"No," Drake refused tly.
It was not like he owed her anything.
He added, "If you want people, ask Marion. I don''t have any."
With that, he turned to leave. Until he reached the door, Debra didn''t call after him.
"Is this how you ask others for a favor?" Drake grumbled under his breath.
Then he stopped in his tracks and looked back at her. "Fine. I''ll lend you the people."
Debra gave a grateful smile. "Thank you."
Drake had a nagging feeling he''d been tricked. Yet it also felt like his softness gave her the opening she needed.
He watched sullenly as Debra happily headed toward the living room.
Kale emerged from the shadows. "Boss..."
The sudden voice startled Drake. "When did you get here?"
"I''ve been here the whole time."
"Then go prepare the manpower for Debra. Also, find out which hotel is housing that banquet. Have our people keep a close eye on things and tell the manager not to let any suspicious people slip in."
"I''ve investigated the venue, and there''s a catch."
"What catch?"
"The designer from the brand proposed a ''Mystery Lady'' theme for the banquet. Every guest is required to wear a blindfold before arriving. The venue is secret, so we can''t set up in advance."
"What kind of game is this? There''s no information we can''t dig up in Orkgate. Just check all the hotels in the
City center. Do I have to spell this out for you?"
"Yes, boss. And there''s one more thing."
"Spill it."
"The Trennery family sent someone today. Mr. Trennery said he''d like to have
dinner with you tonight to show his respect."
Kale handed him a bank card. "He
He
said having his son work for you is a great honor. He hopes you''ll ept this and consider discussing a potential coboration."
Drake took the card. "How much?"
Kale held up eight fingers.
"80 million?"
"80 million, pluspensation for the wrecked car. All private transfers. Clearly, he means business."
"The Trennery family might have some clout in Orkgate, but they''re not qualified to coborate with me."
Drake tossed the card back to Kale and turned to leave. But then, something Debra had said about Ivan being problematic came to mind.
If Ivan was an issue, the Trennery family might be one as well. This could be a good chance to probe them.
"Boss?"
"The Trennery family isn''t worth partnering with, but having dinner with them is fine."
Kale was confused because Drake hated social engagements, especially with outsiders.