Chapter 287

Debra’s words cut like a knife, her eyes devoid of warmth or affection. Juan stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched at his sides. Debra scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “What’s the matter, Mr. Nichols? Still here? Waiting for more insults?”

Joe, unable to bear the tension, leaned in and whispered, “Sir, we should go.” Debra shifted her gaze away, dismissing Juan completely. Slowly, he backed away, his eyes never leaving her until he finally turned and left.

Inside the car, Joe glanced at Juan through the rearview mirror. Juan sat in stony silence, his face a dark mask of turmoil. Joe ventured cautiously, “Sir, Mrs. Nichols is just upset right now. Perhaps she’ll calm down in a few days.”

Juan’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I don’t understand why she won’t accept me.”

Joe offered, “Maybe it’s because of Miss Miles. It’s difficult for any woman to accept her husband having a child with another woman.”

“No, it’s not just that. It’s something from long ago,” Juan said.

“Long ago?” Joe was puzzled.

Juan explained, “Before Sheila’s pregnancy.” Joe struggled to grasp his meaning. Only Juan knew that Debra’s rejection was deeply rooted. He remembered a time when Debra used to chase after him, her eyes filled with warmth and adoration. But now, everything had changed.

“Sir…”

“Do you remember the first month after Debra and I got married?”

“You didn’t do much. You were rarely home and didn’t show much concern for Mrs. Nichols.”

Back then, Juan was entangled with Sheila, taking her everywhere while neglecting Debra.

“Was I just indifferent to her?”

“Maybe there was some aversion too.” Debra had attempted to imitate Sheila to win Juan’s favor. It had only backfired, leaving him with a sense of distaste.

“If that’s all, why do I feel like she looks at me with hatred?” He remembered the fear, terror, and disgust in Debra’s eyes. He hadn’t cared much back then, but now it gnawed at him. It was an unsettling puzzle piece that didn’t fit.

Joe tried to reassure him, “Don’t overthink it, Mr. Nichols. Mrs. Nichols used to care deeply for you. It’s unlikely she would leave you so easily. As long as you handle Miss Miles’s matter properly, I think she might come back.”

“Come back? Marion mobilized those veterans for her.” Juan’s face darkened as he recalled the scene of Debra and Marion standing together. “Increase pressure on the Frazier family. I need to force her to come back.”

Joe hesitated. “But the Frazier Group has now been acquired by the McKinney Group. It won’t be easy to make a move against them.”

“Then use all means necessary. I only want Debra.” Juan’s voice was resolute, his face a grim mask of determination. “If Marion is backing her, then I’ll fight the Houston family to the end.” Debra was his and his alone. He would not let anyone else touch her, especially not Marion.