Chapter 222 + 25 BONUS

Debra strode out of the lounge. Joe entered and advised, “Sir, even if you want to compensate Mrs. Nichols, there must be a better way. If you transfer these shares to her, your rights…” The power dynamics of a company were intrinsically linked to its stakeholders. With twenty percent of the shares now in Debra’s hands, the future of Nichols Group could be at stake if they ever had a falling out.

Juan watched Debra leave, his eyes darkening with a mix of resolve and apprehension. “It’s alright, Joe. This is just a gamble I’m willing to take.”

Debra wasted no time returning to Frazier Entertainment. She needed to ensure her newfound leverage was airtight. She handed the contract to Ben, who looked puzzled. “Ms. Frazier, what’s this?”

“Take it to the Legal Department. I want it scrutinized for any loopholes.”

“Will do.”

As Ben prepared to leave, Debra stopped him. “Wait.”

“Anything else?”

“Help me investigate Shelia’s background,” she said. “Focus on her middle and high school years. Check her academic records and personal life. Leave no stone unturned.”

“Consider it done.”

“You can go now.”

“Okay.”

As Ben left, Debra finally allowed herself to slump back in her chair, exhaustion washing over her. Her eyes fluttered open at a knock on the door. Michael appeared in the doorway and said, “You look tired today.”

“What brings you here?” Debra glanced at the time, surprised. Michael should have been on set.

“The shoot ended early,” he explained, taking a seat opposite her. “I saw you come back to the company, so I thought I’d check on you.”

Michael had been making waves lately, with his hit dramas and numerous endorsements propelling him to top-tier celebrity status. Taking a sip of tea to revitalize herself, Debra asked, “You came all the way here just to check on my mental state?”

“Actually, I wanted to ask you something,” Michael replied.

“Oh? What is it?”

Chapter 222

“Do you know Shelia?”

Debra was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to suddenly bring up Shelia. As far as she knew, they had no connection.

“You know, my recent work is related to the McKinney Group,” Michael said, observing her expression. But she showed no intention of interrupting, so he continued, “I saw Shelia at a media company under their umbrella. Rumor has it that she’s Juan’s mistress and that she’s not on good terms with you.”

Debra listened quietly, her expression neutral. “So?”

“Because it’s related to you, I paid attention,” Michael said. “Then I realized that I knew her.”

Debra’s hand paused mid-air, the teacup halfway to her lips. She frowned at Michael. “You know Shelia? Where did you meet her?”

“Curious?”

“Yeah,” Debra admitted, her interest piqued.

Michael’s smile widened. “Invite me to dinner tonight, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Debra’s enthusiasm was instantly dampened. She quipped, “Now that you’re a big star, do you need me to treat you?”

Michael chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not about the meal. It’s about gestures. Being invited by you shows that I’m important to you.”