Chapter 28

Since seeing Debra in that glamorous dress, Shelia had realized the chasm between them. Juan always treated her like a little girl, rarely seeing her as a woman. She had to seize this chance to confess her love.

The door opened, and Shelia’s heart raced. She turned, saw Juan enter, and threw herself into his arms.

“Shelia?”

“I thought you wouldn’t come.” Shelia’s voice was low, tinged with sadness.

Juan pulled away, saying, “It’s your birthday, and I promised I’d come.” Shelia blushed. But Juan frowned at her outfit and the room’s décor.

“Juan, I…”

Juan interrupted. “This outfit doesn’t suit you.”

Shelia was stunned. Juan turned on the lamp beside him.

“Do you still like the birthday gift I chose for you today?”

“Very much.” Shelia hadn’t fully recovered from his previous words. He added, “I asked Joe to arrange this room for you, so you could invite your friends over. It’s close to your school.”

Shelia froze.

“I still have some work to do tonight. You should rest early,” Juan said.

“Juan!” Seeing him about to leave, Shelia hugged him from behind and choked with sobs. “Did I do anything wrong? Why are you leaving?”

Juan gently removed her hands, but couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh. “I hope you’ll focus more on your studies and not be influenced by your surroundings.”

Shelia’s heart skipped a beat. By the time she regained her composure, Juan had already left.

Joe, parking the car, was surprised to see Juan emerge so quickly. He asked, “Sir, aren’t you celebrating Miss Miles’s birthday?”

“Drive home.” Juan’s expression was cold, and Joe, his longtime companion, knew he was in a bad mood. Juan remained silent during the drive.

He had treated Shelia differently before, because of her innocence and kindness. Having spent so long in high society, he understood the tactics of other women. But he never expected that the student he’d sponsored would become… this.

“Have I been too good to Shelia?” Juan suddenly said.

“You’re indeed very kind to Miss Miles.”

“What about Debra?”

“You care about Mrs. Nichols,” Joe replied awkwardly.

Juan recalled Rosalie’s words at the Frazier family banquet. It seemed everyone in Seamar City knew he disliked Debra. Only he remained unaware of the circulating rumors.

“Starting tomorrow, you don’t need to pick me up anymore.”