests remained blissfully unaware, clapping and cheering as the emcee continued his spirited speech. Caleb, in particular, was overjoyed. Ben had already searched the venue twice, but there was no sign of Debra or Erica.

Just as Marion and Randy hurried downstairs, Ben approached them. “They’re not here. I’ve checked every corner.”

Marion’s voice was low and dangerous. “Then search outside.”

“Got it.” Ben hurried away.

A security guard rushed in, breathless. “Something happened to Miss Mathis.”

Outside, two attendants were helping Erica to her feet. She looked groggy, her movements sluggish. Randy was at her side in an instant, wrapping her in his arms.

“Erica, are you okay? Was it your low blood sugar again?”

“Low blood sugar?” Erica shook her head slowly, her mind still foggy. Before she fainted, she remembered someone covering her mouth and nose, and then it was the smell of ether.

She jerked up her head and grabbed Marion’s arms. “Debra has been taken!”

Marion grabbed her shoulders and asked, “By who? When?”

Randy quickly stepped in to separate them. “Marion, calm down. Erica is not in good shape.”

“I remember a security guard telling us that Andrew had fainted and asked us to come over. Then, when we came out, I felt someone cover my mouth and nose, and I fainted,” she muttered, suddenly remembering something. “Oh, before I fainted, I think I heard someone say ‘boss.’”

Randy’s face went pale. He turned to Marion, his voice filled with dread.

“Do you think it’s…”

“Drake.”

Marion clenched his fists, ordering, “Mobilize everyone. Block every road to the airport. No planes take off tonight.”

“I’m on it.” Randy sprinted off.

Marion ripped off his tie, tossing it aside as he hopped into his car and drove toward the airport.