Chapter 283

Ralph’s face darkened with fury. “What are you suggesting? After what Debra’s been through, do you still think we should sweep it under the rug and avoid divorce?”

Rosalie, seemingly unaware of the storm she was brewing, pressed on. “I’m merely considering what’s best for our family. What do we stand to gain by making an enemy of the Nichols family?” Her eyes flicked nervously toward Debra. “Besides, Debra suddenly decided to sell the Frazier Group to the McKinney Group without so much as a family discussion. Does she even understand the consequences? She’s backing us into a corner!”

“Enough!” Ralph snapped, his patience wearing thin.

Debra turned her gaze toward Rosalie. “So, your issue lies with me selling the company.” Debra recalled her past life, how Rosalie had abandoned Ralph when their fortune ran dry, all while Juan’s schemes drove the Frazier Group to the brink of bankruptcy. This time, Rosalie’s concern wasn’t for Debra’s marital woes, but for the fear of being left with nothing if they crossed Juan again.

Rosalie, growing more impassioned, suggested, “Debra, if you’re not business-minded, perhaps you should step aside. Let Stanley take the reins. He studied finance, after all. He will manage the company well.”

Debra interrupted coldly, “Aunt Rosalie, have you forgotten? I’m a finance graduate from Arcane Academy.”

Rosalie scoffed, “A degree bought with money hardly counts. Stanley earned his place fair and square.”

With feigned regret, Debra replied, “Ah, but Stanley’s school is hardly top-tier. Even the interns at the Frazier Group hold higher degrees.”

Rosalie gasped, her eyes widening with indignation. “Debra! How could you belittle my son?”

Unruffled, Debra explained, “Regardless, the Frazier Group is now part of the McKinney Group. We hold shares, yes, but management decisions are out of our hands. I couldn’t arrange any position for Stanley even if I wanted to.”

Rosalie’s voice rose, filled with bitterness. “Debra, you do realize that if you hadn’t sold the company, we wouldn’t be beholden to the McKinney Group now.”

Ralph, holding back his anger, cut in. “Have you said your piece?” His stern voice silenced her.

A maid entered the room, announcing, “Sir, Madam, a guest has arrived.”

“Guest?” Ralph looked up, his brow furrowing, as Juan walked in, followed by Joe. Ralph shot to his feet. “Who let him in? Show him out immediately.”

Rosalie intervened. “Honey, calm down. He might not be here for you.” Juan’s gaze settled on Debra, but she didn’t acknowledge his presence. He cleared his throat, his voice slightly hoarse. “I’m here to take Debra home.”

Debra set her teacup down, her voice cool and detached. “Mr. Nichols, have you signed the divorce papers? If so, hand them over, and there will be no need for me to return.”