Chapter 328
When Michael returned to her side, Debra asked curiously, “What did you say to him?”
Michael’s lips curled into an enigmatic smile, a hint of amusement flickering across his usually stoic face. “I merely suggested that if he continued filming, I might be forced to smash his camera in public. And who knows? Perhaps his rival media outlets would catch wind of the story and splash it across their front pages. He’d lose his camera and his scoop. Essentially, he’d be finished as a reporter.”
Debra stared at Michael, momentarily speechless. She had always suspected that beneath his calm exterior lay a cunning and devious mind. Now, she was certain of it.
Across the room, Juan noticed the intimate exchange between Debra and Michael, his brows furrowing in displeasure. His thoughts were interrupted by Joe, who approached him with a pale face.
“Mrs. Nichols Sr. and Miss Miles are here.”
Juan’s eyes hardened. “Who let them in?”
Joe swallowed nervously. “Sophie couldn’t stop Mrs. Nichols Sr. She insisted on bringing Miss Miles along, and no one dared to oppose her.”
Melody was renowned for her unyielding and decisive nature. Her subordinates knew better than to cross her.
Outside the door, Melody made her entrance, draped in extravagant jewelry more suited to a bygone era than a modern gathering. Leaning on her arm was Shelia, her slim figure accentuated by a tight dress that revealed a slight, but noticeable, baby bump.
Debra’s eyes narrowed at the sight of Shelia, who cast her a triumphant glance. Shelia clearly believed she had the upper hand, but Debra merely smirked in response. Only Shelia would consider Juan a prize worth fighting for.
“Juan, how could you not invite me to such an important event?” Melody demanded, her voice carrying across the room. The media’s attention was immediately drawn to her, with Shelia standing dutifully by her side.
Juan’s frown deepened, while Shelia sweetly chimed in, “Mrs. Nichols Sr., Juan certainly wanted to invite you. He just didn’t want you to move around at night. He’s concerned about your safety.”
Melody preened, her face glowing with pleasure. “Well said.”
The room was filled with an equal number of guests from the Nichols and Frazier families. The senior members of the Frazier Group exchanged outraged glances. Debra and Juan were not yet officially divorced, and yet here was Melody, brazenly parading an unwed, pregnant mistress. It was a clear insult to the Frazier family. Shelia’s arrogant demeanor only served to fuel their anger further.
Debra, swirling her wine glass, watched the scene unfold with keen interest. Michael leaned in close to her and whispered, “Did you orchestrate this?”
“I merely stirred the pot a little,” Debra replied. “I didn’t expect Melody to be so bold as to actually bring Shelia along.”
Melody had once been a formidable figure, but age seemed to have dulled her senses. Bringing Shelia to such an event was not just bold; it was reckless.