Chapter 233

Debra offered a faint smile. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

Joe stepped aside, allowing her to pass, and Debra followed him out. Halfway down the corridor, she paused and asked, “Has Miss Miles been trying to contact Juan recently?”

Joe nodded. “Miss Miles did call a few times, but as instructed by Mr. Nichols, I didn’t respond.”

“I see,” Debra said, a smile spreading across her face.

So, Sheila was still trying to reach out to her financial lifeline. Except for Juan, probably no one else would come to her aid.

Sensing Debra might have misunderstood, Joe quickly explained, “Mr. Nichols has indeed decided to cut ties with Miss Miles this time. Perhaps you didn’t know, but previously, Mr. Nichols only brought her to some events to make you jealous.”

Debra waved a hand dismissively, her smile casual. “You don’t need to explain. I already know.”

Joe was stunned. He’d sensed Debra had changed, but couldn’t pinpoint it. Now, seeing her expression, he realized the change stemmed from Juan’s diminished importance in her life.

Under the cloak of night, Sheila slipped away from the party, making her way down a narrow, deserted alley. She remained cautious, ensuring she was fully concealed as she navigated the dark path. Reaching the storefront at the alley’s end, she nervously unlocked the door.

A sharp voice echoed from inside. “Who’s there?”

The space was a large, dilapidated courtyard, with rooms separated by thin partitions. Less than five square meters each, the rooms were pitch black at night. Without a lamp, one couldn’t see anything, even during the day.

Sheila cautiously stepped into the darkness. Places like these, rented for only five hundred dollars a month, were a rarity in Seamar City. Despite their deplorable condition, the poor scrambled to secure them, as homelessness for their families was the alternative.

Hearing footsteps, the woman inside panicked and dropped to her knees. “I really have no money. Please don’t beat me.”

Sheila, familiar with the room, switched on the light. The woman cowered in a corner, then looked up and saw Sheila’s face. Sheila was dressed in an expensive gown, her hair and makeup impeccable, almost unrecognizable from the girl she once was.

The woman’s eyes lit up instantly. “Sheila, you’re back. Please save me.”

Clarissa Miles rushed forward in desperation, her hands reaching out to grasp her daughter.

Sheila pushed her away, disgust on her face. She had grown up in this place, despising her mother and this home more than anything.

“Sheila, I’m your mother. If you don’t help me, I’m doomed,” Clarissa pleaded, terror etched across her face. The creditors had been pressing harder lately, leaving her no option but to seek Sheila’s help.