Chapter 285

Debra glanced down at Juan’s hand, her eyes flashing defiance. “What’s this, Mr. Nichols? Trying to take me away by force?”

Juan remained silent a moment, his jaw tightening. “Don’t push me, Debra.”

Debra scoffed, undeterred. “You may be powerful, but this isn’t a place for you to throw your weight around.”

Juan’s grip on her arm tightened. “You know very well whether I dare to act here or not. If you come with me now, we can still maintain some decency.”

Debra coldly shook off his hand. “Sorry, that’s not going to happen.”

Suddenly, the villa gate burst open, and a group of people rushed in. The commotion sent the maids scattering in panic. Rosalie hid behind Ralph, whispering, “Honey, what do we do now?”

Juan said, “I’ll say it one more time. Come with me.” Debra stood her ground, and the standoff continued.

Rosalie was the first to crack, her voice shrill with panic. “Debra, I told you to go with Mr. Nichols, but you wouldn’t listen! Why are you so stubborn? Do we have to go this far?” She slammed her thigh in frustration, her voice rising to a near-hysterical pitch. “The Frazier family is going to be ruined by you!”

“Shut up!” Ralph snapped, his face reddening with fury. He pointed an accusatory finger at Juan. “The biggest regret of my life is marrying Debra to a beast like you. Do you think there’s no law in Seamar City? Juan, you’re too arrogant!”

Juan cast a cold glance at Ralph. “In Seamar City, my word is the law.”

Just then, slow clapping echoed from outside, followed by Marion’s voice. “Your word is the law? I’m impressed.”

Moments later, a group of people wielding electric batons stormed in, confronting Juan’s men. Marion entered, a smile playing on his lips, but his eyes were icy cold.

“Marion?” Ralph was bewildered. He wondered how Marion had become involved.

Marion stood beside Debra, hands clasped behind his back. “Today, you’re not taking anyone away. But you might be able to take something else.” He threw a flash drive at Juan’s feet, his voice calm and measured. “The things you people have done over the years are recorded on this drive. Each entry is enough to take down the Nichols family. Aren’t you going to take a look?”

Joe picked up the flash drive, his brow furrowed with concern. He walked to Juan’s side, whispering, “Sir, the Houston family used to have military influence. These people are all veterans or third-generation military personnel from Caleb’s side. They’re loyal to the Houston family. We can’t confront them directly and suffer losses.”

Juan’s brow furrowed. If he gave up now, he didn’t know if he’d get another chance to be close to Debra.

Debra smiled faintly. “Mr. Nichols, a businessman should value peace to make money and assess the situation. It’s clear who has the upper hand now.”

Juan’s voice was a low growl. “What if I’m determined to take you away?”

“Then you’ll have to step over my dead body.” Melody’s voice rang out from outside the villa. She arrived with great force, her face pale but determined, presumably having come straight from the hospital.