Chapter 215 + 25 BONUS

Juan brushed past the maid, draping a bathrobe over Debra’s shoulders. Debra glanced at the maid, who quickly lowered her head, as if witnessing something she shouldn’t. Her innocent appearance was strikingly similar to Shella’s. Melody, ever the observant matriarch, was well aware of Juan’s past affection for Shelia. It was no coincidence that she had hired someone who bore such a close resemblance.

“What’s your name?” asked Debra.

“Madam, my name is Hester Vargas,” the maid replied timidly, but her demeanor was proper.

Debra nodded. “It’s not breakfast time yet. From now on, only Sophie should prepare my breakfast. Do you understand?”

Hester hesitated. “Madam, Mrs. Nichols Sr. has given Sophie an extended leave. Could you please tell me what time you usually have breakfast? I can prepare it in advance.”

Debra paused, her mind racing. Melody favored Sophie, and this decision showed how determined Melody was.

Debra replied, “Eight o’clock.”

“Understood.” Hester stepped aside.

Fresh from his shower, Juan walked over to Debra. “I’ll go accompany Grandma downstairs.”

“Alright,” Debra agreed.

They maintained the facade of a harmonious couple in front of the maid. Downstairs, Melody’s brow furrowed as she noted Debra’s absence.

“Has she not gotten up yet?”

“I told her to sleep in a bit,” Juan said smoothly, anticipating her criticism.

Hester couldn’t help but glance at Juan. The truth was, Debra didn’t want to come down.

Melody scoffed. “Now that she’s married into the Nichols family, she’s putting on airs. She must have forgotten how she used to flatter me to marry you.”

Juan’s frown deepened, his voice taking on a warning edge. “Grandma, it’s not a workday. She deserves a chance to rest.”

Melody waved a dismissive hand, her tone shifting to one of jest. “I know, I know. Now that you’ve got a wife, you forget about me.”

She turned her gaze to Hester, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Hester, the soup you made is delicious. Serve a bowl to Juan. It’s good for his health.”

“Yes, Mrs. Nichols Sr.,” Hester replied obediently, swiftly retreating to the kitchen. She returned moments later, placing a steaming bowl of soup in front of Juan. He accepted it without comment.

Melody raised an eyebrow. “Juan, don’t you recognize her?”

Juan looked up, his confusion evident. Hester, her smile hopeful, said, “Juan, it’s me, Hester.”

Juan’s expression remained unchanged, his voice cool and distant. “I’m sorry, I don’t know you.”

Hester’s smile faltered, her disappointment palpable as she turned to Melody. “Mrs. Nichols Sr., I told you he wouldn’t recognize me.”

Melody, her patience seemingly endless, reminded him, “Hester’s family name is Vargas. Don’t you remember, Juan?”

Juan gave no response and showed no emotion.

Melody continued, “Her family had dealings with your father. You met her when you were little. She was much younger then, and you’re seven years her senior, so it’s understandable if you don’t remember.”

Juan’s voice remained impassive. “Even if the Vargas family has fallen on hard times, they still have a listed company. It’s quite a letdown for Miss Vargas to be working as a maid here.”