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
The smile on Melody's face faded as she looked at Juan and Debra. "If you two want to go out on a date, go ahead, but you must be back by tonight. It's not right to spend the whole day out.""Understood," Juan replied, his appetite suddenly vanishing. He stood up from the table and turned to Debra. "Go change your clothes. I'll wait outside.""Okay," Debra agreed, casting a glance at Hester as she rose from her seat.Hester's gaze followed Juan, her eyes filled with an affection that spoke volumes.Debra quickly changed her clothes upstairs. When she came back down, Hester looked even more despondent than before.Outside, Juan was already in the driver's seat of his car, having prepared a seat cushion for Debra."Get in."Debra slid into the passenger seat. Juan didn't start the engine right away. Instead, he remained silent for a moment."Grandma is just worried you might not care about me.""I know."Not naïve, she understood the dynamics at play. The Vargas family was just
Debra froze, confused by his actions.As Juan leaned in, she quickly turned her head away.Juan stiffened before finally pulling back and releasing her."Come to the company with me. I'll handle things real quick."Debra opened her mouth to refuse, but Juan pressed on. "Since you promised me you'd give me three months, let me stay with you a bit longer, okay?"She hesitated, taken aback by the humility in his voice. This was a side of Juan she had rarely seen. He was always so aloof, so distant.After a moment of silence, she pursed her lips and nodded. "Okay."A smile spread across Juan's face, and he turned the car around. Chaos reigned at the company. As he strode into the lobby, Joe rushed towards him, relief etched onto his face."Sir, you're finally here."Juan had been disoriented these past few days. Even during meetings, he couldn't focus. The company needed his decisive leadership urgently."Sir, all the board members are waiting for you in the conference room."Jo
Some board members immediately voiced their complaints."Mr. Nichols, we have important matters to discuss. Let's not bring in unrelated people.""Ms. Frazier is associated with McKinney Group. Who knows if she might leak information to them?"Debra maintained a stoic expression, her eyes scanning the room filled with the so-called old guard of Nichols Group.She hadn't expected to find herself in the middle of their arguments. If it weren't for Juan holding the reins, these stubborn old directors would probably have run the company into the ground by now."Debra is my wife, and her presence here is perfectly reasonable," Juan reasoned."Mr. Nichols, she isn't one of us and won't prioritize the company's interests. I suggest you have her leave. Otherwise, we won't be comfortable discussing sensitive matters.""I've transferred 20% of the company's shares to her. Now, she's part of Nichols Group, holding more shares than any of you. Does that still matter?"Joe was shocked. "Mr.
"Okay." Debra nodded in agreement, following Joe to the adjacent lounge. "Madam, is there anything special you'd like to eat?""Just pour me a cup of tea, please.""Of course."Joe moved to the tea set. Debra sat down on the sofa and asked, "How has Juan been at the company lately?""Mr. Nichols? Lately, he's been distracted and drinking more than usual. Today is the most normal he's been in a while. It's all thanks to you, Madam.""He's been drinking?""Don't you know? The last time Mr. Nichols went to McKinney Group, he was drunk. He's been drinking too much these days. I'm really worried about him.""Why did he suddenly go to McKinney Group? Do you know?""Um... not really."Debra could tell he was hiding something. She lowered her gaze thoughtfully.Joe must know something, but knowing and telling were different. After all, her status was dubious. Even the board members thought so, let alone others."I see. Well, you can go now. I'll handle him. I'd like to rest a bi
Just as Debra hesitated, the door to the lounge swung open abruptly.Joe stepped in, balancing a silver platter with several slices of cheesecake arranged elegantly on top.Debra, with the phone still pressed to her ear, hurriedly wrapped up her conversation. "I have some matters to attend to here. Let's reconnect tonight.""Understood, Ms. Frazier."The call ended.Joe approached the table and placed the platter in front of Debra. "Mr. Nichols asked me to bring you this, saying it's your favorite."Debra cast a glance at the cheesecake. She used to love it. She wondered how Juan knew. He had never shown much interest in her preferences before."Thank you, Joe. I'll rest here for a bit. Please let me know when he is done.""Of course, madam."Joe exited the room.Debra stared at the cheesecake, her mind whirring. 'What game is Juan playing?' she thought.She didn't believe he was helpless against the McKinney Group, and his actions today were uncharacteristically strange.
Debra strode out of the lounge. Joe came in and advised, "Sir, even if you want to compensate Mrs. Nichols, there must be a better way. If you transfer these shares to her, your rights..."The power dynamics of a company were intrinsically linked to its stakeholders.With twenty percent of the shares now in Debra's hands, the future of Nichols Group could be at stake if they ever had a falling out.Juan watched Debra leave, his eyes darkening with a mix of resolve and apprehension. "It's alright, Joe. This is just a gamble I'm willing to take."Debra wasted no time in returning to Frazier Entertainment. She needed to ensure her newfound leverage was airtight.She handed the contract to Ben, who looked puzzled. "Ms. Frazier, what's this?""Take it to the Legal Department. I want it scrutinized for any loopholes.""Will do."As Ben prepared to leave, Debra stopped him. "Wait.""Anything else?""Help me investigate Shelia's background," she said. "Focus on her middle and high sc
Debra found Michael's thought process inscrutable, but she decided to play along.By evening, she had booked a lavish restaurant, securing a private room to accommodate Michael's public status.She found herself seated in the passenger seat of his sports car, the thrill of the ride coursing through her veins.It was unexpected that Michael, who maintained a daily facade of depth and mystery, was revealing a mischievous side that relished such exhilarating activities."Princess, please step out," Michael announced, opening the car door with a flourish.Debra had dressed casually without any makeup on. She even donned a mask to suit Michael's status.In contrast, Michael seemed relaxed, strolling about and showing no sign of wanting to conceal his identity."Michael, you're a popular celebrity now," Debra remarked. "Walking around like this, you're bound to be recognized. Tomorrow's headline might be 'Michael dines with a mysterious woman'."Michael chuckled. "Creating some news.