Chapter 246

Debra showed no signs of panic despite the ordeal. The kidnapper felt an invisible pressure radiating from her. “Here is a check for ten million dollars,” Juan said, presenting the check. The kidnapper’s eyes lit up with greed. He rushed over, snatched the check, and dashed off. Neither Debra nor Juan made any move to chase him. This entire kidnapping felt like a poorly planned charade.

Juan’s gaze fell on Debra’s neck, where a small trickle of blood marred her otherwise flawless skin. The kidnapper’s nervousness had caused the blade to nick her. Juan stepped closer, concern etched on his face. “Let me examine your injury.”

“Go check on Miss Vargas first. Don’t let her suffer any longer,” she said, walking straight to the workshop and opening a metal box.

Inside, Hester was bound and gagged, her eyes wide with fear and helplessness. Debra ripped the tape from Hester’s mouth. Hester froze, not expecting Debra’s arrival. As Juan approached, she threw herself into his arms and burst into tears.

“Juan, you finally came. I thought I’d never see you again,” she sobbed.

Juan calmly pushed her away, his expression cold and distant. When help arrived, he instructed Joe, “Take her back.”

“Yes, sir,” Joe responded, looking at Hester.

Hester looked confused and hurt, sensing Juan’s attitude toward her had grown even colder.

Debra found her anxious look amusing. She had overestimated the woman. She had thought Hester was sophisticated, but it turned out she was just a naive girl, not even on the same level as Sheila. To devise such a childish kidnapping plan was immature.

Juan’s gaze returned to Debra’s neck. “Let me take care of your wound when we get back.”

“It’s just a scratch,” Debra replied, looking up at him. “Make sure to retrieve the money. It’s our shared property, after all.”

“I will,” Juan assured her.

They returned to the Nichols residence, where Hester was tearfully recounting the events to Melody. Melody looked annoyed, clearly aware of the kidnapping’s details.

“Grandma, we’re back,” Debra announced as they entered the room.

Melody glanced at them before asking, “Juan, why didn’t you escort Hester back?”

“She was safer with Joe,” Juan replied.

Melody looked displeased. “What kind of attitude is that?”

Hester quickly interjected, holding Melody’s hand. “Juan’s decision is right. Please don’t blame him.”

“It’s been a long day. Let’s all rest,” Melody fought back her annoyance and turned to Juan. “Stay here. I have a word with you.”

He murmured to Debra, “Wait for me upstairs. I’ll be right there.”

“Okay,” Debra replied, heading upstairs.

Hester stood up and offered, “Mrs. Nichols is injured. I’ll get a medical kit for her.”