Chapter 211

Marion said, “You did nothing wrong. When dealing with people like this, you can’t afford to be soft-hearted.” Debra nodded, understanding his words all too well. She had shown weakness once before when Stanley had tried to kill her. Then Posalie and Stanley attacked Ralph. Her previous compassion seemed like a joke.

Marion took Debra’s hand, feeling the slight tremble in her fingers. His voice softened, a rare tenderness he reserved only for her. “Trust me, nothing will happen.” Marion was known for his rebellious nature and his usual indifference to everything around him. But now, Debra saw a different side of him. He was dubbed a messenger of death, bringing cruelty and bloodshed wherever he went. Yet, in her eyes, Marion always hid a gentle tenderness. He merely pretended to be indifferent, refusing to let anyone get too close.

In Juan’s study, Joe stood before the desk and reported, “We’ve found out. Those photos were most likely taken by Stanley.” Juan watched the surveillance footage, his eyes narrowing as he saw Stanley sneaking out of the hotel room after taking Debra inside. No one else could have done it.

Juan remained silent, and Joe continued, “Sir, today’s events have nothing to do with you. Why did you take the blame? Wouldn’t that let Mrs. Nichols hate you even more?”

“Better for her to hate me than to see me as a stranger,” Juan said, regaining his composure. “Go find Stanley. I’ll handle it personally.”

Joe was taken aback. “Sir.”

Over the years, Juan had never involved himself in unsavory matters. The head of the Nichols family needed to stay clean. Any weakness could come back to bite him.

“Sir, you can just leave it to me,” Joe advised.

Juan gave him a cold look. “I won’t repeat myself.”

“Understood,” Joe replied, his expression grave.

Outside, Hester overheard their conversation and anxiously knocked on the door. Joe opened the door and frowned. “Miss Vargas, Mr. Nichols isn’t seeing anyone right now.”

“Juan, I want to speak to you about something,” Hester said timidly. Her eyes were wide with an impression of innocence and kindness—the same impression that had once made Juan soften towards Shelia. Juan was determined not to make the same mistake again.

His tone was cold and dismissive. “Miss Vargas, be aware that only Debra can be Mrs. Nichols. If you don’t know your place, I don’t mind making you disappear too.”

Hester gathered her courage and stepped into the room. “Mrs. Nichols Sr. has already acknowledged me as the future Mrs. Nichols. This is a fact. Now, with the outside world gossiping about you attempting to kidnap and rape Debra, although you’ve been released, you can’t stop the rumors. I’m obliged to step forward and help you through this crisis.”

She was confident that her words would make Juan reconsider. The Nichols family’s century-old foundation was at stake, and Debra was nothing compared to it. She believed that no one would trade that future for a woman. Juan, however, laughed out loud.

Hester was startled. “Juan, what are you laughing at?”

“I’m laughing at why it has to be you,” Juan scoffed. “There are at least a dozen people in Seamar City who want to be Mrs. Nichols. The Vargas family doesn’t even rank. Why do you think you can help me?”