"It''s simple. The Nichols Group''s shareholders aren''t clean either. Drake has dirt on them, so they have to do what he says."


    Thedaughed, understanding the whole thing. That exined why the mention of Drake''s name alone had influenced those shareholders'' decisions during thest meeting. It was because Drake had their secrets.


    "Alright, I lost fair and square. Actually, I hold no personal grudge against you. That''s why I warned you that getting those shares wouldn''t be good for you. The person behind this wouldn''t let you go."


    "You know who''s behind this, don''t you?"


    "Even if I do, we''re destined to be enemies. I lost to you, but next time, someone even more formidable wille after you. You won''t be so lucky then."


    Theda poured Debra a cup of tea and continued, "We''re alike. We''ve both been through things others can''t understand. You''re lucky, with so many people around you, helping you, but the path ahead is harder for you. Not something enviable." Debra didn''t get it. "What do you mean by things others can''t understand?"


    Theda smiled, "I mean we''re both women, abandoned women. Society is always against us. A lot of things are not under our control. That''s what we have inmon, don''t we?"


    Debra didn''t think that was what she meant earlier.


    Theda continued, "I messed up here. In a few days, I''ll return to Wrastow City to handle family matters. I don''t know when I''ll be back. Consider this a farewell. Good luck, Debra."


    Debra took the tea and downed it.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared behind her and raised a baton high in the air.


    Theda jumped up, shouting, "Robert, no!"


    It was too date. Robert struck Debra hard on the back of her head. She saw blood and copsed onto the table.


    He hadn''t used his full strength, but that was enough to seriously injure her.


    "Debra!" Theda froze, then red at Robert. "What have you done? Are you crazy? I didn''t let you hurt her."


    With his cold gaze fixed on Debra, he ou came to this b


    You came to this because


    You don''t need to give her the


    . I''ll get the money for


    you."


    "What are you nning? Using Debra to threaten Marion?" Theda asked. "You''ll


    bring trouble to yourself."