Chapter 221

Just as Debra hesitated, the door to the lounge swung open abruptly. Joe stepped in, balancing a silver platter with several slices of cheesecake arranged elegantly on top.

Debra, with the phone still pressed to her ear, hurriedly concluded her conversation. “I have some matters to attend to here. Let’s reconnect tonight.”

“Understood, Ms. Frazier.”

The call ended. Joe approached the table and placed the platter in front of Debra. “Mr. Nichols asked me to bring you this, saying it’s your favorite.”

Debra glanced at the cheesecake. She used to love it. She wondered how Juan knew. He had never shown much interest in her preferences before.

“Thank you, Joe. I’ll rest here for a bit. Please let me know when he is done.”

“Of course, madam.”

Joe exited the room. Debra stared at the cheesecake, her mind whirring. “What game is Juan playing?” she thought. She didn’t believe he was helpless against the McKinney Group, and his actions today were uncharacteristically strange. “Could it be that he has other plans?”

In the afternoon, Juan emerged from the meeting room. His gaze fell on the untouched cheesecake, and he asked, “Is this bakery’s cheesecake not to your liking?”

“I used to enjoy them, but they don’t appeal to me anymore,” Debra replied, her voice flat.

Juan dropped his eyes, looking disappointed. “I see. Well, from now on, I intend to remember what you do like.”

“About the 20% of Nichols Group shares you mentioned, were you serious?” she asked.

She didn’t think he was bluffing, not after he had brought it up so publicly. Juan took a document handed over by Joe and placed it in front of her.

“This is the share transfer contract. It’s been verified by Legal. All it needs is your signature.”

Debra picked up the document, her eyes scanning the clauses. It was free from loopholes or errors. She frowned, looking up at him. “Why are you giving me these shares?”

“Because it’s the only thing I can offer to start regaining your trust,” he replied.

Joe discreetly exited the room, and Juan continued, “I’ve been thinking these days about how to let you give me a chance to prove myself. Then I realized I have nothing else to offer besides this.”

His deep eyes reflected sincerity. Debra saw no falsehood. If this was an act, he was extraordinarily convincing. She looked away, breaking the intense eye contact.

“Alright, since you put it that way, I’ll accept these shares.” She picked up the contract and added, “But I don’t believe in free lunches. I’ll take this contract back and review it carefully. Is that acceptable?”

“Of course,” Juan agreed readily.

“Thanks,” Debra said, sitting up. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to your work. I’ll give you my decision once I’ve confirmed the contract’s details.”

“I’ll have Joe give you a ride.”

“It’s fine. No need.” After all, Joe had been Sheila’s regular driver for years; Debra wasn’t ready to step into that role in Juan’s life.