In the bustling metropolis of Seamar City, a monthly salary of $4,000 was barely enough to scrape by, let alone live comfortably."Miss Miles, please don't rush into a decision. Take a day to think it over and let me know your decision tomorrow," the interviewer suggested with a polite smile, handing Shelia her resume.Shelia stomped her feet and left the company.It was just a newly listed company, nowhere near the caliber of the Nichols Group, and yet they dared to set the bar so high. Unwilling to accept defeat, Shelia quickly contacted several more companies, eager to find a position that matched her qualifications.However, much to her dismay, each company she approached followed Debra's instructions and rejected her application outright.Even when she lowered her expectations, the highest offer she received was a measly $3,000. Despondent, Shelia found herself sitting on the street, unable to comprehend how, as a graduate student from Arcane Academy, she could be so unwanted
Shelia's fall from grace was as swift as it was brutal. With Juan no longer by her side, she found herself adrift in the treacherous waters of the financial market.The once-open doors of Juan's companies were now firmly shut in her face."She won't amount to anything," Debra commented. "Let her struggle in the mire of Seamar City. Soon enough, she'll realize that without Juan, she's nothing."The finance circle was notoriously difficult to penetrate, and Debra had no intention of wasting her energy on Shelia. However, Shelia's underhanded tactics had forced Debra's hand. She had exploited the car accident to accuse Debra and Erica, causing a stir that reverberated through the school and Tyson Enterprises. Debra knew that if she did not act, she would be perceived as weak and easily manipulated.The ringing of her phone interrupted Debra's thoughts. She glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Melody calling.Melody had been conspicuously absent as of late, likely believing that De
Debra remained unfazed. Melody had lived her entire life as a refined lady, never having to work a day, with enough wealth to last several generations. The concept of financial worry was foreign to her.In her past life, Debra had been much the same. She had believed that the security of the Frazier family and her marriage to Juan would ensure a life free of worry.But she had been wrong. The Frazier family's reliability was an illusion, and Juan was even less dependable.Having experienced the harsh reality of financial desperation, Debra was determined never to find herself in that position again.She pulled up a chair and sat down across from Melody. Melody seemed taken aback, unaccustomed to anyone, much less Debra, sitting in her presence without her explicit permission.Debra maintained her smile. "Grandma, don't be upset. I'm simply going out to work at our family's company, managing things a bit. There's nothing shameful about it. You shouldn't worry about me. You should b
"Grandma, don't worry about the company. I've got everything under control," Juan replied steadily.His tone was serious, and the more he projected an air of calm, the more Melody felt a gnawing sense of unease.She trembled, shouting, "Nichols Group is your grandfather's business. If it collapses on your watch, how am I supposed to face him after I'm gone? Are you out of your mind, Juan?"Juan glanced at Debra, who was sitting there quietly, sipping her tea with an air of detachment.He maintained his composure, replying, "Grandma, Nichols Group isn't going to collapse. We're just facing some losses. It's not as bad as you think."Debra couldn't help but smile to herself. Nichols Group had likely never seen such significant financial losses in its history. Juan's calm demeanor was a façade, bolstered by the family's deep pockets.Melody seemed to find some solace in his reassurance. When she looked back at Debra, her earlier hostility had dissipated. She said, "Since you know th
Juan followed Debra up the staircase and entered their bedroom.Lowering his voice, he asked, "Why did you agree to let Grandma move in?""She insisted. What could I say?" Debra replied.She didn't want trouble. Even if she refused, Melody would find another reason to move in and might start suspecting something about their relationship.To avoid extra hassle, Debra pretended to agree without caring.Juan was silent for a moment, digesting her words. "Grandma is just worried that you might not come home and could have other thoughts."Debra scoffed, "I know exactly what she is thinking. She's doing this for your best interest. With the current state of affairs, our families must remain united."Their marriage ensured many joint ventures between the two families. They were partners who gained and lost together. If there were problems between our families now, both would suffer.Melody understood this perfectly, which was why she believed Debra wouldn't stir up trouble at this cr
Debra's resolve remained unshakable. Even as the three-month deadline loomed, she knew she would never accept Juan. This bet was destined to end in his defeat."I made mistakes and caused misunderstandings. But give me a chance, Debra. Let me try to be a good husband. I truly love you," he said.In that fleeting moment, Debra saw a glimpse of the boy she once knew reflected in Juan's eyes.Perhaps Juan had long forgotten the boy he used to be, but Debra hadn't. She couldn't forget the boy who had squatted down beside her, taken her hand, and walked with her down that road."Alright, I'll give you this chance," she said. "But no matter what you do, you'll end up losing."Juan, however, seemed not to hear the warning in her words. A smile spread across his face, as if her agreement alone was a victory.Debra pushed his hands away. "I'm tired. You can go now.""Grandma's here," Juan reasoned. "Where do you want me to go?"During her absence, Juan had already moved into their share
Juan brushed past the maid standing in front of him, draping a bathrobe over Debra's shoulders.Debra glanced at the maid, who quickly lowered her head, as if she had witnessed something she wasn't supposed to.Her innocent appearance was strikingly similar to Shelia's. Melody, ever the observant matriarch, was well aware of Juan's past affection for Shelia. It was no coincidence that she had hired someone who bore such a close resemblance to Shelia."What's your name?" asked Debra."Madam, my name is Hester Vargas," the maid replied timidly, but her demeanor was proper.Debra nodded. "It's not breakfast time yet. From now on, only Sophie should prepare my breakfast. Do you understand?"Hester hesitated before responding, "Madam, Mrs. Nichols Sr. has given Sophie an extended leave. Could you please tell me what time you usually have breakfast? I can prepare it in advance."Debra paused, her mind racing. Melody favored Sophie, and this decision showed how determined Melody was.
Hester's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. Juan had figured out her identity, yet he had feigned ignorance.A pang of desolation washed over her, and she cast her gaze downwards.Melody shot Juan a reproachful look. "What do you mean by that? I like Hester very much and would never let her be treated as such. Hester is dutiful and a delight to be around. I enjoy her company, so I want her to stay by my side for a few days. I won't allow you to treat her like a servant."Just then, Debra descended the stairs. Melody turned to her, resolve etched on her face. "Not only will I not allow you to treat her as a maid, but Debra can't treat her as such either. Hester is here to take care of me and will only listen to my instructions."Hester, already seated beside Melody, spoke softly. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., the Nichols family has done so much for the Vargas family. I came to take care of you voluntarily, and I'm happy to look after both you and Juan."Melody patted her hand affe