Melody stood frozen, her mind reeling from the revelation that she had never anticipated. She didn't believe Juan would give them any evidence."This is impossible. You're just trying to drive a wedge between us.""Mrs. Nichols Sr., you've built a solid reputation in this industry. But if we take this to court, you'll be facing a serious lawsuit. Let's see where your precious reputation will land you then."Jenson hit her soft spot.Melody's reputation had been built not only on her own merits but also on the powerful men in her life—her husband, her son, and now, Juan.But now, Juan had chosen not to protect her. She realized with a sinking heart that she was on her own. She slumped down onto the couch, unable to fathom how the very grandson she had raised and nurtured could turn his back on her like this.Sophie rushed to support her, glaring at the Vargas family members. "Mrs. Nichols Sr. is not well. She needs to rest. If you don't leave now, I'll call security." Jenson kep
That was one billion dollars. There was no way Melody would let that kind of money fall into Hester's hands.The Vargas family wasn't even a big player in the business world. If they had any value at all, it was only because they'd been lucky enough to cross paths with her."Yes, Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Sophie responded.She sighed and called Debra, who was waiting in the hospital corridor for Juan's surgery to finish."Madam, how is Mr. Nichols?""The surgery isn't over yet. Why?""Well, the Vargas family came to cause trouble earlier," Sophie said, casting a glance at Melody, who was lounging on the couch nearby. "Mrs. Nichols Sr. wants him to call her once he wakes up."Debra spoke calmly. "Juan isn't waking up today. If Mrs. Nichols Sr.'s got a problem, she'll have to solve it herself.""But the deadline...""Sophie, whose name is on that contract?""It's Mrs. Nichols Sr.'s.""Since she signed it, she can pay for it herself. One billion dollars is hardly anything, right? I'm
Melody opened one of the jewelry boxes and took out a sapphire, its deep blue glow mesmerizing. "Just this sapphire alone is worth a billion. Tomorrow, you take it to the Vargas family. Let them get a good look at what real wealth looks like."Sophie blurted out, "This sapphire is an heirloom, isn't it? They say it once belonged to royalty. It's far too valuable."Melody waved her off. "I've got things in this suitcase that are worth much more. Debra wants to drain me dry, but does she even realize who she is facing? A billion dollars is nothing. Give it to her. And when I'm gone, not a cent of this will end up in her hands.""But...""Just take it away."Melody kept her composure, pretending this was no big deal. But the moment Sophie left the room, she felt a deep pang of regret.Even though her jewelry collection was worth a fortune, the liquid assets in her possession didn't amount to a billion dollars. Over the years, most of the family's wealth had gone into buying jewelry
The atmosphere grew tense. Joe stepped in to break the awkwardness."Sir, how about I go get the car? You should head back with Mrs. Nichols. She's been waiting here throughout your whole surgery.""Yeah, go get the car.""I'm not going with you."Joe advised her just in time, "Madam, the press is waiting outside. If you don't leave with us now, the tabloids might spin some nasty rumors."Debra thought about the situation. Now that she had just gotten back together with Juan. If she left alone, it would give rise to gossip."Let's go together then."Without further argument, the three of them got into the car. As they pulled out of the parking lot, a swarm of reporters rushed forward, cameras flashing and questions flying."Lose them.""Yes, sir."Joe quickly accelerated the car. Within moments, they had sped past the crowd, leaving the reporters behind in the dust."Sir, I believe Mrs. Nichols Sr. is still at the house.""I already told her to leave.""She might not want
Juan's cold response infuriated Melody. She pointed at Debra and demanded, "Is it really that you refuse to get involved, or is she stopping you?"Debra suddenly found herself dragged into the fray. With an innocent expression, she blinked and said, "Grandma, what do you mean by that? Why drag me into this? What does any of this have to do with me?""Don't you play dumb with me!" Melody's eyes were wild with accusation. "Juan was in surgery, so how could he have possibly handed over evidence to the Vargas family? Do you think I'm senile and foolish? This is clearly your doing. You're trying to drive a wedge between me and Juan."Debra just gave her a small smile. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding between us.""Misunderstanding?" Melody sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "Don't try to fool me. I don't care what tricks you used to trick Juan, but let me remind you, Juan is my grandson. He would never choose you over me.""Enough!" Juan's voice cut through the tension
Debra pushed the door open and found Melody sitting by the bedside."Melody, are you still angry with me?""Cut the act, Debra. Don't think just because Juan likes you, you can do whatever you want in this house. Let me tell you, men are fickle creatures. He used to be all about Shelia, and now it's you. Who's to say he won't move on to someone else next? And when he stops protecting you, what will you be then? Nothing."Debra wasn't fazed. "You're right. Men are unpredictable, so it won't matter to me who Juan likes in the future.""What are you getting at?""I suppose you know what will happen to the Nichols family if I don't make peace with Juan right now, don't you?"Melody's frown deepened, her lips pursing tightly. Debra smiled knowingly, continuing, "But then again, you've spent your whole life enjoying the luxuries. You've never once bothered with business affairs, so naturally, you wouldn't be aware of how the stock has been plummeting these past few months.""Stop sp
Joe hesitated, and Debra quickly reassured him, "Don't worry. I'm just going to have a simple conversation with them. It won't drag your boss into anything."Joe bowed his head. "Yes, ma'am."The Vargas family, basking in the glow of the newly signed contract in their hands, hadn't anticipated Debra's arrival. When the maid announced her presence, the mood in the house shifted immediately.Jenson frowned deeply. "What's she doing here?"Lauren Vargas chimed in, "Maybe we should just send her away. She's Juan's wife after all. She's probably here to speak on behalf of the Nichols family."Jenson nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Let's get rid of her."But Hester interrupted, "Maybe we should let her in."Lauren turned on her, shocked. "Don't be foolish. Don't you realize why she's here? She's probably going to plead on behalf of the Nichols family."Hester shook her head. "No, that's not true. Debra reminded me to demand that contract in the first place. Without her advice, we wouldn'
Chapter 1"Get the defibrillator! Increase the voltage!""Doctor! The patient is experiencing massive bleeding, and the A-type blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken away."The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and she trembled.The operating room reeked of blood.She had never seen so much blood before.At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind.'Who would suddenly take away A-type blood from the blood bank?'The woman lying on the bed was pale. Her lips were dry, and her eyes started to lose focus. "Juan...""What?""Juan Nichols..."The intern nurse made out the name murmured by Debra Frazier.Juan Nichols was the most influential businessman in Seamar City.The doctor was on the verge of collapse. He dialed the wrong number three times before finally getting it right. He quickly pleaded with the person on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Nichols, your wife is experiencing massive bleeding, but the blood from the blood bank has been taken a