Leanna wrinkled her brow."Oh, I've completed all these plans," Shelia said, handing over the proposals.Leanna glanced at the documents before speaking. "Don't leave after work today, Shelia. There's a dinner party tonight, and I need you to come along."Shelia blinked in surprise. "Me?"She was just an intern.Leanna offered her a reassuring smile. "I remember you mentioning that you've attended social gatherings and dinners before. You have experience, and I trust you to handle this."Shelia felt relieved. While she might be inexperienced in many areas, she was no stranger to social events, having accompanied Juan to numerous functions.Back in her office, Leanna dialed Debra's number promptly. "Ms. Frazier, I've informed Shelia as you instructed.""Good.""Also, I think I saw Shelia with two phones just now.""Two phones?"Debra's curiosity was piqued, but she dismissed the observation for the time being. "Forget that for now. Just take her to the restaurant tonight.""
"Please spare me." Tears streamed down Shelia's face."Don't play innocent with us, young lady. Just because you've played dead and latched onto a wealthy man doesn't mean all your problems disappear. Your benefactor has abandoned you, and now you need to find another sugar daddy to clear your mother's 80-million-dollar gambling debt. Do that, and maybe we'll let you off the hook.""What? 80 million? How could there be so much debt?""You tell me."As they exchanged glances, realization dawned on Shelia. "You're loan sharks. This is illegal."They burst into laughter. "Illegal? Do you think you can lecture us? It's only right to pay back what's owed. Your mother signed the IOU herself.""I have nothing to do with her anymore. Why should I pay?"One of the men brandished her birth certificate. "A daughter inherits her mother's debts. Do you think changing your identity will erase that? Your family's history is all here. You won't escape us until every cent is repaid."Just then,
Debra offered a faint smile. "Alright, I'll go with you."Joe stepped aside, allowing her to pass, and Debra followed him out. Halfway down the corridor, she paused and asked, "Recently, has Miss Miles been trying to contact Juan?"Joe nodded. "Miss Miles did call me a few times, but as instructed by Mr. Nichols, I didn't respond.""I see," Debra said, a smile spreading across her face.So, Shelia was still trying to reach out to her financial lifeline.Except for Juan, probably no one would come to her aid.Sensing that Debra might have misunderstood the situation, Joe quickly explained, "Mr. Nichols has indeed decided to cut ties with Miss Miles this time. Perhaps you didn't know, but previously, Mr. Nichols only brought her to some events to make you jealous."Debra waved a hand dismissively, her smile casual. "You don't need to explain. I already know."Joe was stunned. He had sensed that Debra had changed somehow, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. Now, seeing her expressi
Shelia's face contorted with anger. "Do you have any idea how much money you owe? You expect me to help you? I don't have that kind of money."Clarissa's eyes gleamed with a mix of desperation and hope. "But you've got that sugar daddy, haven't you? I heard he treats you well and takes you everywhere. Aren't you about to become his wife soon? The Nichols family is filthy rich. They can easily cover the debts."Shelia paled at the mention of Juan. "If I were to become his wife, those creditors wouldn't be hounding me."She knew Clarissa had been boasting to the creditors about her impending marriage to Juan, and they knew Juan had taken her to various events.But now, they somehow learned Juan cut off all her funds and came knocking, taking away almost everything valuable.Gritting her teeth, Shelia hissed, "If you hadn't leaked my info, those creditors wouldn't be here. You're dragging me down with you. Why don't you just disappear?"Clarissa's face was twisted with resentment. "
Clarissa eyed her warily. "How can I help you?"Shelia leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know you've been around the casino scene for years. You must know some heavy hitters. I need a favor."As Shelia shared her plan, Clarissa paled with fright. "No. Absolutely not!"Shelia's eyebrows furrowed in displeasure."Why not? Back then, you weren't afraid to dispose of bodies. Are you scared now?""That girl was an orphan. No one would investigate much for her. And you were there as a replacement; it was foolproof. Of course, I wasn't scared. But Debra is the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife. How could I dare touch her?"Clarissa wasn't foolish. She knew the stakes were high. If they followed Shelia's plan, she might end up dead in a matter of days.Shelia tightened her grip on Clarissa's hand. "I'm not asking you to kill her. You need money urgently. Just kidnap her and use her to ransom Juan. I'll handle the rest, and you'll have no involvement.""But..."
Juan, concerned that Debra might misinterpret his intentions, explained, "Taking over your family business isn't a simple matter. I just...""I know what you mean," Debra interjected, a smile playing on her lips, though her eyes held no warmth. "I was just teasing you. Don't take it seriously."She was more than glad to meet those insiders. Knowing more people meant more opportunities.Juan nodded, relieved that she understood his perspective."Joe is waiting downstairs for us."He extended a hand to Debra, but she didn't take it. Instead, she said, "You go ahead. Send me the location.""Not together?""I think I'll change into something else," Debra said, gesturing to her simple attire.She hadn't even applied makeup before leaving today.Juan chuckled, his eyes sweeping over her. "You look good in anything. No need to dress up.""Can't do that," Debra insisted. "After all, I'm meeting clients. I should look presentable to complement your handsome appearance."A faint smile
Debra stood on the second floor, a slight smirk playing on her lips as she watched Hester scurry about.She hadn't expected Hester to be so eager, but it worked in her favor. It saved her the trouble of devising another plan to bring Hester out into the open.Returning to her room, Debra selected her gown for the evening. Naturally elegant, she didn't require much adornment, but tonight she intended to shine. It was time to leverage her identity as Mrs. Nichols and make a wave.An hour later, she descended the stairs, but Hester was nowhere in sight.Melody sat on the sofa, her eyes narrowing as she took in Debra's attire. "It's late. Who are you going out with, dressed like that?""Grandma, I have a business discussion with Mr. Nichols. It's almost time, so I must leave now," Debra replied, having no intention of accommodating her anymore."Debra, what's with this attitude?" Melody snapped. "Have you forgotten how you begged me when you wanted to marry Juan?"Debra paused, a sm
Hester looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief."Why aren't you going yet?" Melody added.A smile blossomed on Hester's face, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs. Nichols Sr."Melody watched Hester leave, her lips curling into a sneer. The Vargas family was indeed insignificant, but girls from such humble backgrounds were easy to manipulate.Since Debra didn't seem to care much about her position in the Nichols family, perhaps it was time to give her a wake-up call.Plenty of women wanted to marry into the Nichols family. Debra was replaceable....Debra arrived at the Sapphire Hotel, where Juan had reserved a table with the best view in the hall.Today, the restaurant was filled with Juan's business associates, their eyes turning to Debra as soon as she entered.She was a vision in a rose-red gown, her long, curled hair cascading to one side. When Juan saw her, his thoughts drifted back to the land auction, where he had first realized how stunning she looked wi