Chapter 169

Erice tugged at Debra’s hand, her eyes filled with worry. Debra reassured her, “I’ll be back tomorrow night.” Erice responded, “I want you at home.”

As Debra started to leave, Jordan picked up a piece of cake and said, “We received your gift and blessings. The first piece of birthday cake should go to you.” Sebe took the cake and headed toward the door. Jordan opened the gift box, revealing a watch inside. Joy crossed his face as he carefully put it on his wrist.

Debra followed them out. As they walked, Joe tried to reassure her. “Madam, please don’t quarrel with Mr. Nichols. He has been worried about you.”

Debra responded, her voice laced with sarcasm, “Worried about me? He should worry more about Shelia, who is in prison.” She knew Andrew had contacted the warden to ensure Shelia suffered during her incarceration. Shelia had brought this upon herself, and Debra felt no sympathy for her.

When they arrived at their destination, Joe left. Debra entered and found the room pitch black. She frowned, reaching for the light switch, but before she could turn it on, someone pressed her against the wall. She recognized the person, hearing a grunt.

“It’s me,” Juan grumbled. In the darkness, she couldn’t make out his expression, but she sensed bitterness in his tone. She quickly switched on the light, causing Juan to squint against the sudden brightness. She stepped back, maintaining a safe distance.

“You called me back, so what’s the deal?” Juan had Joe summon her back every other day, something he’d never done before.

“Have you been staying at the Potters’ the past few days?” Juan asked.

Debra nodded, her expression unyielding. “Yes, I have. What about it? Didn’t your people tell you?”

Juan hesitated, realizing he couldn’t argue against what she said. “I don’t like being watched. You have no right to watch me. Our marriage was purely a business alliance, with no feelings involved,” she added.

Juan’s anger surfaced, his voice rising. “No feelings? Didn’t you like me back then, insisting on marrying me with your family’s influence?”

Debra felt a pang of irritation. “As you said, that was before. I don’t like you anymore.”

Juan took a step forward. “You think you can like or dislike me as you please? What do you take me for?”

Debra’s patience wore thin. “Enough! Arguing with me like this isn’t like you at all. What do you want by calling me back? Don’t tell me it’s because you’re jealous that I celebrated Jordan’s birthday. I won’t believe such a ridiculous thing coming from your mouth.”

Juan opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss for words. That was exactly what he had been thinking, but seeing Debra’s indifferent expression, he felt a growing bitterness within him.

“I wronged you because of Shelia,” he managed.

Debra thought her ears must be playing tricks on her. “Are you apologizing to me?”

Juan’s expression froze. She continued, “Did you call me back to apologize?”