This was a case of intentional homicide. If a private settlement couldn't be reached, Shelia would be behind bars for years.And Shelia hadn't hurt just anyone. Michael was a high-profile star. If her involvement was exposed, she would face the wrath of fans and critics alike.Edgar expressed his remorse. "I'm really sorry. I'll make sure Jade apologizes to you tomorrow."Debra, however, was in no mood for apologies. She said brusquely, "Since you've finished speaking, you can go now. Michael needs to rest, and we won't see you out."Edgar nodded, understanding the dismissal. "Alright, I won't disturb Mr. Austin's rest any further. However, Ms. Frazier, it seems you and Michael are no longer connected, right?"Debra glanced at the half-finished documents on the table before replying, "Yes, I just came to visit an old friend. Since you mentioned it, why don't you give me a ride home?"Her sudden request took Edgar aback. He frowned briefly, but given the circumstances, he had to a
"What's so urgent that it can't wait till morning?" Shelia eyed Edgar skeptically.She didn't buy his story for a second. Men were all the same—if they weren't up to no good at home, they were sure as hell up to no good elsewhere.Her gaze sharpened as she spotted a smudge of lipstick on his white collar.She reached out and grabbed his collar, thrusting it towards him accusingly. "What's this?"Edgar's mind flashed back to Debra's calculated lean-in, her smirk as she left him in the car. He'd been played. She'd wanted Shelia to see this, to sow discord.His hesitation was all Shelia needed. "You're unbelievable. You say you love me, but you won't even touch me. It's all a lie, isn't it? I knew you were cheating.""Jade, just listen...""No. I won't listen!" she screamed. "I'm telling my dad. You don't love me. It's all just a sham."Usually, her tantrums got her what she wanted, but not this time. As she turned to storm out, Edgar's hand shot out, sending her sprawling to the
A shiver ran down Shelia's spine like a drip of ice water.She'd once pegged Edgar as a gentleman easy to push over. But she'd been dead wrong.He was as ruthless as they came, and his so-called affection was nothing more than a smokescreen.What he wanted was just the Blair family's support to boost his influence in Seamar City.Edgar's voice cut through the air, cold as steel. "If you don't want to end up like her, you'll toe the line and stay on my good side.""I won't make that mistake." Shelia shook her head fervently. "As long as I remain Jade and your fiancée, I'll do whatever you ask.""Excellent!" Edgar shrugged off his coat. "Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to the hospital. You'll apologize to Michael.""What?" Shelia blanched. "You want me to bow to Michael?""Not just Michael. Debra too," Edgar specified.Her face drained of color. "No. I can't do that."Edgar's gaze sharpened, and Shelia wilted. "Just not Debra. Anything but that."Edgar scoffed. "Would you rather
In the tense silence that stretched out, Michael made no move to let Shelia get up.Edgar, trying to smooth over the situation, interjected, "Jade was indeed harsh with Ms. Frazier, but it was due to old grudges. I had a long talk with her last night, and she assured me that she'd let go of the past."He turned to Shelia, his gaze encouraging. "Jade, didn't you say last night that you were ready to bow and apologize to Ms. Frazier?"Shelia nodded eagerly, her eyes wide and repentant. She stepped forward and bowed deep. "Debra, I'm truly sorry. I let my feelings for Mr. Nichols cloud my judgment, and I did terrible things to you out of jealousy. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."Debra looked at Shelia's innocent face, her brow furrowing slightly. Shelia seemed genuinely repentant, but Debra knew better than to take things at face value.There were only two reasons for such a drastic change: either Shelia had truly turned over a new leaf, perhaps under the influen
As Shelia sauntered off with Edgar, Michael blew out a breath. "That was daylight robbery."Debra shrugged. "They started this game. If I didn't beat them at it, I'd be their pawn.""So, is this settled?""Not quite.""But you just...""Is there a signed agreement?""I didn't realize you were so calculating.""I learned from the best.""Who?"Debra's mind flashed to Marion, but she sealed her lips and rose from her seat. "Your problem is solved. Once the money comes in, I'll wire it to you.""Okay."Debra called Hannah, who promptly sent a car. As she stepped into the practice room, the chatter hushed, all eyes zeroing in on her.Hannah waved her in. "Debra, come on in."Eve's voice sliced through the silence. "Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence. Did you spend the night charming a sponsor? It's nearly noon."Ashley sidled up to Debra, circling her like a vulture. "Can't blame her. Her family is broke, and she owes a fortune. What's a girl to do but
Eve squirmed under the scrutinizing gazes, feeling like a specimen under a microscope. Her curvaceous figure, while appealing in person, might translate to "bulky" on camera.She was a foodie at heart, and if she couldn't shed some pounds, this golden opportunity might slip through her fingers like sand in an hourglass.Freya eyed Eve and clenched her fists, determination etched on her face. This was her shot, and she wasn't about to let it slip.Debra, ever the keen observer, caught the silent exchange from the corner of her eye."This afternoon, you'll all head to the studio on the second floor for a promotional photo shoot," Hannah announced, turning on her heel to leave.She paused, casting a glance at Eve. "You might want to skip lunch, Eve. The camera adds ten pounds, you know."Eve waved off the concern, even as she began to calculate the calories she'd need to burn. "What's there to worry about? That's what Photoshop is for, right?"Freya chimed in, "Eve, you should eat.
In no time, a small army of makeup artists and designers descended upon Eve, transforming her into a veritable princess.Three artists fussed over her alone, their brushes and combs dancing with practiced ease.Envious whispers filled the air."Must be nice having a chairman for a dad.""Right? Imagine having that kind of clout."Ashley, spotting her chance, hurried over to Eve. "Eve, you're a marvel. Just one call, and you've got a whole team here. Could you spare a few for me?"Her eyes sparkled with hope. Having buttered Eve up for ages, she expected some reward.Eve cast her a sidelong glance. "You?"Ashley bobbed her head eagerly. "Come on, Eve. We're friends, right? Their skills are miles ahead of the company's artists."Ashley was sure Eve wouldn't refuse, but Eve just scoffed, "Friends? We're competitors, Ashley. You think I'd let you steal my thunder?"Ashley's jaw dropped. Around them, people snickered, enjoying the show."Looks like the bootlicker got the boot."
The trainees whispered among themselves."Ashley was worse. Her makeup was a hot mess, and who knows how she looked on camera?""The photographer was all over Freya and Debra. Us? We were just cannon fodder for the real stars."Eve looked down at the food on her plate and felt her appetite vanish. She pushed her chair back and started to stand.Freya, noticing Eve's retreat, called out, "Eve, don't be silly. Our meals are portioned for a reason. If you don't eat now, you'll be famished all night. And if you cave and snack later, you know it'll go straight to your hips."Eve's face fell. She was starving, but the thought of the camera adding ten pounds made her stomach churn. With a sigh, she sank back into her chair and began to poke at her food half-heartedly.Across town, Juan was staring intently at a photograph in his office. It was a candid shot of him and Debra, who was eating her cake.Joe walked in, breaking the silence."Sir, there's news about Mrs. Nichols.""Where h