Chapter 218

Debra froze, confused by his actions. As Juan leaned in, she quickly turned her head away. Juan stiffened before finally pulling back and releasing her.

“Come to the company with me. I’ll handle things real quick.”

Debra opened her mouth to refuse, but Juan pressed on. “Since you promised me you’d give me three months, let me stay with you a bit longer, okay?”

She hesitated, taken aback by the humility in his voice. This was a side of Juan she had rarely seen; he was always so aloof, so distant. After a moment of silence, she pursed her lips and nodded. “Okay.”

A smile spread across Juan’s face, and he turned the car around. Chaos reigned at the company. As she strode into the lobby, Joe rushed toward him, relief etched onto his face.

“Sir, you’re finally here.”

Juan had been disoriented these past few days. Even during meetings, the company urgently needed his decisive leadership.

“Sir, all the board members are waiting for you in the conference room.”

Joe added, but his voice trailed off as he noticed Debra standing beside Juan. Debra had been remaining quiet, and Joe was surprised by her presence.

“Let’s go to the conference room.”

“I’ll arrange for Mrs. Nichols to wait in the lounge.”

“No need,” Juan interjected. “She will attend with me.”

“What?” Joe was stunned. Juan took Debra’s hand, and she looked down. Instinctively, she wanted to pull away, but the warmth of his touch reminded her of the boy who had once held her hand, many years ago.

Juan led her through the bustling office. Heads turned as they passed, whispers following in their wake.

“Who is Mr. Nichols holding hands with? Is that Mrs. Nichols?” “Really? If she’s Mrs. Nichols, then who was always with Mr. Nichols before?” “Don’t you know? That was Mr. Nichols’s rumored girlfriend, not his wife.”

Debra paid the whispers no heed. It was only natural that people didn’t recognize her; Juan had never brought her to the company before.

Juan suddenly broke the silence.

“Joe.” “Sir, what can I do for you?” “Fire everyone who was gossiping just now.” “Sir,” he tried to advise, but Juan silenced him with a cold look. “I don’t want to repeat myself.” “Understood.”

Joe bowed his head, but Debra chimed in, “You don’t need to do this. I’m not bothered by it.”

Juan’s grip on her hand tightened. “I want everyone to know that you are the true Mrs. Nichols. I won’t allow any more gossip about you.”

In the past, she would have been thrilled to hear such words from Juan. But now, her feelings were a tangled web of confusion and regret. They couldn’t go back to the old times.

As they approached the conference room, the sound of anxious voices spilled out into the hallway. As the door swung open, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Debra.