Ivan grew anxious at the news.


    Debra took Marion''s hand and said, "Let''s go upstairs and order some takeout."


    "Sure." Marion followed her obediently.


    Gand thought Debra was exaggerating, but when he took a bite, a foul, fishy taste instantly filled his mouth. He could feel the fish scales dancing on his tongue.


    "Actually, this is quite... gag... good. Keep it up... gag. I need to go upstairs for a second." He covered his mouth and rushed upstairs.


    The food looked good but tasted awful. Debra''s earlierments were actually mild.


    "Wait." Liza dropped her fork and chased after him.


    With a poker face, Ivan walked over to the dishes he had prepared and dumped them into the trash.


    The time left for him was limited. He needed to speed up his ns.


    That afternoon, an invitation arrived at the Lowe Mansion.


    Kale handed it to Drake, who nced at it briefly. "They think I''ll go to every little gathering?"


    "Boss, this invitation isn''t for you," Kale reminded him.


    Drake frowned and looked at the invitation more closely. It was addressed to Debra.


    He tossed it aside. "Why am I getting Debra''s invitations? Give it to her."


    "Boss, you said anything rted to Mrs. Houston should be reported to you first."


    "I said that? Whatever. Even if I did, why tell me about some women''s dinner party? It''s obviously a setup, and Debra won''t go anyway. Just give it to her. I don''t care what she does."


    "Yes, boss." Kale left the study.


    In the guest room, Debra looked at the invitation. "I''ll go."


    She then turned to Marion. "Staying indoors is boring. This will be thest party before we go home in three days."


    Leaning on the bed, Marion replied, "Sure, go ahead."


    Kale left the room without saying a word. ''Any fool can see this party is dangerous. If she gets herself killed, Mr. Lowe will have one less problem.''


    Marion thought for a moment and added, "Did you tell Ivan we''re leaving to force his hand?"


    "Exactly." Debra examined the


    invitation. "This fashion g is a big deal. Every wealthy and influentialdy in town will be there. Ivan


    knows how to bait a woman alright."


    "It''s going to be dangerous," Marion warned.


    "It''s alright Debra reassured him.


    "Orkgate is Drake''s territory, and re


    am his guest. If I let him know


    advance, he''ll make sure nothing happens to me."