Chapter 210

Sheila’s fall from grace was swift and brutal. Without Juan, she found herself adrift in the treacherous waters of the financial market. The once-open doors of Juan’s companies were slammed shut in her face.

“She won’t amount to anything,” Debra commented. “Let her struggle in the mire of Seamar City. Soon enough, she’ll realize that without Juan, she’s nothing.”

The finance circle was notoriously difficult to penetrate, and Debra had no intention of expending her energy on Sheila. However, Sheila’s underhanded tactics had forced Debra’s hand. Sheila had exploited a car accident to accuse Debra and Erica, creating a disturbance that reverberated through the school and Tyson Enterprises. Debra knew that inaction would be perceived as weakness and vulnerability.

Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. The caller ID showed Melody. Melody’s recent conspicuous absence suggested she believed Debra’s relationship with Juan was secure. This call, therefore, could only mean trouble.

Debra answered, pressing the phone to her ear. Melody’s voice was colder than she had ever heard it. “Debra, do you know that Juan’s company is in trouble?”

Debra raised an eyebrow, unsurprised. Melody rarely inquired about anything unless it concerned Juan.

“It seems that way,” Debra replied, her voice carefully neutral.

Melody’s displeasure was palpable. “Seems that way? Debra, you’re Juan’s wife. How can you be so unconcerned when your husband is in trouble?”

Debra took a deep breath, bracing herself. “Juan and I haven’t seen much of each other lately, and he hasn’t mentioned anything about the company. So, I’m not very informed.”

A pause followed. Then, her voice, stern and unyielding, came through the speaker. “Come back tonight. I have something to discuss with you.”

Before Debra could respond, the line went dead. Melody had hung up, clearly displeased with Debra’s performance as a wife.

Ben, who had watched the exchange with a worried expression, spoke tentatively. “Madam…”

Debra waved a hand, dismissing his concerns. “It’s fine. I’ll go back.”

Ben’s brow furrowed. “If the Nichols family starts suspecting you, isn’t it dangerous to return now?”

Assigned by Marion to protect Debra, the thought of her walking into the lion’s den filled him with unease. If the Nichols family discovered her hidden identity, they would show no mercy.

Debra offered a reassuring smile. “If they truly suspected me, I wouldn’t be sitting here safely.”

She knew Juan’s methods all too well. In her previous life, she had witnessed firsthand the lengths to which he would go to marry Sheila. He had ruthlessly destroyed the Frazier family. Now, she planned to turn those same methods against him.

As night fell, Debra drove to the Nichols family’s house. Melody was waiting, her expression stormy as she sat perched on the edge of the sofa.

“Grandma, where’s Juan?” Debra asked, glancing around the room. She had expected Melody to summon Juan as well, but it seemed Melody wanted to speak to her alone.

“Juan is still in a meeting. I told him to come back later,” Melody replied.

Debra remained silent, waiting for Melody to continue.

“I heard from Sophie that you’ve been away from home almost every other day. Even when you’re back, you only stay for a short while and leave. Are you living elsewhere now?”

Meeting her accusing tone, Debra replied calmly, “I thought I shouldn’t be idle all the time, so I found a job.”

“That’s absurd!” Melody’s expression darkened, her voice sharp. “You’re the daughter of the Frazier family and the hostess of the Nichols family. You should know your place. How can you just show up outside? If people find out you’re working, what will they think of the Nichols family? It’ll disgrace both our families.”