Chapter 277

The moment Debra stepped into the venue, camera flashlights flickered incessantly. This was more than just a news story; it was a sensation, a spectacle that would be splashed across every headline and trend on every platform. Some media outlets had even begun live broadcasts.

Debra surveyed the scene with cold detachment. This chaos was perfect for her purposes—a grand stage on which to blow the divorce news out of proportion. Joe sensed things were spiraling out of control and quickly pulled out his phone to alert Juan.

By the time Juan arrived, the ambulance had already taken Melody away, and Debra's people had efficiently cleared most of the guests from the church. As Juan strode into the grand hall, his eyes immediately locked onto Debra. A surge of joy propelled him forward, but before he could reach her, Shelia intercepted him.

“Juan, you can’t go over there,” Shelia exclaimed. “Melody just passed out because of her.”

“Move aside,” he commanded, pushing past Shelia with such force that she stumbled, barely catching herself on a nearby chair. She glared at Juan, her teeth grinding in frustration. She had become the pariah, the other woman in everyone’s mind, all for the sake of a man who seemed not to care at all. Juan only had eyes for Debra.

“I can’t be dreaming. You really came back,” he murmured, reaching out to embrace her. He had missed her so much and had clung to the belief that she was still alive. But Debra did not return the embrace. Her expression remained indifferent as she pushed him away. “You’re too late. I’ve already announced that I’m divorcing you.”

“Divorce?” Juan was confused.

Debra reached into her bag and pulled out a signed divorce agreement, holding it out to him. “I’ve already signed this. It just needs your signature.”

“I said I would never divorce you. Don’t you forget the bet we had!”

“That bet? I never intended to honor it,” Debra sneered. “Even if you bet all your wealth that I love you, I still wouldn’t. Consider it my way of letting you go. Don’t keep making a fuss.”

“No, listen to me. I really love you.”

“You love me, but you have a child with Shelia?”

Juan was rendered speechless. He stumbled over his words, trying to explain. “I can explain. That night…”

Debra held up a hand, cutting him off. “I’m not interested in what happened between you two, but I won’t tolerate any betrayal in my relationship. Since you have Shelia now, we’re finished. Let it go. Think about yourself and the Nichols Group. Melody wouldn’t want to see you lose the family business over me.”

She thrust the divorce agreement into Juan’s hands. He grabbed her arm, a final, desperate plea in his eyes, but Debra was unmoved.

“By the way, since Shelia is your woman now, I think you should know something,” she said, turning to Ben. “Bring them up.”