Chapter 174

Michael was on track to become a movie star in a few years. Compared to being his boss now, partnering with him for long-term benefit made more sense for Debra. She glanced around nervously. A male artist dragging a junior staff member away during a lunch break would surely make tomorrow's headlines if caught on surveillance cameras.

Michael perceived her concern and reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ve checked. There are no cameras around.”

Debra asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be shooting posters?”

“It’s already done. But I’ll be busy shooting commercials.”

“Okay, go ahead. I’ve got things to do too,” she said, turning to leave.

Michael stopped her, handing over a packed lunch. “My grandma made this.”

“For me?”

“She made this for you.”

The last time she was at their house, Michael’s grandmother had treated her with great hospitality. Debra accepted the lunch, touched by the kind gesture.

“Pass on my thanks to her,” Debra said, patting him on the shoulder. “Keep up the good work. Your future is limitless.”

Michael watched her leave, falling into thought. ‘Limitless future? Could that really be true?’

In the evening, Juan waited outside the police station as Shelia emerged, her eyes glazed. Though she was only detained for two days, the experience had been harrowing. Andrew’s people had intentionally caused trouble, ending up in the same cell as her and tormenting her daily. If she had stayed a few more days, she might have lost her mind.

Seeing Juan standing by the car, she couldn’t contain her emotions and rushed into his arms. “Juan!” She burst into tears, having been through hell. Juan didn’t allow her to cling on for long. He gently pushed her away, his expression distant.

“Juan?” Shelia was puzzled by his coldness.

“I paid Andrew a hefty sum to get you out,” Juan said flatly, his voice devoid of emotion.

Shelia bit her lip. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again, I promise. I was just too scared.”

“After this, we have nothing to do with each other.”

“What?” Shelia couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

She calmed down quickly and said anxiously, “Did Debra say something to you? I really didn’t mean to. Can you forgive me, please?”

“It’s not about Debra. I will continue to sponsor your education until you graduate. But apart from that, I won’t meet you privately again, nor will I take you to any events. I will delete your contact information,” he said.

Shelia felt like her world was collapsing. “What did I do wrong? Please tell me, I can change.”

Juan cut her off. “What did you intend to do by calling me upstairs? Did you think I wouldn’t know?”

Shelia was speechless.

“Debra is my wife. Nothing can change that,” he enunciated.