Chapter 226

Melody took a deep breath. “I don’t understand what you’re saying, but this damages the Nichols family’s reputation and yours too. If these things are published in the newspapers, everyone will know. Think of the humiliation our family will endure. I don’t care about publicity. Just handle this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, don’t bother coming back to see me.”

Her face was a thundercloud. Beside her, Hester interjected with a smooth, placating tone. “Mrs. Nichols Sr., this is just a matter concerning Debra’s work. Please don’t be angry. I’ve heard that Debra often isn’t at home, probably because she’s very busy with her duties. Don’t pressure her too much.”

Hester’s words sparked suspicion in Melody’s mind. “So, that’s why you’ve been absent recently.” She suspected that Debra was dating another man. Debra didn’t bother to explain herself; winning Melody’s favor no longer mattered to her.

“Debra!” Melody snapped, slamming her hand on the table. “Where do you place Juan?” Hester watched with barely concealed enjoyment, curious to see how Debra would explain this. After all, this was about infidelity, something Melody would never tolerate.

“Grandma, you’ve misunderstood,” Juan said, descending the stairs. He came to stand beside Debra. Melody found his intervention amusing, her lips curling into a disbelieving smile.

“Misunderstood? She stays out all night. Who knows what she’s been up to?”

“Michael is just an artist hired by the Frazier Group. Debra informed me in advance about this, and it was with my consent.”

“What did you say?” Melody looked incredulously at him. Debra frowned, surprised by his lie. She had casually made up an excuse to appease Melody. There was no plan to create a stunt, nor had she informed Juan beforehand. In fact, she had dinner with Michael yesterday without even telling Juan.

Hester was puzzled, but her surprise quickly passed. “Juan, I understand you’re trying to protect Mrs. Nichols, but you can’t lie about such a big matter. Who would want their wife to have rumors with another man?”

Melody’s gaze sharpened as she looked at Juan. “Juan, tell me honestly, is this true?”

Juan didn’t flinch under her scrutiny. “It’s true. I was informed about this matter and gave my permission. It’s a business matter. You guys may not understand, but we will handle it properly afterward. Grandma, please don’t worry.”

Melody’s expression softened a little, but when she looked at Debra again, the warmth she had shown before was noticeably absent.

“It’s better this way. Our family cannot have an unfaithful wife,” she said.