Juan cast a glance at Joe, who immediately stepped forward to address the stunned Jack and Leah."I apologize for the disturbance. I'll arrange for someone to take you home shortly."Turning to the gathered crowd, he announced, "The dinner party is over. I'm sorry for the trouble. We'll be sending everyone a gift later. I hope you don't mind."With Joe handling the situation, Juan felt a sense of relief. He turned his attention to Pedro, gesturing for him to follow."Come with me.""Okay."Juan then addressed Edgar and Declan, his voice cold and dismissive. "See yourselves out."Declan flushed with embarrassment, his earlier bravado deflating under Juan's stern gaze. Though he had dared to make a scene in front of Melody, he wouldn't dream of doing so in front of Juan.Edgar, sensing the tension, quickly led Declan away."Mr. Odom."Debra's sudden call made Edgar pause. She looked at him meaningfully. "Take care."Edgar shot Debra a cold look. Declan sensed something odd bet
Debra handed her phone to Juan. "The video evidence is all here."Juan took the phone, frowning. "I came back for you, Debra. I'll only be at ease if you're safe.""Thanks. If you want me to be safe, you should divorce me soon."At the heart of it all, the reason for Melody's actions was Juan's refusal to divorce her."After the divorce, do you want to be with Marion?""Yes."Her straightforward answer was like a knife twisting in Juan's heart.Debra, seeing the turmoil in his eyes, spoke calmly. "I thought I made myself clear last time. You should understand how I feel. Our marriage was a mistake from the start."Juan reached out, his hand gently grasping hers. "Shelia's child is gone. Can't we..."Debra jerked her hand away, her eyes flashing with disdain. "Do you think that with her child gone, nothing is standing between us anymore? Juan, wake up! The obstacle between us has never been Shelia."Juan grabbed her shoulders, his eyes filled with desperation and confusion. "T
"A marriage certificate can't trap me, Juan. Do you even look like the head of the Nichols family right now?"Debra delivered this scathing remark and walked out.Juan stood there, a mocking smile playing on his lips. He knew he didn't embody the image of the Nichols family head at that moment.The family always expected their leaders to prioritize the family's interests above all else. With the Frazier family bankrupt and Debra having lost her chance to be Mrs. Nichols, it was time to find a more suitable candidate.Yet, despite Debra publicly asking for a divorce months ago, Juan still hadn't agreed. The elders of the Nichols family were growing increasingly unhappy with him, but they couldn't force him to change his mind.Juan watched Debra's retreating figure, his expression darkening. Joe approached cautiously and said, "Sir, Mr. Hardy is still waiting upstairs.""Tell me what happened tonight in detail," Juan said, regaining his composure.He was unaware that Melody had de
"Go handle it. I want to see the results tomorrow.""Yes, sir."Juan headed upstairs. Pedro, who had been anxiously waiting in the study room, hurried up. "I'm sorry about what happened to Miss Blair's baby."Juan cut him off. "I don't want today's events to get out. You should understand that."Pedro nodded repeatedly. "Family troubles shouldn't be aired out. I get it."Juan added, "I want you to arrest Shelia tomorrow."About to agree, Pedro paused and then looked up in confusion. "What?"He thought he had misheard. "Mr. Nichols, technically speaking, causing a miscarriage intentionally isn't a criminal act. If we're to arrest someone, there's no solid reason. Plus, you mentioned not wanting today's events to be known. If we arrest her, it will cause a stir.'Juan's gaze was unyielding. "She caused a scene at my place today, framing Debra. You just need to make a big show of arresting her. Don't worry about the rest. You can even release her on the same day."Pedro hesitat
It was late at night when Edgar returned to the hospital room after sending Declan away.Shelia was lying on the bed, with her eyes closed. Her face was an unsettling shade of pale."Stop pretending to be asleep," Edgar said, grabbing her arm.Shelia gasped in pain, her eyes flying open. "I-I did what you said. Please, spare me."Edgar's eyes were cold and unforgiving. "You fool. You ruined my plan. How dare you ask me to spare you?"He released Shelia's arm, and she recoiled, her face contorting with pain and fear. "What are you talking about? My child is gone. Debra pushed me down the stairs. Everyone saw it."Edgar scoffed, "You're so clueless. Do you think Debra is as stupid as you? She had already planned for this. Now everyone knows you tried to frame her and ended up killing your own child. Declan is utterly disappointed in you, and Melody would love to see you dead. Debra will come after you too. You've offended so many people. Even if I spare you, they will not."Shelia
"I didn't come here to hear your explanation.""Juan.""If Debra hadn't asked me to check on you, I would never have come."Shelia froze, but she didn't think Debra would be that kind. She believed Debra had sent Juan there to laugh at her.Shelia bit her lip. "I was forced into this. Who would kill their child? It was Edgar who pressured me. He asked me to frame Debra, and I didn't dare disobey him."Juan watched coldly. He had once been fooled by her acts of kindness and weakness, but now he saw her for what she truly was. He had no more pity left for her."I don't care what your relationship with Edgar is or what he's plotting. I will not allow anyone to target Debra. Otherwise, I will make sure you pay."His expression made it clear he was serious, and her face turned pale."Juan, we're a couple."She tried to play the emotional card, but Juan's dangerous glance silenced her. She quickly changed her approach."I was wrong. Could you please forgive me and help me? I failed
Tears welled up in Shelia's eyes.For years, she had been the epitome of obedience and docility by Juan's side. He had once showered her with affection, making her feel like she was on top of the world. But now, that love had been cruelly withdrawn, leaving her in a state of despair."You know best what happened that night."Juan clenched his fists, regret coursing through him. He had shown Shelia sympathy, and in a moment of weakness, he had fallen into her trap, losing his chance with Debra.He knew Debra would never forgive him. There was no way she could accept him now."You used to dote on me so much," Shelia choked out. "When I said I was tired from studying, you'd take me out to relax, even if you were busy. When I said I was hungry, you'd send Joe to take me out for a meal. You introduced me to all the big shots in business and taught me how to handle myself. I've been with you for so many years, even longer than Debra has known you. So, why are you treating me like this?"
The next morning, Debra woke up in her apartment to see some news notifications.The headlines were ablaze with reports that Shelia, who had just suffered a miscarriage, had been taken from the hospital to the police station under public scrutiny.The city was abuzz with speculation about the truth behind Shelia's miscarriage and her subsequent arrest. Many speculated that Juan, still hung up on Shelia, had spent a fortune to bail her out.Debra's phone chimed with an incoming call. She picked it up to see Erica's name flashing on the screen."Debra, I'm at the Nichols Group headquarters with a hoe. Do you want to join me?""What?"Debra's head was still groggy, and she struggled to catch up. When the information sank in, she jumped out of bed, quickly getting dressed as she replied, "Don't act rashly. I'm on my way."Marion had been busy with family matters and had been called away by Caleb, leaving Erica to her own devices.In Seamar City, there was nothing Erica couldn't do.