Chapter 263

Debra brushed off Marion’s joke, but the next morning, Seamar City buzzed with astonishing news. Caleb had relinquished control of all Houston family assets to Marion, instantly making her the head of the family. Debra was shocked. Caleb was cunning and calculating; he wouldn't surrender his power without a reason. Marion must have done something to compel him to hand over the reins.

The Houston family, despite a lower profile in recent years, still wielded significant influence in Seamar City. According to the timeline from her previous life, Marion shouldn't have been recognized as the successor for another three years. Yet, here she was, the acknowledged heir, controlling all family assets ahead of schedule. Debra was astonished. This sudden shift meant the inevitable conflict between Marion and Juan was imminent. After recent setbacks from the McKinney Group, Juan was likely no match for Marion’s newfound influence and resources.

Meanwhile, Juan received the hospital's test results, confirming Shelia's pregnancy and that the child was indeed his. In the grand hall of the Nichols family estate, Joe escorted Shelia before Juan. The atmosphere was tense; Melody had been promptly informed. Standing behind her, Melody’s sullen expression barely concealed her jealousy. Now that Debra was gone, another woman was staking a claim on Juan. Her ambitions to become his wife seemed increasingly out of reach.

Juan sat on the sofa, eyes fixed on the test results. Melody broke the silence, her voice steady but concerned. “Juan, is this true?”

Juan remained silent, his jaw clenched. Melody understood that Juan and Shelia had been involved, and the child was likely his. Shelia seized the opportunity. “Juan, I’m carrying your first child, and Mrs. Nichols Sr. has been longing for a great-grandson. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”

Juan’s frown deepened. Melody had eagerly awaited news of a great-grandchild, her hopes pinned on Debra. Months had passed since their marriage, with no announcement. The possibility of a great-grandson, even under these circumstances, was not something Melody could easily dismiss.

Juan’s tone was flat as he addressed Joe: “Take her to the hospital and terminate the pregnancy.”

Shelia gasped, instinctively protecting her belly. “Juan, are you crazy? This is your child!” This was her last straw; she would never let Juan do this.

Melody frowned, her disapproval evident. “This is your first child, Juan. How can you be so heartless?”

“I will never have a child with any woman other than Debra,” Juan declared firmly.

“Debra is dead, and this isn’t up to you,” Melody argued, her gaze shifting to Shelia’s belly. Her resolve was firm. “Since Shelia is pregnant, let her stay here. We’ll find out if the baby is truly of the Nichols family’s bloodline.”

Juan protested, “Grandma, this matter…”

Melody cut him off with a stern look. “No matter what, this child belongs to the Nichols family and cannot be abandoned.”