Chapter 286

Juan was taken aback. “Grandma?”

Melody swept into the room, her gaze filled with sternness and profound disappointment. She raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap to Juan’s cheek.

“For a woman, you put the Nichols family in danger,” she chastised. “Are you even fit to be the head of this family anymore? Is this how your grandfather taught you to handle affairs? You’re useless.”

Juan clenched his fists, but he didn’t dare utter a word of protest. Melody turned her gaze to Debra, her eyes filled with disdain.

“I’m sorry for the trouble. Juan will never act so recklessly again. We will compensate you for your losses. But since you proposed the divorce, you won’t get a share of our family fortune.”

Juan started, his eyes flashing with concern. “Grandma!”

Debra, however, seemed unfazed. “You seem to have misunderstood, Mrs. Nichols Sr. The divorce agreement I gave Juan doesn't ask for a single penny from the Nichols family. So don't worry, I'm not interested in dividing your assets.”

“You better be,” she retorted.

“But since you’ve disturbed my family, this debt needs to be settled,” Debra continued, turning to Ralph. “Uncle Ralph, send someone to the Nichols family tomorrow to demand compensation. They must give every penny as promised.”

Ralph was dazed. He wasn’t interested in the money, but after catching Debra’s subtle signal, he straightened up and nodded.

“Yes, not a penny less.”

Melody scoffed, her disdain for such mercenary attitudes evident. “What a tough crowd! Look at the woman you like, Juan. Is this who you want to be associated with?”

Juan looked at Debra, his eyes filled with suppressed pain. He knew Debra was doing this deliberately to break up the alliance between their families.

Melody waved her hand dismissively. “I’ll give you ten million dollars. No need to come to our door; we’ll send the payment. Let’s go.”

She turned and swept out of the room, her entourage following behind.

Joe advised Juan, “Sir, we should go.” Staying any longer was pointless, given Melody’s orders.

Juan hesitated, his gaze lingering on Debra and Marion. His heart ached as if it were being torn apart. He had given up countless things for his family, but he couldn’t let go of Debra. She was supposed to be his wife and confidante.

Marion, noticing Juan’s gaze, offered a hint of a smile and provocatively took Debra’s hand. “Can’t bear to leave, Mr. Nichols?”

Debra glanced down at Marion’s hand, but she didn’t pull away. Juan’s gaze fell on their clasped hands, and his heartache intensified.

He fought to suppress his pain, regaining his composure with visible effort. “I’ll remember this, and Debra will always be mine.”

Marion countered nonchalantly, “Who she belongs to has never been for you or me to decide. The choice is hers.”

His gaze held deep affection as he looked at Debra.

Debra faced Juan, her expression resolute. “The person standing by my side will never be you.”