Triangle $ABC$ has a right angle at $C$. Let $D$ be the midpoint of side $\overline{AC}$, and let $E$ be the intersection of $\overline{AC}$ and the bisector of $\angle ABC$. The area of $\triangle ABC$ is $144$, and the area of $\triangle DBE$ is $8$. Find $AB^2$.

Let's think step by step and output the final answer within \boxed{}.
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