Chapter 240

Debra emerged from the restroom, her gaze sweeping over the tense scene. “What happened? I stepped away for a moment, and everyone’s on edge?” she asked, her eyes falling on Shelia.

Shelia turned, her expression souring at the sight of Debra. Debra was impeccably dressed, exuding an air of grace that made Shelia’s attire seem tacky and out of place. Shelia looked like a nightclub girl trying too hard, lacking the refinement of a true socialite. Debra had always questioned Juan’s taste in women. Shelia’s looks were unremarkable, her figure nothing special. Her only redeeming quality was her innocence, but tonight, her attempt at a more mature look only overshadowed that advantage. She appeared nouveau riche, lacking sophistication.

“Miss Miles, you’re here too.”

“Debra…”

“I prefer you call me Mrs. Nichols,” Debra interrupted. Shelia seemed reluctant to acknowledge Debra’s identity in front of so many people.

“What brings you here today, Miss Miles? To attend a party?” Debra asked, looking around. “But I didn’t see any other gatherings.”

Shelia forced a smile. “I’m here with a colleague. She’s in the restroom.”

“Oh, you’re working. Which company are you with now, after being dismissed by Tyson Enterprises?” Debra asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shelia hesitated, glancing at Juan, who refused to meet her gaze. Turning back to Debra, she replied, “I’m interning at Mystic Forge.”

Debra’s eyebrows shot up. “Mystic Forge? Isn’t that under the McKinney Group?”

The McKinney Group was at odds with the Nichols Group—no secret. The bosses around them exchanged displeased looks. Their business was suffering, all because of the McKinney Group.

“Mr. Nichols, it seems your support for Miss Miles has gone to waste.”

“Those people are crazy. They didn’t even check who she was before hiring her.”

They mocked Shelia, one after another, turning her face pale. She had chosen the McKinney Group because Juan had ordered that no company associated with the Nichols Group should hire her. She had no other choice.

She looked at Juan, hoping he would defend her, but he spoke flatly. “Shelia is no longer sponsored by the Nichols Group. Where she works now has nothing to do with us.”

This statement made Shelia turn ashen.

Debra concluded, “Since you’re dining with your colleagues, you can go ahead.” She returned to her seat, scanning the table. Noticing her glass had been moved, she raised her voice. “Hi, may I have a new glass?”