I locked my gaze onto her face and demanded, “Who were you talking to just now? Why were you hiding it from me?”


    A fleeting, uncertain look crossed Debra’s eyes, as if she was debating whether to confide in me.


    I tightened my grip on her shoulders, forcing her to meet my eyes.


    I pressed further, “Was it Andrew?”


    After a moment of hesitation, she sighed and finally nodded in acknowledgement.


    Irritation surged within me.


    Though I had promised to respect Andrew, I couldn’t bear the thought of Debra avoiding me when she was in touch with him.


    If she had simply called Andrew while I was there, I wouldn’t have felt this surge of anger.


    Noticing my foul mood, Debra offered a


    helpless exnation.


    “Andrew just called to say he’ll take me to the n leader’s party tomorrow evening.


    ”


    The leader’s party?


    It was clear to Andrew that someone close to the leader was plotting against Debra, yet he still nned to bring her there.


    My gaze hardened as I dered firmly, “You’re not going! Don’t you realize how dangerous this party could be?”


    Debra’s POV:


    I knew Caleb was anxious about my safety, but this time, I couldn’t heed his warnings.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Pulling Caleb onto the sofa, I looked at him earnestly and said, “I must attend the party tomorrow.


    ”


    Caleb’s gaze was unwavering as he demanded, “Why? I need a_ reasonable exnation.


    ”


    I didn’t want Caleb to know the real reason, which was why I had tried to avoid him while on the phone earlier.


    But now, with Caleb pressing me for answers, I couldn’t predict his reaction if I lied.


    After a moment of contemtion, I decided toe clean.


    “This party is being held because Veronica wants to introduce Andrew’s fiancee to the elders.


    ”


    This meant that I would be the center of attention at the party, leaving me with no valid excuse to decline.


    “No way!” Caleb’s tone was harsh and unyielding.


    “You know this party is a setup for you.


    Why walk straight into their trap?”


    I bit my lip, trying to persuade him.


    “I know what I’m doing.


    I have to go.


    ”


    Caleb fell silent, his eyes looking into mine for a long time without uttering a word.


    I felt a sense of helplessness, but my attendance at the party was non- negotiable.


    I was acutely aware of the dangers this party posed.


    When I spoke with Andrew earlier, I sensed something amiss.


    Although Andrew mentioned it casually, I could tell Veronica wanted him to exin the murder that had urred at our engagement party in person.