Debra felt dizzy. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you and I are alike," Theda replied. "Despite our differences, I envy your life. I know Robert can't beat Marion. If Robert fails tonight, I beg you to show mercy and spare his life."
"He didn't show any mercy when he hit me. Why should I spare him?"
"We're all businesspeople. Name your price. If it's within my power, I'll do it. Just spare his life."
"Fine, remember your promise. I'll spare his life, but I need to hit back."
"Deal. Just don't kill him."
In the courtyard, Robert opened a can of cat food and fed the stray kittens. They seemed familiar with him, purring and rubbing against his hand.
Robert smiled, but his expression changed as he heard a noise outside. The kittens arched their backs, hissing at the disturbance.
Robert's finger hovered above the button of the detonator. "So, you want to keep the money."
Marion remained cool, but his squinted eyes never left the detonator.
Robert sensed his gaze and pressed on. "Think carefully. Debra is one of a kind. If she dies, she's gone forever. Two billion dollars is nothing to you. What are you hesitant about? Is she not worth that much, or are you planning to do something? Let me be clear. Even if I die here, I won't let you pass."
Marion pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one but not smoking it. "Out of the three of us, Drake is the weakest, both in brains and brawn. That's why he can't be the Bernard family's heir. You're different, even more ruthless than us. Ever wonder why you failed too?"
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