Lara cleared her throat and explained, “Mr. Lowe reconsidered the outfit last night and decided it might not be appropriate, so he had Mr. McLean prepare something else for you. Why don’t you try it on and see if it fits?”
“I see,” Debra nodded, rising to slip off her jacket and put on the new dress. It was white and modest, save for the daringly high slit. In such a dress, she would be the least popular dealer in the casino. Kale was insidious enough to arrange this. With a dark expression, she went out of the room.
When Drake turned to see her, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The dress, though understated, clung to Debra’s curves, accentuating her slim waist. It was intended to be seductive, yet on her, it radiated unexpected elegance.
“This looks nice on you, but you don’t seem too thrilled about it,” Drake teased her.
Debra shot him a frosty glare. “Would anyone wear this to be a dealer? Kale did this on purpose. How am I supposed to attract customers like this?”
Drake muttered, “I picked that dress—”
Debra paused, glancing at Lara, whose eyes were just as wide with surprise. She didn’t know about that either. Debra forced a tight smile, trying to smooth things over. “Good taste, Mr. Lowe. I like it very much.” But her expression said otherwise.
Instead of arguing with her, Drake said, “Let’s go.”
“Unbelievable!” Debra grumbled under her breath as she hurried to catch up, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor. Drake didn’t bother slowing down for her; instead, he quickened his pace, as if testing her patience. If she weren’t accustomed to wearing heels, she might have struggled to keep up. Kale, who was instructed to stay, watched them leave from the courtyard. Debra caught a glimpse of his icy gaze and shivered.
“Get in the car,” Drake said, hopping into the vehicle. His voice brought her back to reality, and his lack of courtesy annoyed her. After getting into the car, she grumbled, “Don’t you think a gentleman should let the lady get in the car first? It’s social etiquette.”
“Etiquette? What is that?” Drake smirked.
“Something you lack,” she replied.
Drake propped his arm casually on the window, leaning his head against his hand. “You might be a refined lady, but I am not a gentleman.”
“Please, your family boasts great wealth and a long history. You’re telling me no one ever taught you manners?”
“Nope. Never learned.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Whatever.”
Drake suddenly felt childish. He must be out of his mind to bicker with Debra like that. But Debra’s attention wasn’t on their conversation. She kept glancing outside. This was her first real glimpse of Orkgate. Earlier, after their plane landed, Drake had given her an injection before she could see anything.