Chapter 119

Shella was injured. Shelia’s face lit up. Having received a message from Debra the previous night, Erica arrived early that morning. She exited the car as the driver placed the luggage in the trunk. Erica asked, puzzled, “Why are you wearing a scarf in this weather?”

“I caught a cold,” Debra replied with a dry laugh.

Erica sensed something was amiss and, after removing the scarf, noticed bruises on Debra’s neck. “Who did this? Juan?” Erica demanded, furious.

Knowing Erica’s temper, Debra tried to calm her. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“Is it really that bastard?” Erica clenched her fists, ready to storm into the house.

“Don’t go. I’m really fine,” Debra held her back.

“No! I must teach him a lesson,” Erica insisted.

Debra held her tightly. “Juan promised not to go after your company. If you make a scene, my efforts will be wasted.”

“Am I afraid of him? Let him kill me if he can!”

Debra quickly ushered Erica into the car and had the driver lock the doors. She couldn’t let Erica cause a scene.

“Debra! Are you just going to let him treat you like this? What’s so good about this kind of man? You’re driving me crazy.”

“Don’t worry. After hurting me, he’ll find a way to make it up to me. I won’t lose out.”

Erica didn’t know what to say. Debra reassured her, “It’s okay. No need to be so angry.”

Suddenly, Erica said, “My mother was killed by Javier Mathis.” Debra was taken aback.

Erica’s eyes reddened, and she continued with suppressed anger, “That’s why I took his company. He has to pay the price. A man who beats his wife deserves to die!” Debra squeezed Erica’s hand.

Erica sniffed, “It’s all in the past.”

It was in the past, but the pain was real. Letting go wasn't easy.

The car was parked outside the school gate. Erica accompanied Debra to breakfast. Upon arriving at Building #2, they encountered Shelia. Shelia looked haggard. Debra immediately noticed the black suit Shelia was wearing, bearing the Nichols family crest. It was Juan’s coat.

“Debra, Miss Mathis,” Shelia smiled. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Erica could barely contain her anger, especially knowing Juan had fought with Debra over Shelia the previous night. Without hesitation, she slapped Shelia across the face. Debra couldn’t stop Erica in time; Erica’s eyes were ice-cold.

Tears welled up in Shelia’s eyes. “Miss Mathis, I didn’t provoke you. Why did you hit me?”

Students heading to class witnessed the scene from a distance. Shelia was a celebrity at Arcane Academy. As the only impoverished student, she stood out for her excellent grades and attractive appearance, projecting a positive image. Most people at the school knew of Shelia’s achievements, and the male students especially admired her.

“You have the nerve to ask me?” Erica sneered. “You spread rumors that Debra is an escort, and you’re the one posting slanderous comments about her on the bulletin board. Are you that shameless? Still clinging onto someone else’s husband?”