Chapter 264

Shelia breathed a sigh of relief as Melody expressed her support. Hester, however, felt a growing unease. If Shelia gave birth to a boy in ten months and the child was confirmed to be Juan's, her own chances of winning Juan's affections would vanish.

Melody turned to Hester and said, "Prepare a room for Shelia to move into."

"Yes, madam," Hester replied reluctantly.

Shelia cast a smug glance at Hester. As a woman, she understood Hester's feelings for Juan and wouldn't let Hester have any opportunity to act on them.

"Mrs. Nichols Sr.," Shelia began, "could you have someone more experienced care for me? What if something goes wrong with the baby if a young girl like Hester looks after me?"

Her request was clear.

Hester's face fell, and she glanced anxiously at Melody. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving the Nichols family or Juan's side. If that happened, she'd have no chance at all.

"True. Let's have Sophie return to care for you," Melody said.

"Mrs. Nichols Sr., what about me?" Hester protested, but Melody cut her off. "Hester, you've been away from home for so long. It's time for you to return and honor your parents. It wouldn't be right for me to keep you here."

"I'm willing to stay and take care of you. Please don't send me away," Hester pleaded.

But Melody remained firm. "Pack your things. Joe will take you home."

Hester was dumbfounded and disappointed. After all this time caring for Melody, she was being dismissed so easily. Debra's words echoed in her mind, and she realized the harsh truth: Melody had used her to create a crisis for Debra. With Debra gone, Hester was no longer useful. And with Shelia pregnant, Melody wouldn't risk having her around to potentially harm the baby. Melody was shrewd and ruthless, her actions driven by cold calculation.

Shelia smirked. The baby in her womb was her trump card, far more important than a mere imitation like Hester.

"This is settled, then," Melody declared. "Juan, you can go to work. I'll handle things at home."

Hester pinned her last hope on Juan, her eyes silently pleading with him. But he seemed indifferent, his expression distant as he left without a word.

Joe addressed her politely, "Miss Vargas, please pack your things. I'll come back to pick you up later."

Hester was devastated, unable to utter a word. After Juan and Joe left, Melody returned to her room. Shelia sauntered up and raised an eyebrow. "Before you leave, please tidy my room. I think I'll stay in yours." She glared at Hester, her eyes filled with resentment.