Chapter 231

Leanna furrowed her brow.

“Oh, I’ve completed all these plans,” Shelia said, handing over the proposals.

Leanna glanced at the documents before speaking. “Don’t leave after work today, Shelia. There’s a dinner party tonight, and I need you to come along.”

Shelia blinked in surprise. “Me?” she whispered, remembering her intern status.

Leanna offered a reassuring smile. “I remember you mentioning that you’ve attended social gatherings and dinners before. You have experience, and I trust you to handle this.”

Shelia felt relieved. While inexperienced in many areas, she was no stranger to such events, having accompanied Juan to numerous functions.

Back in her office, Leanna promptly dialed Debra’s number. “Ms. Frazier, I’ve informed Shelia as you instructed.”

“Good.”

“Also, I think I saw Shelia with two phones just now.”

“Two phones?” Debra’s curiosity was piqued, but she dismissed the observation for now. “Forget that for now. Just take her to the restaurant tonight.”

“Understood, Ms. Frazier.”

Debra hung up, her gaze falling on the file in her hand. She knew the answers she sought would soon become clear.

As evening fell, Shelia, dressed in an elegant gown gifted by Juan, accompanied Leanna to the restaurant. Initially confident, her smile faltered as the private room door swung open, revealing not strangers, but the same influential figures she’d encountered before.

Their gazes were lustful. Shelia stood rooted to the spot, uncertainty etched on her face.

Noticing her hesitation, Leanna asked, “Why aren’t you coming in?”

“Leanna, who are they?”

“Our recent prospects. Remember not to upset them.” Leanna led her inside and whispered, “They’re all serious businessmen. Don’t worry about it.”

Shelia trembled slightly, her discomfort growing. These were not people to be taken lightly.

Suppressing her unease, Shelia took a seat beside Leanna. A slightly inebriated middle-aged man sat down next to her, his gaze direct and unsettling.

“Leanna, I’m scared…” Shelia murmured, genuine fear in her eyes.

Leanna glanced at the men before reassuring Shelia. “It’s okay. It won’t take an hour.” She picked up her phone, feigning urgency. “Shelia, wait here a moment. I have to take a call outside.”

“Leanna…” Shelia tried to stop her, but Leanna had already slipped out of the room.

The next moment, Shelia’s face paled as a man’s voice cut through the air. “Shelia, your mother owes a lot in gambling debts. How do you plan to settle it?”

Shelia forced a semblance of composure, her body trembling uncontrollably. “I—I already paid you back last time.”

Another man put his hand on her shoulder. “Your mother owes us five years of debt. You think one payment settles it?”