Drake’s logic was persuasive, almost hypnotic. Cathryn found herself wavering. “But Liza…”

“She’s your friend, right? She’ll understand. Besides, this is just a business arrangement, not a real marriage. It’s just to create some tension for Marion.”

Cathryn was convinced. “Alright, I’ll prepare the gala. But you must explain everything to Liza afterward.”

“Okay,” Drake replied. But his smile faded as soon as Cathryn left.

Kale asked, “Boss, are you really going to explain this to Miss Eaton?”

“Explain my ass,” Drake snorted. “Once I get engaged to her, I’ll gain control of the Bernard family’s resources. Then I’ll have enough power to take on Marion. Who cares about her petty little scandals?”

Kale mused, “So, you were fooling her?”

Drake explained, “She’s the only one left in her family. If it weren’t for those resources, do you think I’d even consider an engagement with her? She’s clueless. Once she hosts the gala and announces the news to the media, do you think she can just call it off?”

Kale was unsure about that. “What if Marion agrees once she makes demands of him?”

“Agree to what? Giving up Debra?” Drake squinted at him. “Do you honestly think he’d do that?”

“Uh…”

“Besides, Marion doesn’t like anyone to threaten him. He won’t agree with anything.”

“But isn’t this basically a scam marriage?”

Drake snorted, hurling the book in his hand at Kale. “So what? If she’s stupid enough to fall for it, that’s on her.”

Rubbing his sore arm, Kale muttered, “You’re right, Boss.”

“Then stop wasting time and get me the outfit I’ll wear to the banquet.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and send an invitation to Marion and Debra.”

“To show them your muscles?”

Chapter 943

“Stop talking. Just go.”

“Okay.”

Across town at the Houston Mansion, Debra stared at the invitation in her hand.

“Drake’s getting engaged to Cathryn?”

The ink was still fresh, the paper warm from the printer. The event was scheduled for two days later at 7:30 PM, set to take place at the Legacy Hotel.

“What’s he playing at?” she muttered. “He just broke off his engagement with Liza, and now he’s jumping into another one with Cathryn? What a jerk!”

Seated comfortably on the couch with a newspaper in hand, Marion echoed, “He never knows shame.”

Debra didn’t get it. “And Cathryn? Aren’t she and Liza supposed to be best friends? Isn’t she worried about being labeled a homewrecker?”

“Not sure. Don’t know her well,” Marion said, turning a page.

Debra huffed, “Come on. I’m serious.”